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Post by catstina on Dec 29, 2012 18:30:07 GMT -5
Saxon has never done this before in the year and a half since I've had him. He has always been bomb proof with people, especially kids. I've literally never worried about him around people, AT ALL.
Today at work a teenage boy was standing 4 feet away from him (out of Saxon's reach since he's tethered). He was standing there trying to read his tag (that's what I heard him tell his mom after Saxon barked). I could hear him mumbling at Saxon, but I was 10-15' away helping a customer, so I couldn't tell what he was saying. I looked over at one point and could see he was staring at Saxon and Saxon was at the end of his tether trying to reach the kid (I assumed it was to be pet and get attention). Then, about a half minute later, I heard him bark, an aggressive sounding bark that I've only ever heard out of him once before when a GSP growled at him.
I was stunned, I immediately ran over, grabben him by the collar, pulled him behind the counter and appologized profusely telling the kid's mom that Saxon had NEVER barked at anyone like that befoe and he loved EVERYONE and LOVES to be pet and give kisses and I couldn't even believe that he had done that. I was shaking, I was so upset. The woman said it was no problem and started joking with the kid, "What did you do to piss him off?" Her husband said, "If that's the worst your dog's ever done, he's got a one up on our dog." Then they started talking about their dog and I fake laughed at their stories until they left. Then I turned my attention to Saxon, who was shaking behind the register.
I have no idea what got into him!! He is now curled up in a ball asleep. Should I be concerned about this behavior? Should I give up on him being an SD? In all of our public access training Saxon is completely focussed on me and usually just ignores others. Though when they pet him or talk to him he is always friendly. On walks and in the store he has never growled or barked at ANYONE. The most he has done is chirp and chortle to get people's attention. I don't know what to do!! I'm literally shaking and about to start crying right now!! What do you all think happened!?
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Post by suziriot on Dec 29, 2012 18:38:07 GMT -5
Okay, don't panic. I don't think this at all means that Saxon is becoming aggressive or that he can't be a service dog. He didn't go crazy, he only barked once. It probably seems much more drastic to you since he's such an angel most of the time.  Sometimes certain people just rub you the wrong way, and the same thing happens with dogs. You didn't see the whole thing so who knows what might have set him off. The fact that Saxon was still so upset afterwards tells me that there was something out if the ordinary happening here. Unless he starts acting this way frequently, I'd treat it as an isolated incident and try to keep everything as normal as possible for him. If you're tense or anxious he will definitely pick up on it. |
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Post by emilys on Dec 29, 2012 19:09:52 GMT -5
I agree with Suzi.
You don't know what the kid was doing.. but you DID see him staring at Saxon. It may be that the kid started staring at Saxon and that's what caused the reaction. A hard stare is a threat, and that may be what Saxon was reacting to (you may find that he will react in the same "aggressive" way to a herding dog with a hard stare, like a border collie. My Lulu hated b.c.s for that reason).
A one time incident is not something to worry about. Dogs are living beings and they react idiosyncratically. I might just watch out for teenagers who can behave so stupidly and unpredictably (certainly from the dog's point of view). If you know any nice gentle young men, you can try some good interactions just to reassure yourself that this was a one time thing.
Saxon is a GOOD dog
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Post by catstina on Dec 29, 2012 19:19:19 GMT -5
He loves my stupid teenage brother and he's pretty unpredictable. So maybe it was just the stare. Thank you both. I'm still shaking about this. It's nice to get reassurence.
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Post by loverocksalot on Dec 29, 2012 19:54:38 GMT -5
Rocky did this once to a couple of young tween girls who entered the program room that we were practicing in for out program. I twas so embarrassed. The girls came in kind of loud to talk to library director and rocky went off. They flinched and look terrified. I told him quiet! And he stopped. The library director said I should not be sorry as she felt rocky was just being a dog. After that I was not sure he should do therapy. We went on to continue going to library and he had not done that again. He had gotten more vocal at barking at other dogs as he has gotten older though. And I have noticed him to be unsure about some weird strangers over the years but it is rare. He also occasionally barks if someone knocks. I am not sure what makes him concerned enough to bark but the first time ever he barked at someone I too was upset as you are.
