This continues the thread/dilemma with our new pup, a 6 month old lab spayed female named Jelly Bean. She is sweet, doesn't chew anything, and is quite playful with my husband, myself, and our 5 yr old daughter. But, when it comes to my son, the dog is just mean. When he walks up to her, or she comes to him (not in a challenging way, just walking by) she will nip and bite at his arms. We told him to 'puff up' like superman, and think that in his mind, and tell her no, but then she just goes for his feet. Now, if we're around, it's not much of a problem. I can't trust the dog around him. DH and I are very frustrated. We had the exact same situation with a male (fixed) lab, so I thought this 'free' dog would be better because she was beyond the early puppy (teething) stage. A friend suggested that every time she nips (which she also nips me) to keep spray of binaca breath freshener in my hand and in a sneakingly immediately spray it into her mouth. I don't want to keep fighting these battles. BTW, we do walk/run her daily. Our yard is not fenced in. We've been thinking about an electric underground fence, but #1 that won't keep out other dogs, and #2 we're not convinced she would stay in our yard. (where we live we're bordered on 2 sides by other dogs (in pens) and cows and horses. We finally gave away the 1st lab because of the way he acted toward our son. What would you do in our case? Keep in mind our son was bitten in the face by a dog when he was 3, so he is trying to get over his fear. (when we got this 'free' dog that's now cost us over $500, the disclaimer was good with kids. I went to see the dog with my son, and she was great with him.) aauuggh! such turmoil.
Please let me know how this things are w/ DS & the hounder. Our hounder says "Woof Woof-Grr-Woof!"- translation- "Behave with your kid brother!"
The dog does not see your son as part of the pack. When you go on walks the dog HAS to be behind the family. CAll or PM Zoo, she can help you. She knows what I'm talking about.
