Kelly_Louise

Yes Mita, unfortunately the dogs usually suffer from people's bad decisions. And usually it takes a drastic thing to happen before some people 'get it', and appreciate that not all dogs like each others behaviour. I feel bad that this little dog may become afraid of all other dogs (maybe just big dogs) as a result of this fight, I'm sure it wuold have affected the little dog too... but then, if she'd done the right thing in the first place, then the dog wouldn't have been put in that position.

Oh goodness, which Sasha, where do I start??? Just today, I've dealt with her horror of the foil balloon attached to my anniversary flowers, and the iron... both of which have her terrified. For the balloon, I just sit in the bedroom, call her in and just spend time in there with her, showing her it's okay. If she watches the balloon too much, I just say 'it's alright' in a firm tone, and she'll stop (that's my remedy for most things that scare her, and most things DO scare her - and she'll usually settle down). For the iron, I just try not to make a big deal about it, but generally just let her go and hide somewhere, she's hopeless if she sees me with the iron, especially if it's steaming. Generally, I try to spend time near or around the item that instills terror, to show her that it's fine. I find repetition and routine to be the winner in solving her issues. She used to be terrified to walk along the path in front of our local shopping centre... but after many goes, repeating it, she improved over and over to the point where she'll happily walk through the busy path and entrance to the centre now. She will now go onto my bed near where the balloon is, but if I go out of the room, she may stay in there a good while, but if it moves slightly or she thinks it's become possessed in anyway she's outta there like a rocket

Yep, that's a good way to look at it!!! He's just not as patient with doggy matters as I am though, so it's more of a 'chore' to him (although he does love her to pieces) - whereas to me it's something I look forward to and enjoy thoroughly (and wish I had the time to walk for miles with her)!!!

Thank you all so much - I can finally stop worrying that I should feel bad (but kinda don't). I appreciate your suggestions and Mrs RB, am just looking at the harness link now. I actually took her out of a harness and put her into a half choker, simply because in fear (especially when there were offlead dogs) she would pull back violently in an attempt to get away, and Houdini her way out of it. Is it possible a dog could slip this one? She is a chronic slipper, however I find has gotten better in that respect after I taught her to sit if she was afraid, rather than simply pull back and run. The problem is, that at just near 40kgs, and full of pure muscle, if she launches (and I'm totally unprepared and have no leverage) chances are I'll still go down, because of her strength and my now scattered centre of gravity. It's only happened three times, because usually I can restrain her - and even when I've gone down or lost leverage, I can still gain enough control for a situation (my fear for her safety and my need to protect her gives me additional strength I think). Generally she is quite a placid dog to walk, it's just when others invade our space (without consideration or warning) that things can sometimes go haywire. We have been rushed many, many times by offlead dogs (about 8 times by the same dog in the space of a few months) and very rarely has Sasha ever had a go back (even when they've come growling). I think after so many times she's just had a gutful of it. That in itself makes me mad, because I have worked so hard to get Sasha to a good point, and people who think they know better and the 'but my dog is friendly and obedient' crew, sadly set her back in progress we make. There is a german shepherd that walks in the area, and is not dog friendly. The owner takes great pains to always ensure he gives other people and dogs space, and always has effective control of the dog. I've seen other people (even though it's quite obvious he is trying to avoid conflict) take their dogs right up to him. I just don't understand. Sometimes people just want to be left alone to walk their dogs in peace, I don't need (or want) Sasha to be friends with every dog, especially when I have no time for people who don't know or won't accept their own dogs limitations. JulesP, he said he will be walking her from now on - but because I want to stay fit during pregnancy, I will go with them too. It's just not the same though as I won't be able to just go when I please, have to wait and fit into his schedule as well. I guess it's only for a few months, but still, it k!lls me!!!

