Expert: Kaza - 3/20/2009

Question
Hi there I adopted a older Bichon Frise and he took to me right away. He's great with everyone except for younger children. He's snap's at them if they get too close and has nipped our 4yr old nephew and snapped at the 2yr old niece. His 7yrs old and I love him but I can't have him attacking the kids. What can I do, if anything??

Answer
Dogs that have been abused or have bitten before take time to adjust, the dog must learn that he is not in pack order to come before the family. This is up to you to reinforce. Suggest socialisation classes that a pup would normally attend and walk with him on a lead in areas with kids, reassure him all the time that he is safe. Keep on a lead at all times when in company with kids yes, even at home.
allow the kids after a few weeks to walk him, do not allow the kids in his company unattended until you know he is in control of his new situation.

YOU as pack leader need to reinforce your house rules and the kids and you come first before fido.

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