Dog Fight!
Tonks is, without a doubt, the world's WORST Alpha. At the dog park, she'll intimidate smaller dogs, puppies and submissive dogs by pouncing as near to them as possible without actually touching them. Some dogs see it as playful and an invitation to wrestle, and then the two of them have a GREAT time. Some dogs get frightened and run off. Today's dog said "Screw You" and lunged back at Tonks. Well, I mentioned Tonks being the world's worst Alpha, right? She went scampering, yelping like she'd been bitten, which of course she hadn't. But every dog in the park wanted to see for themselves what was going on, and the dog that Tonks had first tried to engage was hot on her tail. So Tonks kept crying. And the dogs kept piling in, and Tonks kept crying.... Enter Luna, who it seems, fancies herself a bad-@$$. Now the dog Tonks had pounced at has had "anger issues" in the past, but her owner always keeps it under control. Until today, I'd say it was a dog that my girls couldn't take in a fight. Well Luna plunged into the mix, and it was several minutes before I could get Tonks and Luna extricated, and the other dog's owner got her dog out too. And what we found was a shock. First; blood on white fur is shockingly red. Like Red you can see all across the park. Luna looked savage with her mouth bloodied and it dripping down her front.  Seems she had gotten the other dog's ear, which of course bleeds a ridiculous amount. It looked so scary, but in fact was a small injury. I begged them to let me pay for a vet to look at it anyway, and they thanked me but wouldn't hear of it. We've all known each other for a few years (thank goodness) and they felt their dog was as much a culprit in the situation as mine were. I felt awful. I still feel awful. And it was weird to see their dog being submissive and sweet once it was done; its never let me pet it before, and it allowed me to tend to its injury (I had my SheepiePalooza towel with me, which I used to apply pressure).
Once the actual scuffle was over, the three dogs acted like nothing was wrong and that they'd always been the best of friends. SO damned weird. And Luna being so protective of Tonks was a huge eye-opener to me. The whole experience is something I never want to go through again! Ultimately I'm glad that no one was seriously hurt; not Tonks or Luna or the other dog. |
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| First let me say that I'm glad Tonks and Luna are ok.
A year or two ago there was a sheepdog at a daycare that was savaged by the dogs there. All for yelping and crying after a small scuffle. The story was here and she showed pictures of the after. It was the most horrid thing I have ever seen. They were not even sure if the dog would live. I don't go to the dog park often now because Gar in way over the top. He has to be muzzled because he nips anything that moves...anything. When we do go he spends a lot of time on leash because he even beats the crap out of Simon. When and if we go I don't let them get into big dog groups, meaning a large group of dogs. If that happens I wade in and pull them out and start walking with them. It worries me, esp. with Gar being so...over the top. |
| So far we have had no problems with Lola, but there are a lot of pitbulls here...
I am so glad Tonks and Luna are ok. Poor babies. Poor Mama too. Have a cocktail or TWO! I think I would be hitting the Xanax. |
| POOR BABIES!!!!!!
I'm so glad there weren't any serious injuries. Poor mom also, I know how frightening it is to see that happen. I agree have a couple of cocktails 
Lisa and Frankie |
| I am sorry you had to go through that it shakes you to the core. So scary. I tried to go to dog parks but I just find my guys to over exuberant. I had the same type of thing happen I watched the whole thing unfold. Laika likes to take her front leg and put it on other dogs. Well she learned that not every dog likes this. No one noticed the big chunk of white fur in the other dogs mouth because that dog's ear was bit as well. The dog owner was fantastic thank god I didn't get some over the top person. I offered as well to pay for vet bills. He declined. But I have come to realized that I cannot take the worry of if someone gets attacked or attacks another dog. Langley is a bouncing goof ball so forget about taking him. So they have free access to the yard and play together. They both have the same type of playing and put up with the goofy bouncy sheepdog antics. |
| I am soo sorry that you had to go through all of this...but I am glad everything turned out ok and no pup was hurt.....
I belong to 2 dog parks and , to be perfectly honest, I never took Heart to either of them..without some other sheepie to play with. I have watched people and dogs while they are there, but in the end, I don't go in.... I have alot of reservations about these type of parks. I know there are rules, but there is no one to enforce them. Most owners don't watch their dogs. They are either talking to each other, or they are reading or....... I know my Heart is a very timid pup in a big group, she is fine 1 on 3 at most. I know that when Heart does get aggrevated, she will act like a 'land shark' and "will snap the air" very loudly, very aggressively, which I am afraid will engage a more alpha to attack. I know that, most dogs, don't appreciate our pups...there are no visible signs to their demeanor... Can't see a tail, playfully raised, wagging or down between the legs, fearful...Can't see eyes for eyecontact....Can barely see ears...are they perked or down close to the head. AND all that hair!!!!! It is a dog??? a stuffie???? Add to this mix, the herding instinct of nipping at the feet, rounding 'the stock', cutting off at the pass.... 
I wait until we can have a play date with 'our kind'....at least they all know they are herding dogs.....and there is almost never any contact, since they ALL run around in circles, trying to herd each other for the most part.  
I would love to be able to go to the parks that I have membership to, but, at this point, it is not worth the stress.......  |
sheepieshake wrote: I wait until we can have a play date with 'our kind'....at least they all know they are herding dogs.....and there is almost never any contact, since they ALL run around in circles, trying to herd each other for the most part.
I've never had an incident, but then I bring a small pack and only let them play with each other, quite, frankly, for all the reasons Val's touched on. For some dogs, given that there are other dogs (usually) in the park, even that's too much. Allison, I'm really sorry this happened. Very frightening. Fortunately no one was seriously injured and the owner of the other dog is realistic enough to know canines will be canines. You need more OES only play dates if at all possible.
Kristine |
Just wanted to give you a big hug 
You must have been shaken up by the experience, hope you feel a little better now? |
Sorry this happened 
I hope the girls are OK this morning, as well as the other dog. |
| Dog parks scare the crap out of me, ever since we had a play date in Philly with Val (with Chum and Maggie) and Mandy (with Norman, Carl and Toby). I think this was late 2006. Drez was already pretty lame and couldn't run and play with the others; in fact, she just paced around the fence, keeping to herself. Dale, being the doting daddy, just followed her all day, keeping other dogs away from her.
Toby was just a pup and he and Maggie had a blast. But there was a pit-bull mix there who descended on poor Carl, and between Mandy, Dale and me, Val, the other dog's owner, and a bunch of other people who were in the park, we tried to get the PB to release Carl. Luckily Val had the foresight at the start to get all the other dogs to the adjacent small dog area and gated them in. For the longest, scariest time, the PB wouldn't let go. Did just the opposite, actually - started doing the head-shake thing dogs do when they want to kill something. We tried everything - holding the PB's nostrils shut, pouring water on his head - nothing would make him release and his owner admitted he did not have a "release" word for the dog.  After what seemed like an eternity, he released Carl and they left the park without so much as an apology or offer of help. We were all in too much shock to chase after him - just wanted to make sure Carl was okay. Luckily Mandy had a heavy leather collar on Carl and she later saw teeth marks on the collar - seems the dog had tried to get Carl's neck before he clamped on to his ear.
I NEVER want to go thru that again! |
| This may sound terrible...but Im actually kind of impressed with Luna! Its kinda cool that she wanted to defend her packmate.
Personally, I am very wary of dogparks. People forget that dogs, just like us, have likes and dislikes, and really, I wouldnt want to be plopped down in a group of total strangers and expected to socialize! 
Im lucky, in that most of my friends and family also have dogs, so Abby and Bert have a wide range of familiar doggy pals they get together with to play. I have really noticed that they play best with other herding breeds, and, oddly enough, small dogs. Both of my dogs are extremely gentle with little dogs and seem to look at them as "puppies"
Scary situation...but Im glad everyone came out of it ok! |
Drezzie's Mom wrote: For the longest, scariest time, the PB wouldn't let go. Did just the opposite, actually - started doing the head-shake thing dogs do when they want to kill something.
Luckily Mandy had a heavy leather collar on Carl and she later saw teeth marks on the collar - seems the dog had tried to get Carl's neck before he clamped on to his ear. Poor Carl. His ear must have been completely shredded with that kind of ferocity. Could the vet repair the damage?
Kristine |
| So glad to hear the girls are alright. What a scare! I don't like dog parks either and had never taken mine to one for fear of fights. One time Sammy and Max (our Westie) got into a scuffle over a tiny piece of turkey that fell to the floor. There was a lot of awful noise and then Sammy got a piece of Max's ear and there was blood everywhere. It turned out to be a little nip but it was so scary that it shocked everyone including the dogs.
So I can imagine what a huge scare it was for you to see that happen to Luna and Tonks. Hope you are all feeling better. |
| Maybe you all can help me with a current situation I have. Before we rescued Lola, we had Bonkers, my 9 year old toy poodle. He HATES Lola. He keeps attacking her and she panics and defends herself. Unfortunately he now has some holes in him. We took him to the vet to make sure there was no physical reason for his aggression. We tried to have him put on meds, but the vet said no. We now completely separate them. Anyone have any other strategies? Getting rid of either one of them is not an option. Bonkers is a senior and Lola has epilepsy. Besides we love both of them dearly. |
| so sorry you had to go through that.. i am a bit nervous too last sat i took my boys dreamer is no problem loves everyone well this big back pitt mix just hated duffy when he lunged towards duffy he cowarded and start crying then all the dogs in the park started to come after duff thank god i was there along with others to get duffy out of the park .. this is the second time with duffy he gives iff an vibe i guess .. shame they loved it there but don't think i can go back |
| we've been going to the same park, almost daily, since the girls were 4 months old. The people there are great, and 99% of the dogs are too. I'd hate to not go back, and I see what happened as a weird fluke. I am sort of dreading going today, but sort of feel like I need to force myself to do it. Like getting on a horse that has thrown you. Plus, if I don't go back, I feel like I am admitting that my dogs did something wrong, as opposed to my dogs were just being dogs. |
| I can see your feelings here, and I think you need to follow your gut. I am sure everything will be fine, but, let us know how it went.... |
| I'm sorry you hd to go thru all of this.
I hate dog parks. Wont go to them, never have never will. I know my dogs are good, and have all their shots etc. I DONT know the othr dogs and worry about what they will pick up there. Just don't /won't go there. Everyone keeps asking me why i don't walk my dogs down at the Jardin here (main city square) like eveyrone else. first they come home black as black dirt........ second the street dogs and third the 'macho' guys walking their pit bulls on huge chain link chains! My kids scream if they stub their toe........ its hard enough with dealing iwth the fireworks situation, if anything went after them......they'd be scar'd for life i fear. |
| The dogs and I have had fun times at dog parks and we have had some bad experiences such as you describe. I have my own pit bull story. Dog parks seemed like such a great idea to me at first, but I've now come 180° on them and will never go to another.
If you think about it, dogs are social animals and form packs, but they are structured, stable packs with relationships that are sorted out over time. A bunch of dogs that don't know each other who are thrown together in a dog park are not a pack. Some popular parks can have dozens of dogs milling about at one time and you don't know a thing about any of them or their owners. It only takes one really bad incident whether it's a bad fight or a sick dog with a contagious disease to understand the true risk. It's not worth it. |
LolasMama wrote: Maybe you all can help me with a current situation I have. Before we rescued Lola, we had Bonkers, my 9 year old toy poodle. He HATES Lola. He keeps attacking her and she panics and defends herself. Unfortunately he now has some holes in him. We took him to the vet to make sure there was no physical reason for his aggression. We tried to have him put on meds, but the vet said no. We now completely separate them. Anyone have any other strategies? Getting rid of either one of them is not an option. Bonkers is a senior and Lola has epilepsy. Besides we love both of them dearly.
try to find a behavioral vet - regular vets often won't prescribe medication for behavior. Of course even a behavioral vet will want to know what training approaches you have tried. the general rule is if you try traditional or othe systmeatic training apporaches for a length of time and you get no results, it may be a clinical issue. Of course in your case it may not be clinical but rather Bonkers perceives her as an ill or "defective" pack member - and sometimes the instinct is to drive them away. A good behaviorist will be able ot tell you if its true aggression or something else. as well. |
rfloch wrote: The dogs and I have had fun times at dog parks and we have had some bad experiences such as you describe. I have my own pit bull story. Dog parks seemed like such a great idea to me at first, but I've now come 180° on them and will never go to another.
