my dog

[Connemmara]

Am very sad and depressed this morning as my little dog nipped me on bottom mouth last night and quite a lot of blood spurted out for such a nip. I was covering the covers over him on the bottom of my bed and I had bent down for a kiss (which he never ever kisses) anyway bent over him to see if some night he would. He actually nipped twice I dont what to do whether to bring him back to where I got him the dog pound or persevere with. Now this makes me doubly sure he would not be safe around kids - yet he loves kids and other dogs.. Because of the cold weather I have not had him walking - would be frustrated. I am sobbing sobbing cos I do love him.

One friend told me of a farmer who was bit by his sheepdog and she said how can a dog bite the hand that feeds you. That is how I feel

[icemaiden]

Because of the cold weather you have not had him walking, why on earth not? All dogs need excercise in all weathers! Rant over

[lankeela]

Sorry, but I think that this was entirely your fault. How do you think the dog would feel with you looming over at him, and then sticking your mouth right near his face - if this was another dog then he would be assuming it was going to bite him.

I think if you are unsure you should return him, especially if you cannot exercise him enough, which it seems you are not able to do if you can't take him out because its cold.

[icemaiden]

However, I am sorry to hear of your unfortunate experience with your dog. I would say that putting your face near any dogs face is not a wise thing to do. More history about your dog would help people answer your question.

[LoftyLottie]

Persevere with him, but make sure he has his own bed in another room away from you. My dog likes to sneak on our bed but becomes quite angry if I disturb her. She doesn't like being disturbed when she is asleep. She growls, but hasn't bitten though Even if she manages to sneak up on the bed she gets removed to her own basket in a different room.

Don't try kissing him any more. He may just hate the face to face contact.

Your dog needs to know that you are boss. And Icemaiden is right about the walks. It is probably you that doesn't like the cold, the dog won't care. Buy him a coat if you are concerned and take yourself out for walks. What breed is he Connemmara?

By the way, I don't think you should consider taking him back yet.

[pastafreak]

Why were you trying to get him to do something that is not natural behaviour,and that you've said he has never done? You were being threatening in his eyes. Try to give him what HE needs..like walks outside.

[LoftyLottie]

Goodness - those replies got there before mine, but I agree with both Icemaiden and Lankeela. Taking on a rescue dog is wonderful, but you have to be aware that they have a history. One of my dogs was six when we rescued him and he had had to beg and fight for food. He still can get quite nasty when I am dishing up our own meals even though he is now well fed and content.

Good luck.

[Connemmara]

thanks for your lovely answers - I did get some help from them - maybe I am pushing my face too much into his which he probably does not like He is a rescue dog and have from 6 months. I am still upset and will he nip little children if you get my gist. Again I am feeling a bit better thanks again

[Connemmara]

sorry I have him from 6 months old but he is 6 years old now - that was made me so sad - that surely he should be used to me now. from a rescue home

[LoftyLottie]

Connemmara, from experience of rehoming dogs, the older they are when you get them the more unlikely it is that you will be able to cure them of all their learned habits. He will be used to you by now, but there are still a lot of hang ups from his past and very few dogs like a face put close up to them when they don't expect it. What breed of dog is he?

If you are concerned about his behaviour with small children and you have to interract a lot with small children, then perhaps he would be better with someone who never goes near small children (like me!!). You shouldn't take any chances. Personally, I am cautious about any dogs with small children because small children should never be left unsupervised with a dog.

[madmaggot]

Why were you 'covering the covers over him on the bottom of my bed' and why did you want him 'to give you a kiss'?
It seems to me that you are treating this dog as if he is a baby. What you need to be doing is being a strong leader for him, assertive but not aggressive. He is a dog and should be treated as a dog. He needs exercise and plenty of it, then he needs a good diet and a warm comfortable place to sleep, where he can feel secure. He does not need to be loomed over by you looking for 'kisses' when he is trying to rest. Give him a comfortable bed, in your room if you want, and let him have his own space. As he seems to be insecure, a bed with cushioned sides would be best.
I really feel that this is the answer to your (not the dogs) problem.
1. Exercise
2. Security
3. Diet

[Messalina]

Sweetie, you've had him for a long time & hes never done this before so he is obviously not an aggresive dog. Please don't loom over him & put your face close to his, dogs find this threatening. Also, even if it's cold, wrap yourself up warm & take him for a good walk - remember, he has a built in fur coat!

[society]

hope you got a rabies shot, Conmara

[garner]

Connemmara, he is a dog not a baby, get him out on walks and run some of his energy off ,he needs stimulus .

[dothawkes31]

It sounds like you frightened him for one thing, but just one more thought, our Max, who we had to let go last month, became a little bit moody and grouchy in the month before we found out he had a tumour on his liver, before he really seemed ill, on reflection I now know that he was experienciong discomfort, and when I would stroke his back he would seem somehow irritated by it, and I think it was all part of the lurking and growing tumour. What i mean is, take him to the vet for a check up just incase he was actually being protective of himeself for health reasons,

[paddywak]

Re the walkies just remember this Rain or Snow they've got to go

[ruthann58]

is this the same little dog you posted was peeing on the floor last week ,if so i think you should take him to the vets because for a dog to start snapping for no reason ,as another poster has said he might be in pain he could have a bladder problem that is causing him pain and making him pee indoors