FranVT Posted January 10, 2010 Author Share Posted January 10, 2010 Fran - if you can, it would be a good time to re-socialise Atlas again, giving him a positive experience, just as a 'finishing touch' to his new learning. It might not be necessary, but it would be something I'd do, just to be sure he is being discriminate and not taking the frightening experience as more than a 'one-off'. x2, good advice indeed. Agreed. When the police left, I went over to the people across the road and took him with me. They cooed over him and he sat politely while their kids patted him, one of them touched her nose to his nose and he gave her a big lick (this was all carefully supervised of course). Their bitch has had puppies so she was upstairs (coincidentally, remember that dog that jumped into our yard and fought with Atlas? It impregnated their bitch in a similar manner) but there was another dog and he was fine. We also took him to OHs parents place for breakfast and he played with their dog as usual. They're taking him to the beach and I said he'd had a bit of excitement the night before and to make sure he has a happy calm relaxed day. Is there anything else I could do? Thanks everyone for the well wishes and praise of my most deserving boy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bully Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Hi Fran, OMG!! What a scary experience So glad that you, Atlas and Luuka are OK ;) What a good boy Atlas Thank God for the neighbors :D Agree with the extra socialisation for Atlas, would do the same with Luuka just in case she was traumatised by the incident also. to you all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raineth Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 OMG! How scary glad you're ok Fran! Atlas so needs his own blog so the whole world can learn about his bravery..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 (edited) Is there anything else I could do? What you've done is the way I'd start it as well - using relaxed off territory environments. Glad you got onto it so quickly. You could take him for a casual stroll through areas where there are more diversity of people 'types' (male; female; bearded; smooth face; different skin colouring; etc). I wouldn't make a big fuss about anything. Just go for a walk as though you weren't trying or focusing on or anticipating/looking out for any behaviour from Atlas. If all that is ok, bring it back to where the 'event' occurred as well (ie your home). I'd intro 'soft' people first (females are often better in these circumstances, but that is quite a generalisation, however as this intruder who gave the fright was a male, starting with female might be the way to go), to my home beginning with familiar and then not so familiar people. I'd have Atlas on lead and out the front when they arrive, having the guests walk in first, just to make sure all is ok with Atlas about that. If it is, then re-work the exercise with Atlas in the home. Keep it all very relaxed, almost as though the alarming event didn't happen in the first place. Obviously, I'm erring completely on the side of caution in this - the careful structure I've hinted at (and is an example only) is potentially unnecessary. But only you know Atlas and can make the judgement call as to how incremental you chose to take this. It is just that Atlas has already had the fright from the intruder, and then there was the follow up visit by the police, with both he and you already and still distraught. Might pay to just do a 'check' on whether there is any carry-over effect for Atlas and whether there has been any environmental pairing that has occurred. Edited January 10, 2010 by Erny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kayann Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Scary experience... I am glad you are all ok. We had a strange experience once I will never forget. A man came to the front door of a house we were renting, at the time all young girls. He asked for 'Paul' and we said no, all girls here, sorry, no Pauls and all laughed. It was daylight about 4 in the afternoon. The next morning every window had been jimmed and two doors still had a crow bar and a shovel sticking out of them. Luckily the house was in Zillmere in Brisbane on the train line, so he obviously didnt want to risk breaking a window to get in, but he tried nearly everything else to break in. At the time (mid 90's) we just did not consider that a uni rental was a place of interest for knocking off, nothing in it of interest for sure except the girls in it.. but scary as!!! After that everyone on that house got a wake up call... everyone moved out and into mixed housing and the niave approach to people at the door asking innocent questions went out the door. That was such a freaky experience, as two of us were facing the same man at 4 pm the day before in our own door way... Kayann Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Affirmation Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 OMG how freaky for you. It is the scaryest feeling. Huge pats for Atlas, what a brave boy he is. He definitely earned his "shmackos" that night. I don't care how good an alarm is, you cant beat a big dog Hope you don't get anymore nasty surprises anytime soon Take care Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranVT Posted January 10, 2010 Author Share Posted January 10, 2010 Hi Fran,OMG!! What a scary experience :D So glad that you, Atlas and Luuka are OK What a good boy Atlas Thank God for the neighbors Agree with the extra socialisation for Atlas, would do the same with Luuka just in case she was traumatised by the incident