My dog attacked me tonight

[Cat'sGrowl]

Anyone who had any understanding of dogs as a species knows that they are, simply, egomaniacs. The only way to truly make an impact on a dog from a behavioral standpoint is to show you are in charge for a reason. If your dog had the nerve to bite you and draw as much blood as you declared it did, and you did not respond firmly, then you are validating it's misplaced courage.

And oh, btw, you asked.

[Cat'sGrowl]

Thanks for the input, Mike.

How are things in Philly?

Cute but I'm afraid that it's terribly unoriginal. It's also a poor counter to what has been scientifically proven. Treating your dog as if it's your equal is any typical dog owners first mistake. If his dog had bit some poor little girl from next door, he could be looking at a lawsuit (not to mention the kids he previously mentioned wanting to have) But at least he didn't have to punish his poor little puppy.

[boo7382]

Lemme get some vicodin!

[Johnny Rockets]

Anyone who had any understanding of dogs as a species knows that they are, simply, egomaniacs. The only way to truly make an impact on a dog from a behavioral standpoint is to show you are in charge for a reason. If your dog had the nerve to bite you and draw as much blood as you declared it did, and you did not respond firmly, then you are validating it's misplaced courage.

And oh, btw, you asked.

Anyone who has any understanding of dogs knows that "beating the absolute piss" out of a dog is the absolute worse way to accomplish this. Pretty sure the dog is not the biggest egomaniac in your house.

[Cat'sGrowl]

Anyone who has any understanding of dogs knows that "beating the absolute piss" out of a dog is the absolute worse way to accomplish this. Pretty sure the dog is not the biggest egomaniac in your house.

I knew someone wouldn't be able to create a valid counter-argument and would begin to attack me and take my words out of context. Again, a pretty lame Internet strategy. Try me again when you're informed on the matter at hand.

[Johnny Rockets]

I knew someone wouldn't be able to create a valid counter-argument and would begin to attack me and take my words out of context. Again, a pretty lame Internet strategy. Try me again when you're informed on the matter at hand.

Attack you????!!!!!

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Cat'sGrowl]

Attack you????!!!!!

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

Did you or did you not try to undermine me?

Pretty sure the dog is not the biggest egomaniac in your house.

[Lumps]

So, as most of you old huddlers know, my dog's name is dimbee. I've had him since he was 6 weeks old. He is now 13 years old. He's a german shepherd/chow mix. He and I have been through so much together, it's not even able to be put into words what he means to me. He's been my companion and friend through so many hard time when I had no one else. He was there yelping and wagging his tail like crazy when I got out of the hospital after 3 weeks. He has always been such a soul companion, it's hard to put into worda. I know there are many here that understand. The last little while, he has gotten, more "grumpy" and I've chalked it up to him getting old. Well, tonight, he didn't want to get in his bed and when I forcefully told him to get I his bed with a stern finger pointed, he bit me. Its a pretty deep bite and drew a lot of blood. Just on my index finger. Now I'm beat up. I feel so bad, like it was my fault or something. (He has all of his shots, for anyone wondering) I've never experienced anything like this. I feel betrayed be him but I also feel like somehow I caused it. I know his breeds have that possibility in him. But, still, he's my dog and we've been through so much together. I don't know what to do now. My fiancé and I are going to get married and plan to have kids. I didn't have a worry in the world about him until now. I'm heartbroken more than anything. This hurts.

I have worked with dogs all my life, all kinds of breeds and from all aspects (rescues, vets, boarding). Your dog did not 'attack' you, I can promise you this. If his intention was to hurt you, he would have 'went after' you. I have been attacked by many dogs, sometimes more than one in my life and this is not how it happens. Your dog snapped at you and if this is the first time in 13 years, you have one hell of a great dog. Many people who adopt dogs who have problems know this all too well.

I also think it sounds to me like this is your fault. Here is why. People need to respect dogs, especially aging dogs. They are deteriorating inside and out at a pace much faster than any human will know. We are the smarter creatures and we should not approach lesser creatures with a 'controlling' nature. We know better which brings me to my point, the solution.

.Does your dog like treats? To go outside? Are there words he knows and will get up for? I'm willing to bet there is and this is when you can use your brain instead of being controlling.

Do you know what role an aging dog carries in a pack? Do you know what consists of this role? Do you know when the change in roles start to occur? Dogs are pack animals and you have to examine their instincts, not your commands. Old dogs change, naturally but are still loving and great friends until the end. They just need someone who is willing to give them space to see them out. You cannot possibly expect your aging dog to respond like it did the day you got it and if you do (or end up putting him down), you need to stop getting dogs because you do not understand them.

There are a lot of reasons he could have done this. Animals are animals and should be respected as they get older. Some older dogs won't even let you touch their food, even though they may have their whole life. They become honorary, just like...yep, humans.

You have kept him this long and I would think you were less responsible giving him up or putting him down. If he is truly your best friend for 13 years and you put him down now, what does that say about being friends with you? I could never do that to a friend of 13 years, it's not like he has more than 3 years at max left in him.

I truly hope that you reflect on this incident as a way that instead of trying to control your aging dog (like he has been so willing for 13 years) and hold him to expectations but instead reward those 13 years of friendship and companionship by starting to empathize and sympathize with his current state and try and make him more comfortable in his later years.

The baby can wait, you have a life-long, dying friend that needs care, and I can guarantee you your dog would not give up on you if one day you decide to hit him. This isn't to say you 'control' your dog, I think obedient dogs are a must but when they get older things start to change (except their loyalty) and you are no different.

[SamTheRam]

I have two mutts from the Humane Society...rescues both. One growls a lot and has snapped at family members. I tell them to just respect that the dog doesn't want them in her face. The other dog is gentle, play with her. The growler trusts me implicitly, but has given me the back off signal many times. I respect her wishes and she is a very loving dog the other 99 percent of the time.

[Kitten Diver]

:cam:

I have two pussies from the Humane Society...rescues both. One growls a lot and has snapped at family members. I tell them to just respect that the pussy doesn't want them in her face. The other pussy is gentle, play with her. The pussy trusts me implicitly, but has given me the back off signal many times. I respect her wishes and she is a very loving pussy the other 99 percent of the time.

[dimbee]

And oh, btw, you asked.

I asked what and where?

[dimbee]

Geeeeez, I wasn't asking for advice on how to take care of my dog, just sharing my story. Nowhere did I intimate that I was going to give up my dog nor put him down. I appreciate everyone's feedback, of course, but let's reign it in. Good grief.

[Cat'sGrowl]

Geeeeez, I wasn't asking for advice on how to take care of my dog, just sharing my story. Nowhere did I intimate that I was going to give up my dog nor put him down. I appreciate everyone's feedback, of course, but let's reign it in. Good grief.

But, still, he's my dog and we've been through so much together. I don't know what to do now. My fiancé and I are going to get married and plan to have kids. I didn't have a worry in the world about him until now. I'm heartbroken more than anything. This hurts.

That gave the impression that you didn't know what to do, and, usually, when someone brings a scenario like this to an internet forum, it's generally seeking advice, because they didn't know what to do.

[dimbee]

My apologies for not being more clear. No worries. Like I said, I appreciate everyone's input :)