Our dog [less than 1 but over 80 pounds] never was around children since 8 weeks or less. He has seen them in passing while on a leash. Much too our dismay he found children in our yard. The reaction? Ran over, tail wag and followed them. No bite [play or otherwise], no knockdown of what appeared to be a 3 year old, gentle with what appeared to be an 11 year old. Allowed petting with no negative reaction. His manner of interaction differed from how he plays with large adult males. A running 3 year old with flailing arms should NEVER be seen as prey -PLAY or OTHERWISE. That is how you want a dog's natural response to children. |
| Dog should be destroyed. |
Hopefully that's a joke... OP here. Husband's coworker (single guy, no kids, dog passed away last year) is interested in him so we are exploring that avenue first before contacting a rescue. He's aware of the whole situation. We'll see how it pans out. |
+1 |
| Some rescues will also not accept dogs with bite issues, mainly due to liability. If you find a good home on your own that may be the best option. |
+1 I don't think this is just a matter of training the dog. Your family needs to be trained, too. The dog's growling and nipping - not breaking the skin - is him trying to tell you he wants you to stop doing what you're doing. I would say that this is a great dog for the right person - this dog didn't break the skin, didn't hurt anyone, tried his best to let you know that he was stressed and uncomfortable. If you think your kids won't be able to stay away from the dog when he's stressed, then you should find him a new home. Sorry, this sounds stressful. You can try talking to a trainer, too. But I don't think training is going to make this particular dog eager to be around kids. |
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Goldendoodle breeder shut down and complaining about loss of income. http://www.dvgrr.org/oodles-of-doodles!
this is a thorough eval of a dog in rescue which doesn't sound like the type of thing given to OP http://dvgrr.org/available-dogs/assessment/14-136-kodiak-assessment |
I have never seen something like that, but I wish rescues were obligated to provide that and be honest. The thing is some people are so in love with and protective of the dog they just don't report things. |
That is fantastic news. I hope it works out for you. |
| Get rid of the dog. You have zero choice. It's tough. I'm sorry. |
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The dog probably feels insecure by the kids. He must be thinking that his attention is being taken away. Such dogs can be trained and cured but it requires patience. There are several tips the dog whisperer website has. But the fact that you posted the question itself suggests that the only option with you is to get rid of the dog since you are or are going to be overwhelmed with the kids. So what can I say?
My heart goes out to the dog. |
Yeah, PP. And I'm sure that if OP had posted that the dog had mauled her kid(s) you'd be ripping her a new one for not rehoming the dog.
OP, sometimes pets don't work out. Despite what some twatty PP has to say on the subject, there's no shame in finding the dog a more suitable environment. That's what's best for the dog, and for your family. Not easy, not fun, but it sounds like the best option. Protect your kids AND the dog by finding the dog a kid-free home. |
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FYI for the future OP. You should never punish a dog for growling. That is their warning system. It is akin to them saying "give me space". A dog who is punished for growling will just bite without warning instead.
But of course, a dog who growls every time a child tries to pet him should not be in a home with children. |
| OMG you are all crazy. Keep the dog. If you put that dog to sleep you better put your kids to sleep as well when they bite. It didn't break the skin. Get over yourself and your little snowflake needs to grow a pair |
Who's crazy? OP has found a new home for the dog with no children. A better situation. Try reading. |