[chidog]

I recently moved in with my girlfriend and she has a female pit bull/boxer mix that is 10 years old. I grew up with dogs and get along well with all I have met. Her dog and I have had a normal relationship over the last year, as I would visit intermittently. I am always nice as can be, but she doesn't seem to respond as eagerly or happily as most dogs. The other night, when my girlfriend got up to get a drink, I hugged the dog. After a second or two, the dog turned around and bit my face. I don't feel I scared her because I think she would have responded more quickly. I am now pretty scared to be left alone with the dog and it has really taken a toll on my girlfriend. We are considering going to obedience school, but I am concerned that at ten years old, this dog may be too old to learn new behavior. However, this is the first time the dog has ever bitten any person. Should I take her on walks to assert my master-dog relationship status? What else can we do? Should I fear being bitten again? I am inclined to just leave the dog alone for the most part. She has always slept in the bed with my girlfriend, and slept in bed with us for the week we have lived together. My girlfriend misses her sleeping in the bed and feels awful leaving her out of the room at night, but I don't want her in the bed at night after being bitten. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. Thank you

[Lunareclipse]

You put your arms around the neck of a cranky senior dog. How is it the dog's fault? A dog cannot speak to tell you to stop it. He was just letting you know that you were irritating him. And to put your arms around the neck of a dog isn't a normal dog behavior. A lot of dogs are scared of that. Let the dog sleep up in bed with you. Don't hug him anymore and understand the at 10 years old, that is a senior dog. Your behavior towards the dog was like a full grown adult trying to sit on your frail old grannies lap. I bet your granny wouldn't have appreciated it. Neither does the dog.

[lange]

I agree..hugging a dog is rude behavior in dog world. I would only do this to my own dog if I knew they tolerated it. And even so, if the dogs was older or sick I would be cautious. Any other dog I would never hug or test.

Unlike Luna, I would not let the dog sleep in the bed. ESPECIALLY if it bit me, even if it was more of my own fault! Two wrongs don't make a right. I feel a dog in my home should see me as being above it & should tolerate even my rude behavior a bit better. So with that I would reinforce the dogs place in the house even if it's an older dog. You eat first, you walk thru doors first, dog sits before you feed it, GF gives you attention before she gives the dog attention, ect... You should also only be playful with the dogs when you initiate play. You also stop play when you decide, not vice versa. These are only a few tips on having a dog see you as above itself.

You should definitely take the dog for walks so that you can grow a stronger connection. You should definitely take the dog to obedience class or practice the training at home, again, so you can grow a stronger connection because the bond is an important aspect of training.

[cigwyllt]

I have three dogs of different breeds/sizes/sexes/ages and attitudes. My oldest dog, an honest to goodness mongrel is very people centred and submissive but she hates to be hugged and does not like anyone putting their face near hers. My middle dog would never succumb to being hugged - she doesn't crave affection in that way. My JR would let me hug him but no one else can put their face near his. It's just really bad dog etiquette and I guess if it is something you are used to doing you are lucky not to have been bitten before.

[chidog]

so, don't hug the dog, or any dogs for that matter. which is weird cuz im pretty sure ive been hugging dogs my whole life. but i get it. i hadnt planned on doing that again. i appreciate the suggestions for moving forward. thank you.

[Lunareclipse]

I can hug all of my dogs, but I'd never let anyone outside of me and my fmily do it. My oldest saint bernard is likely to rip someone's face off.