also. to you all Thanks Julie Both dogs came with me last night to the people across the road, but I will definitely be as vigilant with her behaviour towards visitors. Though from what I can tell, she is basically invincible (at least she thinks so anyway). OMG! How scary glad you're ok Fran! Atlas so needs his own blog so the whole world can learn about his bravery..... I have a blog for him! Okay I swear I will start adding entries - what better time! Is there anything else I could do? What you've done is the way I'd start it as well - using relaxed off territory environments. Glad you got onto it so quickly. You could take him for a casual stroll through areas where there are more diversity of people 'types' (male; female; bearded; smooth face; different skin colouring; etc). I wouldn't make a big fuss about anything. Just go for a walk as though you weren't trying or focusing on or anticipating/looking out for any behaviour from Atlas. If all that is ok, bring it back to where the 'event' occurred as well (ie your home). I'd intro 'soft' people first (females are often better in these circumstances, but that is quite a generalisation, however as this intruder who gave the fright was a male, starting with female might be the way to go), to my home beginning with familiar and then not so familiar people. I'd have Atlas on lead and out the front when they arrive, having the guests walk in first, just to make sure all is ok with Atlas about that. If it is, then re-work the exercise with Atlas in the home. Keep it all very relaxed, almost as though the alarming event didn't happen in the first place. Obviously, I'm erring completely on the side of caution in this - the careful structure I've hinted at (and is an example only) is potentially unnecessary. But only you know Atlas and can make the judgement call as to how incremental you chose to take this. It is just that Atlas has already had the fright from the intruder, and then there was the follow up visit by the police, with both he and you already and still distraught. Might pay to just do a 'check' on whether there is any carry-over effect for Atlas and whether there has been any environmental pairing that has occurred. Thanks so much Erny that is invaluable advice. I am going to be really interested to see how he went at the beach today, knowing my boy he'll bounce right back, but I will definitely be watchful (calmly so) when we have visitors coming. We have visitors quite a bit so there'll be lots of opportunity to make sure he is readjusting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raineth Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Oh No! I've been missing his blog I'll sign back in to Darcy's blog, getreading write some comments Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavmad Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Wow, that's an amazing story. Good on Atlas for being so protective!!! I don't think mine would have been. Having said that, a postie came to the door to deliver a parcel on Friday. Unfortunately my dogs are in the bad habit of getting overexcited whenever anyone comes to the door, and they tear up the hallway at breakneck speed to meet whoever it is (we bought a baby safety gate over the weekend so hopefully this will put a stop to it!) Anyway, the guy comes to the door, the actual fly screen on the door is quite dark so you can't see into the house...the dogs go screaming up the hallway and I think they thought the door was actually open because they both jumped on it at full speed, hoping to push it open. It made an awful noise when it didn't open and I swear to god the poor posite almost had a heart attack. He stumbled back about 10 steps and was quite shaken. I picked both dogs up and put them in the nearest room and apologised to him. I opened the door and invited him to look through so he could see what he was actually dealing with. He was fine when he saw what they were but mentioned that he had a bad week with dogs attacking him, which is why he was so jumpy. Poor postie! You must be so proud of Atlas protecting you like that. He must have sensed the tension in your voice when you screamed his name. Brings tears to my eyes! Good boy Atlas! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranVT Posted January 10, 2010 Author Share Posted January 10, 2010 Oh No! I've been missing his blog I'll sign back in to Darcy's blog, getreading write some comments I haven't posted anything yet don't panic! Wow, that's an amazing story. Good on Atlas for being so protective!!! I don't think mine would have been. Having said that, a postie came to the door to deliver a parcel on Friday. Unfortunately my dogs are in the bad habit of getting overexcited whenever anyone comes to the door, and they tear up the hallway at breakneck speed to meet whoever it is (we bought a baby safety gate over the weekend so hopefully this will put a stop to it!) Anyway, the guy comes to the door, the actual fly screen on the door is quite dark so you can't see into the house...the dogs go screaming up the hallway and I think they thought the door was actually open because they both jumped on it at full speed, hoping to push it open. It made an awful noise when it didn't open and I swear to god the poor posite almost had a heart attack. He stumbled back about 10 steps and was quite shaken. I picked both dogs up and put them in the nearest room and apologised to him. I opened the door and invited him to look through so he could see what he was actually dealing with. He was fine when he saw what they were but mentioned that he had a bad week with dogs attacking him, which is why he was so jumpy. Poor postie!You