To keep her or not to keep her

[Kayla's Lunch]

So she has gone through a lot. She may need some time. I have had several rescues and they usually need time to adjust. Once they feel secure in their new home, they can feel more confident in new situations.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

So she has gone through a lot. She may need some time. I have had several rescues and they usually need time to adjust. Once they feel secure in their new home, they can feel more confident in new situations.

We've only been watching her for a week. I tried her off leash today away from the chickens. She did well...the first time. The second time she saw a squirrel and all bets were off. She ran two houses over. I was worried she was gone for good but then she responded to my calls and came back. I told her I was very disappointed in her and that I was mad. Then she had a time out in her crate. She was better after the time out but shes clearly not ready yet. I want to trust she will make the right decisions and look to me for guidance. She might not fully trust me yet. She might have trust issues based on what happened to her. All I know is is that shes smart and definately trainable...and I want to keep her. We're gonna talk it over as a family tonight and make the final decision to return the leash with or without the dog on it

 

[rosemarythyme]

I guess what threw me is my mother in law and my sister who both have dogs. They were insistent that "oh she looks like she could be friends with our dog". My mother in laws dog is also dog aggressive so dont ask me how she got that notion in her head. I told them both "hey bringing the dog out is probably not a good idea" but they didnt listen.

Yeah not sure what you could say to your family members, other than flat out "no." Since she's very new to the household it really isn't a good time to be introducing her to other dogs or people just yet, as she's nervous and still trying to settle in. I'd almost be tempted to just hide her somewhere if a family member drops by with a dog.

Same with going to the pet store, it's usually a lot of activity and very overwhelming for a nervous dog. I'd save any trips (other than vet) for when she's more settled, with a little more training.

Be careful if thinking of using a muzzle... some dogs get very upset about it and it may worsen their behavior.

 

[PirateGirl]

I'm sorry you have to deal with this. It can be difficult. I fully understand when you say other dog owners don't understand. I have been walking my dog on a short leash before (she is not a dog that automatically likes everyone) and strangers will let their strange dogs run up to us off leash and say things like "don't worry, it's ok, my dog's friendly" without ever considering the fact that my dog may not be friendly and that's why I crossed to the opposite side of the street with my dog on a short leash giving her commands the whole time to ignore the strangers and strange dog. With training things can improve, but this is your dog's instinct and you must judge if this is something you can manage with your lifestyle. If your dog does not leave your property much, I think it is fair to say that others cannot bring dogs to visit. It is your home and they should respect this. If you have close neighbors or a close street to protect yourself you really will need to invest in a fence (if you don't already have one). I don't know how big the dog is or how serious an issue is, but if walks are needed for exercise a muzzle is an option, or even a head harness that will give you more control. If all of this is a bit overwhelming to you, then I think you already know in your heart that your home may not be the best fit with this dog. Just please don't count on the situation to resolve itself over time as that is a bit irresponsible. Trust me. It's not fun to see your dog in a fight and desperately try to figure out how to break it up before it gets worse without getting hurt yourself. Good luck. Fortunately there are plenty of homes that can work for a dog that is dog aggressive provided it is not human aggressive. It will be ok whatever you decide.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Yeah not sure what you could say to your family members, other than flat out "no." Since she's very new to the household it really isn't a good time to be introducing her to other dogs or people just yet, as she's nervous and still trying to settle in. I'd almost be tempted to just hide her somewhere if a family member drops by with a dog.

Same with going to the pet store, it's usually a lot of activity and very overwhelming for a nervous dog. I'd save any trips (other than vet) for when she's more settled, with a little more training.

Be careful if thinking of using a muzzle... some dogs get very upset about it and it may worsen their behavior.

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. We WOULD have not even involved other family members BUT everyone wanted to see her. My mother in law actually threatened to disown my SO if she didnt get to meet her before we returned her. thats probably due to the fact that he didnt tell her about the dog though. Which we didnt BECAUSE we werent sure. But its like I told him...you cant just not tell family you have a baby on the way. And to some people...this is the same thing.

 

[PirateGirl]

Oh, the pet store, and nervousness, seriously, my dog that doesn't love everyone, she act terrified if we take her places like the ranch store. Even though every employee has dog treats in their pocket she hides with her tail between her legs. In her own environment however she is very bold and charges around fearlessly, out in the woods on a trail or in the field behind the house. The environment can certainly change their behavior (for better or worse).

 

[rosemarythyme]

We've only been watching her for a week. I tried her off leash today away from the chickens. She did well...the first time. The second time she saw a squirrel and all bets were off. She ran two houses over. I was worried she was gone for good but then she responded to my calls and came back.

Having her off leash is probably a bit much right now... at least she came back but sounds like she needs more recall work. A long line or two is great for that (let her run towards the squirrel, then call her, reel her in and reward her for coming) We recently got a new dog and she's already off leash in the yard, but her issue is moderate separation anxiety so she's too clingy to run away.

strangers will let their strange dogs run up to us off leash and say things like "don't worry, it's ok, my dog's friendly" without ever considering the fact that my dog may not be friendly

Last time that exact thing happened to us, my dog thankfully only smacked and knocked over the unleashed dog while my husband yelled back "But our dog is NOT!"

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Oh, the pet store, and nervousness, seriously, my dog that doesn't love everyone, she act terrified if we take her places like the ranch store. Even though every employee has dog treats in their pocket she hides with her tail between her legs. In her own environment however she is very bold and charges around fearlessly, out in the woods on a trail or in the field behind the house. The environment can certainly change their behavior (for better or worse).

Duchess LOVES people. Shes crazy about meeting new people. I think she might do well in the pet store...just want to be certain. I'll take your advice and wait. She needs time.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Having her off leash is probably a bit much right now... at least she came back but sounds like she needs more recall work. A long line or two is great for that (let her run towards the squirrel, then call her, reel her in and reward her for coming) We recently got a new dog and she's already off leash in the yard, but her issue is moderate separation anxiety so she's too clingy to run away.



Last time that exact thing happened to us, my dog thankfully only smacked and knocked over the unleashed dog while my husband yelled back "But our dog is NOT!"

I hate how people dont even act like a dog is dangerous. Thats a very good way to get your dog shot. News flash people: not everyone loves your kids or your dog. Be respectful of other peoples space

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

We talked it over tonight over dinner and its a resounding yes! We are keeping her. Please welcome the newest member of our family: