Baby Kisses Dog

I have seen tons of pictures recently showing babies and toddlers face-to-face, lying on top of, or tightly hugging their dog. Babies and dogs together aren't anything new—and the photos are sweet, but have you ever noticed how uneasy the dog often is? Perhaps these photos stand out to me because I am both more aware of how a dog communicates and I have two new grand-(great?) nephews (1 year and 9 months). More often than not, the poor dog looks like it is tolerating the interaction and gratefully, is well-behaved enough to suffer through the interaction. But how many people unknowingly subject their dog to the discomfort and their child to the danger? It seems like a lot.

I came across this video showing very subtle dog communication around a wee one. I sent it off to both new sets of parents. They may be comfortable with the interaction between their baby and their dog, but do they know their friends' dogs as well?

After Lucy passed away, we briefly trialed-for-adoption, a male pup around a year old. He was a sweet, young thing, but I realized almost immediately he harbored more issues than I was skilled to deal with. Although he suffered several bizarre personality traits, the clincher for his return was nipping a neighbor's young daughter. The little girl, around eight at the time, came over to see our new pup. She was shy and stood quietly by her mother, when Jake came up and nipped at her shirt. No one had anticipated that. He didn't touch skin, and neither the mother nor her daughter was bothered by it. The little girl was unharmed. However, I was greatly concerned! We travel a lot and are in many different situations which include children. I did not want a dog that needed constant monitoring; I had already experienced that with Lucy. After much distress on my part, the young dog was returned to his foster home for more evaluation.

Lovely Bella is as sweet as can be, but she isn't used to babies who grab her fur for balance or grab her neck to hug or topple accidentally on top of her. Whenever we are around small ones, I monitor her and the babies like a hawk and do not allow close interactions. I am guarding Bella as much as the baby. Bella is far more quick than I and a baby's face is far closer to Bella's teeth.

On the street, there are several things I do when a child runs up to Bella, as often, the parent with the child does nothing.

• First, I safeguard Bella. I make sure she is not anxious (never the case) and next to me. 
• I explain to the child they should never run up to a strange dog. 
• They should always ask the owner permission to pet the dog.
• They shouldn’t shout or grab at the dog—all things that can frighten it and precipitate a bite.
• When greeting a strange dog, they should extend a fisted hand, fingers down, for the dog to sniff (safe-guarding small, tasty fingers).
• When leaving, it is wise to walk, not run, from the dog.
  
  

A bit of overkill, perhaps, but if the parent is non-responsive, I assume the child hasn't been taught how to behave around an animal. Better to know how to approach an animal safely, than risk a bite.

Recently I read the article, Why Some Pet Photos Make Me Nervous, by Dr. Nancy Kay, DVM. In it she advises parents to:

• Actively teach young children how to interact with animals in a gentle, respectful fashion. Role model this behavior every chance you get.
• Be reminded that every animal is capable of unpredictable behavior. Never leave a young child unsupervised with an animal, even if that animal happens to be the beloved family pet.
• An eating or sleeping animal is wearing a “do not disturb” sign which should be respected.
• If your pet enjoys spending time in a crate or other small, enclosed shelter, consider this to be their sacred space and bar young children from entering.
• Avoid subjecting your pet to unnatural, uncomfortable poses for the sake of a photo!
  
  

Respect a dog's sense of space—and be responsible for your child’s interactions with pets.

Loose Dog—"Oh! He's friendly!"

This kind of situation would not have been an issue for me had we not been blessed with Lucy. Lucy was aggressive with any dog who approached her—unless it was a puppy or a dog she knew. Lucy was always on a leash, not so other dogs, though some were on equally unmanageable flexi-leads. Somehow, dog owners assume that because their dog is non-aggressive, all will be well, but they don't consider the other dog. Lucy was beautifully behaved on a leash—unless charged by another dog.

I can't tell you the number of times people allowed their dog to zoom in our direction with the shout, "Oh (s)he's friendly!" (The flexi-lead walkers were almost always oblivious to the location of their dog.) No one ever bothered to ask if my dog was friendly. Usually, I could maneuver Luce away or yell to the owner to grab their dog before things got out of hand—but not always. A fight would occur and who was considered the guilty owner? I always felt horrible that Lucy was in a situation in which she clearly felt threatened. Her psyche was so fragile and I did my utmost to avoid those scenarios.

