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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We adopted a rescue dog about a year ago. We were told that he was a greyhound mix but according to one of those DNA tests, he is ~ 24% pit and the rest is Golden Retriever, Chow Chow, and Chihuahua.

Anyway, I'm just feeling a little unnerved by him because of the news about that horrible pit attack on the two babies.

He's a sweet dog but can be skittish around strangers. For this reason, we require our kids (youngest is 11 and oldest is 15) to be very careful about how they approach him or pet him. They know to gently put their hand out to allow him to sniff first and not to put their hands on top of his head. We're careful about observing his body language and respecting his boundaries if he seems tense, if he's yawning or licking his lips a lot, if he's giving whale eyes, and especially if his tail is tucked. They know not to approach him on his bed and to never bring friends or strangers around him. He's very open and affectionate with me and DH, probably because we feed him. For exercise and boarding, he goes to a specialty daycare and his file is accompanied by a warning that he might bite so I don't worry about that too much. They know how to handle dogs like him and he has warmed up to the staff considerably. Daycare has definitely been helping his socialization issues. But how do we know if he is a ticking time bomb at home?

He doesn't have the typical pit musculature or jaw, does that matter? He has a long narrow snout and long skinny legs (which may be why the shelter thought he was part greyhound).

I'm just a little unnerved by this idea that a loving family dog who has been nothing but perfect for years can suddenly snap and maul two kids and their mom.[/quote]

I am unnerved about all the considerations and modifications you have had to make. [/quote]

OP here. Really how so? All we do is observe his body language and leave him be if it seems like he wants space. We let him come to us when he wants attention (which he often does! He's a sweet dog). He likes our family. I think he sees the five of us as "his pack." He just doesn't like strangers, probably because a stranger scooped him off the street once and stuck him in a terrifying shelter. He's a great, easy dog in other respects - doesn't bark, doesn't shed much, doesn't beg or try to get up onto our counters, he's not clingy, doesn't have any separation anxiety, he gets along great with a wide variety of dogs at his daycare, etc.[/quote]

I agree with pp, it sounds like you are walking on eggshells which your dog will feel insecure about. The listening to body language is great, don't change that but you have to give some trust and lose anxiety so your dog will respond in kind.[/quote]

NP.  I agree with this also, and with having the kids feed meals and treats and do trick-training and/or walks - but actually you've had the dog for some time and he's a nervous wreck and you/your family/your kids are scared of him.  I'd recommend rehoming or humane euthanization.  And try again with an easier happier dog that everyone can love without being scared of it.  There's a resaon that labs and retrievers are family dogs - they're big lugs who give kisses and no one is worried around them.  A Chow-pit-other stuff mix that is nervous and snappy?  That's a terrible family dog.  [/quote]

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