I got bit by a dog as a child... A little terrier neighborhood dog

My in laws have a lab -- raised from a puppy and totally gentle. We have a puppy 8 mos old that now that he's outta the puppy nipping stage, I totally trust with my preschooler. I don't worry about him biting anyone. More afraid he will run up to a stranger and end up going home with them because he's such a love bug!

Anonymous wrote:We are thinking about getting a dog and have been doing a lot of thinking and researching. there are a few "dumb" questions that I have and wanted to ask for honest answers. Have you ever had your dog bite a person? Or another dog? Is this a huge concern of dog owners or am I overthinking the worst case scenario. FYI we are not looking to get an "aggressive" type dog but just a standard dog. TIA

I have never had a dog as a child or adult that bit a dog or person. As an adult I would get rid of a dog that bit unless my dog was attacked or the dog went after a burglar etc . I've had dogs that were attacked by other dogs. Fortunately I was with my dogs and most attacks were on my property. I would not take a dog to a dog park. I hate stray dogs or those off leash.

So I have always been more afraid for my dogs than of my dogs. Once while pushing a stroller [fortunately DH was with us] my on leash dog was attacked by a stray doberman. We made it into a house-people saw and opened their door- police came and got the dog with wire on long sticks.

PWD = Portugese Water Dog, I'd guess (only the chi-chi would refer to it as that without explanation, lol).

We had one dog from the Humane Society, a beagle mix, and she was wonderful and sweet with adults, but NOT good with kids (we didn't know this when we adopted her, obviously). She snapped at a child who was a guest in our home and later growled and showed her teeth at a nieghborhood kid walking nearby. She also had clearly been abused - would cower nand run at the sight of a broom and urinate in terror. She was okay with small dogs but got really aggressive with big dogs, so we limited interaction with other dogs to some extent. That said, she was very loyal and cuddly with DH and me. We adopted her when she was three years old and she was part of our lives for almost 10 years until she passed away from kidney failure.

Our dog now is a purebred labrador retriever. She is very sweet and fantastic with kids and people, as well as other dogs. She is very calm and relaxed, but not the most obedient dog in the world (though we are partly to blame for that). I think that is her temperment and the fact that we socialized her very early (we got her as a puppy). We also did training with her through the Capital Dog Club for a couple of years which was helpful to us.

The one thing about having a lab or any big dog is that they need a ton of exercise. We give her two long walks a day, probably 30 minutes each, but it's probably not enough. However, it's hard to do more than that during the week as DH and I work FT and also have a toddler.

Also, our lab sheds A TON. I wish I'd really thought that through before we selected a lab. We battle fur every day and it still piles up in corners, under beds, etc.

Two dogs from rescue. A purebred Lab and Dachshund. Both have "issues" with people. Both great with others dogs. Both have bitten family members. They are closely watched in public but are good with people assuming you don't get in their faces. Pet them on the back and they will be fine. Don't try to hug them or put your face close to theirs. Both OUTSTANDING dogs. More scared than unfriendly. Both were severely starved and abused and no matter how well you treat them, some things they can't get over.

17:45 - we have an adoptee too. The best kind!

OP, I am a fan of mixed breeds, as they seem the least likely to be "high strung". I am not a fan of small dogs because most I know are yappy and this can be seemingly deafening. In addition, other dogs usually take offense at the yapping while on leash.

I agree to first research breeds on par with your lifestyle - size (activity requirements), fur type/length (pertaining to clean up and allergies of resident persons), temperament considerations (whether good with children, visitors, other dogs, etc.). Do you want an active dog with a "job" (might get bored and destructive during the day if home alone); or do you want a lap type dog (no thanks here); et al.

No matter what, bring the dog to a weekly Petsmart for beginner classes. The classes are more for the owners, but serve both the pet and owner best in the long run. A well trained dog will not exhaust you, or cause mayhem and destruction.