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Post by catstina on Dec 29, 2012 22:07:37 GMT -5
I was supposed to babysit after work today, but we had a snowstorm, so the family offered to pick me up from work and drive me home. I obviously had Saxon with me. I'll admit, I was a little nervous that he would bark at the kids, but he was great, as usual. I'm sure the teenager did something to set him off, or maybe the hard stare made him nervous or something. I never should have doubted Saxon. If that kid comes back to PDog when we're working, I'll see if I can get him to be nice to Saxon and give him cookies and pets. I want him to love everyone, even if they are stupid and unpredictable. For fun, here is a picture of Saxon doing his tricks for 11 year old, May:  I now realize I really overreacted. I had too much coffee today and the storm put me on edge because I was nervous about driving to babysit. I'm feeling better now that Saxon was so good with the kids. Thanks again for reassuring me, all! |
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Post by suziriot on Dec 29, 2012 22:19:26 GMT -5
Thanks again for reassuring me, all! That's what we're here for! I love that one of Saxon dancing for a treat. He's such a good boy! |
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sharron
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Post by sharron on Dec 30, 2012 4:35:09 GMT -5
Yes. I agree that if the kid was starring at saxon, that alone is a 'challenge or threat and saxon reacted. Who knows what the kid had done.
saxon was at the end of his tether trying to get to the kid...I doubt that bark was a happy one that said saxon wanted to be petted .lol !
Your running over and grabbing saxon's collar was a 'no , no'. That is aggression on your part. Over reacting in this instance...yes.You pulled him behind the counter, and went immediately over and apologized to the woman and the kid. Why ?? Pulling saxon behind the counter and leaving him , was probably confusing to him and he became frightened.He also was in tune with your emotions and nerves.
Dogs "react" , they "don't rationalize".
I wouldn't worry about your beautiful boy , from what I know of reading about hi...he is ruly a good boy. I love his dancing moves !! lol !
However, if the boy and his mother go again , please watch the boy carefully, saxon will remember him for sure.
sharron
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Post by catstina on Dec 30, 2012 16:51:38 GMT -5
saxon was at the end of his tether trying to get to the kid...I doubt that bark was a happy one that said saxon wanted to be petted .lol ! Saxon is ALWAYS at the end of his tether trying to get at people when they are standing out of his reach. He usually whines, chirps and chortles at them to pet him. This time something was different and the bark was certainly not friendly. But being at the end of his tether (which he is only tied to so he doesn't run out the front door or steal treats/toys off the shelves) is NOT a sign of aggression in Saxon. Your running over and grabbing saxon's collar was a 'no , no'. That is aggression on your part. Over reacting in this instance...yes. ... and went immediately over and apologized to the woman and the kid. Why ?? I already acknowledged that I overreacted and I apologized to the woman because I didn't want them spreading around town that there is a "vicious" "pit bull" at the PDog. What should I have done? Yelled at the kid? I overreacted. I normally would not react that way to a situation, but I was surprised and shaken. |
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Post by loverocksalot on Dec 30, 2012 17:26:50 GMT -5
I too even tough I know not too would have likely reacted in the same way.
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Post by RealPitBull on Dec 30, 2012 20:49:55 GMT -5
I basically agree with what's been posted already, no need to really repeat. Just wanted to say that I see no cause for concern over this one incident. As most know, I'm not very tolerant of bull breeds with aggro issues towards people and I've never pulled punches when it comes to stating my opinion - I just don't think there is any real cause for concern here.
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Post by catstina on Dec 30, 2012 21:05:40 GMT -5
I basically agree with what's been posted already, no need to really repeat. Just wanted to say that I see no cause for concern over this one incident. As most know, I'm not very tolerant of bull breeds with aggro issues towards people and I've never pulled punches when it comes to stating my opinion - I just don't think there is any real cause for concern here. Thank you, Mary. That really means a lot coming from you.  |
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sharron
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Post by sharron on Dec 31, 2012 2:22:07 GMT -5
Excuse me, I didn't say saxon was acting aggressive. I said that grabbing his collar was a form of aggression on your part.
I apologize for my English. Some times I use incorrect words.
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Sometimes certain people just rub you the wrong way, and the same thing happens with dogs. You didn't see the whole thing so who knows what might have set him off. The fact that Saxon was still so upset afterwards tells me that there was something out if the ordinary happening here. Unless he starts acting this way frequently, I'd treat it as an isolated incident and try to keep everything as normal as possible for him. If you're tense or anxious he will definitely pick up on it. 
I look forward to learning much here