must be so proud of Atlas protecting you like that. He must have sensed the tension in your voice when you screamed his name. Brings tears to my eyes! Good boy Atlas! Atlas sometimes gives people a fright unnecessarily too, it's embarrassing But yes I am massively proud of him, he definitely sensed my distress immediately and went to bat for me. He is amazing. A super generous DOLer has offered to make him a collar and lead, not sure if I'm allowed to say who it is but they could not have given me a bigger compliment than saying they would be proud for Atlas to wear their collars <-- happy tears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lappiemum Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 OMG Fran - What a shocking thing to happen - thankfully you are ok, as are the doglets. Atlas is such a good boy - and Sohvi sends her sister lappie hugs and hopes she is a-ok.(I tell you now, if anyone ever kicked my dogs it would be me that they would have to watch for, not the lappies!!! ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranVT Posted January 10, 2010 Author Share Posted January 10, 2010 LM I don't even know what I would have done if I had seen him kick her He should be counting his lucky stars - I have ZERO tolerance for animal cruelty and she's just a little bubba I told the cop "he is lucky I didn't see him do that" and he said to me "yep I've got dogs too, I can't imagine hurting a dog especially looking at that gorgeous little ball of fluff!" He was a bit of a sweetheart actually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lappiemum Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Mind you, those little balls of fluff grow up to be impressive themselves - I've had people cross the street to avoid me and Boof (if only they knew what a big gentle boy he is). Oh, and the barks of my lappies are pretty impressive - I imagine when Luuka is all grown up the combination of Atlas and Luuka will make any idiot think twice......! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranVT Posted January 10, 2010 Author Share Posted January 10, 2010 Atlas bark is called "the liquidator" because of what it does to grown mens' bowels It is the most brutal bark I've ever heard. Luuka is soooo cute when she barks while he is barking. It's like "RRRRRROWF" "...wuff!..." "RRROWFFROWFROWF" "...wuffwuff!..." so adorable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bully Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Atlas bark is called "the liquidator" because of what it does to grown mens' bowels It is the most brutal bark I've ever heard. Luuka is soooo cute when she barks while he is barking. It's like "RRRRRROWF" "...wuff!..." "RRROWFFROWFROWF" "...wuffwuff!..." so adorable. Jessie had a very puppyish bark, but if anyone came to the front door it was a real "I'll rip your throat out!" bark which would instantly change to a high pitched "YIP!! YIP!! It's Grandma and Grandpa (or whoever)!!" bark when she realised that it was a friend and most people were If a door to door salesperson/religious people or someone that I didn't want to talk to I'd give Jessie a cue to "Speak" behind my back, while at the same time giving the "It's alright, it's alright" you know, the trying to placate the dog while having absolutely no control, while giving a sneaky "speak" command and slight nod of my head and facial expression of "Yes, keep on going, Good Girl" Soon got rid of unwanted callers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavmad Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Oh No! I've been missing his blog I'll sign back in to Darcy's blog, getreading write some comments I haven't posted anything yet don't panic! Wow, that's an amazing story. Good on Atlas for being so protective!!! I don't think mine would have been. Having said that, a postie came to the door to deliver a parcel on Friday. Unfortunately my dogs are in the bad habit of getting overexcited whenever anyone comes to the door, and they tear up the hallway at breakneck speed to meet whoever it is (we bought a baby safety gate over the weekend so hopefully this will put a stop to it!) Anyway, the guy comes to the door, the actual fly screen on the door is quite dark so you can't see into the house...the dogs go screaming up the hallway and I think they thought the door was actually open because they both jumped on it at full speed, hoping to push it open. It made an awful noise when it didn't open and I swear to god the poor posite almost had a heart attack. He stumbled back about 10 steps and was quite shaken. I picked both dogs up and put them in the nearest room and apologised to him. I opened the door and invited him to look through so he could see what he was actually dealing with. He was fine when he saw what they were but mentioned that he had a bad week with dogs attacking him, which is why he was so jumpy. Poor postie!You must be so proud of Atlas protecting you like that. He must have sensed the tension in your voice when you screamed his name. Brings tears to my eyes! Good boy Atlas! Atlas sometimes gives people a fright unnecessarily too, it's embarrassing But yes I am massively proud of him, he definitely sensed my distress immediately and went to bat for me. He is amazing. A super generous DOLer has offered to make him a collar and lead, not sure if I'm allowed to say who it is but they could not have given me a bigger compliment than saying they would be proud for Atlas to wear their collars <-- happy tears. That is so nice of the super generous DOLer! What a great dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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