New Family Member, Lots More Pics 8/27/07

[Lonewolfblue]

Well, it happened yesterday. We were taking a walk, and she wanted at 2 other dogs really bad. I was bringing her closer to me, shortening the length of the leash, and she turned on me and bit me hard on the leg, lol. She sunk them in deep as well, and by the time I got home, I had blood down both the front and back of my leg to my sock. This really tees me off, lol. No matter what I do, I can't get her to take her focus off other dogs. And I can't even take her off the leash to play ball or frisbee because she'll tear the other dogs up. Was thinking of returning her and reselecting something else, but since I've ordered The Dog Whisperer stuff, will give that a few weeks to try, and if I don't make any progress, then I'll get something else. I just have a feeling she's going to be too much. Also, the place I got her from has another young female blue heeler, but the difference is her background is known, as the owner had to move and couldn't take her with. She's also went through Obedience School as well, and a few other things that are a real positive, as well as she likes other dogs and cats. She's also handicapped, as she had an injury to one of her front legs, got infected, and ended up having to be amputated. But they say she runs just as well with 3 legs as if she had all 4, lol. Maybe even better, lol. What do you all think?

[Zagz]

LWB tell me you went to a doctor for your injury?!? I hope you are ok. I say give it a try with the Dog Whisperer stuff. From everything you've posted it sounds like you are really getting attached to her. I think that with time and patience and love she can turn around her issue with other dogs.

If it can't be then it is a shame, but if you feel she is going to be too tough then you would know best. I certainly applaud you for considering adopting a handicapped dog, that would indeed be wonderful.

[Lonewolfblue]

Actually, I haven't gone to the doctor, yet, lol. Gonna try treating it myself. Been flushing it out 3 times a day with HP and covering with a little Neosporin. Also, I've had a tetnus shot recently, so that's not an issue either, and she's had all her shots as well as rabies shots.

As for the other dog, she seems to be wonderful as well from what they say about her. And as for having only 3 legs, I have no problems with it. In fact, I know many people that wouldn't do that, and even with just 3 legs, she still deserves a good home. Plus with going through Obedience School, it's a plus, makes it easier for her to adjust, as she's already got a good background.

Well, will keep you all informed. As for the bite, it's a bit sore, the worst one is on the front of the leg, it was the deepest. The one on the back of the leg into the muscle is small, and is already looking really good, and is not near as sore. Also, I'm looking at WebMD as well for self-treating. Will give it another day or 2, and if the front one still looks bad, will go in and get it medically cleaned. But I think it will be fine.

[LandGhoti]

It sounds like you are giving her the perfect life. Although I'm sure she'd consider turning the house inside out perfect as well. But in the end she has to know who the boss is. LOL

[Glenc]

What a beautiful pup, congratulations. You are lucky to have each other.

[Lonewolfblue]

Hi all.....

Well, some bad news here. Betty is doing very well, but I may be bringing her back to Spokane after my vacation, which starts tomorrow. She is absolutely awsome in the home and with kids and some cats, but she still has the viciosness with other dogs. Don't know if her past was brought up to be ruthless with other dogs, but it's really stressing me out. Can't take her out on walks without her pulling me towards other dogs because she wants to shred them to pieces. Same in my yard as well. She does great til a dog walks by, then her focus is 100% on that dog. She's attacked a Beagle (luckily no blood was drawn and I knew the owner), and had a run-in with 3 rotweilers . And I was stuck in the middle. Luckily the rotweilers seemed to just want to play and was no apparent threat to me, but she was. And she got me too, got a hold of 2 of the rottys and they ran with their tails between their legs. The 3rd never got too close, and left with the others. I tried to get Betty to the ground, since she seemed to be the threatening dog, and that's when she got me. Then there was the run-in with a German Shephard. He came up to the fence that surrounded his yard, and she leaped up on the 4ft fence and would have got him of I didn't jerk her completely off the fence. It's just been really stressful, and am looking for something else. I don't think I want another dog that the past is not known and was dropped in the drop box at night. And I really don't want to take her on my trip to Oregon either, as my mom has a mineature dochsund. The kennel is coming with me, and also the corkscrew thing you screw in the ground with the 15ft lead. She will be kept away from the dog, and will take her on walks there with my mom and dad, as the dochesund stays home.

As for in the house, that's what makes it so hard to part with her. She is awsome with people, kids, and is just a doll, and completely listens to you. If you tell her to sit, she sits. She also knows stay, no, up, lay down, good girl, bad girl, and a few other commands. But the biggest thing, she tries to be a lap dog too, but is quite big for that, lol. She gets on your lap, puts her head on your shoulder, looks at you with her big brown eyes, and licks you on the face. She's the perfect house dog, but you can't keep them housed up, as they need lots of exercise.

Well, enough with the venting, lol. I'll be looking for something else here. Gonna try to find something about the same in size, but as either a puppy, or a dog that's known to be good with other dogs, and the history is known. I may even look at getting 2 dogs for playmates while I'm at work.

[LandGhoti]

Oh what a bummer that she is not working out. How hard that she is so good inside and perfect, but nearly uncontrollable outside (which is where she needs to be a lot of the time). I know you have to do what's best for you, but what a shame for her to have to be taken back again. Is the shelter at least a no-kill shelter (can't remember if you posted that at the beginning of the thread)? I really hope she does find the home she needs, and I hope you find the dog you need!

[Lonewolfblue]

Not sure if it's a no-kill shelter, but as for the housing, each dog has it's own kennel separated by a concrete brick wall so the dogs don't actually see each other. I got her from the Spokane Humane Society. They can only see the dogs across the walkway in the kennels on the other side. As for nearly uncontrollable, she's uncontrollable when another dog is present. No matter what you do, you cannot get her eyes off the other dog, period. I've even tried food, using scent. It will get her attention for a few seconds, then she ignores it and is focused on the dog. I also bought The Dog Whisperer package, and tried several of his techniques. Doesn't work for her. Even when you get her to the ground and let other dogs smell her, once she feels that you are releasing the pressure of holding her down, she get's free and attacks, going at the dog as well as striking at you. She needs a home that's a single dog home out in the country, with a lot of running room. I think that's about the only place for her that would be the least stressful for the dog owner. Wished I lived out in the country with lots of property, lol.

[LandGhoti]

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply she was always uncontrollable, but meant with other dogs/animals. It's impossible to walk out the door and not run into other animals! I guess there is no getting around the behavior, and that is a shame. You can only do so much and it sounds like you have tried everything you can. Short of moving out to the country, as you said.

[Lonewolfblue]

Well, I still have her. Haven't got rid of her yet, but am still thinking about it. I'm also trying to look for someone that might be able to help, but most of the trainers around here don't want anything to do with aggressive dogs, and say that she should be taken to an animal behaviourist. But the closest is just over 3 hours away, and with my work hours, even the latest classes are not late enough for me to get there in time.