Thanks GT. That's the plan, for us to walk together. But still, it's hard to give it up... it was our special 'bonding' time each day, a bit of 'me' time with my puppy. I've always been the primary caregiver/trainer etc to Sasha - so it's hard to let that go, if that makes sense. I won't be able to just pick up and say 'okay we're going for a walk' any time I like, as I do now - have to wait for hubby to not be busy. I"m not sure he'll want to trek as far as we generally do each day either. I do understand his concern though - and it's fair enough, because as he says, it could have been worse and I was lucky. It's the second time it's happened while I've been pregnant - the first time 2 offlead dogs attacked Sasha - there was no fight because she just tried to run away from them, but all the pulling and jerking of me trying to get them away from us and Sasha to safety caused bleeding (which thankfully wasn't anything serious, but a warning). So I totally understand, it just sucks that because of other people though, I can't do the thing I love to do each day.

Thanks SK I also wondered about the bolded part. It's easy for people to 'assume' that it would be my fault because Sasha is the bigger dog. And if somehow the lady turned nasty and made some kind of complaint (after admitting she was at fault) I did wonder if I could be blamed. There are many people with dogs I could use as witnesses though to say she isn't like that normally.

Yes I'm pretty upset about it... but I can see my husbands point of view. Sasha is a strong dog, and while we can usually go without incident, if I get caught off guard it's easy to be pulled off my feet. I've dislocated my finger before being pulled over by her (during a storm). I guess that's why I wanted to know if anyone thought I was to blame - because in this situation, I got knocked off my feet and didn't have the strength to stop and pull her out of the fight (well I did manage somehow - but not before there was a few moments of fighting). But I just can't believe that I should feel guilty because I have a big dog, who normally (when there are no offlead dogs bothering her) can be controlled quite easily (and most of the time, even when there is another offlead dog she behaves quite calmly and just tries to get out of their way, I think this time she'd just had enough... or maybe felt protective of me?).

Unfortunately, it's people like her that give both small and large breed dog owners a bad name. Firstly because they believe because their dog is small that it's harmless and doesn't have to obey rules - and secondly, because if people see the dog fight , they automatically assume that it's the big dogs fault and makes me look bad. I'm glad to have received reassurance that the other person is at fault - I think that is the case as well, but I guess because Sasha is the bigger dog and has potential to do more damage to a small dog than the small dog can do to her sometimes I wonder if I'm wrong. I'm not saying Sasha is perfect, but if people keep their dogs under control we don't have any issue (and why I don't take her to offlead dog parks - because I can't rely on her recall nor have control if she takes issue with another dog). And thank you for taking the time to respond

Hi! I had an incident yesterday with an offlead dog (in an onleash only area at a public lake) - and would just like your opinion as to who you think is at fault. Not that it really matters, but to me it does. I was walking Sasha yesterday at the lake as usual, on lead of course, and minding our own business. There are a few people with small dogs that assume their dogs don't need to have any manners, and also assume that because they have small dogs, it exempts them from having to obey the rules (and I know this doesn't apply to all small dog owners - just some of the ones around my area unfortunately). Now, a couple of days before - I saw a lady I'd never seen walking her small dog (onlead). I like to be courteous to people and keep Sasha out of their space, so I always walk her on my left side, and always put myself between her and anyone else/other dogs. While walking past, her little dog was pulling and lungeing and she let the lead slack go so it was right in Sasha's face (and we had to stop walking otherwise I'd have trodden on it). It was a fairly civil meeting, a bit stiff though - so I moved further to the left and around the dog and kept walking. Last night, I saw them walking down the street towards the lake. The little dog had a lead on, but no one was holding it. They walked about 5m in front of us across our path and there was no issue. However, we then saw them at the lake. The lady called the little dog back when she saw us coming and the dog went partly back to her, then turned around and ran straight for us. After being attacked numerous times in our area by offlead dogs, obviously Sasha did not like this. The lady continued to call the dog but was kinda laughing and did not make a run to try and get control of her dog. The dog ran straight at Sasha (they all seem to go for her feet) and a fight broke out. Obviously, being bigger, Sasha had the upper hand - but there were no injuries to the dog (nothing obvious on the skin anyway). After the lady saw the dogs fighting, she then realised and came running for her dog. By this time, and being 6 months pregnant, I was struggling - the dog kept running at Sasha and kept coming back to her (even though it was quite scared and squealing), I lost my balance trying to get Sasha away and got knocked down, I then grabbed Sasha by the choker and gave an almighty tug away from the dog so the lady could get her dog. I was hurt in the process myself - but luckily I landed on my leg/hip/arm only and protected the baby. The lady did apologise, and when her daughter asked why - she told her because she had done the wrong thing letting the dog offlead in an onlead/public area. Of course, I think it's her fault as well - allowing her dog to come uncontrolled into our space (if the dog had been onlead there would have been no issue). However, I would just like opinions on whether other people think I (or Sasha) is partly to blame as well? I am quite protective of her, so would like an outsiders opinion. I have now been banned (by my husband) from walking my own dog - which is my favourite thing to do each day, and I'm really cut up about it. But Sasha is a strong dog and I can't control what other people do... so I totally understand from his point of view. Doesn't make it any easier to deal with though... it's our 'bonding' time and the most enjoyable part of my day So just wondering what you think?

I have just tried Pookinuk in the last week - although I find their prices quite high (but I needed Prescription Diet and the place I usually buy from didn't have it). I ordered 2 bags, and received one bag for canine, one for feline. But they were quick to fix the issue and easy to deal with, arranged for feline bag to be picked up and the next day the other canine bag turned up at the door. How do you determine how frequently you need the food supplied with Pawsforlife? And if you don't use as much in a certain time frame, can you delay or change the next shipment? I'm just thinking, they may have low pricing - but maybe this is where they make their money - by supplying regularly even if you may not need it?

Fortunately, she gets to enjoy being worried and fussed over most days... LOL. Spoilt thing... As soon as we got home, she decided the dog next door was annoying her and took up and down the fence... until she got yelled at. So the 'rest' part may be a little tricky... But we'll try our best!!! I'm just glad it wasn't an internal issue, and that it's not too bad. He said her hips weren't affected and were very good too, which is always nice to hear :D I've always thought she had good hips, the way she sashays like a catwalk model!!!

Well, we're back - verdict - she has hurt her middle back. She has been given anti inflams and told to take it easy for 10 days (good luck with that)!!! Woke up this morning and she was totally back to normal, laying down from any position etc - typical!!! But thought it best to take her anyway, and I'm glad I did. He said it's not a bad injury (obviously cause it's not causing too much grief) but still best to be safe to get it healed up - although the chance of re-injury with back issues is high. So have to be careful with her. He checked all her gaits, her movements up and down stairs, her stance. Then he felt her all over - all down her back, her hips, her tummy area and listened to all her organs (she stood there quite calmly - after an initial tanty, we took her back inside and she was very good and allowed him to feel her all over - I was SO PROUD :D !!!). She seemed much more calmer than usual - not like a normal dog, but more calm for Sasha Took a treat from him and we were off. Plus, no car vomits!!! I was happy with his verdict, he did do alot of work with her and spent alot of time checking all possibilities. Yep, he's definitely a keeper. Thanks to everyone for your help, suggestions and support - being a worry wart it's so reassuring to have that support.

LOL Pebbles!!! And thank you. Tassie - she definitely wasn't rolling, she was sunning... She's happy to lie like that for hours LOL!!! But you could be right about the right hind leg... I did notice she was moving it a little - although if it was painful I'd assume she wouldn't stay like that? But then again, this whole situation has me confused... YOu're exactly right, Sasha likes to meet people/dogs of her own accord. If she is pushed, she will just walk away. But if you don't pay her attention, eventually curiosity will get the better of her and she will come to you. The pat may come later on, but she needs time to trust you aren't there to hurt her. With dogs... she can be unpredictable. Generally she's really good with other dogs. But there are some she instantly dislikes, must be their body language. There was one dog that when it was a younger pup, she absolutely loved - and as it grew up, she hated it more and more and will have a growl and snap if it gets too close. Luckily I've learnt to read her body language, but generally she's really friendly with other dogs if they are friendly with her - and yes, she isn't pushed into meeting them. She adores puppies though, and all Labs of any shape or size :D I had her in the middle of a WIRES/RSPCA situation a year or so back - flapping swans, frantic people... and she calmly stayed right in the middle. People commented how fantastic she was, but everyone was so busy they didn't pay her any direct attention, which she likes because she doesn't feel threatened in anyway. But she's worth the time it takes to win her over, definitely.

