BIG MISTAKE-BITE!
Brooklyn really messed up this morning! She got to doing her Bull Runs, lost her head and jumped up and bit me on the upper arm! Now in fairness to her she was used to "wrestling" with the 11 yr old boy she used to live with. I don't believe in tussling with a dog, never have but that was the way she was raised. This was just a nip but it did draw a lot of blood and hurt too. I think this may have been one of the reasons they got rid of her.
Anyway, then of course I was bleeding pretty good so needed to get back to house and get soap, water, ABs and band-aid on there, but FIRST a little "Talk" with Brook! I snatched her right off the ground by her collar with her feet hanging, brought her nose right up to my nose and gave her a loud talking to! Something on the order that if she ever did that again she would wind up in a bar of soap! A bit like a momma dog would chastise a pup but louder. LOL I think she got what I was saying and although she put on a pretty good front when I set her back down, I think she was right sorry.
I knew she would be upset then so after I treated my arm we went out and played ball for awhile to let off her anxieties.
We'll see if she is more careful in the future. I think she will be. Sonja, Pumba & Brooklyn
Comments
In the event this incident ever happens again instead of picking her up by her collar off all fours and yelling at her try simply pinning her to the ground and submitting her. This is actually more on the line of what's understood by them in means of being dominated.
On a positive note, it seems your methods of training are slowly changing from the use of a lead with delicate hugs and kisses to a bit more of an aggressive style which may prove more effective on Bull Terrier that is no push over.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
NO, my methods are not changing. LOL I have been fostering cattle dogs for many years and it is natural of course for them to be more nippy than other breeds. It's what they do after all, bite 1200 lb bulls to get them going.... and to go where the dog wants them to. I take on the "bad" ones sometimes so I know how to deal with them once they are settled in.
I have never been one that believes that you have to "pin a dog"...we are NOT dogs ourselves and we can't be a dog or react as fast as a dog. We can be human pack leaders though and we can carry ourselves like pack leaders. Dogs know. Brook is real young yet and I think she just got all carried away. I don't think it will happen again as she was not in any way serious about it. If she were a mature bullykid I may have acted differently.
I also know that a young dog has the attention span of a gnat and that incarceration just does some good for a very short time. I am all for crates, don't get me wrong but I don't use them for punishment. They are good places for a dog to "think" things over though after they have been corrected for whatever, if you are already indoors. I do not think that hauling her all the way back inside and THEN crating her or whaever would have connected what she did to me out in the meadow, to any "punishment". Too lated!
In Brooks case as I am her pack leader, she just needed reminding that even playing too rough is not acceptable for us delicate skinned primates.
Leads are for PREVENTION and to keep the dog from messing up in the first place so they can develop the good habits we want them to. Brook has been off lead now outside for a couple of days. So, the lead is back on for awhile outdoors.
Did I mention that you guys are GREAT?
Sonja, Pumba and Brooklyn
Well keep us up to date with her progress.
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
I'm sure Brooklyn did not mean to bite you on purpose. Sound like all the play and excitement just caught up with her. I hope your arm is ok and will heal quickly. Keep us posted on your injuries.
Ugh, playful puppy bites suck!
I'm definitely all for pinning bullies. It gets their attention instantly and says "I'm the boss and I did not like that!". I've used this technique our 2 youngest and I regret that I did not use it almost 5 years ago raising our first bull terrier.
The one thing that has helped as well is after about 45 minutes Spud will get tired and the pack will stay in lie downs for 10-15 minutes and this has helped Spud understand to be calm and this is where I pet him to condition that calmness in him.
Hope this helps.
One of the things now that I think it over( I always think over what you all say), is that re the pinning a dog down...I have dealt with really bad-assed cattle dogs for a number of years. You do NOT pin down an ACD! That is the best way I know to get your face bitten off! So, I think that "learned" behavior of self preservation on my part has stuck with me.
Secondly. I know you all don't know it, but I was born in 1939,... So throwing myself on the ground, or on a dog or on anything else is not an option! ROFL!!!!! Gravity aways wins! LOL I still jog, yes , but that getting up and down business is kept to a minium and usually means I just fell out of a tree!
All of my dogs have always been taught to be polite including foster dogs. To SIT and STAY until they have permission to go and greet another person gently and "human properly". Its just good manners.
Soapskid, this is great that you PRAISE your good Spud for doing what you want him to do. In your case, being quiet and calm. Good show!
IN for a hot one today so its almost time to turn on the AC and bring the furkids indoors. Have a great weekend!
Sonja, Pumba & Brooklyn
I would never have guessed you were born in 39. You got too much spunk! >:/
We're on the waitlist for our perfect BT puppy. It's been a long time since I've had a Bully companion, so I'm pretty excited and looking forward to chatting with everybody.
:-bd
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
I know we were happy to discover this forum when our pup was on it's way.
Please share you and your pup's adventures and pics here!
Indeed, this forum will be an online home once our day gets here. I love that people post pictures, makes my day.
:-))