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By Adam Katz
I wrote to you some months ago and never write again, this
because I did not have any problem with my dog until now and
this is case of keeping the dog or giving her away.
Last week the dog (9 months now), growled to my 2 year old
daughter and to my wife too when she tried to correct her
after
the action. They were watching TV and it looks like my
daughter
approached her face to the dog, she has done this before
without this kind of reaction and last night she pet her on
her
back and the dog pull her lips up like if she was ready to
bite.
She never growls to anyone and she is very friendly and some
times very submissive with people and other dogs.
I'm thinking that this is something to do with my daughter's
stature, she is a dwarf and I guess the dog looks at her as
lower level because she is actually smaller than the dog.
I read the book trying to find something to do but I see you
suggest a professional advice.
I don't want to risk the safety of my daughter or wife, if
there is something I can try that you suggest I will
appreciate.
Thank you
Guillermo Rodriguez
Dear Guillermo:
I would be careful about letting your daughter be around the
dog at this age, however... I would not recommend getting rid
of the dog if...
1. You recognize that more than likely, based on what you've
told me, you don't have a bad dog. What you've seen is very
common amongst young dogs. They are reaching adolescents and
are testing out their position in the pack. They are
experimenting with new behaviors to see what kind of response
it will elicit from the rest of the pack. THIS DOES NOT MEAN
THAT YOU SHOULD ENDANGER YOUR CHILD, but rather that you need
to keep a very close eye on the two at all times.
She'll likely do this behavior a couple more times. When it
happens, it must be met with a no-nonsense, extremely firm
correction. (See page 45 and page 174) You must "psych" her
into believing that if she tries to harm you or any other
member of the pack again, then you will kill her. Make her
never, EVER want to even THINK about trying such a behavior
again.
2. Let me repeat, this is a very common behavior amongst young
dogs. However, your child's safety comes first. I would not
let
a young child of this age be in direct contact with a dog,
period. Regardless of the dog.
Please let me know if there is something you do not
understand.
That's all for now, folks!
Adam
About The Author: Adam G. Katz is the author of the book,
"Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider's Guide To
The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History."
Get a free copy of his report "Games To Play With Your Dog"
when you sign up for his free weekly dog training tips e-zine
at: www.dogproblems.com
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