So I was quite taken aback the other day while walking mild-mannered Bella. A loose Golden Retriever, hackles raised, came rushing at us from behind some shrubs. What did the owners yell? "Oh, he's friendly!" In fact, there was no problem because Bella reacts beautifully in those kinds of circumstances, giving just the right doggie "I am not boss" signals. But that's besides the point as I don't want my girl to have to be in those situations. I had no time to extricate her or avoid the oncoming Golden. Had it been Lucy, there would have been no question of a fight.

The owners were walking their dog off leash. Mistake number one. Two, they assumed because their dog was friendly (although his approach was anything but), there would be no issue. Three, they made no attempt at calling their dog to them, but let the situation unfold. Trying to be as calm as possible, I explained why it was very unsafe for them to allow their dog to do that. They looked at me like the problem was mine. I feel very, very sorry for their pup. He may not be so lucky the next time he charges a dog.

Dog Visitors

Amber

Bella's buddy Amber stayed with us for a few days. Bella is very respectful of Amber's age (11 1/2 years) and doesn't badger her, although I know she wants to play with her. Amber looks fabulous: her coat is shiny and thick and gait is steady, but I've noticed that our linoleum floor is hard for her to negotiate. Her back end slipped frequently. It made me sad. Amber has gone through two ACL surgeries and is now on steady chemo meds for mast cell cancer yet seems so young at heart. The slipping makes me realize that she's old. I kept her on the carpet as much as possible and nothing from her in the kitchen the required speed. Next time, I'll have rubber-backed carpet for her.

Amber, as with all good dogs, never complains. You have to scratch your head at dogs' adaptability. Yes, she know our house and us, but her owner comes over and leaves her. (Emphasis from the dog's point of view.) Amber just fit right in to our schedule. She even learned to wait with a biscuit on her paw before chewing. What a good girl!

In a couple of weeks, we'll be taking care of another dog, K2. Bella and K2 will play hard and have a fabulous time. Bella likes the company and doggie interactions.

Who Bella does not like is our neighbor's maltese-cross, Misu. Misu is not very well socialized, but sweet (if ill-behaved). Yet she must have done some bad dog thing to Bella, because she is the only dog Bella cannot tolerate. I was concerned yesterday when I let Bella into the back yard and realized Misu was there. Bella assumed the pose: rigid, standing over Misu. Misu peed all over herself. Luckily I could remove Bellie from the scene without incident and leash Misu (because she doesn't know the word 'come') and return her home.

Old Fears

Lucy, our last dog, was attacked on three occasions by three different "packs" of pit bulls—always a gang of two. Although I don't blame the dogs (but the horribly negligent owners), I have an ingrained fear of pits because of those incidents. And it is the last attack where one dog took on Lucy's front and the other her rear that is seared into my brain.

So imagine my fear while walking Bella and K2 (whom I was caring for), when two pits rushed us. One backed off immediately, but not the other. K2 was at the end of her leash trying to distance herself while Bella was the target. The dog did not attack, but was growling, aggressive and kept his head over her shoulders. Bella's tail was tucked and in no mood to argue. I was trying to position myself between them (not smart), screaming and kicking at him while the owner was yelling and trying to grab him.

When the owner was able to separate him, I told her she had better leash her dogs; she had no business allowing them loose. She told me to get off her property. Huh? I'm walking in the middle of a city street with two leashed and licensed dogs. This is public property, ma'am, and your dogs are loose and aggressive. Déjà vu. It was too scary to relive this kind of scenario with Bella. I have woken each morning since and that dog is the first thing that comes to mind.

Fifth Class

The aggressive boxer was definitely tested this week and actually needed to be removed from class. I question that he is even allowed into the class considering off leash work is part of it. For him, however, off leash is probably only an "in house" treat. I admire the owners for their efforts.

We did an agility run at the end of class that compromised three small jumps confined by a low 30 inch fence. Mr. Aggressive couldn't handle the dogs running the length of the room and jumping and became very reactive, setting off the Rhodesian Ridgeback. For the boxer there was just too much uncontrolled activity. Where all other dogs had their leash removed, he had to do it leashed with his person. (Thank heavens! When the instructor mentioned Mr. A. should try it, everyone gathered their dogs behind them.)

Bella was a star! She had to stay at the end of the tunnel while I took her leash and walked to the other end. When I called her to come, she bounded in a flash and flew over all three jumps and sat in front of me. Yay! Good Puppy!

