Backyard aggression

• 09-24-2009 11:17 AM

  In reply to BEVOLASVEGAS

  glenmar Joined on 09-10-2007 The Florida Panhandle Posts 14,275 Points 430	Re: Backyard aggression Reply Contact This is such a perfect example Amanda.  Thanks for posting it. A house without fur is not a home. Glenda ,
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• 09-24-2009 12:54 PM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  Bruister Joined on 09-19-2009 British Columbia, Canada Posts 178 Points 35

  Re: Backyard aggression Reply Contact Spiritdogs:  Firstly, we are not talking about an unknown dog here and secondly the dog is not doing what it is doing out of fear.  You seem to be implying that I would grab my dog and commit some kind of aggression which I would not. None of my dogs (or anyone else's) have ever been hit or shaken by me. To insult me by saying that my dog is a "poor thing" is ridiculous.  He is a happy little guy that reads me like a book and I read him like a book so we don't have to do a lot of anything except hang out together. I will concede here though because it is not helpful to anyone.  I appreciate your quote by Chief Dan George.   Say No To Breed Specific Legislation...

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• 09-24-2009 1:27 PM

  In reply to Bruister

  glenmar Joined on 09-10-2007 The Florida Panhandle Posts 14,275 Points 430

  Re: Backyard aggression Reply Contact Ever had a book that really threw you for a loop??  Sudden, unexpected change of direction? I think that Anne's point was that they are DOGS, first, last and always and not always 100% perdictable. I've repeatedly made the point to my family that while the dogs SEEM to get along great with the duck, they are still dogs.  DS made the mistake of taking her out of her crate (long story, but she's disabled) to go out for her swim, and one of the boys took a mouth full of feathers out of her backside.  Not something I would have expected, but, he IS a dog, and as such, not totally predictable. A house without fur is not a home. Glenda ,

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• 09-24-2009 8:33 PM

  In reply to glenmar

  Bruister Joined on 09-19-2009 British Columbia, Canada Posts 178 Points 35

  Re: Backyard aggression Reply Contact glenmar: Ever had a book that really threw you for a loop??  Sudden, unexpected change of direction? I think that Anne's point was that they are DOGS, first, last and always and not always 100% perdictable. I've repeatedly made the point to my family that while the dogs SEEM to get along great with the duck, they are still dogs.  DS made the mistake of taking her out of her crate (long story, but she's disabled) to go out for her swim, and one of the boys took a mouth full of feathers out of her backside.  Not something I would have expected, but, he IS a dog, and as such, not totally predictable.   Thanks, glenmar,  for the analogy. Yes, books and movies can throw us for a loop, but I have to say that with dogs I always expect the unexpected.  At the same time, I understand why some folks have reacted to my posts.  spiritdogs (anne?) has suggested that I would grab my dog over his head.  I would not do that.  When it was necessary to stop him in his tracks, I would go from underneath his chin, hold him steady and then talk to him like the buddy he is. I have worked with rescues for about twenty years now.  The most challenging dog of my own was the Rottie.... i thought it was going to be the Pit Bull, but not so.  Once he knew he was safe and belonged, he was an angel boy to work with.  He just relaxed and gave and gave.  I honestly and truly believe that spirit dogs quote from Chief Dan George is the truest way possible.  Maybe we should do some work around what the Chief meant. I have some experience with dogs, horses, bears, eagles and a couple of squirrels...lived in the bush for a few years. The person I would most like to appeal to here is the original poster.  I am so sorry if this became uncomfortable for you. This is a great site with many knowledgeable folks.  Hope you and your lad are doing well. Say No To Breed Specific Legislation...

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• 09-25-2009 7:05 AM

  In reply to Bruister

  spiritdogs Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 12,438 Points 1,045

  Re: Backyard aggression Reply Contact  Bruister, there's much wisdom to be gained from the elders.  I placed that quote in my signature because I truly believe that all animals have a language, and that we humans are arrogant fools if we do not attempt to understand them as much as they try to understand us.  I don't regard animals as subordinates - maybe that's why punishing them for just being them is so offensive to me - I believe it's better to *explain* how I wish to be greeted rather than just telling the dog that his way is not acceptable.  Sort of the same way you might explain to another person that the customs in your land are different from theirs;-) Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program AKC CGC Evaluator #3669 Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer Sioux, CGC, TDInc. Maska, CGC, TDInc. Sequoyah, CGC Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog Fergie (1989-2010) RIP my little bugaboo In memory of Mike, please become an organ donor today. "If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz

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• 09-25-2009 8:50 AM

  In reply to BEVOLASVEGAS

  BlackLabbie Joined on 01-28-2008 South of Boston Posts 3,380 Points 280

  Re: Backyard aggression Reply Contact BEVOLASVEGAS: Two weeks ago one of my dogs attacked someone.  The attack was warranted, as the person was looking to harm me.  After the police arrived, I tried to pull my dog off of the man.  Stupidly, I grabbed my boy's collar to try to remove him from the guy's face.  I got my dog loose, but in the process he redirected & chewed on my arm.  I had nine deep punctures on my hand & arm, along with a broken arm due to my dog's redirection.  I'm not upset with him in the least.  It was totally my fault that he bit me.  I know better than to grab a collar on a dog that is worked up, yet for some reason I didn't use my head & grab his leash. OT....OMG- Are you OK?!! Did I miss something? What the heck happend? -Stephanie Apollo- black Labrador Retriever Molson- buff American Cocker Spaniel Patty- black American Cocker Spaniel "Q: If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? A: A dog, so my wife would love me more." -Oscar De La Renta

