dog bitting

Question
hi.
I have a dog called narla, she is three years old, we rescued her about 3 months ago,
she has settled in well and gets on with my 4 girls, she is stubborn and dont always listen unless there is food around,
but she has got me worried as of late, as she don't like my 4 year old grandson, first she barked at him when he came in the house, then when he stroked her she starts to growl, but the other i was sat on the sofa next to my partner, the dog was sat next to him and my grandson came and sat down next to the dog, she stared to growl and we corrected her and said no, and before we knew it she went for him almost bitting his face, she was told off, but i didn't want to frighten my grandson so i let the dog go out, i gave him a biscuit to give her and she snatched it off him, but she went into a calm mode and lead on the floor, my grandson then went to reach out for his homework and she jump up to bit him again,
Please can you help me, as i don't want to have to get rid of her,
PS, would a muzzle help. mandy

Answer
Hi Amanda,

Until you can get control over this problem, using a muzzle on Narla would be the prefect way of ensuring that your grandson, or anyone else won't get hurt! A wire basket muzzle is the most humane. It allows the dog to pant, drink, and even eat while it's worn.

Consulting with a professional dog trainer would be the quickest way of gaining control over Narla. Ask your veterinarian, boarding kennel, for a recommendation for a trainer, or search your yellow pages to find one.

Many times, dogs that develop this kind of aggression is challenging your "pack" leadership. Besides working with a trainer, practicing the "Nothing In Life Is Free" method of training, is a good way of reminding the dog that YOU'RE the one in charge of the house! Read more about Nothing In Life Is Free here:

http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

Best of luck,

Patti