We've not actually heard fireworks going off. Had a couple go off last week while we were outside but he didn't react to them at all and I've heard nothing this week. We hear a lot of gunfire but he doesn't bother with that either. The only thing different is that the tanks have been firing lately and boy does the house shake with it! He's shown no signs of stress over it though, just carries on sleeping on the bed or sniffing around in the grass (depending whether we're home or out for a toilet break).

Tabitha, the kids weren't doing anything I could see to set him off, just standing around. They weren't paying any attention to us at all when he reacted. They'd said hello as we came out of the flat, they always do when they're out, but Rupe didn't react then even though they were much closer. Nor has he ever reacted to them before.

It could be that stress has just built up with him and caused him to react to something he normally doesn't bother about. He's been a bit uptight while out since the incident with the other dog (dog came flying at us as we left the flat, I got him in and slammed the door in its face but I had to hold the door shut as it was attacking it so hard and of course he reacted) but unfortunately I can't avoid taking him out for a few days due to living in a flat. Nor are we having much luck completely avoiding other dogs. They're not getting close to him but they're still there and still a cause for concern to him. Before the incident with the other dog he was very relaxed out there, to the point where he'd actually engage us and play and was willing to do some clicker training. Now? Not a chance. That's nothing really new though, he's always been this way and it's never caused him to be funny with people before. Course, it could be that at the moment he's extra stressed and something has been the last straw.

Quick update on this. We had new neighbours move in across the hallway yesterday, they have children. Bumped into them as we were heading out about an hour ago, the kids were asking why Rupert was wearing a mask as I locked the door. He didn't react badly to them. I kept myself between him and them but he didn't seem at all bothered by them. Nor has he reacted badly to any children on the path in front of the flats while we've been out on the grass.

So, it's looking like it may just be these particular girls he has an issue with. Or maybe they were doing something he found scary and I just didn't see it. Not seen any of them since the incident though.

Why is it 'not something you're prepared to live with? Many dogs have issues that the owners obviously DO live with and manage, if not resolved completely. And as this has just happened, you haven't really given the dog much of a chance to get over his fear of children, even though he may never be completely over it!

One of mine doesn't particularly like noisy, bratty children and I can't say I blame her really, I don't either! She is fine with calmer, quieter ones. I certainly wouldn't even consider rehoming her because of her dislike of children!

If you think your dog might have a go at a child, then muzzle him in public whilst working on the problem to see if you can sort it. If not, just deal with it and keep him muzzled in public. Don't see the problem myself with that, you don't have any children as far as I'm aware, therefore, surely your dog should come first?

Jesus Christ, it's not like he's had a growl at a child and I've had him put to sleep! He's still here, we've been watching his behaviour towards children we've seen while out and about and I said from the start he wasn't going to be put to sleep over one incident! Of course we'll give him a chance, try to help him get over whatever it is that bothered him about those children but if that continued to be his reaction to all children no matter what we did then he'd be put to sleep.

As for why I'm not prepared to live with it. This is a dog who's highly aggressive and unpredictable with other dogs. He will attack them simply because they're there, he doesn't growl, snarl, snap or give an inhibited bite. When he bites another dog there is serious damage done. And he does not stop the attack until physically removed. If he became like that with children it would be a one way trip to the vets I'm afraid. Disliking children I can deal with, that sort of aggression towards them would be another matter entirely and I don't feel that it's one I could deal with.

If that makes me a bad owner then so be it.

What a worrying situation for you I'm glad to hear that Rupert seemed to be ok with the children in the hallway. Hopefully it won't be a reoccurring issue and there way just something specific about that particular child which worried him. Not ideal, but better than all children! I can see why you are concerned though. But you already take such careful precautions when walking Rupert due to other dogs, at least you can be quietly confident that you are keeping everyone safe

I completely understand your situation.

I rehomed a dog that I assessed for a breed rescue, it was either come home with me or go for a one way trip to the vet.

As it happened despite a great deal of behavioural modification 18 months later I had him PTS as he was extremely unpredictable, as I live on my own and he was a large dog he could have seriously injured me or others the risks were too high.

I had another dog previous to that one who was extremely antisocial but he was entirely predictable and thus easily managed.

What I found particularly interesting with the rehomed dog was that I was unaware of the amount of stress I was under until I had him PTS, nor in actual fact the amount of stress HE was in.

This experience certainly helped me help others as it provided me with another dimension that those who have not experienced this sort of situation cannot fully understand. It certainly enabled me to empathise with some owners a lot better and facilitate decision making processes.

Good luck with Rupert, these situations are always a strain.

Thanks Smokeybear. I have to admit, this is something that's made me question whether I did the right thing in not having him put to sleep years ago. I can deal with my stress levels but he can't tell me whether his are unbearable. I took him to a nearby field today, a huge place with trees scattered about, man eating nettles, waist high grass, rabbit holes, mole hills and all sorts. Watching his tail wag as he bounded around investigating smells, shoving his nose down holes and seeing how responsive he was, how bright his eyes were, it made me realise just how stressed he usually is on our walks and his toilet outings. Today is the first time in 6 months I've seen him truly happy outside of the house. We'll be walking there from now on.

Thanks Moonsmum, we're doing everything we can to make sure everyone is kept safe. He's never shown aggression towards any human before so this was a huge shock to us.

So glad you have found somewhere nice to walk him. I think that is something that can make a big difference to both of you
Just to chill out and enjoy each others company makes such a big difference
People keep asking me what I have done with Mia to see such big changes - and the biggest thing is that the majority of her walks are now stress free, going to and from walks is in a covered crate and so calm
People advised me to spend hours socalising her to her triggers - but I honestly think giving her loads of time to destress and just have fun as a dog has made the biggest difference

Hehe, nice from a dogs point of view, not so nice from a humans point of view. But that's why I chose to go there to be honest, with all the woods, nice fields with no man eating nettles and other nice walking areas nearby I figured it's unlikely we'll run into other dogs there.

We've tried desensitising Rupert and socialising him but we get so far and then something will happen and all it takes with him is one incident and we're right back to square one. I think maybe saying to hell with it and just taking him places he can relax and enjoy himself and where I can just enjoy being with him might be the best thing to do for both of us.

Glad the event seemed to be a one off, and that you have found somewhere relaxing to walk.

I do sometimes wonder, whether if we could 100% control out surroundings ie who we meet and when, traffic etc I think things would progress so much faster!

The last couple of months I have been taking Kestral to a training class, she is fab with everyone. I'm sure if this was 6 months ago it would have been a disaster. Each week there are new people and she is not bothered, she will even give people a sniff and jump up at people with liver in their pocket ..however if we meet people on the street shes a reactive nightmare, and in the park she is 95% good. I do wonder whether if we didnt meet anyone in the street for a few months and life was more laid back whether she would calm down and be less reactive when re-introduced.

Anyway, what a relief for you that things have been going ok, you do a great job with him and I think being cautious is always the best thing. Hope you have a few more relaxing walks and manage to get things back on track