Question:Our Ginger is an Australian/Lab, and is 4 yrs. old. We got her when she was 4 months of age and she has always been such a good girl. This past year, she has changed in regard to little children. She is o.k. with adults, but NOT kids of any ages really. Especially young babies. We have five beautiful grand-babies and they live farther away. We don't see them often as we would like. BUT when they come here we have to keep Ginger away from the kids. She was o.k. with the 4 yr. old the first few years. But now Hayley is 4 and Ginger snapped at her. She has never bitten anyone and we watch close so that don't happen. BUT why the change in temperment? Its just me and hubby, and Ginger never lived with anyone but us...No kids or other dogs. She'll also attack other dogs if she is not leashed and watched. I know dogs are protective, but Ginger is downright obsessive with us. Is there anything a vet can do besides drugging her? We sure hope to get answers here as we are worried. Thanks
Answers:
Drugging her should not be an answer. You have to retrain the dog. You have to take control of the situations and do NOT allow that behavior. Don't hit the dog or any other cruel punishment, though. Dogs respond well to loud noises, so when the dog begins to act aggressive or any way that is unacceptable, clap your hands or make a loud noise like AAAAAH. If that doesn't work try shaking a jar of pennies, or hitting some pots together. You may need to put the dog on a lead and anytime she acts inappropriately, make a loud noise and give a gentle but firm tug on the lead to refocus her attention.
It would also help if she could learn basic commands like STOP or LEAVE IT.
You can break her of this behavior, just be patient and consistent.
i had a saint bernard who did that to kids too. the kid may have accedentally hit her. thats what a girl did to my dog so my dog snapped at her. Also if you want call the dogwhisperer or bark brothers. i heard they're really good.
sounds like Ginger is becoming an adult and simply prefers to not be around children anymore... don't we all eventually reach this point ?- lol
your options are to take her to an obidience class or to keep her separate from children. perhaps something has happened to her involving a child that you're unaware of?
Both of the breeds that your dog is are typically really good with kids. She should have been around kids more consistantly in the past. Going to parks and other places would have made her more laid back around both kids and other dogs. I don't know if it is too late to start but I wouldn't want to bring a snapping dog to the park. Good Luck!! Maybe a trainer would help.
Remember there aren't bad dogs just owners.
If she wasn't raised around kids she may be afraid of them. You need to work with a trainer on both the kid and dog aggression issues. Drugging her will only cover up the problem. Perhaps she had a bad experience with a child at some point. If she was ok with the 4 year old that makes me think something might have happened. Maybe the baby might have puller her ear or something similar. Make sure your grandkids know the rules for approaching and interacting with dogs. Even if she put up with certain behaviors before, dogs only have so much patience with those kinds of things.
Maybe when she was "nice" her a child abused her. Thats what happened to my dog but luckily he is better now. Maybe you could just ask the vet I dont know what you should do
I know that as dogs get older, sometimes they change in temperament. This seems like quite a change though!
Are you sure that something didn't happen between the dog and the grandchildren? Do the kids try to climb on Ginger or tug on her when she's around? This could really annoy her.
Also, you dog could be jealous of your grandchildren. When they are around, she doesn't have you to herself anymore, which it sounds like she is used to. Poor Ginger!
I would seek out a behaviorist or a dog trainer to help you with your problem. A trainer will be able to help you devise a plan to help your dog learn to act civilly around small children. Also, ask the trainer for tips about how to teach the children how to respect the dog as well. The respect has to come from both ends...even the best and most well trained dog might get irritated if she has kids climbing all over her.
I would try the behaviorist if you don't want to give your dog a sedative. I wouldn't want to sedate my dog either!
Good luck!
You did say that she wasn't raised with children or dogs, that is probably why she's uncomfortable around kids and dogs, she's not used to them. You should keep an eye on her when she's around new dogs, and tell your grandchildren not to bother the dog even though they may want to play with her. If Ginger is comfortable enough with the kids to play with them, she will.
I'm not saying this is the case with your dog, but I have heard that some dogs just go bad, Labs and Boxers being the breeds I've heard of the most. I work at a pet store and a few people came in and said that all of a sudden their dog's just started snarling at people, trying to bite other dogs and people, and don't do well with children anymore. They have to keep them on a short leash whenever they go out of the house.
I agree with others, she might have gotten hit or slapped or annoyed with children when you werent around. Seperation is good and maybe obeidence classes.
Sounds like she is becoming jealous to me. You may be paying more attention (of course) to the children and ignoring her. you may need to spend some alone time with Ginger when you have the kids. With other dogs, she is just being protective of you. Australian shepards are very loyal and very, very smart. Maybe you could try including the kids in game time with Ginger. She may find them as fun as you.
Good luck.
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