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Date Posted: 11:39:42 03/11/02 Mon
Author: Karen Peak
Subject: I was attacked yesterday...

Maureen asked me to post this account of hwat happened to me yesterday - horrid typing sorry - but you will undertand when yuo read it...

"I got attacked yesterday - could have been a lot worse than it was but as is, I have soft tissue damage to my hand and arm, muscle pulls to the back and shoulders and typing is not a serious option for longer periods. And the dog is one that I know cannot be worked with as the problem has gone on too long and the behavior has been exhibited since puppy-hood which indicates to me a hereditray predisposition. In the right hands could the dog have been worked with, maybe... don't know... The dog is in the wrong hands and the problem let go on for at least two years despite recommendations from two vets that the dog (one was when it was a pup) needs professional intervention... Owners had a zillion excuses why they did not seek help way back when maybe the problem was workable IF they were willing... Instead, they let it go...
Now, what happened???

Dog was brought to class. I had spoken with the owners prior to and did ask about any behavioral issues, etc... All they said was they needed to work on manners around other dogs and on social skills. No problems with people, just needed to work on skills around dogs and the dog had shown no aggression really - just barked at other dogs. OK, very common complaint I get. Easy to deal with in many cases...

Dog was first one there and we were fitting collars and dertiming what was teh best for wach dog. The dog showed some apprehension and barked at me when I approached. I stopped, relaxed the dog, fed it, the dog calmed and let me collar. The dog was bouncing and I was talking about manners with greeting and such and the dog jumped on me. I gave a calm but firm AHHHH AHHHH Off, I did not touch the dog just shuffled forward as I gave the command to help ease the dog off and the dog went from relaxed body language to ears pinned and grabbed my arm. Luckily, lots of layers and no broken skin. The dog was reluctant to release. I know how to handle a dog bite and I remained calm and we got the dog to release without resporting to physical force. Not fun...

Next bite was a few minutes into class. The dog was not having problems being around the other dogs at all. However, his owners could not get him to focus. I asked to take him (dog relaxed, tail wagging, ears held neutrally) and was showing them how to use a happy voice and food to get the dog's attention as opposed to leash corrections and yelling which the dog was ignoring. The dog was walkign on a nice, loose lead, relaxed, tail wagging, accepting treats and focusing well. I was bringing him back to his owners when he went to mount my leg, I gave a clam, firm verbal AHHH!AHHH! Off and again, suddenly, ears pinned, lips curled dog grabbed hold and was not going to let go. For safety, the dog was expelled from class with a recommendation (as well as phone number) for a behaviorist for a second opinion on the dog. But since the dog was also with a stranger and in a new place, I want a second opinion.

Now, owners called after class to see how I was. I found out THEN that they had been told the dog posed a problem a long time ago and they should have sought help then. They chose to let it go... After three warnings that I know of (and logs in vet records) they finally brought the dog to a class (too late) of course it was my class... And they did not give my vital information that I needed to know. I do not ask questions and ask for information just to hear myslef talk or to waste pen and paper - there is a reason I ask questions...

Well, dog is a serious liability in my opinion. After learning more about the background I feel there is a serious genetic predisposition here and that the dog should be put down for the safety of those around it. I called the vet clinic and the receptionist checked the dog's files and they made note of my recommendations of the behaviorist and a serious eval but I think the dog should be put down. I hope the vet calls me back but if not, they know and two students are employees of the sister clinic to the one that saw this dog so they know and are going to talk to the behaviorist on staff if needed and give her a heads up...

Dog with a predisposition and owners who ignored all warnings...

And I found out the hard way when the owners negelcted to tell me vital information! But gee, they thought the dog was "safe" with people though he had shown signs for years that were pointed out to the owners and they IGNORED IT!!!

Well must go...

And the dog was an Aussie (not sure of cattle dog or shepherd - the owner said both) and Dalmatian cross...

So, limited typing for a bit and lots of Tylenol and rest and pray the dog is taken care of before it kills a child... I really do not think the dog can be trained out as I really think there is a predisposition but hopefully they will call the behaviorist and all I can do is keep my fingers crossed...


PS - the sweetest critter in the class is a young pit... typical terrier but man what a difference when the dog is from a good source and in knowling hands..."

www.westwinddogtraining.com PWC VA

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