Shocked... Lola went for me last night

Pechow

How would/do you ensure that?

krlyr

zaksmum wrote: »

Mine would be 100% predictable.

They would NEVER go for me.

What if they were to, heaven forbid, get in a RTA and get seriously injured? A high level of pain could cause a dog to lash out without much thought for who it was lashing out at.

Both my dogs have very sound temperaments towards us and each other, but there have been times they've growled or air snapped at us or each other..always because of pain or illness.

It's a natural form of communication, I'm not appalled or ashamed to say they've done it. Far better than just flipping out and attacking, and a natural reaction when they're in pain. By realising that, I can take measures to avoid putting them in situations where they might feel the need to escalate beyond a warning..far safer than believing they would never react negatively in any situation.

meritaten

humans are not 100% predictable and I never expected my animals to be either. however, I did trust them as much as I would trust another human to behave with my kids. my dogs repaid that trust 100%. was I just lucky? I don't think so - I think the majority of dog owning families get that trust repaid. its a sad fact that when abuse occurs it is usually within the family - whether its human or dog abuse - it will occasionally happen.

candygirl

I've NEVER been growled at by any of my dogs, and certainly wouldn't accept them growling at me on the sofa.This means they think they are of a higher rank in the pack than you.Obviously growling in fear, or pain is totally different:(
Hope you can solve it asap

longforgotten

It sounds like the dog is not well

Give the poor thing a break.......and I'm not saying that to the OP

CFC

Dogs do growl and terrier types have a strong sense of their own self importance. Plus, she's still young. Plus, you didn't have her as a baby so the right seeds weren't planted when she was a pup.

So what you need to do is train train train and keep training in order to put her on the right path and keep her there.

Moving sleeping or reluctant dogs - if a dog growls at you, or looks like it is going to growl at you (you can tell when you know them) then manage the situation. Vocal instruction, bribe with treat, if that doesn't work, light lead on and control via the lead. Keep your movements slow, your dog never wants to bite you, but it happens before the dog has thought through 'Do I really want to do this' ie it's just impulse or instinct in the situation. Doesn't mean they don't love you. Training helps because they learn self control, which is no easier for a dog than for a child

You must not let a situation arise if you can possibly help it where the dog has snapped or bitten you because they learn from that to do it again. It's a lose - lose for everyone.

Remember a dog is like a 2 year old child armed with a knife..which they can use but don't understand the implicationos of....manage the situation in a safe way and keep up the training. You can still spoil your dog and enjoy their love and affection even when they are well trained

mum2one

meritaten wrote: »

I am thinking blocked anal glands too - its really uncomfortable (or maybe painful) for a dog. easy to sort out too. the vet can do it, and my lovely vet showed me how to do it, as my springer was getting them quite often. saved me a fortune in vets fees!
I also echo that its quite good you were given clear warnings but not actually bitten - means the dog wanted you to back off but wasn't willing to hurt you.

We've got a spaniel too, and he does the bum drag, its the anal glands blocked, - it takes the vets a quick job, but don't stand down wind... or a clothes oeg.

She could have been frightened, in pain and was in her own way asking you to back off, xx

RachRubyD

I was reading up about different breeds few months back when thinking of getting a second dog. Anyway small dogs tend to have small dog syndrome where because they are small and cute and love being cuddled, humans treat them like babies and spoil them. Therefore you end up with spoilt dogs who think they have higher rank.

I think its true as I have a small dog and she has never snapped at me but is very spoilt and barely listens to my commands because she runs to other family members acting all upset, so they obviously comfort her (her being small and cute and all) and therefore no lesson has been learnt. Shes a Cav and if you have seen those big brown eyes you know how hard it is to say no or upset them.

My boyfriends family dog is very well behaved and listens to commands and a big dog. This is because she is treated like a dog and not a baby and knows her place.

I know its hard but maybe you just need to look at how your treating your dog. If they growl when you try and move them on the sofa then say no firmly and don't allow them on it until they get the message. Its very hard am a absolute mug with mine.

Hope it was just feeling bit off cause of anal glands as nothing worst than not being able to fully trust your dog. I don't trust my cat because she rips the hands off me for no reason.

dandelionclock30

First time a dog went for me would be the last.I wouldnt put up with that and the risk of getting bitten. I'd get rid of it as I wouldnt want the risk of either myself or my family getting hurt.

gettingready

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

First time a dog went for me would be the last.I wouldnt put up with that and the risk of getting bitten. I'd get rid of it as I wouldnt want the risk of either myself or my family getting hurt.

What a nonsense..

I get it you never get grumpy when unwell etc?