On a different note, in an attempt to teach her self-control in a high-amped situation (mountain biking, chuck-it games), I've been asking her to sit before I throw the ball. The first day was a bust. She couldn't do it, so we didn't play. Boy! Was she confused and disappointed!

The second day she only had about three tosses before it was over. Day 3 I pulled out the clicker and she almost immediately fell in line. I didn't require a stay with the sit—that's to come—but her bottom hitting the ground was required. She did a fabulous job. I realized I didn't need food; she wouldn't have eaten it anyway. A thrown tennis ball is more than enough of a reward.

What I'm hoping to accomplish is that if she sits, she doesn't usually bark. She will have learned three things: 1) a bit of self-control; 2) ability to listen when excited, and hopefully when ready for the cue, 3) quiet. I'll keep you posted!

4th Class

The Boxer and Rhodesian Ridgeback were at it again this week, but not for quite as long. I feel so sorry for both owners. I thought Lucy was bad, but she didn't hold a candle to either of these.

Some interesting lessons in class this time. We worked on common commands (sit, down, stay) in two different ways. One was verbal only; the other was signal only. I need to do more with those. She wanted us basically "off collar" meaning we should try not to use it unless absolutely necessary. I need a lot more work with that and because there is no class next week, I better give it plenty of action. I'd like to have Bella cooperating with both.

When my husband takes her out in the morning for "biscuit hour" he often goes through whatever I've taught him from what I've learned that week. I mentioned this two-way method after class, but forgot to remind him of it this morning. To have us both working her is great, not only for us, but for her since our inflections and actions vary slightly.

Today she's been a bit of a pill, but I think that's because we were both gone in different directions and she had to be crated. Since my husband has returned, she's had one of us around all day. How was she a pill? Pulled on the leash, didn't obey commands, pushy... As Dana said, if we let her get away with it now when she's trying her limits, she'll know she can. If we make it clear now, she won't be always fighting the parameters. A no-brainer perhaps, but it was good to hear it again.

3rd Class

Saturday was our third class. It started with a bang. There is a very large, white male boxer who attends and suffers from serious anger management issues. I'm impressed he's allowed in class and I'm impressed with the woman who brings him. (What a handful!) I must admit, however, that I think an aggressive dog class might be better, but perhaps he's already gone through that.

The minute he entered the room, he started snarking. The owner was on high alert, as were all the other dogs. There's a very large male Rhodesian Ridgeback in class who is not aggressive, but is reactive. He and the boxer do not like each other, so when the boxer started in, the Ridgeback entered the fracas. No actually fighting, just barking, growling and lunging with the owners pulling in opposite directions. A male yellow Lab also decided to get into it, than a Dobie and a Mastiff. The whole class was in an uproar.

The instructor immediately told the boxer owner to get her dog out of the arena and into a "cool off" zone. She required everyone else to control their dogs and not allow the behavior. The boxer got into it several times within the first half hour, but eventually settled down. Bella, by the end of class, was exhausted as were all the other dogs—and the owners. Too much emotion.

Reality Relief

After posting the "attack" issue in a couple of fabulous dog forums, I feel more human again. From my sister-in-law to everyone in the forums, the consensus was one incident does not indicate an aggressive dog. Sunday afternoon and Monday, I took Bella to an area where a lot of folks walk their dogs and none elicited the reaction she showed with the little lab. Not even close. She met dogs of all different sizes, ages and temperaments and was universally well-behaved. I still want to be alert to the potential, but it's no longer consuming me.

I must admit today, however, I am exhausted from puppy parenting. I know these puppy traits will pass and with them will be a certain nostalgia, but the constant monitoring is all-consuming and really makes me wonder why on earth someone in their mid-50s would choose to have a child! I can barely keep up with a puppy and that is tons easier in comparison.

I'm on a new scheme to train in small increments throughout the day. Over and over and over again. No session is terribly long, but just enough repetition for her to get some of these commands ingrained. Biting is a big issue and that has to stop. She's also nipping at legs...herding dog. That will also have to stop.

The other big one is starting and stopping on walks. Ten feet forward, sit, another ten, lay down, another ten, sit. I've got to figure out a way around that and it may be with food although every time she gets a kibble, she sits to eat it. 100 chews. Mother would be proud.

Awful!

