From: mlhb@mammoth.dr.att.com (Sky Warrior)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Re: More on the neurotic Dachshund.
Date: 16 Dec 92 00:23:09 GMT

In article <9212142144.AA2155@f723.n202.z1.fidonet.org>, ELAINE_GALLEGOS@f703.n202.z1.fidonet.org writes:
|> 
|>  * Replying to a message originally to All
|>  * Replying to a message originally from Valaria Vorlop
|>  > Right after posting the last message, I got a call from Max's
|>  > owner with more
|>  > info. The dog had bitten his 10 year old daughter on the
|>  > hand, 3 times in a
|>  > matter of a few minutes. She was on the couch with the dog
|>  > and tried to get
|>  > up. He bit, she hit and started to get up again. He bit, she
|>  > clobbered him
|>  > and he yelped and went running to his basket. She walked past
|>  > the basket and
|>  > he jumped out, jumped up and bit her again!
|>  > 
|>  > Apparently this dog checks out fine by the vet, they had
|>  > complete tests done
|>  > on him when this problem started.
|>  > 
|>  > PLEASE, does anybody have any advice before this dog is put
|>  > down?
|>  > 
|>   This has Got to be a trick question.  I think you are one of these
|> people who in fact has a Lot of experience with dogs, and know how
|> hopeless and unfortunate this situation is.  You are looking for
|> someone to tell you that this dangerous mutt is just a bit out of
|> sorts and will be fine soon.
|>   Use some of your "compassion" on those children who are being mauled
|> and terrorized in their own home.  Both you and the parents should
|> know better!  Duh......  the dog bit my child in the face.... what
|> should I do?????
|> --- FMail 0.92
|>  * Origin: HILLCREST COMMUNITY BBS, SAN DIEGO: HST 619-291-0544 (1:202/703)


Actually, I would recommend that these people (including their daughter) change
their tactics on this animal.  Obviously smacking the dog just makes it more 
aggressive.  I suggest they take it to a professional trainer PRONTO.  In
the meantime, I suggest they read the book "People, Pooches and Problems"
by Job Michael Evans (any good bookstore can order it for you and most
pet supply stores like Pets Mart usually carry it).  Read the chapter on 
aggressive dogs.  There are often many thing people do to encourage that
sort of behavior and there are many dogs that can be retrained.  The problem
is whether the people want to spend the time retraining the dog and make
it into a good family pet.  Otherwise, putting it down may be the only 
solution.  The problem is whether or not this dog is actually "taught" to
behave this way.  I.e., was it teased?  did they allow the dog to mouth? etc.
The next dog may turn out the same.  

Personally, Elaine, I don't think this person is asking if this dog will
suddenly become fine.  This person is asking for a solution to a very 
difficult problem.  And yes, I have dealt with a biting dog before.  The
solution is training unless the dog is so schizophrenic that it cannot be
trained.  It is up to a PROFESSIONAL TRAINER to evaluate and decide, not some
two bit hack, wannabe animal trainer and veterinarian.

Oh yeah, IMHO.

-- 
-----------------------------                                              
SKY WARRIOR aka MLH Bonham  | "Good tea.  Nice House." -- Lt. Worf
mammoth!mlhb@druhi.att.com  |----------------------------------------------
mlhb@drutx.ATT.COM          | SKY WARRIOR RACING KENNELS - Coming to an
                            | Iditarod near you!
----------------------------- 
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs