Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,
My boyfriend has a seven year old Doberman who he rescued form a kennel. She was at the kennel because she is dog aggressive and the owner could not handle her. He has had her for three years and he has never seen her be aggressive with people. He adopted her and has had an active role in doing obedience with her. She now live with him and his German Shepard happily. I have been at his house every day for about five months. I have become very close with the Doberman. I take her everywhere. I give her baths, feed her, we run together. I love her very much.

This weekend I was sitting on the couch and she jumped on the couch. She is not allowed on the couch so my boyfriend told me to tell her to get down. I said it was ok and she put her head in my lap. I then bent down to kiss the top of her head and she growled and bit my face.

We do not know if we should keep her or not? Any advice would be great. Thanks so much.

>>Hello,
>> My boyfriend has a seven year old Doberman who he rescued form a kennel. She was at the kennel because she is dog aggressive and the owner could not handle her. He has had her for three years and he has never seen her be aggressive with people. He adopted her and has had an active role in doing obedience with her. She now live with him and his German Shepard happily. I have been at his house every day for about five months. I have become very close with the Doberman. I take her everywhere. I give her baths, feed her, we run together. I love her very much.
>>
>>This weekend I was sitting on the couch and she jumped on the couch. She is not allowed on the couch so my boyfriend told me to tell her to get down. I said it was ok and she put her head in my lap. I then bent down to kiss the top of her head and she growled and bit my face.
>>
>>We do not know if we should keep her or not? Any advice would be great. Thanks so much.

>>>>>>>>>>>>

Best bet is to take her in person--both you and the boyfriend along with the dog--to a veterinary behavior specialist for evaluation. Ask the dog's regular vet to help you find the specialist.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

That type of behavior is not something that can be easily dealt with over the Internet.

I personally would take her in to the vet for a full health check- dobermans have some serious medical issues that can make them react like that.

Beyond that- I'm sorry it happened.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Wow, that must have been scary, especially since you get along well with his dog usually. I agree with Chelle and Kathy--first to the vet to make sure he doesn't have medical problems and then to a vet-recommend behaviourist. Keep us updated.

If you decide not to keep this dog, then I believe your only other responsible option is to have her humanely euthanized. There are very few things that are more irresponsible than to put a dog that is a known biter out into the world to bite again.