If you think about it, dogs are social animals and form packs, but they are structured, stable packs with relationships that are sorted out over time. Yes and in addition dogs are by nature zenophobic and do not readily welcome strangers - especially multilple strangers into their pack. Very few dog parks are structured in a way where it is worth it to go woth your dogs- most humans are using the parks instead of properly exercising their dogs anyway so you are bound to have issues. the only one of my dogs that I will take to the dog park when there are strange dogs is Morgan, and shall we say he isn't the brightest bulb in the pack |
| I just don't care for dog parks. Most of the time people think their dog loves everybody & everything only to find out they don't like a lot of other dogs. I hate to say it but most dog owners out their just don't do any type of training with their dogs. I have enough problems in a controlled situation such as a sturctured obedience class where the owners are trying to learn & also teach their dogs let alone to put my dogs in a situation where the average dog owner doesn't have a clue. Last night I had to be on top of the situation in class for an entire hour. A young member with a new dog (mom is a breeder & I like her & all their dogs) just wasn't paying attention to her dog all the time! She'd start talking to somebody & pretty soon her dog was at the end of it's lead in my dog's face! Last week a new student (adult male) with a mature male Rottweiler (no offense intended to the breed) was there for the 1st time & not expecting his dog to make a move towards mine. But he did! And in doing so almost pulled the owner over onto the ground! My guy's hair was tied up so eyes were visible & head coat isn't too long to obscure the ear set quite yet. Can't do anything about the lack of a tail..... but still a move was made. My guy is really laid back & would probably be taken by surprise but I sure don't want to find out . I understand a lot of people don't have fenced back yards to let their dogs run & exercise. And a lot of people have "only" dogs. When I had only 1 walks had to suffice for socialization & exercise along with handling & obedience classes. Once I had multiple dogs, I expected them to interact with each other for their execise & socialization. As I have stated many times before, I'd rather avoid a situation than have to correct it. |
Mad Dog wrote: Drezzie's Mom wrote: For the longest, scariest time, the PB wouldn't let go. Did just the opposite, actually - started doing the head-shake thing dogs do when they want to kill something. Luckily Mandy had a heavy leather collar on Carl and she later saw teeth marks on the collar - seems the dog had tried to get Carl's neck before he clamped on to his ear. Poor Carl. His ear must have been completely shredded with that kind of ferocity. Could the vet repair the damage?Kristine He had puncture wounds but I don't remember that it was shredded. The owner had his hands around the PB's next and collar, trying to pull him back. Dale and Mandy had a hold of Carl, trying to prevent the PB from getting any farther on him. When the PB went to shake his head, everyone was holding on for dear life, so he couldn't really shake like he wanted to. But the intent was crystal clear. I seem to remember, too, that Mandy said poor Carl was traumatized for quite awhile afterwards. So - nope! No dog parks for me! |
| ^^^
Can't agree with you more. Where did this fallacy come from that dogs need active social lives? Or that they can't be expected to behave for five minutes? I was at an agility class one night (we were drop-ins preapproved by the instructor) and arguably the most advanced team there, but while we were working on a sequence that was a little more advanced than the other teams - one person 's dog "got bored" and she got up and ran him along the dog walk on the course I just yelled "NOT A GOOD IDEA!!!" (I didn't add you idiot!!) and was thankful my dog was in a full coat so I had something to grab (apologies to the coat gods).
