What to do about a biting dog?

jon f mn · Dec 1, 2015

We have a 4 year old chocolate lab/border collie mix dog that has started to get agressive towards some folks, today was the mailman and a couple days ago was a neighbor. He has not bitten anyone yet, but we are worried about it. I've always thought that once they get that way there is little that can be done. We like the dog a lot so I would put effort into training or something if there is a chance to stop this. What has your experience been with this? Do you think he can be saved?

rrlund · Dec 1, 2015

They make a shock collar that can be activated at any time with a remote. You'd just have to be right there with the remote in your hand to fry him when the need arises is all.

Alan K · Dec 1, 2015

Just a thought, talk to your vet about any illness the dog could have that can cause problems. There might be some underlying problem, since the dog cant tell you what it is, it may come out as aggression.

Pete in MD · Dec 1, 2015

Ditto on the collar. Use a single word like "No" or "Stop" before you hit the remote. After a few times you should only need to say the word.

hd6gtom · Dec 1, 2015

customer I had had a beautiful collie that got very aggressive, was that way for several years. Larry took him to the vet for a rabies shot, vet discovered he had heart worms. When they got that cleared up he was no longer aggressive. Good luck -- would hate to lose ours.

Mike M · Dec 1, 2015

s,s,s before someone's kid gets maimed !

If you saw the face of our neighbor boy you would know why I say this ! P.S. It was not our dog.

4wdtom · Dec 1, 2015

You might also try some positive reinforcement, take him out and be friendly to the strangers, maybe give him a little treat or a pat on the head if he is friendly. Show him strangers ore OK and aren't going to hurt him. Maybe try this and back it up with the collar. Getting his health checked seems like a good idea too.

Goose · Dec 1, 2015

I second that! I mean the SSS method.

When I was doing insurance inspection, whenever I encountered a dog on the premises, I had to photo the dog and ask if it had a bite history. Insurance companies frown on dogs that bite.

Rick Kr · Dec 1, 2015

Dogs are a mans best friend, but if you cant cure him of agressiveness and possibly biting, I would get rid of him.

We had one dog that we had to put down.
190lb English Mastiff male. He came after me more than once.
I wanted to put him down, a breeder wanted him. Breeder had him for two weeks, caused $3000 worth of vet bills to her other dog.
Luckily it wasnt a person or child. She dispatched him.

My lawyer buddy always says, "Two things that will make me money, swimming pools and dog bites."

Rick

Dave H (MI) · Dec 1, 2015

You are not going to like it, but poor socialization and poor training and probably not enough exercise. We have had a lot of different breeds over the years and have never had a dog that bites. Get the two folks in question to help you. First make sure the dog understands that you own him and not vice versa. Then take the dog out there, under control, and make sure he understands that those two people belong to you also. Labs and collies are both high energy dogs so you need to do two other things. One is exercise the dog so it has less energy to put into aggression. The other is to make sure that you and the two people in question are not causing the problem with your actions. My daughters both work at an emergency vet clinic and have vicious dogs brought in all the time. With proper handling, very few continue the aggression after the owner leaves. If your dog is truly aggressive be careful using a shock collar.

Bill VA · Dec 1, 2015

I tell my kids any dog will bite - even the most gentle. You never know - always assume a bite will come. Once you establish that- then you are less likely, if at all, to let the dog near or in a situation where they can bite someone in the first place. I would never trust any dog with other people. Given that - I don't see any reason to get rid of the dog, if you like it and it's a part of your family. Just keep it away from others and supervised and severely disciplined if it shows aggression.

Good luck,
Bill

w1ebb · Dec 1, 2015

Pete is right about training the dog. I have a one year old black lab and he is the friendliest dog I have ever owned. Your dog being a lab/collie mix should retrieve, or play fetch. When my friends or neighbors come over, if I can get them to throw the baseball a few times for my lab, they end up being good friends. It took voice commands and positive reinforcement to get the dog to do this. It took voice commands and a good battery in the shock collar to stop him from chasing cars on my dead end gravel road!

Good luck!

Scott

Paul in MN · Dec 1, 2015

Not a dog expert here, but we have had a few. The border collie part is suspect in my mind. Neighbor had one that suddenly got to biting, probably thinking it was "herding" the kids. It got put down quick, but I was sad to see a formerly good dog "gone". The other possibility not yet brought up is the possibility of Lyme Disease. Have this discussion with your vet, he/she may have some experience with L.D. and dog behavior. I know you are in a hot spot part of the country for L.D. and the fall of the year is a hot time for tick bites.