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• 09-25-2009 8:54 AM

  In reply to BlackLabbie

  iluvjamison Joined on 09-17-2007 NJ Posts 1,911 Points 5	Re: Backyard aggression Reply Contact BlackLabbie: What the heck happend?   Short answer?? Amanda & Brutus - 1 Strange Stalker Dude - 0   Deb W. My Beagle Boy - Jamison
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• 09-25-2009 9:33 AM

  In reply to iluvjamison

  BlackLabbie Joined on 01-28-2008 South of Boston Posts 3,380 Points 280

  Re: Backyard aggression Reply Contact iluvjamison: BlackLabbie: What the heck happend? Short answer?? Amanda & Brutus - 1 Strange Stalker Dude - 0   Deb W. Wow, scary!!! Way to protect your Mom, Brutus! -Stephanie Apollo- black Labrador Retriever Molson- buff American Cocker Spaniel Patty- black American Cocker Spaniel "Q: If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? A: A dog, so my wife would love me more." -Oscar De La Renta

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• 09-25-2009 11:31 AM

  In reply to BlackLabbie

  BEVOLASVEGAS Joined on 07-11-2006 Texas Posts 9,280 Points 990	Re: Backyard aggression Reply Contact Thanks for the explanation, Deb! Amanda Tact is for people who aren't witty enough to use sarcasm. Seize hold of the moment and begin the journey, wherever you are on the path, however many times you have faltered, begin again. - Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
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• 09-25-2009 11:34 AM

  In reply to BEVOLASVEGAS

  iluvjamison Joined on 09-17-2007 NJ Posts 1,911 Points 5	Re: Backyard aggression Reply Contact BEVOLASVEGAS: Thanks for the explanation, Deb!   Least I could do.   Deb W. My Beagle Boy - Jamison
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• 09-25-2009 2:54 PM

  In reply to Bruister

  denise m Joined on 12-06-2006 Toronto Canada Posts 1,704 Points 250

  Re: Backyard aggression Reply Contact Bruister:   tiffy:  IMO, grabbing a dogs collar is a no-no.Make him drag a leash or a long line, so you can control the unwanted behavior. A long leash doesn't even register with a large dog that needs to be subdued...the dog needs to be controlled immediately.  We are  talking about controlling a 75 pound dog that is jumping on the owner's back .... what does dragging a long leash do?  Tiffy - I agree Bruister - I agree   The thing is in an ideal world having a long lead to grab onto would be a lot safer than putting your hand near an out of control dog. I guess if you had a dog that you didn't or couldn't trust a line should be a staple apparel. In the real world however, we are often taken by surprise with such behaviour and we don't have that line on. On a few occasions I have had to reach in a grab a dog who is fighting. Risky? Yes, but at the time necessary.

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• 09-27-2009 8:23 PM

  In reply to denise m

  MalOwner Joined on 09-19-2009 Columbia, MO Posts 20 Points 10

  Re: Backyard aggression Reply Contact Hey all!  So I finally have an update -- Hugo and I were out in the backyard a couple of days ago and he started to come at me like he was going to jump on me.  I immediately crouched down, held my arms out and gave him a firm "NO".  Amazingly, it seemed to work!  I'm not sure if he was just confused, but he did not jump on me after that, and I even got him into a sit.  Sooo, hopefully this will continue to work!  Thanks everyone for all the suggestions -- you have been super helpful.  I love my boy, and I just want him to be the best dog he can be!   But you can keep the suggestions coming -- switching up tactics might also be helpful, too!

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• 09-27-2009 8:51 PM

  In reply to MalOwner

  denise m Joined on 12-06-2006 Toronto Canada Posts 1,704 Points 250	Re: Backyard aggression Reply Contact Good News! Sounds simple enough.
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• 10-01-2009 10:15 PM

  In reply to MalOwner

  Bruister Joined on 09-19-2009 British Columbia, Canada Posts 178 Points 35

  Re: Backyard aggression Reply Contact MalOwner: Hey all!  So I finally have an update -- Hugo and I were out in the backyard a couple of days ago and he started to come at me like he was going to jump on me.  I immediately crouched down, held my arms out and gave him a firm "NO".  Amazingly, it seemed to work!  Thanks everyone for all the suggestions -- you have been super helpful.  I love my boy, and I just want him to be the best dog he can be!   But you can keep the suggestions coming -- switching up tactics might also be helpful, too!    Congrats, Malowner....you have already switched up the tactics (with love and kindness) and it worked.   As long as you remain cautious, you will be able to switch down the tactics, which is the goal. It is all about knowing our dogs and our dogs knowing us thus setting boundaries.  Thanks for the update.  Say No To Breed Specific Legislation...

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