Canine Behavior/dog bite

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Expert: - 4/16/2008


Question
I was bitten by a jack russell terrier after the owner gave me the dog's toy. I bent down to offer the toy to the dog when the bite occurred. Should the owner have given me the dog's toy?

Answer
Dogs rarely bite (break skin) the first time they show aggression.  Aggression begins with a growl (and other associated behaviors) and slowly progresses to actual nipping, then breaking of skin.  Perhaps by bending over the dog you exhibited a dominance which frightened the dog; perhaps the dog is a resource guarder; perhaps the dog is not living in a household where his breed is fully understood.  Whichever, that dog has not begun his career as a Jack Russell Terrorist with you; his aggression has demonstrated before.  In future, interact with 'strange' dogs by first allowing the dog to approach you, sniff you, and then show signs of acceptance toward you.  Playing with any dog is an invitation to a rank contest -- dogs do not play in the same way as humans.  Unless you're certain of a dog's temperament, maintain a relationship with any strange dog by remaining aloof, but friendly.

Canine Behavior

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Jill Connor, Ph.D.

Expertise

I have spent my entire professional life rehabilitating the behavior of the domestic dog and I can answer any question regarding any behavior problem in any breed dog. If you are a caring, committed owner and need advice, I'm here for you. THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES for serious behavioral issues; not only is it unprofessional to offer same, it is also unethical. IF I ASK YOU SUBSEQUENT QUESTIONS, I NEED YOU TO INTERACT WITH ME. More information equals more credible answers and a more successful outcome. If you want ANSWERS THAT WORK, participate in any way I request. I'm quite committed to working on this site for YOUR benefit and the benefit of YOUR DOG. Help me in any way you can.

Experience

30 years of solving serious behavior problems in domestic dogs; expert in dog to human aggression; Internet columnist for ThePetChannel.com for 5 years; former radio talk show host, WHPC.FM, Garden City, NY "Bite Back" (1995 through 2000). List owner, international animal behavior experts, K9Shrinks@egroups.com. Seminar leader: "Operant Conditioning and Learning"; "Aggression in The Domestic Dog"; "Solving Problem Behaviors" -- conducted for various training facilities on Long Island from 1993 through 2000. Former clinical director of "Behavioral Abnormalities" in conjunction with Mark Beckerman, DVM, Hempstead, New York.

Organizations
Member, APDT (UK); Psychologists in Ethical Treatment with Animals

Publications
Harcourt Brace Learning Direct: "The Business of Dog Training" "The Fail Safe Dog: Brain Training, not Pain Training"

Education/Credentials
Ph.D., UC Berkeley

Past/Present Clients
Board of Directors: Northeast Dog Rescue Connection; The Dog Project; Sav-A-Dog Foundation; etc. Pro Bono counselor: Little Shelter Humane Society My practice is presently limited to forensics. I diagnose cause of dog bite, based upon testimony before the Court, for attorneys and insurance companies litigating dog bites, including fatal injuries. I also do pro bono work for bona fide rescue organizations, humane societies, et al, regarding such analysis in an effort to obtain release for dogs being held for death in municipal shelters in the US.

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