Wake up Call - Are you failing your dog?

[poohbearsmom]

For those of you who are relatively "new" to dogs, and for those of you who aren't - I am sharing the following information with you - not for your sympathy, but to encourage you to step back, and truly take stock of your relationship with your dog; what steps do you earnestly take to understand canine behavior, temperament weaknesses, and the repercussions of not taking full responsibility in rearing and keeping a working dog properly.

3 days ago, I was attacked and bitten by a dog belonging to the Working Group. (NOT A ROTTWEILER). The injury I sustained is quite serious, and will require months of healing, and months of chronic pain. Thankfully, the dog did no damage to tendons, ligaments, arteries, or nerves - however, the wound measures over 11 inches long, and 6 inches wide, and it's up to an inch deep in places, and will likely require reconstructive surgery and skin grafting... Enough about me...

This dog is of a breed which has been developed as a guard dog - with very defensive temperament characteristics. This dog was not socialized enough as a puppy, and lives the life of a kennel dog (which there is nothing wrong with, as long as the dog receives adequate time and attention and training)...His schedule usually consists of living in the kennel, then out to the yard with kennel mates a few times a day, but receives very little human contact, save for being fed and groomed. Essentially, he and his kennel mates are tuned into dogs more than humans. The only warning I had of the impending bite - I saw the dog stiffen - no growl, no barring of teeth, just a slight posture and Whammo.. I had no time to get out of the way.. only time to bring my arm up to protect my face.

This dog was tested at our training field last year, for prey drive, to see if he would be easily worked... the dog was fearful of the tug, even when we put it on a very long line. This should have been a big wake up call to his owner. Red Flag City... it was not taken in that light.

So, basicly, what we have here is a dog bred to be a defensive guard dog, who is of weak temperament, and somewhat fearful....Because of the style of upbringing this dog received... Because his owner rarely took the time to work on the mental development of his dog.... Because this man ignored (or was completely oblivious to) body language and warnings the dog had given me before (this dog has bristled and postured at me since he was around a year of age - he's now 3).... and because his interests heavily lie in the conformation of his dogs, rather than the whole package, this man set this dog up for failure from the beginning. The dog didn't stand a chance in this environment.

Folks, I implore you to educate yourself. I implore you to not make excuses for not attending training classes. Read books on behavior, and LEARN about this animal you've brought into, or are bringing into your life. The impact on the lives of me, the man who owned this dog, my husband, my employer, (the list goes on) is immense - and all because this man did not deem it important to deal with the "whole" dog.

He FAILED his dog. And in turn, his dog FAILED.

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.

[SABELLESMOM]

Oh Elizabeth! I'm so sorry for your injury. I'll be thinking of you often over the healing time. Best wishes for an uneventful recovery.

Loved your comments and insights. It was definately a good read and everyone should take these words to heart. This forum is one of the best places to educate myself about my dog/breed and the responsibility that goes with owning a working dog. Thank you.

PS: There's ALWAYS something left to learn, I believe.

[sophie's-mom]

Elisabeth!

That is DEFINITELY a call that needs addressing!

Thanks for the post......HOPEFULLY someone will read and heed!!!

Sorry that happened to you!

[damp]

Very powerful message Pooh!!!

My best wishes for a speedy recovery!!!!

[Troy]

A great post.

I sure hope you heal quickly, both physically and psychologically (I'm sure after a bite like that there is an impact on the psyche).

Wish the you the best recovery.

[Cassandra]

Elizabeth...this brought tears to my eyes...

You are so right. Even the best "trained" dog can fail if the entire package isn't addressed. Though the animal may make the mistake, it is definately the owner's fault.

I am so sorry this happened to you. I cannot express enough to you my sympathy. I too was a victim of someone's ignorance of their dogs behavior.

Thank you for posting this.

[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.

Originally Posted by Cassandra

...You are so right. Even the best "trained" dog can fail if the entire package isn't addressed. Though the animal may make the mistake, it is definately the owner's fault...

[pbach]

PBM - You're message should be a sticky - After talking with you yesterday, I realized that incidents like this should make people step back and take a look into what their doing and make sure that their not failing their dogs. This statement alone says it all

Originally Posted by poohbearsmom

step back, and truly take stock of your relationship with your dog; what steps do you earnestly take to understand canine behavior, temperament weaknesses, and the repercussions of not taking full responsibility in rearing and keeping a working dog properly.

Big hugs to you and here's hoping for a very speedy recovery.

Patty

[mmgy]

OUCH missy!!!! Sure wish I could make you feel better?????

I AGREE I AGREE!!

There's somebody I've been after for a while about a puppy from their next breeding. But I know I won't have the time to give a puppy the proper foundation for a while, so I guess I'll pass at this time. Maybe in another year or two.......

[Patty1231]

Elizabeth, I am so sorry to hear this has happened to you. OMG - that had to be so scary!! I'm just thankful there was no damange to ligaments, etc. I wish you a speedy and full recovery, dear. Thank you for posting this vital reminder to all!

[Bruce Lanthier]

Wow sweetheart I'm sorry to hear this. Isn't that how it seems to work though? The person that creates the monster never seems to be the one that deals with the result. Maybe if the dog had just been taught it was OK to be hugged this wouldn't have happened . I hope the dog was euthanized.

[Luvs]

Elisabeth, I am so sorry to hear about what happened to you! How horrible for you! I hope that you have a speedy recovery!



He FAILED his dog. And in turn, his dog FAILED.

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.


I couldn't agree with you more!!

[Bucky's Mom]

I can't imagine the horror of this while you were experiencing it . I hope your recovery is swift and complete.

Your post should be a sticky.

[Stubby]

Very VERY good post.


I'm sorry for both you and the dog.

[jbach]

Man that's gotta hurt Hope it heels quickly. Excellent post, BTW. Hopefully many will pay very close attention to it.

That wasn't yer beer drinkin' arm was it?