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Author
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Topic: Aussie mock-attacks visitors (young & old)
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creepingShadow
Junior Member
Member # 359
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posted November 18, 2003 02:20 PM
My sister-in-law has an Aussie/Golden Retriever mix that visits us regularly. We've all become very attached to her. She was abused as a puppy (we believe), but has been with us since she was just 2 or 3 months old. She is spayed. She is extremely sweet and very motherly with other dogs (and even with people). She licks the other dog's ears (a dachshund and a pomeranian) and backs off if they growl at her. She does not act like an "alpha" dog. She doesn't even act like she realizes how big she is (we have to help her in the car - she won't jump). She's even afraid of tile floors. Just an extremely loving and submissive dog. The problem? she charges strangers. When a stranger (or even a visitor who isn't there on a regular basis) comes in the house, she charges at them, growling. It appears a charge of fear rather than outright aggression, but bites hurt no less because of the intention. She's bitten 3 times: The first time - she got out of the front door and saw a bikerider in the street. She charged at him and in his fear, he kicked her. She responded by biting him (she didn't bite him too badly). The second time, a little girl came over to play with one of the children and she charged her at the door and nipped her hip (left a small red spot, but scared the girl). The third time, the kids and their friends were playing in the backyard and she got excited and bit one in the toe (also, no skin breakage, just scared the girl, but I think she was intending to play, not bite). She is always good with the household children and all the family. And even with strangers, she is usually good once they are in the house for a bit. My sister-in-law is talking about giving her away or maybe eventually putting her to sleep. She is afraid of being sued and can't afford to pay for people's doctor visits. But we all love the dog very much. And it is such a shame because she is so cowardly and submissive (we call her the cowardly lion) and I really believe she only does this out of fear..... What can we do? Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.....
Posts: 2 | From: Texas | Registered: Nov 2003
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Dawn
Moderator
Member # 14
Member Rated:
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posted November 18, 2003 02:25 PM
I would definately advice against giving her away as this will only pass the problem on to the next person. It does sound like a fear response in most instances. I would suggest that you get the dog to a trainer to work with her. It is a very serious problem.
Posts: 428 | Registered: Nov 2002
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creepingShadow
Junior Member
Member # 359
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posted November 18, 2003 02:25 PM
Forgot to mention -- I say "mock attacks" because she usually stops right when she gets to the person and just barks a little. Or lunges at their feet when they walk sometimes, but usually stays a good 6 inches from ever making contact. Most of the time anyway.
Posts: 2 | From: Texas | Registered: Nov 2003
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fullhouse9873
Member
Member # 222
Rate Member
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posted November 20, 2003 12:05 AM
When I was having aggresion problems with my last dog - I talked to an insurace agent about some of the things that can happen with an aggressive dog. I found out that if you give an aggressive dog away (even if you disclose all of the information to the new owner) you can still be held responsible if the dog bites someone again.
Sounds like the dog is biting out of fear. This is a hard behavior to correct. If you want to - you can try, but there are never guarantees. We stuck a lot of time and money into our last dog to correct his territorial and dog aggressions - and it didn't help. We still had to have him put down. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do (he was my little angel) - but it had to be done. We live within a block of three elementary schools. I couldn't run the risk of him hurting a child.
You can try to work with the dog - I would reccomend getting a very good trainer (expect to pay a lot). Or you can try and be careful - but as I learned, there's always going tto be a time when the front door is open just a crack - or the kids let the dog out on accident. For me the right decision was to put him down. Please be careful - and I hope that you can help your dog.
Posts: 247 | From: Jefferson, WI | Registered: Sep 2003
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cedge
Junior Member
Member # 449
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posted December 18, 2003 09:33 AM
Do you by any chance live in Austin? I have an Aussie/Golden mix that exhibits the same behavior. He was one of a litter of 7 (I think). He acts much like you discribed. I just put him up when people are coming over, and he is in a fenced yard. I make sure I have a close rein or eye on him when introducing him to others. I can tell when he's wary or relaxed. It's my responsibility. A hassel may-be, but it's worth it... he is such a beautiful, sweet, loving dog to his people. If you all feel driven to find another home for the dog, contact me. Do you have a picture? Could she be Beau's sister?
Posts: 1 | From: Texas | Registered: Dec 2003
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