I got bit in the face today :(

 Ugh, I'm sorry that happened. I hope, in addition to the vet workup, they also consult a qualified behaviorist. I would be concerned about that as well as the guarding toys and food.

OMG, how scary for you.  I had a dog turn on me while I was in his home pet sitting and it was frightening. 

It sounds like she's not feeling well though--if she's in her crate, quiet.  I hope it's nothing serious. 

Will you be able to forgive her? 

Oh, I hold no grudges against the dog or the owners. She's a good dog, and they're very nice people. I just don't know if I'll be confident walking her alone until they find out what the problem is. Like, I have her next week and I don't know if I want to walk her just yet. I don't want to feel unsure and make her feel unsure because that could turn out bad with any dog.

Hard to say without being there in person. But this sounds like a discipline bite from a dog who views you as a subordinate.

One of our dogs, years ago, had a sudden personality change-and it turned out he was having small strokes, and afterwards was disoriented and behaving aggressively. I hope they get her into the vet. :-(

I hope it turns out ok for everyone!

Angelique

Hard to say without being there in person. But this sounds like a discipline bite from a dog who views you as a subordinate.

 

Okay, I was going to say the same thing, but then didn't. I hate to fall back on dominance theory, etc etc, but it sounds to me like she got honked off that you told her no and let you know that she's in charge. If that were my dog, she'd have NO priveleges any more and would have to work for every scrap of everything she ever wanted. :)

malnmutt

Angelique

Hard to say without being there in person. But this sounds like a discipline bite from a dog who views you as a subordinate.

 

 

 

Okay, I was going to say the same thing, but then didn't. I hate to fall back on dominance theory, etc etc, but it sounds to me like she got honked off that you told her no and let you know that she's in charge. If that were my dog, she'd have NO priveleges any more and would have to work for every scrap of everything she ever wanted. :)

 
Agree with both, maybe there is something more going on with the owners than just being quiet, i bet that if you dig a little bit into it you will find something that the owners just think as "normal"

So, the owners brought Layla to the vet Friday morning...they found nothing medically wrong with her, no pain anywhere....so....I started talking to the wife. She's very, very nice person. She told me since Laya has been growling and sometimes getting nippy when they try to touch her food or toys- and since they have a 2 year old- they've been keeping her away from the baby, like keeping her in the kitchen while they're all in the family room; obviously so he won't try to grab a toy from her and she won't nip him. She thinks Layla nipped me for attention, but who knows. I now have a bruise on my face, so that was pretty rough looking this weekend. She's also been getting rough with the wife, like jumping on her more, pulling on the leash, mouthing her hands, won't come when called. But, with the husband she's great, listens all the time, walks perfect on the leash, is very respectful. So, there's no real consistancy at home, maybe this has something to do with the nip? Maybe she's viewing women as play toys, not leaders??

i wonder.. maybe its because of the baby? who puts the dog in the kitchen when the baby is out etc. maybe they should try putting the dog on the leash have the husband hold the leash and give the commands. have the dog lay down and let the baby do its thing maybe the dog is viewing being seprated as being punchished and it doesnt understand why and it is acting out at women because they are the ones that are putting the dog away from the "pack" i know some dogs that nip and misbehave when they are left out of the group. just an idea

I was just thinking the same thing. It could be a jealousy issue and the dog is doing these things for attention. I hope it doesn't get out of hand.

Sounds like the wife needs to step up.  Some dogs are just more challenging than others, as far as how much leadership and consistency they need.  This lab sounds like she needs strong leadership and consistency, otherwise she has no reason to obey or take the wife seriously.  They should have her in training classes and continue with that.  She may not need new commands, but on-going training would help with wife establish leadership, give the dog something to do mentally, and help with consistency. 

Dogs play by mouthing each other- some dogs get overly excited they start mouthing and snapping at people, it's not aggression or discipline, just a lack of appropriate manners training. Totally unacceptable, of course, but it doesn't necessarily mean the dog was "out to get you" or "turning on you". My current alpha bitch, part herding dog, as a puppy when she would get overly-excited she'd basically attack people- leaping up and snapping in joy at their faces, biting at ankles, hands, all in what SHE thought was good fun. She did the same thing to other dogs, of course.

mudpuppy

Dogs play by mouthing each other- some dogs get overly excited they start mouthing and snapping at people, it's not aggression or discipline, just a lack of appropriate manners training. Totally unacceptable, of course, but it doesn't necessarily mean the dog was "out to get you" or "turning on you". My current alpha bitch, part herding dog, as a puppy when she would get overly-excited she'd basically attack people- leaping up and snapping in joy at their faces, biting at ankles, hands, all in what SHE thought was good fun. She did the same thing to other dogs, of course.

So, what is the measure that this poster should take if she wants to walk this dog again?

mudpuppy

Dogs play by mouthing each other- some dogs get overly excited they start mouthing and snapping at people, it's not aggression or discipline, just a lack of appropriate manners training. Totally unacceptable, of course, but it doesn't necessarily mean the dog was "out to get you" or "turning on you". My current alpha bitch, part herding dog, as a puppy when she would get overly-excited she'd basically attack people- leaping up and snapping in joy at their faces, biting at ankles, hands, all in what SHE thought was good fun. She did the same thing to other dogs, of course.

I agree, but with reservations. Puppies quickly learn what they can and cannot get away with, and with whom. Eko is a complete jump and mouth pup. He has broken skin on my nose from a playful "kiss." I have allowed him to be a little rough with me as he is NOT allowed to be rough with my 4 year old, the cats, or Sasha. I have limits, of course, but I designated myself the target so that the rest of the family could have a little peace. As he's getting older, what I allow on me gets more limited. I base all of this on how much self control he seems capable of.

At the dog park, Eko would not dream of jumping and nipping on an older larger dog who disapproved of that behavior. Yes, its his play style, but he knows darn well that life requires certain manners at times. 

This sounds a bit like what the dog in questions is doing. The husband is Big Dog, respected and listened to. The mom is not. It may be "play" but it is obnoxious and rude play, and this dog is not a puppy.

In mom's defense, having a young child and a dog who needs a lot of your energy can be a tough situation to balance. It is easy to think the dog can handle less attention. Some dogs can. But others can't.  

SO I agree that this is both a training *and* a "leadership" issue. Using the word leadership loosely, and not aligning myself with any trainers. The dog does not respect mom. Mom can fix this not by being "alpha-ish," but by using training and having expectations of proper behavior.