I won't be dropping in to that class again - or maybe I'll let my dog run out on the course and do whatever she wants next time instead of training her that down time is down time. |
kerry wrote: LolasMama wrote: Maybe you all can help me with a current situation I have. Before we rescued Lola, we had Bonkers, my 9 year old toy poodle. He HATES Lola. He keeps attacking her and she panics and defends herself. Unfortunately he now has some holes in him. We took him to the vet to make sure there was no physical reason for his aggression. We tried to have him put on meds, but the vet said no. We now completely separate them. Anyone have any other strategies? Getting rid of either one of them is not an option. Bonkers is a senior and Lola has epilepsy. Besides we love both of them dearly. Of course in your case it may not be clinical but rather Bonkers perceives her as an ill or "defective" pack member - and sometimes the instinct is to drive them away. It's funny, the other dogs go after Bonkers when he attacks Lola. He is being pegged as the unstable one in the pack by them. Lola is not good at honoring his boundaries. His boundaries are also a little unreasonable. She can be 10 feet away having nothing to do with him and he will go after her. Unfortunately, I am the source of Bonkers obsession. He doesn't do it when I am not around. My Father lives with us in his own mini 'wing' of the house. We are trying to turn him into Bonkers caregiver so maybe he will bond with him a bit. I am hoping that when Lola calms down a bit (you know 10 years from now) Bonkers will trust her and stand down. Pogo, the yorkie, is perfectly capable of putting Lola in her place with no problem. Bonks just goes way over the top. |
| oh the missing piece of the puzzle - sounds like a simple case of resource guarding on his part. SHe is just standing up to him - he has to be trained not to do that and believe me, it can be done. Been there done that |
| Glad the girls are okay. I had a similiar experience the one time I went to the dog park and I've never been back since. Most of the dog trainers I know and spoke with, do not like the dog park and so we do not attend.
Glad everyone is okay. Sounds like you need an extra glass of wine tonight |
| Our closest dog park is probably 50 miles from us. There are plans to open a park about 10 miles away in the next year or so, but I don't think we'll go because of lack of control and less than attentive people. Chauncey's kennel has day care and is he is socialized there and it's based on knowing the individual dogs and the health information is up to date or the dog doesn't stay. He also goes with me most places I go and gets that socialization. Additionally , he has at least 1/2 acre of fenced yard and a girlfriend next door.
Hugs to Tonks, Luna and you. |
| Glad it turned out okay. How scary. |
| I hear what everyone is saying about dog parks, and to a certain extent, I agree. I don't take Tonks and Luna to most of the parks in Atlanta for the reasons you are all citing. But the park we DO go to isn't in fact an official dog park. Its a "green space" about 12 acres of fields and woods and trails. The dog people have sort of taken it over and its a "dog park" every evening. And since its not an official "off leash" and it isn't enclosed, we find that only people with control over their dogs come. Otherwise their dogs would be on the very busy road right outside the park.
I like this park so much for this reason; better trained dogs (they'd have to be) and more conscientious owners. And again; dogs that my girls have known since they were old enough to go to the park; so its IS more of "their pack" than any other place I would take them to. They have dog friends there that they get SO excited to see; probably a dozen that I could list off that for each trip we probably see at least one of, and sometimes all of them! Its a very special place, which is why I think it was extra upsetting. |
| I know what you're saying. Other people's bad experiences don't give me cause to stop going. I know my dogs and I know how to read other people's dogs and we've never had an issue.
Granted, you've had your own bad experience, but some days it's just bad dog dynamics, and in your case I wouldn't be surprised if both girls have picked up on your emotions tied to the health issues you're going through and are both reacting in their own "special" ways and you're too distracted to effectively see problems brewing and nip them in the bud, things that are probably second nature to you normally.
When I'm stressed about things all of my dogs react on some level depending on their individual personalities. In Dazzle's case that may involve trying to pick a fight with Sybil (bad choice, true alpha) ON MY BED at 3 AM. We are NOT amused. 
Breathe deeply and re-evaluate the situation when you're ready. Kristine |
Although Im not wild about the whole dog-park idea, I do have to say that scary stuff can happen anyplace...and unless we want to keep our dogs hermetically sealed, the best defense is a solid recall and a sharp eye for trouble brewing The worst dog fight I have ever seen happened in my parent's living room . My father's cousin brought over the 2 bull-mixes she had just adopted, and the dogs proceeded to get into a fight with each other. The fight was bad enough to send both dogs to the e-vet, and my father to the hospital (he had tried to break it up). Thank heavens we had already taken our sheepies out to the truck by then, having had a kind of a "bad feeling" about the situation.  |
| Don't know if you have enough of or even a fenced in yard but perhaps you can invite a few of the dog friends over for a play date?
You ahve to make up your own mind but I wouldn't be worried that people might think you are admitting it was your dog's fault if you stop going. Who cares what anyone thinks? Keeping your dogs safe and out of harm's way is more important. They depend on us for that. But you were the one who was there, not us so you need to make your own decision. Couldn't post with my user name...again. Ashley |
| I am glad all the dogs are alright. Mom is probably the most traumatized!
