She Bit me!!! - Page 3 - Paw Talk

sara8 · #31 06-13-2007, 12:01 PM

I am so sorry to hear that. I really am no matter what people may have interpreted from my posts. I have a hard time trusting ANY dog that has bit. I have not trusted our beagle in years. I hope it doesn't cause to many problems for to long for you. Hopefully your husband will come around and see your point of view and next time include you in such an important decision.

samantha19899 · #32 06-13-2007, 12:34 PM

get a muzzle deffinatly. Biting is their only way of saying ouch get off me NOW and usually the bite isnt bad ive been bitten plenty of times. Shes new and shes confused dont let the word pit bull scare you any other ddog can do the same amount of damage as your girl. We wouldnt be racist over a different ethnic group because they look act smell different dont do it to dog. Get her into training ASAP

**Dragonrain** · #33 06-13-2007, 12:46 PM

I don't share the opinions that just because a dog has a biting incident means it will necessarily repeat it. I think most dogs deserve a second chance. Aggression is usually provoked. If you made someone mad, and they did something to hurt you, you wouldn't automatically consider them a hopeless cause and say they don't belong. Or at least I wouldn't - I would analyze the situation and maybe look into training and maybe try to figure out what I"M doing wrong. It's my opinion that problem pets are caused by problem people.

With all that being said - You definatly have the right to feel safe in your own home and if you don't feel safe with the dog there, then you should get rid of her for your own good and hers. Hopefully she will find a new home with someone who isn't as intimidated by her and can help her work out any issues she may have. It doesn't seem like your husband completly trusts her either by his reaction to her when she barked at you. He shouldn't have brought her home without consulting you first, and if the dog is making you feel uncomfortable then he should respect your feelings and find her a new home.

CHERYL2121 · #34 06-13-2007, 01:54 PM

**UPDATE**

Man oh man, I hope I don't regret this. My husband pleaded with me to give her more time! It's funny him, me, and all of you - we all have very valid reasons to feel I should give her another chance, and not too. I was crying on the phone with him going through this cause I do feel bad! I do like her, but I do fear her. He promised that together we will worl with her all weekend so I can really see the dimond in the rough I guess you can say. He swore that the shelter workers assured him shes an awesome dog! Maybe shes just unsettled still? Maybe shes nervouse as to shes never been around cats as far as I can see?? Whatever I agreed to give her more time, please say a payer for us! I forget who said it, but maybe she will be that awesome dog I always wanted.

I'll keep yas all posted.

Tiff & Jerry · #35 06-13-2007, 02:21 PM

Don't worry, as long as your ok, the dog probably forgot about it by now, they live in the moment, she won't hold it against you, I know how you feel when you love your little dog like a baby and it gets upset and does something to make you scared. She isn't holding it against you so I would not worry...dogs get scared and that is how they know to defend themselves, just be careful and show her your not going to hurt her.

sara8 · #36 06-13-2007, 03:14 PM

I would call a behaviorist or if you can't afford one check out some good books from the library that could help you along with her training. I am sure people on this forum could give the names of some well respected behaviorists who have books out. I know Amber really likes Ian Dunbar, you could pm her and see what she thinks. Good Luck, you guys will be in my thoughts

CHERYL2121 · #37 06-13-2007, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sara8


	I would call a behaviorist or if you can't afford one check out some good books from the library that could help you along with her training. I am sure people on this forum could give the names of some well respected behaviorists who have books out. I know Amber really likes Ian Dunbar, you could pm her and see what she thinks. Good Luck, you guys will be in my thoughts

Definitely!!!! I don't have much $$$ but if the hubby wants her so badly he can do some over time!!!

I was just thinking though - besides the fact that she may not do well with other animals, wouldn't the shelter have already made sure she doesn't have behavioral problems?? Like don't they test to see if a dog is gonna be a tempermental dog first?? Or am I just fooling myself?

sara8 · #38 06-13-2007, 03:37 PM

That was one of my questions in one of my posts. Some rescues test and some don't. I was just curious what the people who worked at the shelter were basing that she is an awsome dog off of?? You said it was mainly teenagers that said this? Do they have alot of experience and knowledge about dogs or are they just basing it off the time they spent with her there?? I would say if you can swing it I would go the behaviorist route. I think it would make you feel alot better.

HappyDancer · #39 06-13-2007, 04:36 PM

When Lady was a year old she bite Ashley unprovoked...to say I was worried would be an understatment...I took her to the vet, we enrolled he in obedience school and took her to a behavioralist...she has never done it again and shes an amazing girl who is sweet, kind and loving...but for that one moment we had to decide what to do as well...and after alot of thought and medical help we kept her and I am so so so glad we did, but had there been a second time I would have not kept her...

I hope all is well in the end...gotta love happy endings

Leo · #40 06-13-2007, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHERYL2121


	Definitely!!!! I don't have much $$$ but if the hubby wants her so badly he can do some over time!!! I was just thinking though - besides the fact that she may not do well with other animals, wouldn't the shelter have already made sure she doesn't have behavioral problems?? Like don't they test to see if a dog is gonna be a tempermental dog first?? Or am I just fooling myself?

Not all rescues do temperament testing... and of the ones that do not all of them do it correctly, because most rescues don't have the resources to hire a private animal behaviorist to spend the time it would take to properly evaluate a dog.

I would call the rescue and see what resources they might have to offer you, perhaps they know of a place that offers discounted OB lessons for people that rescue from them. Or they might even have a little of her history to share with you so you at least have some idea about her. Has she ever been adopted before? if so why was she returned? Why was she surrendered in the first place or was she just a stray? These are answers they should be able to provide you.

It is also possible that they might have said she was a really sweet dog, just to get her a home. Sadly some rescues are more about just getting the dog a new home, instead of taking the time to find them the right home. I also find it odd that they let your husband bring her home without at least doing a home check, vet check, reference check and especially without talking to you first. That is standard procedure with most rescues.

The most important thing if you keep her is to not show her you are afraid of her at all or you will have problems in the long run.

I would take her to your vet and get her temperament evaluated there, and do an examination to rule out any medical reasons for biting you.

Vanilla_Rat · #41 06-13-2007, 10:28 PM

I hope things work out.

CHERYL2121 · #42 06-14-2007, 09:37 AM

Thanks everyone! Leo, I did get some back ground on her which baffled me a bit if she was such a good dog - but then again ppl lie.

The last owner adopted her from the same shelter when shes was 2, he had her for about 3 years. He said that she is trust worthy to leave in the house, shy, quiet, takes her treats gently, loves attention, barks only when someone is at the door. Reason for giving her up- plays rough with other dog who was a Pit.

Last night we took her together for a walk and played outside, and my husband could see that I really was a bit stressed about the situation still. SO he said you know what to keep you happy I will bring her back. And I felt relieved. I found out that my neighbor had the nerve to say "I don't like them dogs"!! Then I sat there thinking, how unfair for her. Then I started playing with her and really started to open up to her I guess you can say and I said No I want to keep trying to work with her! She is awesome!! Shes so sweet I bent down to look for her bone under the couch and she licked my feet!!

Then she rolled over and gave me her belly and we cuddled.

Today we are calling our vet to check her out, and we are also calling the shelter to find out where we can go to evaluate her behavior more, and get more tips about her getting comfortable with the cats. I still can't let her walk free in the house because of the cats.

Funny how I just needed to feel that my husband respected my feeling and was on the same page as me for me to really try to be open minded and put myself out there.

Jennicat · #43 06-14-2007, 10:24 AM

That's good to hear. I truly think that your dog is a sweet dog, but that the timing of the incidences was bad. I think the first time she was hurt/surprised, and the second time she was being a typical dog (we used to have a cocker spaniel that would try to maul the vacuum cleaner... I've never had a dog yet that wouldn't bark/growl at one).

sara8 · #44 06-14-2007, 10:39 AM

I hope it all works out wonderfully for you guys. My feet are so ticklelish when the dogs try to lick them I go through the roof

Don't ya just love it when they flip over like "rub my belly"??

mulder · #45 06-15-2007, 01:39 PM

i wouldn't worry about it. growing up, my rotty did that to me once and i deserved it. they tell you what they do and don't like, just like people. just trust her as she trusts you. she didn't intend to hurt you, cause she definitley could have. just be patient and more careful whiel brushing, talk sweetly to her and it'll be fine