[fuzzie]

since this is my first post, I think an introduction is in order.

I do not have dogs because I love dogs. I live in a suburban neighborhood, both parents work full time and I have school, so any dog I get would probably not be as healthy and happy as he could be. that said, I still love learning about dogs, and because of my " job " I have a few questions of my own.

now to the actual thread. I babysit for a family who owns a small/ medium sized dog. I was playing with the kids when the dog took a very serious lunge at my arm (and I know playful nips from bites when I see them) I was caught completely off guard! neither of the kids responded so I did nothing either. this repeated a couple times until he really latched on to my arm (he's a small dog so no real damage) I pushed him off and told him very sternly NO. he acted submissive and then latched on to my ankle! I told him no again and decided to put him upstairs because I had kids to watch, but he bit my arm and wriggled away (I can't really force him upstairs he's not my dog . finally I asked the oldest kid to put him upstairs and things continued as normal, but this is a real problem if I'm going to watch these kids! anybody know why he would do this and how to make him stop without totally retraining him or something?

fuzzie

[Jen D]

Sounds like this is not anything new for this dog if the kids didn't react to that, what did the parents say? I also feel you have ever right not to have that dog around you while there if he is not trained. I would tell them ahead of time put the dog in the crate or a room and I am kid sitting not dog sitting.

[fuzzie]

That makes sence, but I am dog sitting as well. I am being paid extra while I babysit to let the dog out, watch the dog, and walk dog. putting him in his crate the whole time is not exactly an option, and will reinforce the "crate = punishment" instead of "crate = bed and den" does anyone know why he would do this, s I can make sure not to accidentally reward him for his behavior?

[applesmom]

From what you describe it sounds like the dog thinks he is protecting the kids and is giving you stern warning pinches. Even a small dog, if they really intend to bite will manage to do some real damage.

First you're going to have to win his trust with treats and attention. Take it slow and easy with the kids until he learns to trust you and correct him with an aaaach when he nips and have the kids put him in another room for a short time.

You should be able to win him over in a few days!

Good luck!

[fuzzie]

ooh! that would make sence, next time I'll try some bonding time with the dog after the kids are asleep. what was realy bugging me was I didn't know why he was biting so much! I hope next time works out better, thanks for the help!

[Durbkat]

He was probably taken away from the other pups and the mom way to soon and these people never taught it bite inhabition which is where if it starts to bite to hard you let out a loud ouch and stop playing with it. I baby/dog sitted a few times and when the dog started to get really hyper I'd put it outside, they had a electric fence.

[Curbside Prophet]

Are you relatively new to the dog? How old is he? Is he neutered? What kind of dog do you guess he is?

I would make a stipulation with the parents that for every bite they will be charged $20 more. At the very least you'll make some extra cash.

Seriously though, it sounds like the dog was either scared or playing a game that's familiar to the kids. Possibly suggesting that the kids play rough with the dog? I'd ask the kids this question. Because if they are teasing the dog, it needs to end for everyone's benefit.