poodlefan Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 (edited) I'll give you some advice from a very experienced American shelter manager that really resonated with me. 1. Don't make excuses for this dog. Deal with the behaviour. It doesn't matter that she's in a new home or overwhelmed. You are dealing with aggression and that is one behaviour that in my book ALWAYS requires a very experienced analysis of the dog. Some posters have settled one one possible explanation for the behaviour. There are others and only a very experienced dog professional can tell you what you're actually dealing with. 2. Breed doesn't matter. Deal with the dog in front of you. Yes, BCs can be more prone to some behaviours than others but writing her reactions off as a "Border Collie" thing is not wise. Border Collies ( and dogs of any other breed) don't come out of a cookie cutter and their socialisation, training and environment matter just as much as their breed in explaining behaviour. Vickie is right. Stop feeling sorry for her, give her some security in routine and boundaries and get some professional help. The consequences of reading this dog wrong can be expensive or fatal to your pets. If she attacks another dog in public, you'll be in for a world of hurt. I think its great that you took this dog on but I really doubt that the previous owners assurances that she is "usually great with other dogs" are on the level. BE CAREFUL!! Edited May 2, 2011 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inspired1 Posted May 2, 2011 Author Share Posted May 2, 2011 (edited) Nekhbet, thanks for the advice. I am aware that things we may be doing may be wrong for Bindi and be making it harder for her to cope with the situation. I will be seeking the help of someone locally if at all possible, as obviously I don't want to cause or worsen behaviours. I'll be calling the local animal welfare group today Edited May 2, 2011 by Inspired1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inspired1 Posted May 2, 2011 Author Share Posted May 2, 2011 Poodlefan, thanks for that, yes you are right! Aggression does concern me which is why I'll be seeking help for her or rehoming her to someone who can work with her I don't want to put us, our animals or anyone elses animals at risk, I am honest in saying I've not had any experience with a dog like this before. I can assure you I'm keeping her leashed and seperated where she cannot hurt herself or the other animals, and I've told the kids to speak firmly and nice to her with a nice pat, but not to get down at her level and not without me as I'm aware if another animal is near and she doesn't like it, obviously the bad could happen. I will be passing her onto someone else and will work out who that will be today hopefully, and will let her previous owners know too. I do understand the gravity and that's why I came here, we obviously don't have a good environment and I feel she does still deserve to go to someone who can work with her to really understand her and professionally know how to deal with her. Thanks everyone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 we obviously don't have a good environment I wouldn't say that at all.. it's more that this dog is more than you are equipped to assess/handle- and she needs to be properly surrendered/assessed/dealt with...and not 'rehomed' Just now make sure that she is legally yours to pass on/surrender! You did this with the right intentions ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inspired1 Posted May 2, 2011 Author Share Posted May 2, 2011 we obviously don't have a good environment I wouldn't say that at all.. it's more that this dog is more than you are equipped to assess/handle- and she needs to be properly surrendered/assessed/dealt with...and not 'rehomed' Just now make sure that she is legally yours to pass on/surrender! You did this with the right intentions ... Thanks persephone, yes I'll be checking with the old owners first to see that they are ok with me passing her on. I haven't changed her registration obvously as we only got her yesterday afternoon and I'll pass her old owners details onto whoever ends up taking her as they will probably want to ask questions about her past I am guessing. I am feeling like a bit of a failure, and my husband says "she'll be right she just needs time" that very well could be the case, but I really think she needs to be somewhere who can offer her a more regulated environment and really work with her etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inspired1 Posted May 2, 2011 Author Share Posted May 2, 2011 Just spoke to Bindi's old "mum" and she's coming to pick her up this afternoon, I do still feel like a bit of a failure, but this environment/our lifestyle and skills is not quite right for Bindi. Hopefully they can find someone to help her out. Thanks so much everyone for your advice, and I've learnt a really big lesson here about fostering and/or introducing a dog into our home. Right now I am feeling so so much more in awe of our amazingly handsome, well mannered boy, realised just how wonderful he is, even though I knew it before Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 (edited) Just spoke to Bindi's old "mum" and she's coming to pick her up this afternoon, I do still feel like a bit of a failure, but this environment/our lifestyle and skills is not quite right for Bindi.Hopefully they can find someone to help her out. Thanks so much everyone for your advice, and I've learnt a really big lesson here about fostering and/or introducing a dog into our home. Right now I am feeling so so much more in awe of our amazingly handsome, well mannered boy, realised just how wonderful he is, even though I knew it before Think of it also as the dog not being right for your home. It's a mismatch and my guess is that if Bindi goes anywhere, its best she go as an only dog. She's clearly not feeling happy or secure with you now. Hey, you tried. But if the dog and you are stressed, best to make other arrangements. My guess is you might hear a slightly different tale from the owner when she pick the dog up. Edited May 3, 2011 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 I hope the owners are sensible ,and do NOT now advertise her as 'free to good home' I feel it is likely, seeing as now they know/think she could be a problem... and I think you said she is not desexed? :/ You did what you could ,and need to keep your pets/kids safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 Maybe the owners need to realise it's their responsibility to step up and train their dog if they want it to have a chance of a decent home and not just another untrained herder on death row at the pound. Everyone is right though, it's not you're fault about this dog. We all have our limitations and your family and animals always should come first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 Well I can say that she's WONDERFUL with people and kids, but she still tries to attack our boy, as well as the pig and the rabbit.I get the feeling maybe she's not as socialised as they thought. I wouldn't expect any visiting dog to be good with a pig or a rabbit. I have resigned myself to the fact that any future dogs will have to be from pups as I have other animals here that would just be too tempting to an adult dog. Good on you for trying anyway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluecollie Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 Here's hoping that your good heart has at least brought to the owners attention some behavioural problems that they will now work with themselves.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BMAK Posted May 6, 2011 Share Posted May 6, 2011 (edited) buy a muzzle for the dog that way no harm can be done to your other dog. they way they can also get use to each other in the same area. Edited May 6, 2011 by BMAK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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