Best wishes to both your family and the family dog.

Paul in MN

Dick2 · Dec 1, 2015

I don't know what changed, but most people years ago didn't have any sympathy for a bad dog - they just shot it and got another one. Any dog of ours that tried to bite someone we knew didn't survive past sunset.

We had German Shepherds that wouldn't bite anyone, but if a drunk came to the place and got out of the car, he'd grab their pant leg and pull them back to the car. A couple times of that and the drunks would leave.

tomturkey · Dec 1, 2015

Insurance companies frown on most anything that they may have to pay a claim on. I understand it, but sometimes I think they want you to live in a bubble. jmho gobble

Tom in Mo. · Dec 1, 2015

One lawsuit and you'll wish you woulda put him to sleep.

showcrop · Dec 1, 2015

Our daughter had a border collie for probably ten years. She was the most assertive of the litter. Our daughter got here with animal handling in mind and our whole family got very attached to her. She snapped at our grandson. For our daughter it was like choosing between two kids, but Clover had to be put down.

dzc3 · Dec 1, 2015

1 22 if you miss 2 22

john in la · Dec 1, 2015

Once you get past thinking the dog is a family member and start thinking the dog is a possession you can do the right thing.

I had a dog that bit the pants leg of a visitor.
I gave him lead poising within 24 hours and didn't think twice about it.
I did not shoot him because he bit the person. Heck he was from a protective breed.
I shot him because he did not stop and come to me when I yelled at him.

You want to read about true culling practices.....
Poke Here

L.Fure · Dec 1, 2015

(quoted from post at 20:44:43 12/01/15) We have a 4 year old chocolate lab/border collie mix dog that has started to get agressive towards some folks, today was the mailman and a couple days ago was a neighbor. He has not bitten anyone yet, but we are worried about it. I've always thought that once they get that way there is little that can be done. We like the dog a lot so I would put effort into training or something if there is a chance to stop this. What has your experience been with this? Do you think he can be saved?

Were you present at the time of the incident? Your dag may have been protecting your property in your absence. Any dog can be trained. Have you ever watched the show called "The Dog Whisperer"? Ask your vet for advice about this. They may even do dog obedience training themselves. Shooting a dog just because it might bite someone while protecting your property is a bit extreme.

jon f mn · Dec 1, 2015

Thanks for the replies! I used to be like some here where a dog was just that and if they crossed the line they died. Baxter hasn't bitten anyone yet and we reslly like him so I'll try some of the suggestions. We did put a call in to the vet today and of course they want to see him, so we'll see what that brings too.

Hobo,NC · Dec 1, 2015

Alan K Yes BTDT I had a dog that did not like him self by accident discovered a stick had jammed across the upper part of his mouth between his teeth it had embedded in his gum. While the vet had him seduced he cleaned his ears... He was still aggressive but sneaky about it...

If the issue can not be resolved get rid of the dog...

Greg1959 · Dec 1, 2015

Janicholson · Dec 1, 2015

I agree. Putting moderate negative consequences to an action is best. Clear repeated on the spot intervention is the only solution. I have put down dogs for biting at people and other dogs as well. Sad but no second chances could be allowed. Dogs are an immediate reaction animal. Discipline even a minute after an act is totally wrong and counter productive. Best of luck changing this behavior. Jim

gwstang · Dec 1, 2015

(quoted from post at 14:56:57 12/01/15) Dogs are a mans best friend, but if you cant cure him of agressiveness and possibly biting, I would get rid of him.

We had one dog that we had to put down.
190lb English Mastiff male. He came after me more than once.
I wanted to put him down, a breeder wanted him. Breeder had him for two weeks, caused $3000 worth of vet bills to her other dog.
Luckily it wasnt a person or child. She dispatched him.

My lawyer buddy always says, "Two things that will make me money, swimming pools and dog bites."

Rick

Wow, did you raise the Mastiff from a puppy? That thing could do some serious damage.

David G · Dec 1, 2015

The vet seduced your dog?

