What to do with Dachshund that bites children

  • This female Dachshund bit the family's 16-month-old son.
This female Dachshund bit the family's 16-month-old son. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO )
September 15, 2013|By Karen Steinrock, Special to The Morning Call

Q: We have two rescued Dachshunds, age 7 and 8. The female bit our 16-month-old son when he tried to climb on the couch, and we're looking to find a new home for her. She had previously bitten a niece that got too close. The dogs have been with us for six years and we're worried the separation will greatly affect both of them. We hate to get rid of either dog but the safety of our son comes first. Should we separate them or find a new home where they can go together?

—MM, Lehigh Valley

A: I feel sorry for these dogs. None of this is their fault.

Absent a history of their former homes, it's entirely possible that neither dog was socialized to children. Perhaps your female was mishandled or frightened by an ill-behaved youngster. You'll never know.

Thus we have a perfect storm of problems here: unknown dog history, a fierce hunting breed originally bred to hunt badgers underground, serious pack animals that bond tightly with their humans and each another, and a child who is too young to learn how to approach dogs or read canine body language.

I concur that your son's safety comes first. Furthermore, you don't want him to grow up with a fear of dogs. Rarely do I agree with surrendering pets, but when the welfare of a child this young is compromised, I'll reluctantly roll over.

Children represent over half of the 4 million bite victims every year. Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Jack Russell terriers top the list of breeds most likely to snap at or bite humans. Maligned breeds such as pitbulls, rottweilers and other so-called "dangerous dogs" tend to inflict more serious injury, hence all the bad publicity. But the razor-sharp teeth of smaller breeds can do their share of damage.

While some behaviorists/trainers may feel the dogs can still be desensitized to children, you are well past the ideal window of time to teach your Doxies that junior is a "good thing" not to be feared or confused with prey. The erratic movements and noises of a toddler can be frightening to a small dog.

Responsible breeders and rescues typically will not place Dachshunds in homes with small children. But in your case, everything worked in reverse.

Unless you're willing to seek help from a qualified behaviorist and commit to round-the-clock supervision and training, it's probably best to re-home the dogs together.

I'd fear behavior changes in the male if they are separated. He may try to assume the vacant pack leader position, which could go either way. Staying together will help ease the Doxies' transition to a new childless home with owners who will take time to work with them.

Ideally, new "parents to be" should begin the acclimation process well before the birth of their child — particularly with this breed. Once the baby arrives, the dog is rewarded with toys, praise and yummy treats for positive behavior so the child's presence becomes a reward as opposed to an unwanted intruder or virtual prey.

It's also important to have these dogs vet checked. Given their "hot dog" structure, Dachshunds are highly prone to back issues, which can cause pain that can result in biting as well.

You have many resources available to you, depending what you decide to do. Veterinarians, area shelters or Dachshund rescues can provide breed-specific guidance and recommend experts to come to your home to evaluate the situation.

Dachshund rescues are very active in the state of Pennsylvania. Should you decide to re-home the dogs, these organizations will be able to place them in a loving environment that matches their need for a somewhat quieter household.

If your son craves the companionship of dogs (and I hope that continues), take him to local parks or pet supply centers where people bring well-socialized, friendly pets. Owners will help him learn how to approach and pet an unfamiliar animal. And you will learn a lot, too.

Should you decide to adopt another companion down the road, I'd suggest a more laid-back breed with a child-friendly history.

Best of luck to you all.

Karen Steinrock is a pet columnist based in Grantham, Cumberland County. Send questions, comments and a photo of your pet to Karen at ksteinrock@comcast.net or to P.O. Box 306, Grantham, PA 17027. Please include your hometown and phone number.

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