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 On second thought...NOT

Good news, I'm glad the kid is ok.

Jim

           : )

I think you need to cut the strings, Mom. Everything I've read tells me it is you. Stop being so scared and he will follow. If I'm wrong, call the law firm of Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe.

      : )

I'm ... sorry but your dog, an 8 month old puppy, raised his hackles to a child ... a child and this is something to brag about?

I don't get it.

        Here we go.....

Ruger1,
No not sarcasm, I am glad the kid is ok and it went well. 

Based on how you have described Prince's behavior it seems it could have had a different result.  A dog that raises his hackles around children concerns me and I see it as a sign of insecurity.  Three year old children that I don't know very well concern me around dogs. 

I don't mean to rain on your parade, I have read some of your posts and how hard you are trying with this dog.  I am really impressed by your dedication and enthusiasm and the love you have for your dog.  You are doing a good job in understanding and working with your dog.  

I have some experience with aggressive dogs and have owned, trained and worked with dogs with varying types of temperament.  My current male has a strong, solid temperament, however I would never let him near a three year old.  A three, twenty or ninety year old could throw a ball to him, but the dog will not let anyone other than family pet him.  My eleven year old female loves everyone and I trust her 100% with kids.  She loves kids, my friends bring their kids over to play with her.  You couldn't make her bite a kid, there is no way.  The male is a different story.

I'll ask you a question that only you can answer:  If the kid ran up to Prince and grabbed his ear, could you have stopped Prince from biting him on a lead with a tracking collar?  Could you with absolute certainty have predicted every action of the three year old?  Do you trust your dog absolutely and completely that he would never bite a child?      

What exactly did you do when his hackles went up, what was your reaction? 

Please understand that my intention is not to offend you.  I also don't mean to be critical and I hope this doesn't sound that way.  I really think you are doing a great job getting a handle on your dog and I commend you for that.  I think as time goes on this dog will cause you to learn a lot and he will benefit from it.

Jim

    Jim,,,Thanks for the post. .....I had Prince on a pronged collar with a tracking lead attached. I never let Prince get close enough to the little boy to harm him in anyway....I do not trust Prince at this time with any stranger, especially a child. he would have to prove to me over a long, long time period that he could be trusted. And honestly, I am not interested in Prince playing with children other than my own. Prince was close enough for the the socialization, but not close enough to come in physical contact. 

              When Prince raised his hackles, it was brief and I ignored it. I moved him away and allowed him to check things out.
                                                                           Thanks Ruger1