IlliniJohn · Dec 1, 2015

Jon, please try a GOOD dog obedience class after the Vet checkup.
Yes, the aggression may simply be trying to guard the family, especially when you are away and the dog thinks Things Are Not Right!
I've taken 4 dogs through and helped teach Dog Obedience classes and they really help - - need to be at least 1-class / week for 8 weeks for a Beginners class, and HOMEWORK every night (you or wife or child old enough to be recognized as a Master to the dog. Dogs have a Short Term memory and a Long Term memory, and if training lessons don't get repeated for at least 5 weeks, they simply forget them.
If goes well, move on to Intermediate and Rally classes - -it can be amazing what a dog can do to work with and please you.
And beating them after they have done wrong BUT have come to you just teaches them that to come to you is pain, as they already forgot the "bad" thing they did.
Best Wishes, and willing to discuss privately with you.

LA in WI · Dec 1, 2015

Now that you know the problem, and don't do anything to STOP it, any person that gets bit will get a lawyer and will own your truck, tractor, house, etc.

About a year ago I wrote about a situation and you answered with a "Good grief" wise guy reply.

Now my answer is "Good Grief, Shoot the stupid dog!"

LA in WI

Alan K · Dec 2, 2015

I second that LOL.....

4520BW · Dec 2, 2015

My border collie was starting to get aggressive towards strangers and even snapped at a few people. Took him to vet and got his jewels removed! he still barks if strangers come around but would rather just lay around now.

Hobo,NC · Dec 2, 2015

(quoted from post at 09:53:26 12/02/15) The vet seduced your dog?

:lol: No but funny... Put him to sleep.

NoNewParts · Dec 2, 2015

in todays world, I'd probably get rid of him.
Did he do this with you present?
If so, you need to work with him more.
If you were there and he went fierce, he doesn't think you can handle the job as Alpha pack protector, and he is taking over.
I had a giant Rott for 11 years with no problems, but I had to work with him every day. never hurt him (Rott...impossible anyway), just gently make him lay submit every day...just like they do in a pack. And never, ever, let him play using his mouth...no exceptions with this with a Rott.
Growl at a stranger with me there? I'd growl at [i:6e753698d6]him[/i:6e753698d6] and make him submit..right then/there.....everything/body is under my protection..I'm Alpha.(got some amused looks from strangers, but you can't let it pass...ever)
It's worth the work with a good dog. Somebody pulls in....he would come to attention...glance at me...I'm calm and/or hold up my palm...he'd lay down and go back to sleep.

and don't worry...you aren't wimping him out.
You or yours get in a rough spot..he'll still charge into battle.
lol....rowdy friends should be told to not 'wrassle' with you if the dog is there..lol...no biting of course...but a charging middle linebacker head butt might be applied by your dog to them!

and like everybody says, if he won't submit to you as Alpha, or constantly challenges your standing, he has to go.......

Rick Kr · Dec 2, 2015

I left that part of the story out. We have raised Mastiffs for years. Never one problem.

This dog came to us via the Mastiff rescue as they needed a home for it.
Didnt find out until afterwards that it had been rescued from a drug house, where it was used as a guard dog.
Chained up the entire time, no socialization, owners would throw a 40 lb bag of food to it.

A different person from the rescue took it to give him a try, after I had said it needed a bullet in its head.

Sadly, thats how he ended up.

Rick

muleboss · Dec 2, 2015

We knew the dog would bite, just did not know who or when, Sorry it was you and not my grandkid. Here is a canned answer for you, ???"

SparepartsTN · Dec 3, 2015

I'm a couple of days behind on this thread. I live in the country with a few acres, I also now have eight dogs, not my choice. I keep the three smallest in the house, I might need protection from burglars. The other bigger dogs are in two pens, one pen has 300 feet of fence and the other is 150 feet of fence, with a dog house in each one. The fence is just six foot high welded wire with regular metal fence posts, nothing fancy or expensive, but effective. All dogs were dumped or stray and I couldn't find their owners. Neighbors were worried about their horses so I fenced them up, I visit them most every day and take them out for walks when I have time and energy. Every one is a different breed and most were abused before they came here, yet they are all friendly and try to please. Mine range from 14 pounds to 140 pounds. They would also protect me and my property without question. Since they are "man's best friend", shouldn't we be their best friend too?

I'm suggesting that if you like your dog but can not leave it loose then put up a fence to keep the dog and people safe from each other. Then when you can't be with it, it can still be outside.

Warren

What to do about a biting dog?

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