Giving Up Dog As Not Safe To Walk Him

[mita]

I will repeat my offer of a playdate or a walking partner if you live near me would be more than happy to help

I hope you'll take up SG's great offer. One of the tips for helping an anxious or under-confident dog is to give it time with dogs that aren't.

Also you can learn so much, too, from watching the little things in how their owner manages them. Little things that mean a lot!

Best wishes in taking up all the ideas.

[Mrs Rusty Bucket]

look at that game, from control unleashed

http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...amp;pid=3975300

Seems like just the thing to get my dog off the possum poo, and last wednesday it was a noisy minor on a very low tree branch, well within dog jumping range. Sigh.

PS going to that thread, switched my thread display to "outline", can be fixed by going to the first post (top of page), clicking on options and selecting "standard" from the display mode (or whatever else you care to try out).

Edited March 18, 2011 by Mrs Rusty Bucket

[Isabel964]

You've had a variety of responses here. I second what some have said and not take some comments to heart. Just take it all in and make a decision that you feel is best. I can tell you are coming from the right place in the heart. And I am sorry for the attack - I have never experienced this, but I drive my dogs to different places to walk too....some places have people with dogs who all seem very uptight, I avoid those or go when not many other people are around. Your vet might be able to offer some advice, or recommendation. All the best.

[dancinbcs]

Wow so many responses! Thanks for your time.

I appear to have overstated his bad behaviour though, he is not bad at all. Yes, he does like to goad the cat into running away from him and chases him alot but then the cat comes back for more and even lies in his bed with him, they are friends. He hasnt wanted to chase cats or other dogs when we have been out walking and even if he has snuck out the front whilst we are putting bins out he hasnt crossed the road to go after the neighbours cat. He has never bitten or attempted any aggression with my children (nor was there any aggression or intent with the one that accidently got bitten in the school). I have taken his food away from him from a young age and my children have fed him, he steps away from his bowl or bone if my children step outside or near him. He is a very smart boy and very keen to please, if I tell him to leave he will 99% of the time do as he's told, sometimes the temptation is too great. He entertains himself alot with toys and balls etc and he just gets very excited when my children run around in the house and he's outside looking in - he's certainly not out of control and is mostly just puppy age behavour. I know the problem lies in myself and my fears and anxiety, i thought it might be a better life for him to be with someone whom could take him to agility and be able to walk and play with him lots. I wasnt suggesting he be around young children or on a farm as such and would disclose all the info and thoroughly screen people. However after all your replies I might seek help for myself and carry an umbrella or stick in order to feel safer when walking him and make more effort to go to dog training each week.

It sounds like you have made great steps in training this young dog already and if you can stick it out and put some more training into him over the next 12 months, you will have a much calmer dog as he matures. Some Borders always remain very active but a couple of sessions of of fetch or agility work a day will take the edge off them. Also give him a minute or two of training many times throughout the day, whenever you are near him. Just a simple "go to heel" or a "drop stay for 20 sec" or maybe "heel a few steps with a turn", all followed by praise will help to keep his mind occupied.

Walking long distances with a dog is something I used to enjoy, even as a child but it has not been possible in my neighbourhood for many years due to every second yobo now owning a pure or cross SBT, Amstaff or Pitbull. They are just about the only dogs you ever see in the streets around here, on or off lead, now that the fad for Rotties has died down. I have actually never been approached by a friendly off lead dog when out walking dogs. Anything out loose in usually into full attack mode as soon as it spots us and long before it gets near enough to see how my dogs might react. I have had friendly dogs rush at mine at shows and obedience, with no problem, but never out in the street.

I carry a stock whip when walking in the park but an umbrella that can be suddenly opened in the other dog's face is also a good deterant. I would avoid carrying a stick because some dogs see that as a threat and react accordingly. Some play dates with another friendly dog or two would be a great idea and if possble get some help for yourself to get over this traumatic experience.

Good luck getting back to enjoying your dog again.

[corvus]

im so angry that the actions of other irresponsible dog owners and the lack of council control are making me give my dog up.

No one's making you give up your dog. If you can't be at ease walking your dog in your own suburb drive to one where you can. My parents have a dog behind a large colorbond fence alongside the top part of their driveway. I assume it can't get out, but it scares the hell out of one of my dogs. He gets very upset, and normally he is extremely mellow and easy going. So when I'm there with them I just load them in the car and literally drive up the 200m driveway and park across the road, then take them out of the car and walk them. Where there's a will there's a way.

Perhaps it would help you to get a book or dvd on dog body language. If you know what they are likely to do they are less scary.

[kiesha09]

What about your husband, boyfriend, partner? Can he walk the dog?

Or what about getting a dog walker to walk the dog until you regain some confidence to do it yourself?

[dee lee]

I agree with Corvus about learning about dog body language- it will help your confidence enormously if you feel you can to a degree predict what an approaching dog wants to do.

When I owned my DA dog I really had to be observant of her and other dogs' reactions. It was vital for management of her behaviour.

I no longer have her but am now a lot more comfortable around dogs in general, purely because I am more aware of certain signs. Not all approaching dogs mean malice, some are just interested, some just a little dominant.

Much of the time in these cases, a dog can be deterred by a confident and forceful NO & stepping between it & your dog. Panicking is not helpful as the idea is to make them see you as the authority figure & so obey you.

I imagine if you have only ever owned easy going dogs it would not be something you are necessarily familiar with though.

The umbrella is a good idea too. I pushed a stool over at a pushy dog recently- whatever it takes!

Edited March 18, 2011 by dee lee

[Baby Dragon]

I haven't read the whole thread, but I can highly recommend Steve at K9 Pro as an excellent trainer - for both people and dogs! He worked wonders with my dog and me, and showed me what to do if an offleash dog approaches us. I realise you're in Vic, but I travelled a 39 hour round trip, and then another 16 hour round trip to see Steve and I can tell you it was well worth it.

[Deejay]

Hi there Loveleroy.

Sorry to hear about your situation. The fact you have come on here and asked for help means you obviously really want to sort this out From what I have read on this thread, it sounds as though you are the problem (understandably), not the dog (sorry if that sounds awful just trying to help... you need to get yourself counselling regarding the attack and also I would suggest joining your local dog training club so in the meantime you can be in a safer environment around people who will support you.

You can't let the rottweiler attack ruin yours and your dogs life, its not fair on either of you, you owe it to the dog to make this work, even if it means driving to the next suburb to walk him or finding someone to walk/jog with if it initially helps you to feel safe. He will handle being a backyard dog until you find a solution. Or find someone else to walk him until you can get some emotional help regarding your fears from the dog attack.

Best of luck, dont forget to come back in and tell us how you get on.

*Definately report the dog attack to council, these idiots need to be stopped.

[loveleroy]

Well after all the responses it seemed pretty unanimous (however you spell it!) that I should keep my dog and persevere with training. I had my parents look after my kids today and took him to my local dog training where I was going from when he was 6 months but I was missing heaps of weeks cause of difficulty juggling the kids. It took all my courage to go in the big off leash cage area with him and was nervous of some staffy x looking dogs but spoke to the owner and explained my fears and then an almighty fight broke out right at my feet with two dogs and then others wanted to join in, I just bolted and called my dog which luckily hes pretty well trained and came with me. I was petrified again but then did my class and went back in the off leash area with other working dogs and all was fine. So Im going to try and get a trainer here to maybe work with us so he's not chasing the kids and cat through the windows and obsessing over them and that will make me more confident with him around my kids. A neighbour brings her dog over for a play and I kick the ball each time I go out in the backyard for him for while and will build a bit of an obstacle course. Im also trying to get to the dog training park each week and try and organise babysitters after school to walk him in a better suburb. I realise I have to get over my fear so placing myself in the off leash cage is the first step and Im sure I will start to lose the fear that every dog is going to attack. Thanks all for your well meaning support and information.

[sas]

Well after all the responses it seemed pretty unanimous (however you spell it!) that I should keep my dog and persevere with training. I had my parents look after my kids today and took him to my local dog training where I was going from when he was 6 months but I was missing heaps of weeks cause of difficulty juggling the kids. It took all my courage to go in the big off leash cage area with him and was nervous of some staffy x looking dogs but spoke to the owner and explained my fears and then an almighty fight broke out right at my feet with two dogs and then others wanted to join in, I just bolted and called my dog which luckily hes pretty well trained and came with me. I was petrified again but then did my class and went back in the off leash area with other working dogs and all was fine. So Im going to try and get a trainer here to maybe work with us so he's not chasing the kids and cat through the windows and obsessing over them and that will make me more confident with him around my kids. A neighbour brings her dog over for a play and I kick the ball each time I go out in the backyard for him for while and will build a bit of an obstacle course. Im also trying to get to the dog training park each week and try and organise babysitters after school to walk him in a better suburb. I realise I have to get over my fear so placing myself in the off leash cage is the first step and Im sure I will start to lose the fear that every dog is going to attack. Thanks all for your well meaning support and information.

I really don't reccomend you take your dog to off lead areas if you're not confident in them, you're trying to build your confidence not shatter it.

[SmoothieGirl]

Maybe scrap the idea of the off leash area before and after training and just do the class, that's really where the benefit will be anyway. Then, like you already appear to be, have controlled off leash play with dogs you know and trust and keep the numbers small too. Large numbers of dogs off leash can work but its naturally a more highly charged situation.

Edited March 19, 2011 by SmoothieGirl

[Kavik]

I wouldn't go to the off leash area, as you have seen it is not the safest place and certainly not the best way to build your confidence. Better to stick with training classes where the dogs are controlled, and do your walks in on lead areas or quiet parks.

