Quote:
Originally posted by Juddwantasuperj
Is this normal behavior or something that we can correct with training? |
For the kids or for the dog?
YES, normal behavior for the dog when he/she feels threatened! But, acceptable - HELL NO!
How would you like it if you were playing with a toy and someone wanted to lay on you or roll on you? Not fun, eh?!!
Absolutely correctable with training - for the child and the dog. Under no circumstances should the child be rolling on the floor with the dog or otherwise at the dogs level where the child can/will be perceived as an equal.
For the dog - take away bones and other toys until dog can chew them without fear of being bugged by the kids - crate would be an option.
How old is Apache?? Get into training ASAP so he knows the rules of the house. Set up a consistent routine that ALL must follow in regards to Apache and if the kids can't follow the rules, theydn't get to play with the dog, simple as that.
I understand it's hard to train a 2 yr old to stay away from the dog when he's got a chew toy, but it's easier to train the kid than explain to the ER personnel what happened when Kyle needs stitches on his hand or face because he would not leave the dog alone.
Bottom line - no bones or toys when the kids are in the room until they learn to respect the dog and leave him alone when he's got a chew toy/bone. Do not set the dog up to fail (bite) by leaving the kids and dogs together when the dog has a chew toy or bone. It's not fair to the dog or the kids...and make sure your wife knows this too :D
Tell her that your homeowners insurance will either skyrocket or you'll get dropped like a hot potato if you have a rottie bite on record, and you'll probably never be able to insure anything! Worked for a friend of mine!!! Not to mention the physicall and emotional scars from a bite and the mandatory quarantine! NOT FUN for anyone!!