Dog nipped daughter in face

ITZheida

Well, some of you know that I've been having issues with our Bully. I was sitting on the couch today, my daughter with her head on my left leg and Kenzie on my right. My daughter was almost sleeping and all of a sudden Kenzie jumped up hovered over her and just went at her face.
Obviously if she wanted to bite her she would have, but... why? Is she becoming territorial now? I am more so scared that this is going to progress and become a big BIG problem.
I'm angry because we have invested a lot of time and money into her and nothing is comparable to how much love we have for her. It breaks my heart that because we got her from a bad breeder that she may be more then we can handle.
Any suggestions?

BTW: After she did this, I smacked her immediately, grabbed her collar and put her in her cage.

Xtracho

Maya was "nippy" with my 5 year old grand daughter for a few months after we got her. She would nip at her feet, hands, legs, and yes...at her face. But it never was anything other than play...at least as I saw it. Although I was not there I have my doubts that Kenzie intended to "bite" your daughter. It is behavior that can be corrected and, if Maya is an example, something that she will grow out of. Maya never takes a nip at Ariana now. It's as if she knows her boundaries and never steps outside them with the grand baby.

A strong firm correction is required....and to be done immediately. Remember that this breed of dog is as head strong as they come. I've raised dogs all my life, but the EBT has been my biggest challenge

The breeder hasn't as much to do with her temperament as her heredity. That's something that's innate and bred into them.

Phil and Steve have a lot more experience than I do and I am sure they will chime in. And again. since I was not there I can only draw from our experience with Maya. And from that my opinion would be that it is a stage of her development. I know that doesn't allay your fears whatsoever, but at least you know that someone else went through the same thing with their bullie. 

ITZheida

Okay, that's reassuring to know you have experienced this. I haven't owned any breed like this, and they are so affectionate..but when she does things like this, I overreact maybe. However, it definitely helps to know that this is just play. We have been a lot more strict with things she can and can't do.
And btw: My daughter is named Arianna.

Xtracho

Very cool! Ariana is the boss of the house and she and Maya are best buds. I got a feeling that your Arianna and Kenzie will be just the same. And again, Steve and Phil will weigh in soon.

Boyda

What was Kenzie doing right before the burst? Was she relaxing as well or was she tensed?

BulliesofNC

The biggest problem your facing right now is the fact that Kenzie is going through a phase where she just found out she possesses the capabilities to become aggressive. However, she has no idea when to use it. I can’t tell you how many times people have contacted me with the same worries that you have in regard to her future temperament. I have even had people say their BT will sometimes growl, jump, or nip at them or their kids. The puppy stage from 4-8 months can be nerve wracking because they are often very amped up and easily excited. As they are entering adulthood and maturing they are Big puppies and often need stern discipline especially if they haven’t received it earlier on as a young puppy. You can bring her to various trainers and speak to plenty of Vets but unless they have thorough knowledge and experience on the breed their suggestions and advice may be worthless.


My suggestion is to become a lot more firm with her and disciple her in a manner she will understand. Many people use the “Pin” method which is a natural method that all dogs understand by instinct. It’s also a very humane way to discipline her that only hurts her pride. The next time you’re at home and she gets out of line or shows any form of aggression immediately shout “NO”, grab her, place her on her back or side, and hold her to the floor by her neck. She will try and squirm lose and may even get angry but simply hold her there until she submits and stops moving. Once she’s stopped release her and tell her she was “Bad.” She will have a look on her face of embarrassment and try and gain back your love and affection but let her know and sense your displeasure in her behavior. She may very well act up later but continue to repeat the process. The Bull Terrier breed wants desperately to please their owners and they will soon learn what makes you angry and what’s unacceptable.


Kenzie’s whole demeanor, temperament, and character will change greatly as she matures.


Many have had great success with electric collars which can be utilized for training very effectively and safely. You may want to consider this in the event she starts to show any signs of aggression.


I know it’s hard to believe right now after she's displayed aggression but aggression is not a normal part of their behavior. However, as puppies they are like amped up Tasmanian Devils. My recommendation to you would be to allow her to mature and discipline her any time her behavior is bad. She will learn and she will improve.


Kenzie will mature and her character and temperament will shine through in a positive light. You’ll always remember her bratty stage but you’ll be happy when she no longer requires constant supervision. She wants to please YOU and she longs for your affection and approval use it to your advantage as you train her and you will see her slowly conform to your standards.


I just emailed someone the other day the same advice after they contacted me with similar concerns within their BT Puppy.

ITZheida

Boyda yes she was just relaxing then all of a sudden ....boom.

I will use the pin method next time. I will keep a close eye on her to keep her in line so she doesn't feel like she's the boss. As always I greatly appreciate your response.

philsergeant

First point I'd make is that during this introductory stage you shouldn't have Arianna & Kenzie on opposite knees simultaneously. It's too early and Kenzie hasn't learnt the rules yet and Arianna doesn't need to be building a fear toward her. It's almost like putting a prized bone between two contenders and only Kenzie knows to "go for it".
Second you shouldn't get the idea that your breeder bred a "bad dog"... Most, as you've heard, EBTs are over competitive when young. If you look closely at my beautiful big schnozz you'll find it ruined by quite a few puppy scars :-).

Third, when things like that happen you have got to become like Tom Cruise, or in your case, probably Charlize Theron, and ACT totally berserk mad (without getting mad) ... And scream at her, pin her to the ground, and shout NO, like your Oscar depended on it.... She'll get the message ( and will still love you for it).
Putting her in her cage is tantamount to passing her little notes through the bars.... After you've pinned her and screamed at her Arianna should be the one putting her in her cage... I realize she is (partially?) deaf, but she needs feel the vibrations of your Hollywood rant.
We all know its tough and realize that it's tougher on first timers... But, trust us, you will love the Bullie-u-built to distraction and will be thanking her ( and thanking us by sending us wooly hand made sweaters next Christmas)
:-)

Soapskid

Tough love is needed constantly. There are times where I begin to think that I'm scolding Spud often but the thought of preventing them from doing something foolish that can harm anyone or themselves is what's best. If I have to constantly scold Spud not to eat his crate bottom everyday I know its so he will never ingest pieces of it in the future and hurt himself.

Spuds only 11 months and is still tough to manage but with work and exercise its been enjoyable.

philsergeant

Those crate bottoms are expensive! You might as well buy a new crate! And the dang things "split" just from the weight... Otherwise they wouldn't have a place to start chewing from.... Cheap arse manufactures

Soapskid

Yea, I haven't replaced it yet and thinking of other alternatives but in the mean time he's sleeping on blankets for now.

ITZheida

Ah ha! Kenzie has scratched her crate bottom open. But I'm not surprised by her spinning so wildly that she moves the crate clear across the kitchen floor about 6 feet. That's insane. I'll make sure I get an Oscar for my reaction next time she remotely does it again.

philsergeant

I don't believe you mentioned the spinning before, forgive me if I missed it. It doesn't need another Oscar performance but should be highly discouraged... She should know it displeases you and you should distract her with a toy, treat or other activity every time she starts it.