Thanks Mason - will definitely let you all know the outcome. It's awful to have a pet that is so fearful of strangers... cause she is such a smiley, happy girl most of the time and everyone wants to pat her - and she is always so curious about people. If they take it slowly with her though, she makes forever friends. I have 2 friends with a young lab, and at first she wouldn't have a bar of them, kept her distance but we would walk with them every day. Then one day, she just let them pat her - and she was won over, and now runs to them for cuddles and attention. It just takes her some time/routine/repetition, that's all. But once you are admitted into Sasha's good books - you're a friend for life, and it's heartening (for me) to see. Cause she really is an awesome dog. It is a relief when you make a breakthrough... massive relief. :D I'm glad you've also had some progress with your kitty. Pebbles, I was actually thinking about that yesterday. And yes, I thought back to all the times I have obsessively watch her lie down over the last few days... It does seem to be more often to one side than the other, but I'm sure that she does alternate sides as well, as I remember her being curved to the other side and watching me make lunches over her shoulder yesterday morning (and I remember thinking that it may not be a neck issue cause she has no issues turning it). But I'll mention that I'VE noticed it seems to be more frequent to one side and perhaps he may conclude something from that as well. Thanks for the tip Here is a pic from lunch time.... no she's not dead, she's sunning herself. Hardly looks like there is anything wrong does there???

Sasha may be a bit fearful of strangers - but she loves nothing more than a massage... She'd most likely flop like a rag and be putty in anyone's hands!!! I say that, but that's her 'home' persona... not sure if on the outside would be the same... LOL. I just don't know what I would have done if we'd not been able to find a vet to work with her (who was fairly close to home due to her travel sickness problem ). I used to worry myself sick about what I would do if she became sick and it was nothing I could treat at home or with natural remedies (and I've had to learn many of them LOL)... At least now I know that she can receive basic medical care without it being a massive drama - a huge weight off my shoulders. It's still not always easy, but it's doable now Progress = hope.

Nope, definitely not worse ... I'd hedge a bet and say a little better, but I'm not 100% sure. Was keen for a walk last night, and motored along the whole way - she even made a stop to jump up onto the park bench and sit for a while (her favourite thing to do). But this morning, I was watching her and she went to lie down (from a neat sit with back legs tucked directly under her) in my room with me while I was getting ready for work... she tried once and got a little way down then stopped and got back up. She tried again, same result. Then she got a little way down and tried tucking her front leg under her and to the side to see if that would help, and gave up and got back up. But then moved to another spot, tucked her back legs to the side to sit and went down easily. So confusing...

Thanks for the support and well wishes Tassie I just hope it's nothing too serious... The new vet is awesome, a very kind man. I have to say, I was starting to lose faith in vets - after the few early experiences I had with them and Sasha. I was rapidly losing hope, and Chloe, my other dog goes to a specialist centre (with the best ever vets any owner could ask for), but Sasha can't go there. Thankfully, after a recommendation, I tried this new vet - and right from the start I could see he wanted to try with Sasha, rather than just write her off. He's happy to lay on the floor with her, and tries to bond with her - which, after all the bad experiences we had with other vets, made me want to cry and give him a big bear hug... cause she is a good dog, she just needs a chance, and some patience and understanding. Thank goodness there are still some really great vets out there... who genuinely care ;) PS. tried the wheat bag, and she was happy to have it snuggled with her (although I didn't make it too warm). She seemed about the same this morning, although she did go into a lay position once from a neat sit when asked, although it was under sufferance. Of her own accord, she wouldn't do it - but would when she tucked her legs to one side. I've never been so stumped... nothing seems to match up

