Rambo has a double ear infection and went to bite...

mom2kdg

he was acting funny and just hanging out with us. My son went to pet him on the head and Rambo went to bite him. Then my daughter came home and he was really happy to see her but putting his head down like, "please don't hurt me, but I love you and want to see you". I called the vet and they took him in right away. He growled at the vet when she went to look in his ears so she muzzled him. He has been fine with me putting the medication in. I have been keeping it quite and the kids away from him until he isn't in pain. I'm just nervous with the quick reaction to bite. He bit my other son (previous post) a while ago son body first in the crate when the dog was sleeping and scared the crap out of him.

I contacted our adoption coordinator to make sure that he has never shown a tendency to bite. I'm so confused with his behavior.
I have 3 small kids and want to make sure everyone is safe.

Shalva

I would be concerned about his startle response..... ear infections hurt like hell so it is not surprising he responded as he did and he seems to have a reason to respond as he does each time, but his startle reflex is concerning.... he is afraid of your son..... he doesn't trust him for some reason..... I dont know if it is due to his past.... or soemthing that your son has done that the pup perceives as threatening .... but he is afraid of your son.... if you are committed to him then I would suggest bringing him to training WITH your son.... let he and your son do some bonding... have your son give him treats.... have your son do the school.....

he doesn't trust him for some reason and you may never find out why... but yes it is of concern.
s

mom2kdg

Thanks for you advice, I agree. I contacted a local trainer and I will see what she seems to think. I'm so upset about this startle reflex. I really hope it is something that we can be work on. I can't put my kids in harms way. As I'm sure you know he was my foster and I ended up adopting. The kids and Rambo were doing so well together and now this for a second time. I really don't want to see him go back. What is your thoughts on temperment tests? I don't know much about them other than what I read on line. I am planning on asking the trainer about this. How reliable are they?

Also, since day one I have had the kids feed him, refresh his water, train, give treats, and come on our daily walks. I'm starting to think that he is just not use to kids and doesn't really want to be bothered by them. Ugh, I'm so fustrated.

Thanks

Shalva

sorry I just caught this
I think at this age the kind of temperament test that I do with my puppies would not apply.... when you are dealing with puppies you get a score of what the pups raw temperament is.... and its usually not about aggression but more about fear.... and stuff like that

I am unaware of what temperament tests are used by rescues .....

I am thinking that something happened to this pup prior to your getting him I know this has been an ongoing concern for you and I don't blame you.... its scary and I don't think that you want to give him up.... I am not sure that this is something that you can change and that he shouldn't be in a home without young children.... but I just don't know I think your contacting a trainer or finding a behaviorist that can meet you all and dissect his behavior a bit more is wise....

he was clearly abused at some point and he seems to be mostly afraid of your son..... I see this as a fear response instead of aggression..... which means it may get better as he learns to trust but I just don't know....
I do wish you the best of luck
I am glad you contacted a trainer
make sure whatever you do that your trainer does not use harsh methods with this pup..... I would start clicker trianing and regaining trust.... harsh methods I fear would make it worse. using corrections on a dog that is already fearful just teaches that they have a reason to be afraid....
I really do wish you the best of luck
I hope it works out Iam rooting for you all
s

mom2kdg

Thank you for all the advice. We meet with the trainer tomorrow. She was comes highly regarded in this area. When I called her this morning she spoke with me for about an hour on the phone which I thought was great. What do you consider "harsh punishment". She has mentioned an e-collar and I told her that we could discuss this because I'm not sure if this is something that I would be okay with. He has a pretty low tolerence for pain. We use an electric fence and the first time he broke though (it was on the lowest) he screamed as if he was being killed. I tried the collar on myself and it wasn't very painful on the level that I had it set on.

The adoption coordinator has been in constant contact with me which I think is good because I wanted to see if she could offer me more on his background. I know that the information is only as good as the source and I'm sure when a dog is surrendered most people are not that truthful.

I just hope and pray that what we are dealing with is managable.

I do appreciate all of your advice. Your knowledge is very helpful. It was your reply to me that encouraged me to see out a professional. My goal was to help dogs and I hope I can help him. In the meantime my children are my first priority as far as remaining safe in their own home.

I welcome anymore suggestion and advice.

Thanks

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