Overly Protective Dog??

[sqiggy]

Having one a good thing or bad thing?
Had the neighbors over for a BBQ couple weeks ago, along with a buddy of mine. Well, the neighbors have 4 kids, one being a new born. The other 3 are young as well.
Anyways, me and my buddy are knocking down some cold ones and working the pit. The mother and kids walk up and go in the house. The husband hasn't gotten home from work yet. Then, the 3 kids come back outside and start playing. One of the boys, about 5 or 6, gets close to me and my dog Sandy starts growling at him and I tell my dog NO and right at the same time she "nibs" at him. Thank God for big baggy shorts, cause that's all she got. I grabbed her by the collar and put in the back yard where it's fenced off and kept her there till they went home. I just figured she didn't like kids.
Then, just yesterday, a stray showed up and was between me and her. She come flyin off the porch and jumped on the dog. The other dog looked like it was just looking for something to eat since it looked like it hadn't had a meal in a few days and had no desire to fight. I hollered at her to stop her aggression and the other dog finally ran off. I was really worried the other dog would have taken her since she only has 3 legs, missing a front leg.
Not sure what to think, if she's just guarding her ground, or wanting to be my "big" protector!!

[DOUBLE.A]

Sounds like a good dog. Just keep her away from kids. Sounds like a good protector for your house.

[Atfulldraw]

Besides the obvious, (hhtsp)

You need to get the dog physically behind you and let her know 'I got this'.
There isn't really a quick fix....but I'd keep her crated if someone's kids are around for now.

[tex4k]

Your dog-your decision.
At my house any dog willing to bite a kid, ANY KID, gets done away with, no exceptions. Theres to many good dogs in the world for me to tolerate one that will bite a child.

[curtintex]

I really don't know your circumstances, but that wouldn't fly around here. I've kids and nieces and nephews and friends of my kids, and my friends kids....I won't tolerate an "over-protective" dog that don't know his/her place. Too much risk to those I care about.

[wtx223]

Your dog-your decision.
At my house any dog willing to bite a kid, ANY KID, gets done away with, no exceptions. Theres to many good dogs in the world for me to tolerate one that will bite a child.

This. Gbye dog.

[one66stang]

Sounds like a good dog. Just keep her away from kids. Sounds like a good protector for your house.

These two statements contradict each other.

If the dog has aggression issues it need to be more socialized if you want it to be around people or other animals.

[Ætheling]

Kids need to be taught by their parents to leave dogs they don't know alone. If I'm in my home and someone else's kid doesn't understand his growling is a warning and gets nibbed as you say then their fault. I bought a ****zu for my daughter when she was three and I'm the only one who fed it. Me and my daughter are on its friend list and that's all. Lol. Kills me to see how many strangers and their kids will try to walk up and just pick up a dog they've never met.

[TXJIM]

Sounds like a liability to me. Particularly since you know it's a potential problem, she bites someone and hurts them now........not good.

[grishw1]

These two statements contradict each other.

If the dog has aggression issues it need to be more socialized if you want it to be around people or other animals.

Its an easy fix. Just keep the dog away when kids or other dogs are introduced. I would not put a good dog down especially when I can control the situation.

[BO-N-ARO]

Must be a pit bull...... sorry, could not help myself
Ya, I think for me that would be very hard to have around since I have ten grandkids and lots of friends and neighbors.
I would think you could get some professional help, and with a lot of work, let the dog know it's place.
Good luck.

[rbsears]

If my dog "nibs" at anyone (adult or child), it's time for plan B. What that is for you, you must decide. Disclaimer: my dogs are hunting companions and not guard dogs.

[El Forajido]

I really don't know your circumstances, but that wouldn't fly around here. I've kids and nieces and nephews and friends of my kids, and my friends kids....I won't tolerate an "over-protective" dog that don't know his/her place. Too much risk to those I care about.

Yeppers

[ShockValue]

I really don't know your circumstances, but that wouldn't fly around here. I've kids and nieces and nephews and friends of my kids, and my friends kids....I won't tolerate an "over-protective" dog that don't know his/her place. Too much risk to those I care about.

X2. I would've beat that dog within an inch of its life. The second time would be the last.

[DOUBLE.A]

These two statements contradict each other.

If the dog has aggression issues it need to be more socialized if you want it to be around people or other animals.

My 65 pound mutt snapped at my cousin. Constantly told her to not bend over his face and pet him. I could tell he didn't like it. Finally I told her just don't even go by the dog. She is rough with all dogs. Her mom never told her anything or backed me. She came out crying saying slim (my dog) but her. Had a lil scratch on her cheek. I found him under my bed shaking with a scared look. He knew he did wrong but if he actually wanted to hurt her he woulda. I didn't even scold him. Just keep the dog away from kids. Dogs are unpredictable. I don't care what anyone says. They are dogs.