He bit me

[ikissmyboxer]

Skynyrd bit me on the face today! He's a rescue who we've had for over a year and he's never shown any type of aggression. He was in my spot on the couch so I moved him over and sat down. I wanted to lay down so I gently moved him down some more (which I've done a million times). His back legs were hanging off the couch and before I knew it he turned around, growled something fierce, then his teeth were on my face. It hurt! I guess I was more stunned than anything. He barely broke the skin but I'm going to be bruised pretty good. For the first time, I'm a little apprehensive around him and I hate it. DH wants me to give him away now...which is not going to happen. I hope it was just an isolated incident. The only reason I can imagine is he has a cracked toenail and maybe I hurt it and didn't realize it. Any advice?

 

[simmons]

WOW! Sorry to hear that your baby bit you, do you practice NILF with him? Maybe he thinks that the couch is his and not yours, I don't know. I personally, wouldn't get rid of my dog over one incident but would work with him instead.

I don't know if he needs to see a behavorilist, but definetely practice NILF. Don't let him get back on the couch until he proves himself to you. Try not to be too hesitant around him, he might coud feel that.

Sorry I don't have any more info to help you. Maybe someone else can give you better advice. Take care of your booboo (sp?)

Good Luck and stay strong- Be Positive

 

[Biff]

Hopefully it was just shock and pain that made him snap at you.

Was he invited up on to the couch? I think you should step up the NILIF. He is allowed on the couch by invitation only would be a good place to start

Good luck

 

[totallyhip]

Sorry to hear that happened.
What's NILF?

 

[natrhymer]

We had biting issues with Dieter a couple of years back, and worked through them (fear aggression). He hasn't bitten in about two years. But, about a month ago, my husband was playing with him and he yelped. DH was doing a cursory check for soreness, and when he brushed his hand over one of Dieter's pads, he snapped at DH's face without warning. Turns out Dieter had somehow torn part of his pad and was in real pain. I'll bet that's what happened with Skynyrd; probably pain from his broken nail. But I agree with the other posters: NILIF is a great way to keep the canine/human world in balance, biting issues or not. NILIF is "nothing in life is free." The dog has to work for everything he gets (food, affection, a spot on the couch). Do a search in the forums; there's tons of info on it. Good luck!

 

[Biff]

NILIF = Nothing In Life Is Free - it's a great teaching tool for both dogs and owners!

There are lots of threads on it

 

[totallyhip]

Oh yes we learnt that in doggy school. The teacher didn't use that acronym tho

Good luck with the training.

 

[ELubas]

I would consult a behavorist-they will help you practice NILIF, working for priveleges (like the couch) and teach you how to be safe around him and regain trust in him. It will be worth every penny. I certainly understand your husband's position-your safety comes first! Be sure to find a certified behavorist and check references-a lot of folks call themselves that but are not qualified. Good luck

 

[ikissmyboxer]

Thanks for the advice. I'll check out NILF. We have two couches and the dogs are welcome on both. They actually sleep on them since I don't let them in the bedroom any more (I'm a light sleeper). I do think his reaction had to do with his nail. It's cracked and there's nothing they can do about it...just needs to grow out a bit. I've told the kids to be careful around him until he's healed. My worst fear is that he may bite one of them.

Thanks!

 

[BetsyB]

Absolutely take away all of his privileges. Make sure he eats last, never gets anything like a treat or even a pat without making him sit or down first. I think he may have been challenging your status in the pack. It seems his way of saying "I can sit here if I want" and since you moved him, he reacted this way. DO NOT let him back on the couch for any reason for a good long time.