dangerous dog notice (long vent)

[MNboxergrl]

I posted the other day about my baby who jumped out at a jogger and nipped at his arm. The jogger and I talked later that night and he told me that he was fine and not going to do anything. Apparently, he changed his mind and has reported us to animal control. They are going to designate her a "potentially dangerous dog" under our state law. basically it means that she attacked someone "unprovoked." If she bites or attacks again, regardless of any provocation, she will be designated a "dangerous dog." if that happened we would have to keep her more or less confined, put signage all over our yard and pay out the gills in insurance.

I am just sick about this. I have been crying all day and can't help but blame myself for not holding her closer to me when the guy ran by..I am planning to challenge the designation in court. He was running straight toward us and I truly believe that she was just protecting me. she is not an inherently mean dog. she just needs more socialization and training.

While I don't excuse her behavior, I want to do all I can to avoid this designation. My big fear is that if she were to be called "potentially dangerous", she could get in major trouble after a provoked attack. some idiot could kick her and she would be branded "dangerous" for biting back...I can do all I can to prevent her behavior, but have no control over other's...

I guess I'm just venting...I love my baby so much and feel so terrible about this. I would appreciate any advice any of you might have...or even just reassurance.

 

[MNboxergrl]

she just heard me crying in here and came in and put her head in my lap...I just can't imagine giving her back. even though we have only had her for just over a week, she is my baby...

 

[hanley]

So sorry, about your dog,why would anyone run right by you, with a big dog on a leash, that close? This has happened to us on several park trips, sometimes I think they want to see what my dogs will do, as if they are tempting them, but I have been very lucky, my dogs will just stop & watch. Never would I run by a dog, That I don't know,I feel like its common courtesy, just to go in another direction, the park is for everyone & I respect the leash laws, & other people also,but some people just don't get it! Hanley

 

[Ciscobxr]

Wow, that's terrible that you are going through all this.
How old is your boxer? Just trying to get a mental of the situation. I agree with the above poster, what an idiot that the guy ran that close to you! Cisco would have knocked him over with his wiggle butt! :rolleyes: I run, and I always cross the street or move to the side if there is a dog, you just never know how one will react. I'm sure your baby did feel she needed to protect you.
Good luck in court, I would be doing the same thing!!!

 

[lisabethshaw]

Such sad news.

I am so sorry to hear you are going through this and wish you the best luck in court.

 

[Jan]

A jogger with any brains will walk by a dog as there is not sense tempting fate. Tara has a high prey drive and will tend to chase a jogger given have a chance. As soon as a I see a jogger, I will call her to me and put her in a sit stay. She is usually very good and joggers appreciate her good behavior. I will do the same thing with bicyclist.

I'm sorry this had to happened to you. Maybe if you talked to the jogger again he could remove his complaint, otherwise I would definitely fight it in court.

In the meantime start working on your sit stays, take her to obedience class. Boxers can be very well behaved, but they are not easy to train because they then to be stubborn. So it will take work on your part.

Good luck and don't give up.

 

[MNboxergrl]

thanks for all your support. I can't tell you how much I need that right now....we started working on the sit/stay tonight. it was unseasonably warm out tonight so there were lots of folks out walking. she was totally fine around people (what happened was SO out of character!!), but got a little hyper around other dogs that came past. I had to hold on to her, but she stayed sitting...this is definitely the way to go for now.

so glad that you all don't think I'm completely crazy for questioning this jogger's behavior!! obviously, he had a right to be out running, but he should still use common sense!

 

[EMWAZ]

Until you have everything figured out and know that your dog is okay with people when walking I would be extremely careful walking and I personally would stay away from any people for now. Especially since you've only had her a week, you may not know her completely yet either. I would also consider getting a trainer to help you too. Good Luck and I hope everything goes well..

 

[MNboxergrl]

yeah. we have been really careful since the incident. rather than taking her on long walks in the neighborhood, we are walking around with her at the soccer field accross the street. so she still gets her exercise, but in a far less populated area.

 

[shannonmac]

wow this is insane

kneesaa loves people, loves meeting people and giving boxer kisses and wiggles. if someone came running at us though I'm sure she would have done the same thing. I think her first instinct is to protect mummy. she's a little gal too, only 50 lbs. I'd try talking to him again, maybe invite him over to meet your boxer in a different setting, so he can see she's not a mean dog.
good luck, I hope everything works out for you.