Dog on dog aggression and worries around toddler...

[vickyb]

Are you closing the bedroom door on Penny or using the dog gate? a dog gate will be much better.

When we had our son we had a long haired german shepherd cross who never liked other dogs so if I walked him with the buggy he was on lead and we avoided other dogs.
He was very good with Mark but on occasion he did grab handfuls of his fur and Zeus growled at him, which we considered a perfectly reasonable response and Mark got told off not Zeus. They became great companions.

I assume it's the change with other dogs that worries you? from what you say she hasn't done anything that I would class as not normal around your toddler. When she attacked the other dog who was with her? who walks and feeds her? Could she be becoming overprotective of you and her new family? Has the vet checked her teeth to make sure she's not in pain?

Is it just you who walks her? I agree that you do need to try to calm down as tension will make things worse and get a fresh pair of eyes in to see what's happening. Jim is excellent and can really 'read' sighthounds. Would she wear a lightweight muzzle when in the same room with the toddler in the short term?

I find it very sad that when it comes to dogs v kids these days far too many people automatically say get rid of the poor dog without putting the effort to get through the horrible toddler years when personally I think the kids are a noisy pain and I'm sure a lot of dogs do too but they aren't at that stage forever.

I do hope you find a way through this as as Lisa has said the future doesn't look very bright at all for Penny if returned to the RSPCA which you will have agreed to do if you are unable to keep her.

[andywillow]

Can I be bluntly honest with you? If you really want this to work it will. Penny has been around longer than your latest girlfriend and was there for you through your breakup.
Definitely get Jim Greenwood to visit you and also I'd be telling the future grandparents to mind their own business as Penny means the world to you and you will do everything to make sure the child is brought up to respect her and wont be left alone with her.
I have always had dogs and kids too, together they form a great bond if its done correctly, I have also had dogs that don't like other dogs but none of them has been child aggressive.
I really hope you can sort this out as if Penny your loyal friend is returned to the RSPCA, the chances of her being put down are high.

[lorc]

Well, that was blunt! I won't let her go to the RSPCA. We're getting Jim in and we'll see how it goes. She's not too keen on her muzzle though - chicken and treats to make her think it's the greatest thing? ps - she's met the dog she bit twice since (on the lead too) and didn't bat an eye lid...

[deborahburt]

That's what I like about this Forum. Everyone has been in a similar position at one time or another and have experienced the same problems or concerns that whoever is going through at that particular time,which is why there is so much help and advice out there.If a person asks for help, they don't want "there,theres" they want the truth, no matter how difficult to hear.
So blunt or not, I agree with Sue. Your girl has been with you and helped you through your issues when you needed it, it's now your turn to help her deal with her issues. There is a big difference between dog aggressive and child aggressive and just because your girl doesn't like dogs or has an issue with a particular dog, it doesn't mean she will hurt your partner's little one. Obviously there have to be the normal safety rules applied,ie if the dog's in it's bed stay away etc etc. Unless I've missed a bit, I can't see anywhere that the dog has shown aggression towards the child, so the issue that needs to be addressed here is the dogs behaviour towards other dogs.

I hope that Jim is able to help you and that things return to normal for you. One of the most wonderful relationships to watch is that between a dog and a child.I hope that your child and dog will be able to have that relationship in the future.

Good luck and keep us informed.

[vickyb]

Hmm, very odd, who was walking her at the time she bit? I do wonder if she was being overprotective of her new pack even if it was just you. You could try rubbing a bit of dairylea or similar on the inside of the muzzle. She has got a good safe bed tucked out of the way in a corner or something has she? little one needs have it drummed into her never to approach it if Penny's in it with no exceptions, it's Pennys safe territory.
Good luck!

I know Sue and possibly me were blunt but we see so many dogs being returned to rescue or dumped at the slightest thing once a baby comes along. It's much easier if you don't have a dog to walk, feed, pay vets bills etc. It's as if they've got a shiny new toy and lose interest in the old one instead of being prepared to work on issues. And it's so easy for people like grandparents and friends to say 'oh get rid of the dog' not caring of the consequences for the poor dog.

So glad you are prepared to listen to the advice given and hopefully you'll end up with a harmonious family! If after trying everything you are advised that it really isn't safe to keep Penny then we'll all sympathise.

[lorc]

Hi Deborah/ Vicky,

I was walking her, it was the morning walk and we were about half way round.

She sleeps in our room at the foot of our bed - our little boy is rarely in there (and that is - i presume -  where she spends her days when we're out). She usually wants to be around us though so whichever room he's playing in and we're there, she'll just get up on a settee and take things in.

She growled at him and bared her teeth back in December, but he'd just become mobile, was very small and had climbed on her back. Suffice to say we put a stop to that straight away after that. Since then she's been fine.

She's just had lead walks since the incident, and as I've been giving her more treats, she seems quite happy to be on a lead!

