What to do about biting dog?

[gpadilla1071]

Hello everyone,

I have a major concern and don't know what to do. I'm currently in Kuwait fighting the war on terror. This is one of those opportunities I get to get online and check emails, etc. I spoke to wife last night and she is thinking about returning our 2 yr old rescued Rottie. The reason... well, he bit her hand when she grab his collar to take him outside. She stated that he did not bit her hard, but the fact that he tried was a big concern especially when is the hand that feeds you. I told her that if that was needs to be done, to do it and that I'm supportive of it. I don't want anyone in my family to get hurt by this dog. My wife and I fell in love with the big fella. I must say that when that happened, my wife took him back to shelter where we got him from. 3 days passed by and she went and got him back because after all he is family and we refuse to fail. Now, you all probably asking, has he been in obedience training? Let me tell you that is the biggest challenge. Most of the trainers are telling my wife to take him back and the ones that are willing to train they only do private and they also doubled up the price. Can you believe that!! Now he is not a bad dog. He knows most of the basic obedience call like "sit", "stay", "come" and "heal" But my wife thinks that he might try again and she doesn't want to take any chances. Because I'm over here, I feel that is part my fault for leaving my wife with such a stubborn dog. Like I said before my wife and I love this big fella and don't want to fail this guy at all. Can anyone give me advice on what should I do? Should the dog get another chance in life? I personally feel that we haven't done enough for him, but I'm also over here in this war and won't be back for a few more months. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

[jakesfostermom]

Was he adopted from a shelter, or a rottweiler rescue? I can't really tell from your post.......if he was adopted from a rottweiler rescue - have you or your wife contacted them? That would be my FIRST step and you'd certainly not hear any negative comments from me if you chose to return a dog that has bitten your wife - a bite is a bite - and the rescue would then have to re-evaluate him for his future. If he was a shelter dog, I'm VERY surprised they did not euthanize him as soon as your wife was out of site - they have the right to do that as there are far too many GREAT NON-biting dogs that need a space to occupy one with a biter........so was he adopted from a no-kill shelter? I think you have to do what is best for you and your wife, given your situation overseas........and THANK YOU for your service to our country......

[gpadilla1071]

Yes, he adopted from a shelter not a Rottie rescue. I thank you for your quick response. I'll find out Monday when I call my wife again and keep everyone posted and you're welcome. I love my job and I do it with Honor, Courage and Commitment. Hoo-raah!!

[SWEETBREW]

If the issue is over grabbing of his collar only... then you could try getting your wife to condition this - by having a cookie out and grabbing his collar then give him the cookie. This gets him to understand that when people grab his collar it is a good thing. this is one of the things we worked on in my puppy class.
Just an idea...

[codglvr]

I would bet that there is more than just biting when grabbing the collar going on. What other behaviors are present that give trainers reason to say take him back, or not want to train him?

[Miss Greta]

OH boy, been there done that. Only with a Great Dane. Had to sign a waiver from the trainer stating that even with retraining, he could bit again. He has done fine over the past 5 years, with persistant work. Keep looking, many will refuse to work with a rescue Rott, Pitt, GSD, etc. because of the liability. Even basic obedience classes with a qualified instructor would help get your wife in the leadership role, and him where he needs to be-the dog.

I need to ask, could he have an ear infection? Your wife could have bumped his ear causing his pain. Also, a bad tooth could cause the same thing. Maybe he was protecting a toy-no excuse but a different reason and retraining issue. A trainer I know always recommends a visit to the vet for a change in behavior.

to desensitize him will involve weeks of work. 4-6 reps of the exercise 3-5 times per day for each step. Putting a treat by his nose she can put her hand just near his neck. No reaction he gets a treat and a TON of praise. Then the 4-6 reps/3-5xday stuff. I made a big deal out of it-"hey buddy, want to play the collar game" before we started so he knew what was happening. Then continue this until he looks happy that the "game" is going to start (I'm betting at least a week to ten days). Then start treat to nose, hand on neck (another week or two) Then treat to nose hand touching collar (starting to get it?). Then treat to nose and lightly tug collar. Then treat to nose and hold collar. DO NOT GO TOO FAST-slow and steady is the ticket here!! Better to take 2-3 weeks with each step and really get it down, than rush it. Also, a real tasty treat-something he doesn't usually get and will become his speacial "game"treat.
In the meantime, get a cheap cloth 4-6 foot leash and keep it on him when he is in the house. That way, she can reach for the leash and avoid the collar.
Also, check into a book called "Before and after getting your puppy" by Dr. Ian Dunbar. He's not a puppy, but he is new to your house, so the rules are the same-you start from scratch.
And from a Marine Mom who's son is currently in Iraq--I know how frustrating it is to be so far away. I hope things work out for your boy-as I'm sure he's a comfort to her while you are away.

[gpadilla1071]

I would like to thank all of you for the great information you all provided me. Ms. Greta, that was outstanding info. Tomorrow I will call my wife and let her know. Also, recently before all this happened, we took our dog to the Vet to follow-up on his condition. He's not sick, but he was very skinny when we got him (strayed). He has gain weight and he's looking good. He's in excellent health. Codglvr, that was an isolated incident and I'm just bringing it up, because we don't believe in returning a dog. We believe behaviors can be fixed. If I was home, I'm pretty sure this situation would have been avoid since I was the one training the dog. Me leaving to the Middle East has been overwhelming for all us and I'm pretty sure that the dog has been affected by my absence. I don't want to sound like I'm in denial, but I really believe that he's going through a phase. My wife saids that since that day the dog has been behaving very well. She will be talking to 2 other traininers this week and hopefully some good news will come out of it. Again, thank you to all of those who responded to my concern. I will keep everyone posted of the outcome. Thanks.