Hobbes bit my wife last night!!!

[jonomo]

He's never bit anyone before and I'm a bit worried... we were too shocked to punish him at the moment, but I need to make sure this never happens again... it broke the skin a bit but no bleeding...

Hobbes has a thing about violence... whenever he sees someone hit or threaten someone else, he barks and snaps at them... but he's never actually bit anyone... he usually just barks, snaps, then rubs his nose against the offender's hands... but last night my wife jokingly slapped me on the back and Hobbes lept up and bit her on the arm... I don't know if it was an accident by Hobbes.. but I'm worried... We have nephews and nieces who come over an play with him all the time and I don't want a repeat of what happened last night...

Any advice?

[alibuch]

Tell your nieces and nephews not to play fight around the dog or put a muzzle on him when they come around just in case?

[sarah24]

He's just being protective, i've had fosters that did that. They, like your dog never bit but usually only barked and jumped...
Just don't play fight around the dog, if he begins to bark or jump just say 'no' don't laugh or talk to him like a baby at this time. it only makes him want to do it more often! when it begins again, just say no.

[Canis Canadiana]

I agree with sarah24; he is being protective (or, more fittingly, possessive. Of your wife!). Dogs frequently discipline each other for being too unruly or in-fighting. If you've ever seen a cage of dogs who are excited for some reason, invariably one begins growling and attacks one of the excited/unruly/jumping/moving erratically dogs. People often laugh, and think the attacking dog is mean, but there is a purpose -- it prevents from things escalating from excited behaviour to inappropriate behaviour. However, it is key that Hobbes knows that disciplining people is NEVER appropriate. If you do find a situation where people are play-fighting and Hobbes displays signs of impending disciplinarian action (i.e. biting) such as stiffening, growling, and intent staring (and barking, though it's best to stop him before he even reaches this point), it's integral that someone interrupt his behaviour immediately and send him away - a sharp and deep "HEY". Face him squarely and walk towards him. He should back off, but he might try to find his way to the action/melee again, and continue to block his path. Be persistent! :) Even "Leave It" would suffice in this situation - and it is integral that all dog owners, of course, train their dogs to leave something alone on command for safety reasons, so all dogs should be familiar with this command :) I always consider protectiveness not a charming behaviour which is proof of a dog's affection for the person but POSSESSIVENESS. p.s. I saw pictures of Hobbes, and he is a cutie! Very handsome fellow. Congrats, and best of luck! :)