Aggression Towards Family Members

by Joe
(Kitchener)

Hello:

My 5 month old Bulldog will aggressively attack my 10 year old daughter. It happened today - he bit her in the face aggressively, like trying to attack her.

I'm not sure what to do. Pleas help!


Answer:

Hi Joe,

First of all, you want to make sure that everyone stays safe. In other words, you want to be sure that there is never an opportunity for this to happen again.

How? If needed, keep a muzzle on the dog until you can get professional help (which you need). Also, you will have to set up some rules for your daughter, too. Do not allow her to be alone with the dog at any time, and I would not let her play with or walk him either for now.

Aggression doesn't usually manifest itself until a dog hits adolescence, between 9 and 12 months old. A younger puppy displaying these behaviors (nipping, biting, chasing, jumping, growling) is normally just showing his prey drive.

However, if the puppy grew up with a lot of rough play and rough-housing with people, this is a learned and encouraged behavior (whether you meant to or not).

This puppy could very well be thinking that this is acceptable behavior for play if that is how he was raised.

If there was any type of abuse of the puppy, this behavior could be an indicator of that, too.

You need to find a qualified professional trainer in your area (I recommend a balanced trainer over an all-positive trainer) to get on top of the problem before it gets any worse that it already is.

Like I mentioned earlier, get yourself a wire basket muzzle - the best kind - to prevent any bites from happening again while you are working on this issue.

Most trainers offer in-home training, and will come to your home to work on the problem where it is most likely to happen.

It's best to catch the problem now while the dog is still young before it turns into a solidified habit.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me again via email or by phone.

Shannon Pennings