Today in our first puppy class, Bella attacked another, smaller puppy. The pup was about a quarter of her size and quite shy, but not submissive. All the puppies seemed to dominate this one, but none attacked. Bella got over the top of her and went for her neck. Before I could even react, the instructor swooped in and removed Bella. No shouts, no "No!"—just got her out of the situation.

I've written so frequently about the turmoil with Lucy's aggression and how it dominated everything we did. The last thing I wanted was another dog to have this same issue. When I spoke with the instructor after class, she said (in so many words), if Bella was showing this behavior now, it was part of her personality. I don't think this is the place to swear, but I'm certainly thinking that way. I am so horribly discouraged.

I know she's young and I know I have the advantage of time and training on my side, but I donotdonotdonot want another aggressive dog!

Back & baths

I've been out of town for the past five days. I had a wonderful break in Corpus Christi where the extended family met to celebrate my nephews "winging"—military parlance for becoming a pilot. It wasn't a vacation as much as a gathering with all the aspects of family get togethers. Aborted conversations, waiting for the masses to assemble in order to do something, inside jokes, lots of hugs. Luckily my nephew and his wife have a beautiful young German Shepard, Daisy, so we weren't dogless.

The weather was a real break from what we get this time of year in the northwest. We stepped off the plane to warm and sunny. Ah-h-h! You could tell which of the family members weren't from Texas/Arizona...the minute we were outside we turned and faced the sun. Magnets. Amazing. The warmth!

Lucy was staying with our friends and because I lucked out and was able to get an early plane connection home, she was not here when I arrived. What a joy to see her when they brought her home. It was definitely a mutual admiration society gathering. She had a great time with them; they took her to work everyday leaving their dog at home. (Lucy has been known to jump their fence and although I think her legs aren't up to it anymore, you never know.) She also got to go on walks in different areas complete with new smells. An olfactory plus for her!

Quite awhile back when we were sitting their dog (3 weeks+), they gave us a gift certificate at a small local grooming shop. I'm taking Lucy in today for a bath and toenail clip. She'll look lovely for Floyd's return tomorrow.

P.S. The attacking dog has been picked up. It was a loose, aggressive, female mastiff. Because a series of complaints had been filed against the dog, the owners are responsible for not only the shelter boarding fees, but licensing, aggression and vet bills. My understanding is they stopped by the shelter to pick their dog up—actually they demanded the release of their dog, but AC refused to give it up until fines were paid. Additionally, if they do pay the fines, the dog must be removed from the county immediately. Should they get another dog and it is loose and or aggressive, they cannot get another dog for five years. Now I don't know how that could possibly be monitored. County Animal Control doesn't have the funds or personnel to monitor that, but it's nice to know they have the laws in place in case we should be faced with this again. Justice rules (somewhat)!

More on aggressive dogs & neighborhood reaction

I was talking with a neighbor last night who mentioned the woman whose dogs were attacked by the Mastiff is thinking of selling her house. She just went through an extensive renovation of the home and has only recently (September) moved back into it after the remodeling was completed. Yet the attack set her on edge. She runs every day. She's a tall, strong woman and even she's unglued by the recent turn of events (including Lucy's attack). Another neighbor has said the same and would do so if the market was stronger. I think two people wishing to move because of dog attacks is hugely significant.

Moving may be an over reaction, but I understand their anxiety. If you don't feel your dog is safe or you're always anxious walking them, what are the realistic alternatives? Moving was one of the first things that crossed my mind, but there is no guarantee you or your pup will be safer elsewhere. Yes, our neighborhood does border a not so nice 'hood, but bad dog owners live everywhere. None the less, I know for the first time in my life I've considered going "dogless" when Lucy is no longer with us.

Neighborhood Discussion

Another attack. This time a loose, aggressive Mastiff was the culprit. Is bigger better? This happened to a neighbor who jogs with her leashed dogs tied to a waist belt. She said the dog came out of nowhere, didn't ask questions, but went straight for the closest dog. This time she was jogging with only one of her three dogs and a neighbor's dog. The neighbor's dog was the one hit. Her dog also suffered some injuries, however, the other dog took the brunt of it. Both dogs are okay, but...

The jogger said if it hadn't been for someone driving by on his way to work, she didn't know if she could have beat off the attacker. As it was, the driver got out and helped. He also called Animal Control. We don't think the dog has been picked up.