Take a breath and a drink and give them a hug. |
| I agree you have to keep an eye on your dog as well as all of the other dogs there. That's where the humans fail, they view it as a social experience for them as well. Also Chauncey is overly social at times and thinks every dog from toy breeds to Irish Wolfhounds wants all of his love.
You need to keep focus on your dog. Their safety is your responsibility. |
| we do have a decent sized fenced in yard, and when it isn't soggy wet, we do have doggie play dates. Tonks and Luna are really social. But I love the idea of them being able to run, really RUN at a park the size of this one.
To be honest; in thinking back on it I'm glad Luna stepped in and took care of business. I too had read the post here about the dog attacked at day care, and that's EXACTLY what I thought of as Tonks ran yelping with all those other dogs following her. Mad Dog you are also right; when I had pnuemonia (thank you, Swine Flu) this past fall, the girls were really messed up and picked a couple of fights at doggie day care. Thank goodness the people there know Tonks and Luna so well, and knew they were at Day Care because I was sick. They saw that the dogs were stressed and just took them out of the group playtime and loved on them individually. So I wonder if you are onto something; that they are picking up on my not feeling well physically and emotionally, and its fueling them being stressed too. Doesn't exactly give me another reason to look forward to the surgery and recovery period afterward. |
Darth Snuggle wrote: Doesn't exactly give me another reason to look forward to the surgery and recovery period afterward.
Oh, but here's the good part: you get great snuggle bunnies during recovery. When I'm sick I can't move because they can't get close enough to me. Granted, [cack cack ] there IS such a thing as too much closeness, but, hey, it's the thought (and black & blue marks ) that count, right? 
One day at a time. Kristine |
Mad Dog wrote: Darth Snuggle wrote: Doesn't exactly give me another reason to look forward to the surgery and recovery period afterward. Oh, but here's the good part: you get great snuggle bunnies during recovery. When I'm sick I can't move because they can't get close enough to me. Granted, [cack cack ] there IS such a thing as too much closeness, but, hey, it's the thought (and black & blue marks ) that count, right? One day at a time. Kristine Very true; when I had pneumonia it was the catalyst for the dogs and cats finally being able to hang out together. All five of them HAD to sit where I sat, or lie down when I did. They'd all be on the couch with me trying to watch tv, or all in bed when I needed to rest. That should be fun again! |
sheepieshake wrote: I know that, most dogs, don't appreciate our pups...there are no visible signs to their demeanor... Can't see a tail, playfully raised, wagging or down between the legs, fearful...Can't see eyes for eyecontact....Can barely see ears...are they perked or down close to the head. AND all that hair!!!!! It is a dog??? a stuffie???? Add to this mix, the herding instinct of nipping at the feet, rounding 'the stock', cutting off at the pass.... Every time I start a new obedience class Langley is now level 2
There is always a reaction (barking etc) from the other dogs when we walk in, the trainer always introduces him like this: this is Langley and your dogs may react differently to him; he doesn't have a tail and is very fluffy and his eye are not as visible (I try) he doesn't help the matter he likes to bounce up and down on all fours |
| ^^^^That's like Tiggy at obedience.
If we go to a different class or a new dog joins our usual class there's often a lot of barking. Once the other dog starts then Tiggy feels obliged to have her say too.
They seem to take one look at Tiggy and go crazy. Tiggy does have a tail but it is hard to keep her eyes visible and even if they are fully visible she likes to stare straight at other dogs and they find it rude. I cant seem to convince her that habit. She's stares first then introduces herself with the more polite sniffing, its all backwards in dog language. |
| Brick is great at dog parks. He loves going to them. I'd be lost without a dog park.
