On 19 Dec 2006 21:04:08 -0800, "Mike S."
wrote:

Early this year, my father got a new dog after his previous one was
killed (hit by a car)...

The dog seems nice and non threatening. I play ball with him and pet
him and he really enjoys the attention. But he doesn't seem to like
people he doesn't know and acts like he wants to attack them (either
that or he just wants their attention).

Lately, when I pet/rub/scratch him around the ear area he seems to
enjoy it. But then at some point (possibly afterwards) he gently grabs
my hand (which is always in a work glove) with his mouth but quickly
lets it go. I can't tell if he wants me to continue petting him or if
he doesn't like it. I asked my father and he didn't seem to know and
wasn't concerned about it.

The other day, I was outside with the dog and I guess I must've been
standing too close to his bone and he bit me. He didn't puncture the
skin but he did scrape it as I was getting away, he also left a
gigantic bruise. I told my father and he didn't know why the dog did
it, acted like I had done something to upset the dog, and wasn't even
concerned about me or the fact that his dog bit someone.

This dog has never had a problem with me getting close to his food
bowl. I don't think he's ever had a problem with me getting close to a
small bone/biscuit before. He's the kind of dog that immediately buries
his bones and then digs them up later to eat. The bone he had at the
time he bit me was one he had buried the previous day and was pretty
big.

Why would this dog bite me because I was too close to his bone but
doesn't care how close I am to his food? Should I be concerned that he
bit me as far as him possibly biting me or someone else in the future?
I'm kind of afraid to be close to him now.

I really never trusted this dog to begin with. I've always been a bit
leery of him but he's never acted aggressively to me before. I know
he's killed possums since my father's had him and I believe he would
hurt other animals such as cats. Other than that, the dog is pretty
well behaved.

Opinions? Advice? And no, my father will not neuter him, get his
vaccinations, train him, or pay proper attention to him. I can't do
those things because my father would be super ticked off and you don't
want to mess with him when he's ticked off.

There's no point in addressing your post. If your dad isn't going to
provide proper care for the dog, he shouldn't have the dog. I realize
that you are not your dad, and there is no point in offending you
unnecessarily, so, I won't bother telling you what I think of folks like
him.

Hmmmm. I appreciate your concern, so I'll give my views on the dog. You
have a dog that has been passed around, enjoyed close to no security,
training or nurturing of any sort. He is now the property of another
abuser, and yes, your dad is a dog abuser. And, frankly, seeing his lack
of concern about your being bitten by his dog, I can't help wondering
how your dad treats people.

You said, "The dog seems nice and non threatening." but later added, "I
really never trusted this dog to begin with." If you've always
distrusted him, there must have been something "threatening" about him.

With ample socializing, your dog's reaction to strangers will mellow. I
meet a lot of dogs that growl and even bark at me, at the shelter, but
we always end up hugging. Your dog would probably respond the same way;
unless he believes he is defending you--even that can be made to work
for both of you.

Your dad's dog needs to be taught what is expected of him, some
discipline and some bite inhibition. I like dogs and find it hard to
believe this dog is a monster. One possible reason you can mess with his
food bowl, but not the bone you mentioned is that the bone is a sort of
treasure---he even buried it. You should become able to take the bone
from him, but that comes after you two learn to respect and trust one
another.

You definitely should be very concerned that your dad's dog might bite
someone else, because he doesn't know the boundaries right now. Being
afraid of your dad's dog is not going to help at all. Dogs respect us
for taking charge! Note: that does not mean hurting them or breaking
their spirit. They simply have to know their limitations; just like we
have to know our's.

As for the dog's prey drive, that's quite normal, but it has to be
controlled sometimes. My dogs nor I like cats; so, whenever we are out
walking, that's what we're doing--hunting cats.

"Opinions? Advice?" Yes, this dog is in an abusive home, and would be
better off dead, by lethal injection than by your dad's abuse and
neglect. In my opinion, you have an obligation to rescue this dog, and
to discourage your dad from having dogs in the future.

It tickled me, when you said about your dad, "...you don't want to mess
with him when he's ticked off." LOL Its not your place to convince him,
but I hope he realizes there is always someone out there who is even
more hotheaded, more heavily medicated and more heavily armed and able.

I deeply appreciate your concern and compassion for your dad's dog. I
imagine it must be very awkward for you to be in this situation.

Janet recommenced contacting Animal Control, and that's a great idea.
Undoubtedly there is a state law requiring your dad's dog to be
vaccinated against rabies (by a licensed vet).

Thank you for being concerned.


________________________
Whatever it takes.