When something like this happens, we have a phone/email tree to alert the other dog walkers we know in the area to alert them. Granted the last (known) attack was the two pit bulls who hit Lucy last March. None the less, we are all feeling on edge. We walk our dogs twice a day in the neighborhood and if we can't be assured that we/our dogs are safe, what's the impetus to walk? Drive elsewhere? Sure, but in reality with busy schedules, this isn't always possible. Any is anywhere else guaranteed to be safe?

We've talked of having Animal Control come out and let us know what we can do to safeguard ourselves and our pets. The last time I asked this of A.C., their response was honest, if disappointing. The man said there was nothing we could do except be alert and hope for the best. If owners don't assume responsibility for their pet, if they don't train it, care for it, restrain it, you are at their mercy.

My understanding is some cities have a two bite policy (one bite you're warned, the second bite the dog is put down). That policy is also the rule here. Additionally, other locales state that after the first bite, the owner has to post a bond. I don't know what the cost is, but I think that's a good idea. However, if the owner is a scumbag (my words), nothing guarantees they'll manage the dog any better or pay up. If the dog is taken, there is no guarantee the owner won't get another.

I sound fatalistic and am feeling so. At this point I just don't anyway around it.

What is it with some owners?

What is it with some dog owners? I've mentioned how concerned I am about any dog attack now that Lucy is on the road to mend (and after we spent an arm and a leg getting her there). Well tonight we had another dog 'episode' on our walk.

Our neighborhood, despite the housing crisis, is seeing some pretty major remodeling. The homes are typical one-story 50s ramblers and many new owners are putting on a second story maximizing a pretty phenomenal view. That means, of course, that the streets are teaming with construction workers. Some of those workers bring their dogs to the site for which I've yet to see a single dog tied up. There's one house that has a loose (but of course!) large boxer cross who is not dog-friendly. In the past, the dog has come out into the street and stalked us keeping close behind, but not pressing the distance.

Tonight he tore out at us. I yelled to the owner, who yelled at his dog. The dog stopped, then charged again. The owner yelled again, the dog paused but continued the charge, the owner yelled again and grabbed him. Keep your frikkin' dog tied up buddy! This is something that absolutely drives me berzerk. Do they think their dog can't be hit be a car? Do they think they can control the dog when they're inside shooting nail guns? Can they hear their dog? I doubt it. I feel like calling animal control. I think I will.

Attack Reaction

Lucy was attacked by two loose pit bulls in March. I don't think they created her back problem, but I do think they exacerbated it. They knocked her down and continued to do so, one from the front, one from the back until my brother and I could fight them off. After the attack, Lucy went from occasionally stumbling to barely walking. So naturally, I've been very concerned about loose dogs.

Lucy has 'anger management' issues, as a friend says. I don't deny that and it requires constant monitoring. She does not like loose dogs approaching while she's leashed. Did I mention she had been attacked by two other loose pits a couple months previous to the March attack? Or four different times by the same ill-trained, owner-ignored black lab? Or by another lab, this one brown? Our neighborhood isn't awful, but there are some oblivious owners and we do border a neighborhood where the primary business could be drug trafficking. So it's no wonder she's cautious about rapidly approaching loose dogs.

And it's also no wonder that when another loose pit charged us from behind yesterday morning that my reaction was swift. I carry pepper spray that can be effective, but isn't guaranteed. Yes, I've sprayed my dog and myself, but have always been able to eventually get the other dog off. I sprayed next to the dog's face. Close enough for the dog to smell it, but not directly in its face. A 'test' spray if you will and it worked. The dog stopped and backed off.

I was hesitant to walk that same block this morning, but thought "I will not be afraid." I am not going to curtail our walks because something may happen. However, you better believe I was alert. All went well. Whew...

Another kind of waiting

One more week of this 'penning up.' I allow Lucy in a room with me since she stays on her bed in that room. When I leave or do tasks around the house that don't allow me to monitor her, she goes back into the pen. We'll all be glad when that area of the kitchen is back in normal use.

I need to check with the vet about her care once the antibiotics, pain meds and pen are finished. The drug regime should be completed by Thursday—the same day the pen can come down. Five minute walks can begin on Friday, but for how long before we can bump it to 10 minutes? When can she use stairs...or jump in the car? Our neighborhood is one big hill. Can she do hills? Are those any different for her back than stairs?

One of my biggest fears is that once walks start, we'll run into loose dogs. Lucy can be leash aggressive if approached by a loose dog. It seems the dogs that we've experienced being loose are aggressive anyway and that's the LAST thing I want to deal with.