It is awful - but all I can do is try to do the best I can for her. But I just can't ignore the now blatantly obvious signs, and her distress at not being able to physically do what she is being asked. She is such a pleaser. At home, she is a very laid back, gentle dog - so I'm pretty sure that when she comes inside to bed for the night, she would allow a wheat bag - I will give it a try, thanks. I'll pop it into her doona with her, she loves to be wrapped up and snuggled at night (big sook) so probably wouldn't even notice them if I wrapped her up and hid it in there!!! I feel relieved now that I have made the vet appt. I think I now know that it's my only choice knowing that her symptoms are not getting better and she now avoids the action that was causing her the distress. So, weighing it up - it's worth putting her through some stress (hopefully not too much) to find out what may potentially be wrong. I also feel like I now have something for the vet to go on - have narrowed it down a bit so that even if she won't co-operate he may be able to figure the most likely cause from there. I just hope my little (big) girl is okay, and it's nothing too major. I'm such a worry wart over her - maybe cause she is 'special' in her own way

Okay - so I did a few tests at lunch time... just to narrow down and confirm things... She definitely will not go into a down position from a neat, back legs tucked under her sit. She just won't, not even for food. However, in desperation (I could see she wanted to do as she was told but obviously can't for whatever reason) she went to her bed, sat with her back legs tucked to one side (a sloppy kind of sit) and would go into a lie down position from there. Didn't cry or anything - but not sure if it doesn't hurt that way, or it hurts LESS that way. She wasn't too keen to go back into a sit position from there though - although that command isn't always foolproof anyway. It's so bizarre. Still no limping or hinderance in movement, but will only lie down when her back legs are tucked to one side. I also noted that when she got up she didn't seem to stretch with much enthusiasm again, it was a very 'careful' stretch (not a full one) both front and back. I have booked an appt with vet for Thursday morning (it was the last appt for the vet she is comfortable with this week). Hopefully she will get better before then, but if not at least he may be able to give me some indication of what it might be.

I'm pretty sure my vet would also be happy for me to do that (if needed) - he is very understanding and supportive of the effort I've put into trying to get Sasha more adjusted. I'd like to be able to get to a place where she wouldn't need that though, and she can allow other people to perform basic caring functions for her, without me being there - or without me doing it myself. I don't know if we will ever get there - but we can only try, and keep chipping away. She is happy to take treats from the vets and nurses and will sit in a room with them with no problems, she just doesn't like them to touch her or get too close where she knows they want something from her.

Thank you everyone for your advice and opinions - I value them all. I especially value those that understand the predicament I face with Sasha - and that it's not always as black and white as I'd like it to be, and sometimes I feel like a bad person - but every decision I make is always made in Sasha's best interest after being carefully weighed up. Tassie and SecretKei, thank you for your lovely words... she may have been lucky to find me, but I feel exactly the same way about her Dancingbcs - something for me to think about. She doesn't seem to have a problem with me touching her head or face or accepting pats, so hopefully it is nothing neurological - but it was something that crossed my mind, and something that I will indeed keep in consideration. Yesterday during my check of her, I actually felt all around her ears, eyes and face in general and she didn't seem to have a problem. Yesterday she was monitored closely and for the rest of the day, did not make any crying or whimpering sounds - and seemed to have no problems moving around and acting like a goof. However, this morning - I noticed that when she came in to my bedroom when I was getting ready for the day, she usually lies down behind me and watches. She went to go down into the 'lie' position, got a tiny way down then got back up again. I tried to get her to 'lie' during our training, and not even for a schmacko would she do it. I kept repeating 'down', and (bless her heart) she did every other trick to try and get that schmacko, but wouldn't lie down. I have watched her though and of her own accord she will lie down (no crying or anything). Perhaps it is only when she goes into a down position from a straight sit with her back legs tucked neatly under her??? When she does it of her own accord it's generally from a sloppy sit where both her legs are tucked over to one side... (again, this could be a coincidence - just because I'm overly monitoring her). And yet, doesn't show any hinderance in any other movement... it was my first wedding anniversary yesterday, and hubby bought me flowers and a balloon (which she HATES) and she started being silly when I tried to show it to her (and that it's not harmful) and raced around the lounge room, up onto the bed, back down again etc... So it's really confusing. The fact that she is hesitant to go into a down position is a concern to me though. I think it may be time for a vet visit, even if he can't feel very much or anything - we can just discuss her symptoms and it's a chance for them to 'bond' I feel so helpless, like I need to be doing something for her. Staff N Toller - thanks for your advice. We've found a vet that seems to 'understand' Sasha, and is quite happy to work with us to try and help her - hence why we've actually had some improvement from the hysterical mess we used to have with other vets who weren't willing to bother with her. I did speak to him originally about sedating her on her first visit, but he asked us not to - he wanted to see her in her natural state... so we didn't, and she actually wasn't AS bad as what we'd seen previously and has continued to improve from there. He has been a Godsend, but still so much work to go. We've changed a few other things as well - and a trip to the vet is now nowhere near as stressful, we can get there without car vomits. I will definitely do some research on Crate Games - as my only real fear now is leaving her at the vets for treatment. I've discussed the situation with the vet, and possibilities etc, but I'd much rather get her to a point where she can be left and treated without becoming hysterical. I appreciate your advice

