Dog Community

Sara bit her baby

Posted : 7/11/2006 8:13:06 AM

While camping my mother brought Sara's pup. At first they were playing together great. then all of a sudden Sara bit him hard. My dad jumped on Sara and threw her off. She has never ever been mean to another animal before. She has always played great with other dogs. I was shocked and really upset that she did this. Any ideas why?

Julitza

Posted : 7/11/2006 9:23:31 AM

How old is the pup? I am assuming the puppy is from a previous litter? Dogs arent like humans they dont remember their pups past certain time. Most likely she doesnt even KNOW that the pup is her baby, just another dog and that pup maybe did something to upset her?

I had an adorable mutt who I hand raised from about 3 1/2 weeks because mom wouldnt take care of her and when I took her to visit about 3 weeks later mom barked and growled at this 'strange dog' and the pup screamed bloody murder. I guess they just dont have that kind of memory

jones

Posted : 7/11/2006 10:16:32 AM

Puppies are different. Most dogs will be ok (usually ignore) with young pups, but once the "puppy license" expires around 4-6mo, it's game over. Puppies just before & during early adolescence will often be met with harsh disclipine from adult dogs. I see this at the dog park all the time. Some dogs dislike puppies more than others. Basically at that stage they are super cute to us but just rude teens to other dogs - they are too rough, they don't communicate well yet, they're kind of oblivious, they have no manners, and adult dogs usually either steer clear or get nasty with them (some will be more tolerant).

dogslyfe

Posted : 7/11/2006 10:19:00 AM

Without being there to actually see the situation, it may have been her correcting the pup for some unacceptable behavior (ie pulling her ears, biting too rough, etc).

magilacudy

Posted : 7/11/2006 10:56:26 AM

The pup was playfully biting Sara. I just always thought that they knew their pups. I am shocked to hear that they don't. I would bring Sara to visit Cesar maybe once every 2 months and they were always fine. I felt really bad because my dad was sooooo mad and now thinks Sara is a bad dog.

spiritdogs

Posted : 7/11/2006 6:23:24 PM

I would bring Sara to visit Cesar maybe once every 2 months and they were always fine.

Yes, but once puppies get older, an adult dog might find the pup obnoxious, and discipline it. Also, the pup may now appear to be from a different "pack", thus not as welcome. Some dogs simply don't like puppies in their faces, and will tell them off if they continue to attempt play. After the age of social maturity, many dogs become competitive over status. IMO, your dad's treatment of Sara was probably uncalled for. Especially if there was no blood, just noise.

miranadobe

Posted : 7/11/2006 7:28:43 PM

Agreed. How old is Sara's puppy?

Sandy Gardner

Posted : 7/11/2006 9:57:37 PM

Possibly to show the puppy that while play biting is ok, it hurts when you really sink your teeth in. Puppy won't bite Mom hard again, trust me!

Vivian

Posted : 7/12/2006 7:16:12 AM

I'd say while playing the other dog somehow unintentionally hurt your dog and she bit back as defense, I'd not worry about that.

magilacudy

Posted : 7/12/2006 7:26:50 AM

Cesar is 6 months old.

jones

Posted : 7/12/2006 10:17:42 AM

Yeah, that's the trouble right there - he's entering adolescence. Sara was totally within her rights to snap at him. Don't take it as a negative mark on her that she was no longer motherly to him... this just isn't a biological imperative for dogs. They live in packs, not in nuclear families like we do. There's no reason for a bitch to continue to mother her pups once they are weaned.

mudpuppy

Posted : 7/12/2006 11:26:35 AM

think of it this way: Sara is teaching her adolescent boy some manners, doggy-style. Good for her. Very important. Adolescent pups who DON'T get regularly disciplined by older dogs tend to grow up into truly rude adults who go around getting attacked by other dogs who can't tolerate their behavior.