Dog Turns On Owner - Page 3

I would be amused that some are now speculating that we might have a dominant dog here and over a 2-yr period, confrontational episodes escaladed into a full-blown dog attack; ( What's the take here for some--alpha dog vs non-alpha owner?) but, I'm still wondering what happened to the dog in question. My concern overshadows any amusement. Well, Derrick. You don't seem to be such a meek-and-mild individual to me. Quite the contrary--as evidenced by your posts. Actually, quite a nudge--who would never give up or give in. And, a chance to post additional bad publicity if the dog had been exhibiting escalating aggression would never have been overlooked by you---That's a given. My gut feeling is the dog was a saint to have lasted 2 years. I just don't buy any of this.

I doubt we will get details. Somebody wants to bad mouth Rinus for something out of his control. Never heard a bad thing about Rinus from anyone else. I think Rinus goes out of his way to describe his dogs attitudes and abilities. He isn't trying to sell dogs strictly by bloodlines or looks. He really tries to fit the dog to the person. Can't winn 100% of the time especially if the buyer isn't truly honest about what they want and need, or are able to handle.

I agree LMH. To quote Hamlet, "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." That is why I was asking the questions that I did. I would suspect that, IF the dog did truly turn, he probably had a damn good reason. Not that this would be at all acceptable, but maybe understandable.

Does it matter if the handler is at fault, does it matter that the dog is at fault. I think not, the issue is it happened and will happen again to people who purchase dogs, any dog, and do not fully understand why and what they are buying. We all have seen "protection" dogs sold with little or no guidence or the new owner stops getting guidence, until something happens. Even those of us who think we know, need a little help now and then. I have rescued a few in my time, and would have been privately thrilled in the knowledge, that the dog had "turned" on the owner, but would that be the best thing for the dog. With all of the back biting that goes on here, the one thing we all agree on is, "It is all about the DOG". SO WHERE IS THE DOG

That's really the bottom line, 1doggie2, it's about the dog. I also agree about the need to understand the dog. Even those who fancy themselves trainers don't always hand out sensible advice. One I heard of always wanted her students to alpha roll any aggressive dog. She did it once too often to one of hers, yeah, a GSD, and he removed a substantial portion of her face. He now resides in the big kennel in the sky. While I don't condone a dog's biting its master for just about any reason, I do have to think that any woman who would alpha roll a big, mean GSD just might be a fews cents shy of a dollar.

doggie-- You've brought up 2 issues here. One being proper guidance to a new owner (understanding the nature of the dog and continual support in training). A wonderful thing it would be.... The other issue "Does it matter if the handler is at fault"? Positively, absolutely, assuredly and a big unequivocally YES! I'm sure you really didn't mean "I think not", but were implying that it's more important to focus on the dog's present whereabouts. If the handler is at fault, and the dog has paid the price--then, in my book--he has a great deal to answer for. Derrick--You haven't responded (and Saturday night, after your initial post, I waited an hour for an answer, while friends got impatient. (We were going out to eat.) Truthfully, I hope this was just another attempt at publicity and the dog is fine.

LMH, I learned to love this breed on a GSD rescue who was abused, there is not a day that goes by I did/do not wish, she had "turned". I have always had rotties, now I have both. The more time I spent with her, the more I understood GSDlovers. I am one of those people who got my hands on to much dog, thought I knew it all. I got help but fast, I feel as if, I am the luckest person alive, I had the best realtionship and he was my best friend/teacher and because of him I was able help and come to adore my rescue. It all comes full circle, they will get theirs. I have some very funny stories about my stupidity, that may be a good thread to start. I am not a bleeding heart, just understand "STUPID" AND THEN THERE IS CRUELITY. Those are 2 very different issues.

Blitzen, I have one for you about trainers. I was about 16 when we purchased a Trev. FULLY loaded and previously was rented out to Estates for protection. After 2 weeks of having him was asked to bring him for demo. So I show up with him and I was asked to put him thru his paces. Mind you I am not bonded with the dog, I am a teen and not home enough and he knows all this when he asks me to show them how to take this dog off his feet. I am sure you can already see the problem here. This trainer was missing the whole dollar and I had found his cents or I would have been missing my face.

Doggie-- Your posts are heartfelt and helpful to anyone who might be questioning their abilities as an owner. By admitting that you sought help in handling a too-much dog, you have probably encouraged others to do likewise. (Glad to hear you're still pretty or handsome--and if just down, right ugly--there's still one friend who will always think you're the best...) PSP--Let's hope the dog gets a chance.

I very much agree with hoping the dog gets a chance. Derry, this may very well not be your fault, nor the dogs. I am sure there are SCH clubs or breeders near you that are experianced and would be willing to take him. I am very sorry for the problems you are having. I can tell you, A good GSD is heaven sent, the bond that can develope is like no other. I have always gone for the robust males and their "cocky" attuitde. But the females, have stolen my soul. They have an understanding and sweetness about them, they get under your skin. As any Mother, they also protect their own and will know your in trouble before you do.