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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Dogs will bite if they feel threatened. Hence the PP whose dog bit when startled awake. My childhood dog snapped at my mom once; turns out the dog had an ear infection, didn't hear my mom coming and was startled. Our rescue mutts have never tried to bite us and are incredibly tolerant of our DC.

Dogs can be trained out of food aggression, yet you should also train your kids (and any kids visiting your house) not to mess with a dog who is eating or enjoying a toy.

Regardless of what size dog and whether you get a puppy or an older dog, plan on working with a trainer. We found it easier to have one come to our house than to drag two dogs and a preschooler to evening classes.

[b]In my experience, I find small dogs to be more likely to nip and bite.[/b] Not sure if that is from natural temperament, or because smaller dogs are less likely to be well trained (owners don't feel the need, as they can always scoop them up or otherwise control them forcibly).[/quote]

I agree.  I think it's actually because people tend to coddle and hold small dogs too much, so the dog never develops confidence.  A dog with no confidence is going to be highly defensive and feel threatened at every little thing.  I cringe when I see people walking small dogs in strollers or constantly holding them.  It's not good for the dog.

I also think that is partly why small dogs tend to pee all over the place. Part of that, of course, is that their bladders are smaller and they can't hold it as long.  But I think it's also a lack of confidence.  They get nervous so easily, and they pee everywhere.  You want your dog to be confident and feel secure.  It's when dogs don't feel confident and secure (either because of abuse, at one extreme, or smothering/babying at the other) that dogs are more inclined to have behavioral problems.[/quote]

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