Help we adopted a bitter.

Question
We have been waiting a week to pick up our new family memeber that we found at our local Animal control & now he is home.They gave no info on him except that he is not neutered, approx. 5 years old,Golden retriver. We got him home and he was wonderful, took a bath and was brushed with no problems. Later he bit our 11 yr old who was playing fetch with him and tried to get my husband. We have small children and I fear he is going to hurt them~ I hate to just give up so quickly but how do we protect our children and keep/train him at the same time? Can you teach to stop? Is he too old?

Answer
Hello Patti,

You are right to be concerned. Dog aggression is a serious issue. When you have a large, aggressive dog and small children it can result in tragic consequences.

It is possible he can be rehabilitated with professional help. However, no professional can make guarantees. Were there not the issue of small children involved I might recommend you take a chance. However, with children, I always prefer to err on the side of caution.

I'd suggest you return the dog before you and your family become too attached him.

Good Luck!

Sandy