-
potential latent behavioural issues
I was strong on ‘small-medium’ so it’s a size I can manage, and trust the better half can walk.
We were let down on a little-little dog.
Then we walked a Johnson American Bully, who was soppy as hell. Also way too skinny.
He was mega strong on the lead and although a soppy bugger, if he turned we’d have no chance to stop him (ie, if he ‘defended’ himself against a yapping terrier). Way too big to manage once up to weight.
Then we walked an absolute softie of a wolfhound who was double the size of Kinnie. Test walks he was great, and seemed fine with other dogs within sight.
He was instantly trainable, happy to be in his bed so long as he could see you, etc.
No sign of issue with people, not even a flinch at sound of dogs barking in nearby gardens once he got here.
Then it all changed on his walks on day 1. Instantly reactive. He got very powerfully reactive at cats, squirrels, and seemed to have sight/dexterity issues bashing himself on things.
He barked and snarled at other dogs, and his strength was too much for me.
On day 3 I was stuck on a path as some other dogs passed and he got overwhelmed. I had him out the way and held firmly. He couldn’t snap out of protective-mode. (Bear in mind I’ve grown up since a baby with dogs, and trained and walked a reactive stray for 8 years).
He tried to tell me to let go by biting my left hand puncturing the knuckle, then immediately swung his head around and bit and pulled on my right arm to try to get me to let go.
Needless to say I took him back to the kennels (3hr round trip) and said he needed an environment less stressful.
They immediately put measures in place to get him trained and socialised before offering for adoption again. They suggested this one, Pumpkin.
Seems like now Pumpkin is here the rest is history, but I still feel bad for the bully and the wolfhound.
You are reading a single comment by @pdlouche and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
pdlouche
Love it. I really wanted a goofy lollopy leaning-cuddle rescue hound, but the missus was wary of potential latent behavioural issues with us having young kids. Plus our house just isn't set up for a bigger dog.
Margot news: After three days of her being fucking mental - i googled the medication and found it's colloquially known as "puppy cocaine". I guess I should have realised when she started chain smoking and pitching me incoherent business plans for a restaurant that only sells treats.
Anyway, she had the last dose yesterday morning and by last night, was back to her normal lovely self.
About to experiment with leaving her at home on her own for 90mins while i go to a thing at the kid's school.