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Originally Posted by Debbie Haman I accept responsibilty for the bite as Zeus has never learned the "drop" command. Instead he trades the item he shouldn't have for a treat. It has always been a game for him. When he wants a treat he picks up something like a leaf or stick to bring in the house and is traded for a treat. Last night my son (23) decided he would just take the leaves from him without "trading". I wasn't in the room but immediately returned to see the deep puncture wound on my son's hand and banished Zeus behind a closed bedroom door for about 15 minutes. Zeus came to us at 5 weeks as he was abandoned by the mother's owners. He  had one on one training with a local trainer and behaviourlist for about 6 months. I desperately need to teach him the "drop" command. Any suggestions? |
Yes, this was your responsibility. Sadly, this dog has been allowed to 'play a game' for 7 years; a game that ended up with your son injured. As far as your dog was concerned, he had every right to argue with your son.
Winnie's right, the dog did have other options than to use his teeth. It sounds as though the relationship has been lop sided for a while.
Please contact a QUALIFIED trainer to assist you with this issue. This dog has been allowed to call the shots on this behavior for 7years, and will likely not understand why the rules have changed. You'll need professional help for this, to alleviate the possibility of another injury.
Training does not change a TEMPERAMENTAL issue, but it certainly can help a BEHAVIORAL issue - there is a difference.