Wake up Call - Are you failing your dog?

[spoteet]

Sorry to hear about your bite wound, sounds nasty Even more sorry to hear about this poor dog that is destined to be killed.

[rottnelmo]

I am so sorry this happened to you and without warning. Hopefully you will heal quickly....you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I totally agree with your post and agree it should be a sticky. Fantastic insights. I was bitten a couple months ago by a dog whose owner had failed him...not as badly as your bite sounds though.

Also, Elmo is weak nerved, but I have learned to manage it and him that we would never have a "fear" bite. That is part of learning your dog and how to do right by them. I feel sorry for the dog and for the man that is clueless, vain enough to only want "pretty" dogs...from what it sounds.

Originally Posted by poohbearsmom

and because his interests heavily lie in the conformation of his dogs, rather than the whole package

Speedy recovery!!!

[jas'smom]

I am very sorry this had to happen to you I realize you did not write the post to enlist sympathy but you have mine anyway and best wishes for a quick recovery!!!!!

I totally agree with your post. I have learned through years of animal ownership and the generous advise and postings of this site that the responcibilities of having a dog of the working breed, or for that matter any breed, does not stop at food, water, shelter. Thank you for posting this so that all of us can stop and take stock.

[Birdie'sMom]

Wow! What a great message and reminder. This should be a sticky so that everyone who comes here can read and learn from this example.

I'm sorry to hear that you got bitten! Hope it heals fast.

[babybluetx23]

WOW! I am SO sorry to hear of your Terrible Ordeal! I too am a victim of someone elses negligance and unwillingness to take the time needed to spend with her dog. Fortunatly my wounds were NO WHERE near yours.
This NEEDS to be a sticky. This is a wonderfully written article

Sending healing thoughts your way for sure!

[LynnS]

Elisabeth

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. I can imagine the emotions involved in this situation are complicated......

Wonderful post and one that many, even experienced breeders, should take to heart. It is very unfortunate (and potentially very dangerous) that some owners/breeders can not be objective in evaluating their dogs temperment and take appropriate actions based on that knowledge. It blows my mind the number of times I have seen someone gloss over a series of incidents that should raise huge red flags. I have also met way too many people with too many dogs on their hands who can not provide the needed socialization and training.

[Cassandra]

Originally Posted by poohbearsmom

Thanks for the kind thoughts everyone...

Cassandra..
There had been NO training, to speak of. That's part of the problem. Combine that with weak nerve, and very little socialization, and that's the recipe for disaster that I've spelled out here.

In my case, I was attacked by a "very well trained" guard dog. At least he was well trained according to what the owner wanted from the dog. He was being walked on leash by someone that should not have been handling a dog and I was passing him on the sidewalk. The dog grabbed me by the chest without any warning or provocation. How was I to know that the person and dog calmly walking down the street towards me was something to be feared. I was not afraid of the dog coming towards me and was completely taken by surprise. I didn't do anything out of the ordinary to have this dog do to me what he did. I had just glanced at the person and dog and was trying to keep on walking without even a thought that there would be a problem.

Like you mentioned, training needs to take into account the entire package: the animals needs and not just the goals of the owner.

[Joette]

PBM: Just read this - so sorry you were a victim so needlessly. I hope you recover quickly in all respects.

I agree with those who said this should be a sticky. I remind myself and my daughter daily of the responsiblity and liability associated with Titan and Gretta living in my home and to love them, is to bear full responsibility for their socialization, training, management, etc. I would be devastated if something happened to someone else because I was negligent in my responsiblity to my dogs.

I have to laugh to myself sometimes because many people we know do not understand why Titan and Gretta can't just be outside in the back yard during the day while I am at work. The yard is completely fenced with a 6 foot privacy fence, and most don't understand why I crate them instead of allowing them to just run outdoors during the day. To me, that is simply a recipe for disaster and good solid socialization and dependable consistent manners are mandatory at our house. I kinda got off topic there a little, but I think you have my general drift.

[Squeaky2004]

Sorry to hear about your wounds, sending good thoughts your way for a speedy recovery. Very good post though, and very nicely put.

[hcelsa]

Excellent post! A great reminder to anyone that chooses to own a large working breed, and at the cost of much pain for you. Here's to a speedy recovery.

The following quote from your post should be impressed on anyone considering a Rottweiler puppy!

Originally posted by Poohbearsmom....
If you choose not to take the necesary time out of your life to devote to your Rottweiler, then don't have one. The responsibility that comes with owning a dog from the Working Group is so immense and the liability involved is even greater. Don't be a statistic.

[Jaegergirl]

excellent post.

i'm so sorry to hear of your injuries and hope you have a speedy recovery.

[tilerspop]

I too agree, this is an excellent post and should be a sticky. It has also made me re-evaluate me own situations.

I wish you a speedy and comfortable recovery.

[ILoveRotts]

I'm sorry to hear about your injury. I hope it turns out to be no serious damage.

Thanks for posting. I think it is a good reminder.

[moondog]

Sheesh...... It's a good thing you were paying attention, it could have cost you your face if you hadn't been. I hope your recovery will be speedy and complete.

You know, it's not always a matter of ignorance, sometimes it's conscious neglect....some people just don't care. The neighbors across the street from me have a Mal that they do NOTHING with. He lives in the yard and is the most neurotic dog I've ever seen......has what looks like a chronic colitis and spends his day pacing, spinning, and charging at passersby through a wrought iron fence. He's in a constant state of stress. He's dog tolerant and people aggressive, which is just what they want to "protect their property". I've seen people jump into the street and mothers grab their kids when they are ambushed at the fence by him. When anything is brought up to the owners, their stock reply is "Oh, yeah, he's a lawsuit just waiting to happen." They don't care. They even seem proud of it. Until he actually injures someone, animal control can't take any action. So the dog lives on, with a head full of demons.

[MontanaRott]

Pooh I am sickened by what happened to you. This is a powerful read and a real wake up call for anyone who choses to own a dog. Thank you for sharing this most important message. Healing thoughts are being sent your way.