I have considered that Ams - on a number of occasions. My fear is that she will become afraid and suspicious of people coming into our home after that (and at the moment she loves nothing more than visitors). She loves people she knows, but strangers... no. She is okay if they don't pay her any attention or if she can back away if they go to pat her, but once they come at her and she knows they are trying to touch her, or 'want' something from her, she can get very upset (especially if she is being held in a confined space or by someone where she can not move away). I don' t think that will change, regardless of where she is. We've made progress with our current vet (she's had vaccinations, a needle biopsy and he has felt her over briefly for her general check up - although it was brief cause she didn't like it one bit)... however, she can be very unco-operative and gets so worked up sometimes (especially if it involves alot of touching) that I'm not sure, without more to go on, if it would be beneficial (with so much adrenalin pumping she'd be more worried about what he's doing, than if she feels pain). I guess he would probably give some anti-inflams and we could see how she goes... Or at least feel her belly and rule that out. It's more about what you can and can't do with Sasha that rules things out... I know people are probably thinking that I'm over reacting, but if you saw the pure panic when a vet/stranger approaches her and she is expected to stay and let them - it's pretty bad. We are taking baby steps with her to try to adjust her, and it's been successful so far especially with the help of my Dad, who is also very calm with her - and together with the vet and his attitude I've been so proud of her progress. So I'm trying not to undermine that with unnecessary and possibly useless testing if possible. It's a weighing up game with Sasha... That's why it's always so hard to know the best course of action with her. I don't want to set her back in her progress for something that may potentially be minor, but I don't want anything to get worse either and want her better again asap of course. With the lump she had, I didn't hesitate to whisk her off to the vet... but for something that isn't quite defined the decision of when to take her or whether to wait and monitor/maybe rest/eliminate possibilities first is a tough one.

Thanks CW EW... gee your two have grown up so much Such a gorgeous pair!!!

Thanks for the understanding Tassie - it is hard with Sasha. She's a very 'special' dog ;) I'm not against taking her to the vet, I just figure that without much to go on at the moment, whether it would be beneficial to put her through that stress, not knowing how cooperative she would be- or wait until I have more 'evidence'. I was just at home for lunch, and went through the whole procedure again. Moved each limb and felt it/gently flexed it... felt each paw thoroughly, between the pads etc. Felt her tummy and ribs/chest, even felt down her tail and around her bum region (just in case). Nothing... she just looked at me strangely... She ate her lunch eagerly. When she came inside, she didn't hesitate to jump up onto the bed (before I could stop her), although she did seem a little more hesitant to get off... but seeing she doesn't like the whole getting off part it's not totally unusual but it could be something. I noticed when she laid down on the bed, she did not make any crying sounds - once she was down she heaved a big sigh - which is fairly normal for her (she lives such a tough life ). Maybe I will try to ring her vet - see what he says is the best course of action for now is... whether that be to bring her in or wait and see how she goes for a few days. I'm just stumped why it's not all the time, just random... and it's not an obvious pain (where she would yelp out loud or jump up or flinch)... Just very confusing. I think I've ruled out tummy though, I'm sure if it was tummy related she wouldn't be eating normally or pooing normally. Sigh... dogs, who'd have them?? (I would of course :D )

No real advice, other than your pup is gorgeous - and you've come to the right place for advice But I really wanted to say the Esky the Husky is just STUNNING!!!