Dog Community

Dog Attack

Posted : 6/1/2006 12:38:28 PM

My bf's dog is a Australian Sheperd/Terrier mix. He is about 3 years old and is a male. He is very territorial. I have known him for a little over a year now. I am such a dog lover and have grown up with dogs all my life. But for the past couple of months his dog has snipped at me and not wanted to be around me. I have always been loving and nice to the dog because he was such a good dog. But about a week ago while I was petting him, he snipped at me out of no where. When I said something to my bf, he was surprised because he had never seen him do that to anyone before. But he pushed it off as a one time thing. Then two days ago while I was visiting, my bf ran to the store and I was out back with the dogs when his dog turned on me. He came right towards me with his hair raised, teeth showing, growling ferousciously and snipping at me. I stood there and after a few seconds, it stopped. Then he started doing it all over again and came very close to biting me and also lunging towards me. I opened the door to the house and he ran in and got in his cage. I told my bf and he again didnt want to believe it and pushed it off as a one time thing but told me to stay away from him. The following day I was there and avoided the dog completely. My bf was in the backyard with the other two dogs when I walked in from my car. I did not know that his dog was in the house and he greeted me like usual. Really nice and loving. After a few minutes, I heard him growling like the day before and turned around and he had his hair raised with his teeth showing. I was on the steps and when he lunged at me I lost my footing on the steps and slid. That gave him the opportunity to bite me on the shoulder. He quit once he heard the back door opening and my bf walking in. My bf once again did not see it and did not seem to want to believe it. He was making excuses like he would work with him and seemed to come up with every excuse under the moon. I guess I am really scared of what this dog could do to me or anyone else. What should be done? Please help and give me advice! How do I apporach this situation with mym bf? Thanks so much!!! Ashley

cakana

Posted : 6/1/2006 12:50:35 PM

I sure don't blame you for feeling nervous around this dog and I'd avoid any interaction unless your boyfriend is there (not outside or anywhere else). Is the dog neutered? Do you have dogs of your own that he might be smelling. It seems like he generally likes you but then becomes fearful of you and turns aggressive. I can't imagine why, based on the description you gave, but maybe someone else will be along who can offer more suggestions.

spiritdogs

Posted : 6/1/2006 8:55:01 PM

This is a situation that should probably be addressed by a professional.
If your BF is unwilling to believe there's a problem, then, like the guy on Oprah says, "he just ain't that in to you". You could always try to find a guy with a mellow dog LOL..
.[sm=devil.gif]

Firestorm

Posted : 6/2/2006 1:23:07 PM

The dog didn't leave any marks on you? THat would have given "non believer bf" reason to believe you. I am sorry that you have a problem with an agressive dog. Has anything changed in your life as far as being around other dogs or animals? I would avoid this dog.

HofmannGestalt

Posted : 6/4/2006 1:09:41 AM

Have the dog see a vet asap, then ask him to refer you to a pro behaviorist, if he sees no physical cause.

pb_n_chocolate

Posted : 6/5/2006 9:05:30 PM

Hmmm... thats a very uncomfortable situation but your bf is STUPID! like i would say like what the ....sorry but how can he basically take sides with his psycho dog and not you??? gggezz.

Does he have sensitive areas when you pet him,....some dogs will react that way...

How did you react when he bascially attacked you?
I really dont know what to say..but ive known dogs that are super protective ot there owners and will do anything to keep them to thereself.

You have to show that this behavoir is very unacceptable. But not in a forcefull way. Does your bf only feed the dog? because in my expiernce 99% of dogs will behave when there is the nicest treats around. Try feeding the dog but makesure he sees its coming from you. You need to be the top dog because he is treting you as subordinate!

But remember to be careful especially since he's "taken advantage of you" already so it will be harder to become his superior!

BEST WISHES THO keep us posted!!

Jeffrey Feldman

Posted : 6/5/2006 9:31:57 PM

Wow. If I knew that my dog had been physically aggressive with my girlfriend or any one else for that matter it would be my number one priority to resolve the problem. Your boyfriend needs to take responsibility for this situation. I'm going to guess that the reason your boyfriend has not seen this behavior before is that his dog sees him as the pack leader. When he leaves his dog takes a shot at being the alpha in the pack. I'd suggest that you guys work on making the dog see you as above him in the pecking order. I don't feel qualified to make a whole lot of suggestions as to how to do that, but its your boyfriend's job to figure this out. It's his dog... his responsibility. You might consider walking this dog on a regular basis making sure that it stays under your lead the whole time. Also, I'm no expert on NILF training, but this sounds like it might be something to consider. There seems to be loads of folks on this site that have loads of experience with it. Type "NILF" in the search.