[Flaperoo]

I am pleased you are seeking outside help I'm sure this will help. Many years ago I had an elderly boxer, she had consoled me throughout my divorce, a year before I met my current partner she also lost her life long companion dog. When I met Jeremy she was fine, but when she met his children (I never had any children so she was not used to the noise or business) she once appeared aggressive with them when they were having a fight. She was barking loudly and jumping about. One of the children got knocked over and had a minor cut. It startled them but they were fine about it. I explained she was not used to them and they would have to modify their behaviour around her. They did but their mum caused me no end of grief but it did all work out well in the end. Penny is confused and as you say she has met the same dog again and been fine.

It sounds like a one off and you are doing the sensible thing and taking precautions. Not with Hattie above but with Peggy (greyhound) I sought the help of a behaviorist due to her aggressive behaviour with other dogs, although she was never aggressive towards adults or children, it was an eye opener in teaching me how to understand her and to know how to respond. He trained me not the dog it was invaluable learning.

Perseverance will pay off and good luck.

Mary

[Ted]

Penny needs help to understand the situation these days, as you got from her when you needed help through your troubles. It is so easy just to get rid of the dog due to change of circumstances. Missy who I lost in December 2011 due to a very incompenent and unpet vet helped me through my seperation when I was accused of all sorts of things by my wife, mainly stating I was mad because I was taking on Missy who at the age of 8 & 1/4 needed a home (she had a plated hock and was walking as if she was a tripod working this out for Missy to learn how to use her fourth leg helped me considerably when I could have been stressed). I if Penny was my dog and had been my soul mate like Missy I would never consider sending her away to unknown fate. If Penny does that again just tug the lead and say very loudly TUT TUT. If Penny was my dog I would be taking her for training at A1K9 where I have taken all my present four Hounds (three Greyhounds and one Spanish Ibizan Hound) and Missy when she was around so that they got to know lots of different dogs. My four Hounds these days are considered ambassadors for Hounds as they love meeting people and dogs of all types and sizes when we are walking at our various places that we walk in. Mind you I do not have a partner these days, plus no intention of having one but if I did I would be stating that my Hounds are there permanently and come first. I am still considered mad by my wife who thankfully lives 160 miles away from me and my Hounds.

[greybeard]

OK - Sue was blunt,sometimes that's what you need to make you think.Sue knows hounds and is a fantastic foster mum.We've had hounds now for 10 years and the 1 thing that stands out is how much they love people and especially children.Our lurcher had so many demons - she was very wary of people but fine with our grandson,and on Meet and Greets she was drawn to littlies,they were the only people she let stroke her.As long as Bertie knows the ground rules about not disturbing etc you'll be fine.Penny's whole world has been turned upside down - she just needs the love and understanding to get through it.Yes you have worries - but carry on and think about how she may feel,it's a big change for her.Cath

[lorc]

I'm in touch with Jim. We've all settled down a bit. Penny seems happy and we're just taking it as it comes. I've been letting her back off the lead in select places and spots and times. She's been chasing her ball again. The future looks bright. I wasn't going to just abandon her Thanks for all your advice - i'll keep you posted if you like?

[deborahburt]

It's good to hear things have settled down somewhat. Sometimes these things take a while to sort themselves out.
Please do keep us informed and how about some photos. We all love to see photos on here.

[samburns]

yes please do keep the updates coming

[vickyb]

Yes please, do keep updating and you might well have some advice for those us who have or are planning children

[alfiemoon]

I've not commented before as there are so many more experienced people on here than me, but just a quick question re the muzzle you're using on Penny.

It is a lurcher/greyhound one, isn't it, not a box muzzle?

We use a muzzle on Alfie as he runs past Greta and other dogs, barges and grabs with his mouth, and has caused a few painful tooth snags on his buddy Cubert.

Initially, we used a box muzzle then switched to a proper greyhound/lurcher one. The difference in his acceptance/happiness wearing it was very noticeable. The pawing and trying to remove the muzzle by ground rubbing was much less, probably because it's lighter, and it's easier to pop treats through the gaps in the side. He's also able to drink out of it whilst wearing it - we gently hold it and pour water into the solid piece at the bottom and it acts like a bowl (something Greta couldn't seem to grasp with her muzzle on).

Like everyone here, I'm very pleased that you've sat back and taken the feedback on board and not rushed into any quick decisions because of external pressure. Jim G. really is the 'go to' behaviourist for lurchers and I'm sure he'll be able to help you and Penny, and put your mind at rest. You may need to buy lots of sossidge for your high value training rewards (I can recommend Lidl''s for that)!!

We'll all be checking in to see how you're getting on, good luck!

[vickyb]

Good point, if it's not one of the super lightweight ones then it might be worth getting one. Gap sell these and they're really good, I can recommend them.
www.greyhoundgap.org.uk/merchandise/online-shop