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Golden retriever bit my son

Golden retriever bit my son

I have a 13 month old golden retriever that was properly trained at the age of 6 months. Everything was smooth until last night he bit my 15 year old son who tried to take a treat out of his mouth. My son was been silly but my dog was very harsh and my son now has 2 stiches. pls any advice?
Posted: 03/12/2007

ANSWER: HE BIT MY SON
It is important never take anything away from a dog unless the dog has learned to 'give'. This is an exercise that I urge you to start asap (and should have been done at puppy class) - trade and get the dog to release things in lieu of praise or another reward. In this way the dog learns to - trade, exchange or give - as he/she knows that you will not steel what they considers theirs. Being a retriever, doing this with two tennis balls would make a good start. He gets given one, if he - gives - you the one he has got he can have the other one, etc. Try to rebuild the bond between your son and his dog by implementing a hand-feed session. Your son feeds the dog from his hand for a few days, so the dog learns to trust him with food and understand that your son controls the food supply - not the dog. This should also assist with the dog being less food protective.
Posted: 03/12/2007

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