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B nipping at children

Behavioral Issues
  • KristinK

    Saavik is a rescue and is a little over two years old…We don't know if her previous owners had kids or if she has ever really been exposed to children. She can be snarky at times to strangers but will normally give a warning growl and warm up to them after a little while... With that being said, she loves our best friends and is always willing let them hold her etc. They have two little girls- a 4 year old and 2 year old... Saavik has met them several times and the girls know to approach her slowly and gentle stick there hand out so she can sniff etc... Saavik will sniff and allow them to pet her but doesn't seem to enjoy it very much... then later the girls will try to repeat letting her sniff and pet her again... she has started to try nipping at them... not overly aggressive...but it has made me uneasy of having her around kids. any advice or ideas to help?

    ~Kristin

    Saavik's Human

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  • MacPackM

    There are others with better ideas and advice, but if she is food motivated, maybe the kids can give her little treats, "good things associated with them" often works for dogs. Good to stop this behavior if possible as it can escalate.

    Anne in Tampa

    Chipley, Missy & Lucky

    Topper, Nicky & Eddie in the clouds

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  • Patty MP

    First, thank you for adopting little Saavik… as Anne said, try to see if your kids can give treats. Remember that at 2 years old, Saavik would be considered still young-at-heart, so a firm noise whenever she displays this behavior is important. (Pick something and have everyone in your family agree to the command- "Stop!", or "Uh-Uh"). I think positive reinforcement is important, especially from you (as she's roo'ed with you!).... Kindly remember that there may be some memory of a naughty child that Saavik is remembering, so make sure that your girls know to be gentle and to use a quiet, KIND voice... not to get too excited, if possible?

    If Saavik nips again, you or your husband should promptly pick her up, say "Stop" or whatever you use, and carry her away from the group. Tell her, "No Bite" and as long as she's calm, put her down and walk away. When she comes back to you and your girls, tell her gently to "Be Nice"... "Good girl".... nice, calm praises.

    I hope that everything works well for you! You sound like a great family for little Saavik to grow into. We adopted Lola when she was 1.5 years old, and we were her fourth "home".... she's been here 2 years now and she's a totally different (well adjusted) girl. Lola was very skittish at first, but as I type this, she is on my lap asleep.

    Hugs and Roos- :)

    "I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it."

    ~George Bernard Shaw

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  • KristinK

    Thanks so much for the advice!!! We love her very much and she instantly fit in with our personalities. We will try the treats and go from there. We have been teaching her that she gets rewarded for sitting and playing nice…So we'll see how she progresses...She very well may have had bad experiences with children or even more likely adults.

    Patty- I love the name Lola!!! as I type this Saavik is curled up on her pink blanket(she loves anything pink!) laying between Zack and I on the couch :) She has adjusted well to our routine... She has made it clear that she wishes to be the only dog in the house though :)

    ~Kristin

    Saavik's Human

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  • lvossL

    Children are often scary for dogs, they don't move the same as adults, they don't act the same as adults, so dogs don't know how to behave around them.

    You may want to check out this webinar that is coming up next week through the Family Paws Parent Education, http://jennifershryock.enterthemeeting.com/m/PS15862X

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  • wizardW

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    wizardW
    Yes that is similar. When EL D nipped my brother it was never really hard (okay so he'll have a bruise) and he backed off pretty quick once he let my brother have it. But it is unnerving because it is unpredictable.
  • ZenGrrrlZ

    What does your B do all day?

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    Just before I leave for work, EL D goes crazy until he gets his kong toy with treats then he just sleeps until I get home. Then a walk and then he search the yard for squirrels and rabbits, unless he's hungry – he'll prance around the house carrying his food dish or sometimes throwing it. Sometimes he'll watch TV in the evenings or just tear up his toys. Every now and then he'll do the Basenji500 - though mostly it's when he needs to go potty.
  • L

    Into of the third b

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    L
    Thanks for the info! Yes we just got over the rain for the most part,,,,,,,thank goodness! What part of Maryland are you from? My aunt lives in Cumberland and the last time we were there we went to Rahobath beach (not sure of the spelling). We had a great time except for the DC traffic – we here in Southeastern Ohio are NOT use to that type of traffic! It was funny once my cousin (from Cumberland) came in town for a visit and we were going down one of our main drags on a Sat. morning and I said "Man,,I cant believe this traffic,,,,,its awful!" and she laughed and said I didnt know what traffic was! Well ,,,,,,,,,she was right,,,,,,,I couldnt imagine dealing with the DC traffic every day. About the furbabies though,,,,,,,they seem to be getting familiar with each other. Only a few minor scuffles today over a rawhide I forgot to get out of the backyard . Also, the marking has seemed to end-- we were a little worried. Lastly, the eating in there crates thing has worked out except our Bella (1st BRAT dog) has been dealing with some seperation issues again after we left her for the weekend to drive to Missouri to get Wrigley. Anyway, hopefully we will be one big happy family! One last thing, kudos to you and your wife for fostering so many dogs. My husband and I are considering volunteering for BRAT after this spring. My son is a senior and I am afraid as we get closer to the spring things will get crazy around here with all of his senior stuff.
  • youngandtiredY

    Does your B do this!!!

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    BarklessdogB
    Thats fine I dont want to get on the wrong paw here!
  • jys1011J

    Nipping while Playing??

    Behavioral Issues
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    jys1011J
    I've tried this a few times. I think he's getting it. Although my husband is having a tougher time with it. I'm not sure he's using the right body language. I immediately stop my attnetion. And when he starts to play nicer I give him my attention again. I think C3PO is too rough for everyone in the house. Even Topaz my female B sometimes walks away from him when he's too rowdy. The stranger thing is that SHE (2yrs) is actually younger than him (3yrs). She'll sometimes get upset & growl & nip at him.
  • jys1011J

    Basenji Nipping Kids?

    Behavioral Issues
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    V
    I stopped a little hassle between my Basenjis the other night and was bitten. Yikes, those are sharp little teeth. I would hate to see a child bitten by any dog. Young children and dogs, not just Basenjis, need to be supervised; children should be taught respect for animals. I've seen many lovely pets 'go away' or be put down because one bit a child who was teasing or being cruel. Actually, in my opinion teasing is being cruel. I think children need a "time out" when they play too rough with animals, too.