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Undefinabl3 posted 10/23/2013 09:46 AM

My 5 year old Great Dane (female) bit me this morning. Hard enough to draw blood, but no need for stitches.

I was clipping her nails, something that we have done probably 50 times or more in her life.

This morning she would not lay down for me, would not let me at her feet. When I finally got her in submission position (her on her side, me over her holding her legs) and calmed down, I started.

Her history has never been physical. Ever since we found out about her degenerative heart disease, she has slowly been getting less and less cuddly, but never ever has she bit.

uggg, this royally sucks. I have 2 little kids and if she will bit me for a very normal reason....what if they get jazzy with her tail or yank on her ear or something.....

I know my options. Put her down, find a rescue, keep her seperated.....none are really good - all seperate her from our family.

Deeply Scared posted 10/23/2013 10:22 AM

Undefinabl3...

I don't think you need to take any drastic measures. From what you shared about her not wanting to lay down or wanting her feet handled, she may have not been feeling well and reacted to being in such a submissive position.

I'm certainly not excusing her bad behavior, but sometimes we humans need to listen to what our pets are telling us

Biting is never good, I really hope she doesn't do it again.

metamorphisis posted 10/23/2013 10:37 AM

I am going to go with not feeling well and would have the vet take a good look at her. If this hasn't been a problem in the past it's a place to start.
One thing that stuck out to me was my vet checking over our puppy at his first visit saying "Oh he lets me handle his paws nicely, it's a major warning sign for aggression when a young pup won't let you handle their paws". I had never heard that being a new dog owner. I am sharing that because it stands to reason that the paws must be a very sensitive or territorial thing for dogs and if she isn't well that may be why you got the reaction you did.

amitheow posted 10/23/2013 10:53 AM

I stepped on my dog once by accident and she bit me ... it was just a reaction. They react to pain that way sometimes without thinking. She was immediately horrified.

Do you think maybe you clipped a little too short or nipped her .. and she just reacted?