He likes to kinda antagonize dogs into chasing him. He'll do the play-bow thing over & over at them, maybe paw them a little bit, maybe even hump them; and when the other dog starts chasing him, he's in heaven. He loves to be chased. Sometimes a dog doesn't want to be bothered and will let Brick know. He gets the message pretty well. There's only 2 situations that I get worried about. 1) Brick is doing his typical playing with another dog, and another 2 or 3 dogs come in and try to do the same thing to him, he gets overwhelmed and gets a little p***ed. I step right in at that point & get him out of there. There was a time when 3 huskys ganged up on him and he was really riled. I was mad at the husky owner for not taking any actions. I ended up leaving that day. 2) If 2 dogs are fighting or kinda fighting, Brick wants to get right in the middle of it. Not to fight, mind you, but just to check out what's going on. It's as if he's saying, "what's goin' on over here?" or "what's all the hubbub?". That bothers me. In either case, I spray water on him from the water bottle I always carry. He hates that and will run from it every time. I've only had Zeke at a dog park during Sheepiepalooza '09 and he seemed to do great. He's more of a submissive guy anyways. My ex g/f never mentioned any problems when she takes him. |
| My heart would have stopped - how frightening for you! I can't say how glad I am that all the dogs were OK.
I've given up on our dog park. I was really excited to find out there was one near by, but every time we go there's only a handful of little dogs, and whilst Bally would happily play with them, their owners pick them up and look at me with the most terrified expressions
Luckily we go to my parents' farm every other weekend so Bally can romp with their pack of five big dogs |
| I was back at the dog park yesterday afternoon and so was the owner of the dog and the dog that Luna fought with. I told the girls to sit and stay as I went over to say hello, and ask as to how her dog was doing. Of course, the sit-stay lasted 30 seconds, and while the owner of the injured dog is explaining that after they got home from the park they found another puncture wound Tonks and Luna had crept up and were sniffing at the dog!!!
First I was mortified that Luna hadn't just torn an ear--ears do that; they are sort of more fragile than the rest of a dog-- She'd bitten a hole in his shoulder!!!! We looked at the wounds and for only 3 days later, they were remarkably well healed. I again offered to pay for vetting, which the owner declined; she insisted her dog started it and that I shouldn't be responsible. And while we are having this conversation, the three dogs have begun playing together!!!! I like to think I have half a clue when it comes to my dogs and dog behavior. But some days it all still surprises me. |
Darth Snuggle wrote: I like to think I have half a clue when it comes to my dogs and dog behavior. But some days it all still surprises me.
When all else fails and no sensible explanation is forthcoming, you blame it on the phase of the moon
Kristine |
Mad Dog wrote: Darth Snuggle wrote: I like to think I have half a clue when it comes to my dogs and dog behavior. But some days it all still surprises me. When all else fails and no sensible explanation is forthcoming, you blame it on the phase of the moon Kristine I ACTUALLY wondered about that. 45 minutes after my girls' dog fight, another group of dogs got in a fight as well. Had me wondering if weather or the moon was riling up the dogs!!! |
Darth Snuggle wrote: I ACTUALLY wondered about that. 45 minutes after my girls' dog fight, another group of dogs got in a fight as well. Had me wondering if weather or the moon was riling up the dogs!!!
Ask any beginners agility class instructor if they believe a full moon has an impact on dogs...
Ask any advanced agility instructor if she believes it extends to her two legged students as well.
We've had classes where the instructor was just shaking her head over our collective stupidity
We already know weather impacts many dogs in a variety of ways, so, sure, why not? I once took care of two bitches for a friend of mine. Long term. They always got along until one day when I came home to find one needing stitches on her face, and another on her leg. Both were very sweet, dog savvy bitches who got along well with all dogs. By the time I got home they were both very subdued. I loaded them up in my car together, drove them to the vet, got them stitched up, we got home, all was back to normal. By the next day they were back to sleeping on the same bed together and they were fine from that point on. I really think the one girl just got on the other girl's very last nerve on that particular day. She corrected her, caught her harder than she intended to, the correctee relaliated. Blood was shed, bad words were said, and, eventually, they apparently cleared the air. Go figure.
Kristine |
| Not to mention, ask any police officer about a full moon, they cringe.
Also sometimes I have a bad day, "got out of the wrong side of the bed" my gran would say, and all it takes is for someone to look sideways at me and they cop it.
Maybe dogs have days where they get out of the wrong side of the dog bed. |
| The three ER/Trauma Department's I worked in always had the full moons highlighted on the calendar...... |
Chauncey wrote: The three ER/Trauma Department's I worked in always had the full moons highlighted on the calendar......
So true |
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