Sandy, I have definitely learnt from my past mistakes. When I had my first dogs (my two parson russell crossbreed sisters) I didn't know much about dog training (and I was 14 so obviously an unknowing teen). I went to dog training classes but I lived in a village and there was only one dog club around. So I went there with my two young and small puppies and there were only big adult dogs around. The instructor just treated them like any other dog and said they'd have to learn to 'deal' with stuff. So they got run over quite a few times by other dogs with no manners. Also, that club used harsh training methods. After finding that out I never went back, but the damage was done. It also meant that my dogs never got properly socialised, because I didn't have a club close to me.

Until years later they were scared of other dogs and never played with them. After I started properly getting into dog training and behaviour, I tried as much damage control as possible. They never really liked other dogs but became successful agility dogs in the end.
But you're definitely right, not every dog club, behaviourist or rescue center give you good advice, or people can interpret advice wrongly and the consequences can be quite bad and I wish I'd informed myself from more sources earlier with my first dogs.

What I definitely find reassuring is to know that other people here have the same problem with their dog and that it seems it's not such a 'bad' thing and that most people tend not to say she's a mean, aggressive dog, which is what I was a bit wary of.

So here's a picture of her, I'll try and take a better one this weekend!

I think the trread is about dog on dog agression so your not likely to see the victims in your hospital


Willingness to please is putting human values onto a dog. Dogs aren't likely to care about or be able to comprehend our internal state of mind. Dogs work to to gain reward or to avoid punishement depending on what owner they have.
I'd still advice a non experienced, perspective owner not to adopt dog agressive dog, what ever the breed because its a very difficult thing to deal with.
I wonder if you would feel differently if your dog had been attacked or killed by a DA dog.


So if a dog runs up to an on lead dog and gets attacked it's the fault of the off lead dog owner? You don't think the owner of the aggressive dog has any responsibility for the safety of others?

This may be bacause you think all information that you don't agree with is wrong information.
Perhaps there are no absolute wrights and wrongs, just different opinions, and we should step out of these opinions we hold so tightly and take another look.




It's interesting that the most sensible quote on the thread comes from the Original Poster.


On the whole this thread has left me very disappointed.
Disappointed that people aren't able to have a rational discussion with somebody who happens to hold a different view because their so diffensive of their own.


Disappointed at the animal lovers whom hold such passionate views, defending the rights of the dog aggressive dogs but at the same time seem to give very little thought to the animals that get injured or even killed by them or the traumatised owners.

Disappointed with attitudes like, "it's the other dogs fault for running over to mine"

And disappointed that another member deems it acceptable to blame me for the death of thousands of dogs and the mods seem also to see this as acceptable

I'll be taking a break from all this,
I hope all goes well for all concerned
Namaste _/|\_

the bit that has wound me up the most in your post is your saying its ok for off lead dogs to run up to on lead dogs im afraid I totally disagree

And i hope Baxter 8 don't mind me saying i don't believe she blamed you for staffies in rescue etc she was just stating her opinion like yourself

Sadly because of Shane and others with the same attitude these wonderful dogs end up in rescue homes thereafter being pts.

This does seem to be a fairly hysterical and personal response to what I thought, was quite a good discussion overall.

Sadly because of Shane and others with the same attitude these wonderful dogs end up in rescue homes thereafter being pts.

Shane - I think your reactions have been oversensitive. Where is your strength and generosity of spirit?

She's not seeking out to fight with other dogs and she has quite good recall already so it's only really a problem when other dogs run towards her (I agree that this shouldn't happen, that the other owners should call their dogs back, but we don't live in a perfect world so it's me who has to be careful).

Florence

I think the trread is about dog on dog agression so your not likely to see the victims in your hospital


Willingness to please is putting human values onto a dog. Dogs aren't likely to care about or be able to comprehend our internal state of mind. Dogs work to to gain reward or to avoid punishement depending on what owner they have.
I'd still advice a non experienced, perspective owner not to adopt dog agressive dog, what ever the breed because its a very difficult thing to deal with.
I wonder if you would feel differently if your dog had been attacked or killed by a DA dog.


So if a dog runs up to an on lead dog and gets attacked it's the fault of the off lead dog owner? You don't think the owner of the aggressive dog has any responsibility for the safety of others?

This may be bacause you think all information that you don't agree with is wrong information.
Perhaps there are no absolute wrights and wrongs, just different opinions, and we should step out of these opinions we hold so tightly and take another look.




It's interesting that the most sensible quote on the thread comes from the Original Poster.


On the whole this thread has left me very disappointed.
Disappointed that people aren't able to have a rational discussion with somebody who happens to hold a different view because their so diffensive of their own.


Disappointed at the animal lovers whom hold such passionate views, defending the rights of the dog aggressive dogs but at the same time seem to give very little thought to the animals that get injured or even killed by them or the traumatised owners.

Disappointed with attitudes like, "it's the other dogs fault for running over to mine"

And disappointed that another member deems it acceptable to blame me for the death of thousands of dogs and the mods seem also to see this as acceptable

I'll be taking a break from all this,
I hope all goes well for all concerned
Namaste _/|\_

A good behaviourist will tell you the truth about the prognosis which is usually that management is highly possible, cure can be, but not always. Much depends on environment, genetics and the will of the owner.

It's not unusual for a rehomed dog to behave well in the first instance, often up to around three months, and then get worse. They are initially unsure in their new home with their new people and this shows in their behaviour. As they become more settled and confident, their true behaviourial traits emerge.

When taking on a dog like this you have to have commitment and realistic expectations. You may, with guidance and help, indeed 'cure' the dog of it's aggressive tendencies, but you do need to realise that this may not be totally possible so you also need to realise that you may be taking on a lifetime of management.

If you're looking for easy, relaxed walks with your new girl then you are going to be disappointed as you will always be on your guard until you have worked through the problems which, hopefully will be sorted, but you should also be prepared that they may not and your walks will always be more stressful than with a happy, friendly dog.