My husbands parents adopted a rescue dog about a year ago. In that time it has been quite agressive towards other dogs . and now is growling at our very young children (1 and 4 year old).
They don't think there is anything wrong with their dog and are very lax about the children being around this dog. I'm worried, I have this sick feeling that something terrible is going to happen.
When the rescue dog met their dog it bit it, I think it was telling her who was boss. Their new dog has been in a very serious dog fight where both dogs needed stitches and emergency treatment (but according to them the other dog started it).
The grandparents feed this dog at the table, let it sleep on their bed and it's treated like a king.
The other day it growled at my 1 year old that was just walking, she was not touching the dog in any way.
What would you do? They just don't seem to listen or understand our concerns.
Has anyone else had an agressive or dominant dog in the family?
Grandparents aggressive dog
Grandparents aggressive dog
Posted in:
Baby & Toddler
4 Replies
I would be keeping that dog right away from my children! He might be fine, but it only takes one grumpy moment to tear your child's face off. You know this, of course, or you wouldn't be asking.
My only advice would be to ask the parents if they would kindly keep the dog outside when you are visiting. Either that, or if they have the space, they could section off a space for the dog for when the kids are there. I'm sure they would never forgive themselves if something preventable happened to their grandchildren.
Hell NO WAY, should that dog be around children. We have always owned dogs, some great with kids, some not. This dog should never, ever be in the same room or yard with your kids, EVER. I would not be visiting until the dog is penned up while my kids were there and hubby needs to support you in that.
Yes this dog is probably terrified of children, and children fall, trip, go to close, chase there toys etc. All children are unpredictable, just as all dogs are unpredictable. This dog is terrified of your children and they are allowing it to be in a position where it is likely to attack!!!
If you know what rescue it came from, I'd be encouraging them to contact the rescue for support. If you know the rescue I'd contact on the sly too. The rescue if it is a good one will have done a behaviour test on the dog etc, they often offer training support etc.
Separate the dog. Put it outside , locked in laundry or bedroom before your kids come in. Serious issue, just make it a rule if they can't do that, no visit.
We were in this exact situation! We told them that whilst our girls were visiting the dog had to be locked away. Not worth the risk. The damage can never be undone.