Many dog owners like dog parks for socialization. Be aware that there are irresponsible pet owners everywhere. Not many, but they do exist. I know that I have seen dog walkers that don't pay attention at the dog park, but are rather there to socialize themselves. Not often, but it happens. If you know how to handle your dog and remove them during (rare) bad situations, then you are doing yourselves both a favor. Honestly, a spray bottle of water can work wonders for training and diffusing if it comes to that.

It is easiest to have a fenced in yard, as opposed to many walks per day, IMHO. Dogs give children a sense of loyalty, companionship and (yes) responsibility. It is said that some people do not trust people who do not like dogs, I can see why. Have fun and enjoy the new addition to your family!

We have a dog. She is sweet and gentle. Our son is also sweet and gentle and I think the facts are related since they've been raised by the same "parents."

We were ALWAYS very strict with our child regarding how he treated our cat and the pets of other people when he was small. Really strict. We did not think it was the job of a pet to sit there so our boy could learn "gentle, gentle." My brother would argue I was a bitch.

I know dogs aren't kids but I think there's something to the fact that his kids and dog are poorly socialized (and his dog is just awful) and our kid and dog are well-behaved in public (kid isn't much of a whiner and the dog doesn't beg). I don't know what kind of parent you are but you should think about your expectations for your kids and the dog regarding each other.

So no, we do not worry much about biting, but yes we made an enormous investment of time in training the dog so we wouldn't have to. We were also lucky that our dog is fairly submissive. I don't think you are over thinking - learning more is good.

We rescued our dog from a Lost Dog Petsmart event at 10 weeks. We did not have a fenced yard her first 2 years, so we spent a lot of time at the dog parks socializing her. Despite this, she was not very interested in the other dogs, but loved people surfing for head pets and belly rubs. We moved to a house with a large yard 3 years ago and only visit dog parks infrequently now. She has never bit another dog, but it does make me nervous when she "smiles" at them. She is not an Alpha dog and she knows it.

When our friends come over for BBQs we tell them their dogs are welcome to come. Their dogs will run around and play and ours will bark and referee.

Look into breed types/personalities to make sure the dog will blend into your lifestyle. GL!

Have had two dogs, and they have never bit anyone or another dog. If you get a dog that is properly socialized it shouldn't be a problem.

I agree with 17:00. My dog has snapped at me in two situations: when I try to pick him up while he's sleeping and if I try to take away a high-value treat (like a bully stick).

I used to think this meant he "didn't respect my authority," and we'd get in these power struggles over it. But then I realized we could just avoid these situations -- which was confirmed by an animal behaviorist I heard a lecture by. So I nudge him awake first, and he never gets bully sticks. Voila -- no problems since.

What is a PWD?

I have a PWD and no aggressive issues. He is, however, a very mouthy dog.

My dog (NOT a typical "biting breed" at all) has gotten into altercations with other dogs, at his instigation. Never people, but still upsetting. Over time we have learned how to manage him and we know his "cues" -- for example, if he is in a crowded place with food around and a small dog is yapping and running around, that's a trigger for him. It's not that hard to avoid things that will set him off and knock wood, we haven't had an incident in several years.

I have owned 3 dogs in my adult life - 1 male and 2 females. Currently own an 8 month old female choc lab. I have never had any aggressive behavior or biting. A lot of playful jumping up and licking - but not aggressively. All 3 dogs were trained and usually well behaved by 6 months w respect to the jumping. I have had friends who have returned dogs for aggressive behavior - and not the "obvious" breeds. I don't think it's a dumb question, but I also dont think its a huge issue. You will know it pretty quickly if its going to be a problem. But remember, all puppies bite a little with their teeth coming in. A firm NO BITE while wedging your thumb and forefinger into the hinge of the jaw will take care of this after a few weeks. So don't confuse puppy teething with aggressive biting.

We are thinking about getting a dog and have been doing a lot of thinking and researching. there are a few "dumb" questions that I have and wanted to ask for honest answers. Have you ever had your dog bite a person? Or another dog? Is this a huge concern of dog owners or am I overthinking the worst case scenario. FYI we are not looking to get an "aggressive" type dog but just a standard dog. TIA