Dog Community

Molly bit someone

Posted : 9/30/2006 12:51:29 PM

since Beau's swimming with the moose incident we walk the dogs on leash and then go back to Maria's house (Beau's person) for the dogs to play and run around. They live in a pretty secluded area and Beau respects his electric fence and won't run of. Molly's recall is good and she doesn't stray at all. And this has been working - they get their walk, they get to play. They are happy.
Today...they were playing and Beau's PawPaw's son came to visit. Maria and I were in the backyard with the dogs and Peter went into the house to greet his son and didn't shut the sliding door. Beau heard him talking so he ran to the house with Molly right behind him - Maria and I following. We didn't know the door was open.
Beau, apparently, ran into the house and starting jumping on the son (mid-20s not a little kid) and then Molly bit the guy in the arm. She didn't even bark at him - just bit. I got there in time to grab her collar as he said "keep that dog away from me".
I don't know if she thought, since he was a stranger, he was threatening Beau or what but she simply reacted.
The behaviorist we went to tried everything to get Molly to try to bite him and she wouldn't. He said her bite inhibition was excellent (hope that wording is correct). Last week at the shelter walk she didn't even so much as bark at anyone. She's getting so my parents come here, she's happy to see them. She's been happy my oldest son visits with his stepson.
I'm confused....I have no idea why she did this. Peter is a lawyer and I said many times PLEASE let me know if Leo has to see a doctor I'll contact my homeowner's insurance. Peter adores Molly and I trust him when he says don't worry about it...but I have to.
Now I will worry everytime someone comes here will she bite?
And bite she did....he had a good 1/2 moon front teeth mark on his arm with one puncture wound. I feel like such a ***. I tried to get her not knowing how she'd react.

stacysmom

Posted : 9/30/2006 1:30:10 PM

Marynh - sorry to hear about Molly biting. We've also experienced the "when your dog bites someone" problem. The neighbor needed stitches. Luckily, it was only 3 stitches (as opposed to 100's), and the neighbor is fine. The neighbors were GREAT about the whole situation, and didn't even report it as a dogbite. Actually, we called the sheriff, because that is what is required in WI, as we didn't want the medical insurance declined, and have to go through our homeowner's. In WI, we have some strict laws about dogs causing injuries to people.

marynh

Posted : 9/30/2006 2:03:16 PM

I'm going to call my vet Monday to talk to her about my fears.
I'm beginning to think Molly's relationship with Beau isn't a good thing - he's very undiscplined and she reacts when he does stuff like jump on people. I missed the incident but if the son had pushed on Beau for him to get off him Molly may have reacted to that. I'm not making excuses....either way it never should have happened. But in a dog's mind that could have been enough for her to react - helping her friend.
I knew the son was coming for a visit and intended to be gone before he got there but he was early. I mentioned to Maria a couple of times I wasn't comfortable taking Molly up knowing they had company coming. Should have listened to my gut.

willowchow

Posted : 9/30/2006 2:14:14 PM

I bet Molly didn't realize that Beau knew who is was and was happy to see him and thought he was also "attacking". I'm sorry this happened. [&:]

spiritdogs

Posted : 9/30/2006 3:15:41 PM

Some dogs are fine with most people, and with the occasional person they are not. Better not to test her on strangers without you being present and in control of her. As to her bite inhibition being excellent, now you know it isn't. Past aggression is a predictor of future aggression in the sense that she may react the same way with a similar stressor. Don't take the chance. Sorry this happened, but at least now you know and can take steps to see that she isn't overfaced with something she can't handle again.

glenmar

Posted : 9/30/2006 5:00:53 PM

I'm stunned Mary. But, I do agree with Anne.....some dogs can deal with all sorts of stressors and then suddenly ONE person bothers them for one reason or another.....look at Sheba...she was fine with everyone, altho a bit nervous of strangers, until she decided that she flat out did NOT like that drunk and bit him. Because of that, I'll never trust her 100% with strangers, unless she is under my complete control.

Molly has a good temperment and a good training background. I don't think you have to worry about her turning mean....I do think the suddenness of the stranger in what she considers her territory had a lot to do with it.

marynh

Posted : 10/1/2006 8:53:35 AM

yes I do too. Maria wanted me to bring her back today but I said no - although the bitee is gone I can't have Molly thinking that home is hers also, she's a guest.
I was so glad to wake up to rain today so we have an excuse to stay home.
Too many "if onlies"....her husband had shut the door, son had shown up either on time or late as usual, etc. no excuses though.
I am just so glad these people adore and love Molly and I have always made them fully aware of her lack of trust for the human species.
Ordering a muzzle this week....I have a rescue home inspection coming up, holidays with company. I won't relax unless I know Molly is going to be okay with people in here. The one I'm getting allows panting and drinking. Once I know she'll be fine w/someone in here I'll relax enough to take it off her. She's never had a problem w/my family at all. And when I've had company she relaxes after a proper introduction and usually gives company her toys. Most people end up with a lap full of toys "see what I got, you wanna play with it"

glenmar

Posted : 10/1/2006 9:00:07 AM

It's the if onlies that always get us.....

A basket muzzle (and that sounds like what you're going to get) is probably a good idea. And I suspect SHE'LL feel more secure if that option to bite is taken away from her.

marynh

Posted : 10/1/2006 8:37:08 PM

it's caled a training muzzle. She can still pant and drink while wearing it.
I found out exactly what happened though. I didn't see it as I thought the door was closed and was slow in getting there.
Apparently when she first saw the son she walked right on by him with no cares. Beau is a jumper and he jumped on the son. The son told Beau "down" and pushed him down. That's when Molly bit him. Of couse, again that's no excuse, but it's the way it happened. Poor guy - pushes his father's dog off him and my dog bites him.