[Baby Dragon]

I may be over reacting, but for peace of mind, if your dog has bitten a child, I would put a muzzle on him if you take him out of your property, at least until you can have him properly assessed by a behaviourist and get their advice about it. And as others have said, no off leash areas. You want to build his and your confidence back up by taking him to quiet areas, and perhaps having another adult walking with you to tell other dogs to nick off if there are off leash dogs there.

Edited March 19, 2011 by Baby Dragon

[loveleroy]

there is often a trainer in there and only 6-7 dogs at a time, my dogs great at recall and most that go in there are sensible owners with non aggressive dogs, just like people i guess dogs dont have to like each other all the time and the owners and trainers are quick to pull up any dog showing aggression. thanks for your concern but i feel better about going in there than walking on the street in my area! plus im doing it for my dog as he really needs to let looose and have socialisation and exert his energy.

[loveleroy]

I may be over reacting, but for peace of mind, if your dog has bitten a child, I would put a muzzle on him if you take him out of your property, at least until you can have him properly assessed by a behaviourist and get their advice about it. And as others have said, no off leash areas. You want to build his and your confidence back up by taking him to quiet areas, and perhaps having another adult walking with you to tell other dogs to nick off if there are off leash dogs there.

i dont think it was intentional and there was no sound and no aggression, he does sometimes play bite if he gets revved up but can calm him and distract him very easily, he only just turned one. hes very good with my toddler and young child. i would want him to be able to defend himself so i wouldnt dream of muzzling him, it would also make others think hes visciuos which is so far from the truth, i wont be taking him to the school anymore as all the kids just wanted to pat him and tease him and when visitors are at my house i put him in the pool area. i prob will get a behaviorist/trainer but i dont think that is a huge issue and i may have overexaggerated it.

[Danielle]

Same thing happened to me with one of my toy poodles. Took him to school to pick up lili and all the kids crowded him wanting to pat him. I saw his body language change and he felt threatened. I asked the kids to please back off, they didn't, so I raised my voice and yelled "back off!". It took for me to yell at these kids before they would listen. If they hadn't moved away someone wouldve lost a finger as towards the end he was baring his teeth.

He is a great little dog but I thoroughly understand his feelings that day, having about 15 kids surrounding him and hands reaching down to touch him. I've never taken him back to school again as I don't want to put him thru it again.

My five year old daughter is very dog savvy, as I have taught her from a young age to respect the dogs personal space etc, but you can't guarantee other ppls kids r the same.

Best of luck. Glad uve decided to keep your beautiful boy.

[Kavik]

Well after all the responses it seemed pretty unanimous (however you spell it!) that I should keep my dog and persevere with training. I had my parents look after my kids today and took him to my local dog training where I was going from when he was 6 months but I was missing heaps of weeks cause of difficulty juggling the kids. It took all my courage to go in the big off leash cage area with him and was nervous of some staffy x looking dogs but spoke to the owner and explained my fears and then an almighty fight broke out right at my feet with two dogs and then others wanted to join in, I just bolted and called my dog which luckily hes pretty well trained and came with me. I was petrified again but then did my class and went back in the off leash area with other working dogs and all was fine. So Im going to try and get a trainer here to maybe work with us so he's not chasing the kids and cat through the windows and obsessing over them and that will make me more confident with him around my kids. A neighbour brings her dog over for a play and I kick the ball each time I go out in the backyard for him for while and will build a bit of an obstacle course. Im also trying to get to the dog training park each week and try and organise babysitters after school to walk him in a better suburb. I realise I have to get over my fear so placing myself in the off leash cage is the first step and Im sure I will start to lose the fear that every dog is going to attack. Thanks all for your well meaning support and information.

Your post above does not make the off leash area sound well managed No way would I be taking my dogs into an area where fights break out at your feet and other dogs want to join in!

[Erny]

I wouldn't go to the off leash area, as you have seen it is not the safest place and certainly not the best way to build your confidence. Better to stick with training classes where the dogs are controlled, and do your walks in on lead areas or quiet parks.

Ditto to this. Putting yourself and your dog in an uncontrolled environment is not (IMO) what your fear nor what your dog needs. Build your confidence by working with your dog in an environment where you know nothing bad is going to occur.

[loveleroy]

I wouldn't go to the off leash area, as you have seen it is not the safest place and certainly not the best way to build your confidence. Better to stick with training classes where the dogs are controlled, and do your walks in on lead areas or quiet parks.

Ditto to this. Putting yourself and your dog in an uncontrolled environment is not (IMO) what your fear nor what your dog needs. Build your confidence by working with your dog in an environment where you know nothing bad is going to occur.

what environment would this be considering i cant walk around my area or even the next three suburbs ive tried but encountered irresponible owners with dogs off lead in the streets or parks. With the leash free cage area i will wait till there are only owners with other working dogs and non macho breeds and theres never a problem and the dogs have a ball and get called back to thier owners every 90seconds. sorry but this will piss some people off but i have never encountered a staffy or staffy mix breed dog that hasnt showed aggression to other dogs down there and they terrify me the most so will always avoid them.