Sarah, I "second" everything which Joan Robinson wrote in reply to your
message. I'd just like to add my 2 cents (though I know I might get flamed
for this):
Certainly some dogs are chronically aggressive, either due to faulty
temperament or due to having been subjected to *repeated abusive* treatment.
However, on the basis of what you've written so far, it's not clear to me
that the Bichon in question will have that problem. You described what
sounds like a *single incident,* which had 2 parts (first, something done to
him by a child, immediately followed by aggression shown to him by the
owner). And you added "he's never shown aggression towards dogs at all."
If any dog (regardless of age and regardless of breed) is teased or
tormented - by a child (or adult) - and if that dog then growls or even
bites in self-defense, it is the CHILD (or adult) who is guilty of
wrongdoing - NOT THE DOG. It is the CHILD (or adult) - *not the dog* --
who should be disciplined and re-educated as to proper, humane and
compassionate treatment of others.
I wouldn't worry too much if the abuse you refer to consisted of that
*single* (2-part) incident. If that's the extent of abuse in his history,
and I certainly hope it is, I personally would not go so far as to say "he's
not ok with humans" (I have little sympathy for anyone, child or adult, who
mistreats a dog and then objects to being growled at or even bitten in
return). If this rescue Bichon has the true Bichon temperament, AND if he
is never again subjected to the mistreatment he suffered at the hands of the
child (followed by the owner), you may never see any problem!
As one who has known and loved Bichons (and was owned by one for nearly 16
years), I am so glad to think that this formerly-mistreated little guy will
have a home with you.
Alida
This is a little off topic, but I may be getting a rescue Bichon. He was
abused by his owner. He never had any problems in his 1st foster home as
far as biting, but I guess when he was adopted out, a grandchild did
something to him that caused him to growl at her. The owner then grabbed
the dog by the back of the neck and he bit him. So I'm looking for
resources, things on the net, etc. that might be helpful in working with
this guy. I've worked with some abused dogs in our shelter but none in
my home yet. Thanks for any help you can give. (Oh, he's never shown any
aggression towards dogs at all, and was fostered with small dogs, so I
think he will be fine with our Cavaliers.)
Sarah
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