[CorkyMax]

A little 4 yr. old girl was killed by a Boxer dog that had no previous indications of aggression. Am enclosing a link with info (several links enclosed in this link). The reason I am posting is to show you this article on how to try and prevent this type of thing from happening---to be aware of the signs that the dog may be ready to attack.

Dog Behaviorist: Owners Can Often Prevent Dog Attacks - Madison News Story - WISC Madison

[lange]

I'm glad you posted this. It reminds me of a new member a few weeks ago asking what kind of dog she should get who could both protect her home & be left outside unsupervised with her children and countless neighborhood kids who like to rough play with eachother, who's ages would range from 5-10 approx. We are responsible for our dogs & children. We are the adults & just as we wouldn't leave children to walk the streets alone, we shouldn't leave our children alone with dogs. If they can't be monitored than the dogs should be put away in a safe place.

[cigwyllt]

I completely agree. When we have visiting children I leave the dogs in the kitchen and keep the children out. I refuse to allow the dogs to be stressed by kids that don't know how to behave around them. No matter what the parents say I will not allow my dogs to be used to teach other people's children how to behave!

If you look on Youtube there are some great videos on dog body language. Once the calming signals have been pointed out it makes it so much easier to spot the signs of stress in your dog.

[Lunareclipse]

Besides being more likely to bite someone while being tied up, they are also more likely to jump on someone and knock them down while being tied up. I never allow our 2 year old to go out near Buster when he's tied up out in the yard. He does jump more when he is tethered.

[nattiej1976]

With a fear aggressor on our hands, we simply dont tie out, because of Katos timid nature, if we tie out we remove his instinct of flight, and where to go to from there.........FIGHT!

when we have a large number of visitors, or rowdy children, Kato is crated in our bedroom. The only time visitors are permitted to see him is when we are in attendance and can supervise with 100 percent of our focus on Kato and how he is feeling and reacting. No exceptions to any of these rules.

[lange]

Originally Posted by nattiej1976

With a fear aggressor on our hands, we simply dont tie out, because of Katos timid nature, if we tie out we remove his instinct of flight, and where to go to from there.........FIGHT!

Very well put, Nattie!