This is the type of email correspondence that we get on a fairly regular basis here at the Pedigree Dogs web site.
If we can’t help ourselves, we can at least direct the person concerned in the right direction, which we have done in this case.
Makes the site, with all the work that goes into running the same worthwhile !
Question:
I’m not sure you will be able to help but I was searching for advice online and came across this site. I have a 2, almost 3 year old Labrador. We have had her from 8 weeks old. Very intelligent, obedient and affectionate dog. Recently though her behaviour around our 5 year old child has changed. She has growled and snapped at her, most recently today.
As you seem to know a lot about dogs I head hoping you could give me advice on where to go or what action to take. We love the dog very much but can’t risk our child being bitten. Any help or advice would be great,
Reply:
Thank you very much for checking out our site, we appreciate it.
Can I ask what part of the country you are living in, as I may be able to put you in touch with a trainer I know.
What I obviously recommend is not leaving the child unsupervised with the dog on any occasion.
Has the dogs food been changed ? Have there been any changes at home, has your 5 year old returned to school and maybe more fuss is being made of s/he.
Is the dog getting the same amount of exercise as always ?
I am not an expert in dog behaviour or indeed a trainer, but as I say, let me know where you are living and I will try and facilitate re same.
Response:
Thank you so much for replying to my email. We are living in Ashbourne, co. Meath.
We have not changed the dogs food but our 5 year old has started school this year so it could be a reaction to the change in where our attention is directed.
I’ve always felt the dog was vying for our attention especially when our daughter is around. It’s exactly like sibling rivalry.
Anyway I look forward to your reply. Apart from investing our love in the dog we have also invested a lot of money too
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