Dog behior problem

Question
Molly is an English Springr Spaniel 6 years old. She was purchased from a breeder for my 3 year old grandson by my daughter who lved with me at the time. I had a golden retriever female who just passed away who Molly was also aggressive towards. My husband felt my grandson was too young for the dog but no one listened and he did hurt the dog as a puppy. Daughter got married, ddin't want dog because too aggressive. I kept the dog. I think she's sweet and loving although, she continues to growl at children that come to my house. I do daycare! I have six grandkids. I do allow Molly up on the furniture although, I did not in the beginning. I really don't know what to do. She doesn't want to go to another room and hides from me when I tried to go and put her there when children are at the house. Yet, I don't want the children to get bitten. Please help....very frustrated!
Thank you!
Sincerely, Debbie

Answer

Hi Debbie,

First and foremost is the safety of the children.

Before the children of your daycare arrive, give Molly a good long walk, or a run, or some other form of exercise (letting a dog outside by itself in a fenced yard doesn't accomplish this). Exercise releases endorphins which help to calm a dog, just as it does for people. Upon your return home, put Molly in whatever area in your home you want her to be in (away from the children). If you need to lead her to this room while she's still on the leash, do it that way, rather than calling her over, and having her walk into that room by choice. It's not a choice.

Be sure her bedding and water bowl are in the room she's going to stay in. Give Molly something to do while she's being kept apart from you and the children. Most dogs really love a Kong toy. It's a hollow hard rubber toy that you stuff with treats or your dog's food. The point of using a Kong, and not another chew toy is it takes time for the dog to get the food out, so it occupies her, and also serves as a form of mental stimulation. When the children leave, and you let Molly out of her containment area, put the Kong away. You want it to be a special treat, and not give her access to it all of the time.
In time, Molly may see you getting her stuffed Kong toy ready, and will willingly run to the special room you keep her in, in anticipation of getting the toy! From time to time, change what you stuff the Kong with, so it's always exciting and new for her. Bits of hot dog or cheese, a little peanut butter, or honey are all wildly popular with dogs. Here is more in the way of ideas of what to do with a Kong:

http://westwoodanimalhospital.com/BhvArticles/kong_stuffing.htm

As soon as the children leave, and you go to get Molly, offer praise for being a good girl, and take her outside again for another walk.

Molly should never have the run of the house when your grandchildren visit. She should always be put in her containment area. You didn't say how often or how long your grandchildren visit, if they stay for a long period of time, be sure somebody (an adult) takes Molly out for a walk from time to time. Another option might be for Molly to wear a basket style muzzle. This is a very humane style of muzzle, it allows the dog to pant, and also drink water. Molly would require time and training to accept wearing a muzzle, however. Your grandchildren also need to be "trained" to be quiet and calm around Molly, even if they don't go near her.

Molly would also benefit from a little obedience training. You don't need to go for military grade precision or anything like that, just a little reminder of who's in charge. Molly will learn this, and you will learn how to be the "pack leader" through obedience training. Ask your vet's office or a local boarding kennel for a recommendation of an obedience class.

Best of luck,

Patti