Close call Bull Terrier

[percy pig]

Hi, Percy is 7 years old and has been mothered sooo badly by myself, being tucked up at night is just one of many examples. We now have a 14 month old daughter, when Percy is laying next to me and Lillie waddles over, he growls at her, more like a grumble of warning, ( i put him straight outside to let him know i won't tolerate this behaviour) but on friday he did actually catch her under the eye, she is bruised but no broken skin, my initial reaction is to re-home him, but i'm terrified for many reasons. Obviously i'm not putting my dog before my daughter as i don't want this to happen again, but i wonder if there is a way of being able to keep him, and re-train him to be an actual dog instead of the totally spoiled pooch he has become due to my own faults over the years.

[skunkstripe]

Hi percy pig and welcome to the forum!

First off, I saw some of the pics in your album and Percy is a lovely dog! :)

Now about Percy and his growling, it's hard to say without being there, but it does sound like he is guarding you against her, and often dogs don'ty know what to make of little children. If it were me I would not put him outside for growling at your child. Why? You may think that he is getting the message that he is not to growl at her, but what he may be thinking instead is that anytime your child is around, something bad happens to him.

If at all possible, try doing fun things with Percy and with your toddler so he gets a positive association. But whatever you do, never leave them alone unsupervised. Toddlers have a way of shrieking and annoying dogs at times which can provoke an unwanted reaction.

That was my :2cents:, I'll be curious to see what others have to say!

I think a sharp "no" should be enough and

[The Magician]

I tend to agree that positive reinforcement works better than negative, in most cases.

However, having said that, I would be ever so vigilant when Percy is in the same room as the baby. Teach him that the baby is a part of his pack, there to be protected and not threatened. This is done with patience, perseverance, and a watchful eye.

Start by letting Percy be a part of your play time when the play time is calm and kissy. Do not let him participate if he can be allowed to take on the dominant role in any games. Remember that an infant, which cannot rise above the head of the male is fair game in the hierarchy of the wolf pack.

Re homing is an alternative that I would not suggest until you have tried all other methods within reason and safety.

JMHO, Roger

[Jake2006]

I agree with everything said above. I would suggest that you also try a DAP diffuser (I should work for them the times I recommend them). A DAP plug in or collar would make Percy feel a little calmer.

You definitely need to get on topof the situation as Percy could do so much damage to Lillie. But you don't want him to feel abandoned by putting him outside and out of his pack.

http://www.viovet.co.uk/Non-Prescription_Medicines-Dogs-Behavioural-Dog_Appeasing_Pheromone_(DAP)/c119_13_124_173/index.html?gclid=COOZ2cT_sJMCFQ2L1QodvBmjng

[applesmom]

Sorry you're having this problem with Percy.

I wouldn't try anything suggested over the Internet at the risk of a 14 month old child! Especially since she's already been bitten once!

You need to consult a behaviorist immediately and in the meantime keep Percy completely away from your daughter. The actions of a toddler can't be controlled past a certain point and a dog can't reason that she means no harm if she gets too close to him or should fall on him.

Only a behaviorist can safely evaluate Percy and determine why he's growling and snapping and if he can be taught to accept her or if he should be re homed. Since the first bite was relatively minor, there's a better than average chance that he can be taught to live with her comfortably with the help of a behaviorist.

I wish you the best of luck. I can imagine this must be a horrible situation to find yourself in.

[Monkey]

I am second applesmom advice... Go to a behaviorist, also have him medicly checked out...

A few more things are, it is more that he warned her this time but that can change, he can go further but it is a good sign that he still hsa bite inhibition.

I would say break out the treats, take your daughter and go to him, have your daughter feed him. If he shows slightest growling etc you take your daughter and leave, he looses both of you. Show him that his behavior also scares you away.
However, I would say behaviorist NOW, you can show the behaviorst the answers you have got here and see what he/she says about it. That is probably a couple of very wised spent 100 dollars... good luck!

[DobermanBullTerrierLove]

Sorry you're having this problem with Percy.

I wouldn't try anything suggested over the Internet at the risk of a 14 month old child! Especially since she's already been bitten once!

You need to consult a behaviorist immediately and in the meantime keep Percy completely away from your daughter. The actions of a toddler can't be controlled past a certain point and a dog can't reason that she means no harm if she gets too close to him or should fall on him.

Only a behaviorist can safely evaluate Percy and determine why he's growling and snapping and if he can be taught to accept her or if he should be re homed. Since the first bite was relatively minor, there's a better than average chance that he can be taught to live with her comfortably with the help of a behaviorist.

I wish you the best of luck. I can imagine this must be a horrible situation to find yourself in.

I agree 110%. Exactly what I was going to say. Also hello fellow Bull Terrier owner! I belong to a male Bull Terrier named Sky.

[percy pig]

Thank you to all your positive advise concerning percy, I have contacted a behaviourist and she is coming on the 5 june, in the meantime i'm acting on all advise...... Keeping babe away from percy but not alienating him totally from the pack.

i'll keep you posted......and maybe some more pics!

[applesmom]

Thank you to all your positive advise concerning percy, I have contacted a behaviourist and she is coming on the 5 june, in the meantime i'm acting on all advise...... Keeping babe away from percy but not alienating him totally from the pack.

i'll keep you posted......and maybe some more pics!

That's great news! Please do keep us posted. I'm sure I can speak for all of us when I say we're hoping for a completely positive outcome for everyone concerned.:)

[Monkey]

I am with applesmom again, fingers and paws crossed..
Hopefully it ends well!!!

[zoran]

I'll second that, please be extra vigilant until the problem is solved.

[Roxy n Marlee]

I'll second that, please be extra vigilant until the problem is solved.

I agree, and glad to see you have taken outside advice. Please keep us posted.