Saved Joe!!!

[Ciscobxr]

Joe had grabbed and shaken the life out of a small black cat.

I think that means the kitty is dead.
I am glad you are not my neighbor. You need to get a behavior spec. to see Joe. You are having way to many biting instances for him to even be out on a leash.
Mandy

 

[ilovevegas]

did the cat die? if not maybe the cat should go to the vet?
crystal

 

[rog1006]

I am glad you are not my neighbor. You need to get a behavior spec. to see Joe.
Mandy

I think she's had a hard enough day as it is... How rude... :mad:


First of all, let me say a huge thank you for not only rescuing Joe, but for sticking by him through his issues. Many people would have taken him right back to the shelter and I commend you for deciding to work with him. You will no doubt be rewarded for your love and commitment! Because we don't know what has happened to Joe, you need to assume nothing about him. I think you've learned that for the most part, but just keep it in the front of your mind. If I were you, I would call a trainer/behaviorist and start working with him right away. Have him evaluated for your own piece of mind, but you already know as of now he can't be trusted with any other animals. That may or may not change for the future. Doing obedience will give him an extra dose of confidence, which it sounds like he lacks--many times dogs act out because they don't know what they are supposed to do, so they just react. By working with him, it will strengthen your bond with him and give him clear signals for what you expect of him.

I would also get The Dog Listener and Culture Clash and start reading for more behavior explanations......they have helped many of us!!!

I'm so sorry about the kitty experience...I know that had to be just horrible for you. :( I'm not a fan of muzzling dogs, but I wouldn't be bringing Joe around people or other dogs/cats right now. Do you have a yard? If so, right now I would just run him around with a ball or something and refrain from walking him out in public until your work with the trainer has progressed.


Hugs---keep us posted!

Christine
Boxer Luv Rescue

 

[Ciscobxr]

I think she's had a hard enough day as it is... How rude... :mad:

You are entitled to your opinion, just as I am to mine. I did not mean it as harsh as it came out. I only meant that I have a cat and two small children. I would not want Joe to have the oppertunity to get to one of them, as he did this cat.
Mandy

 

[frankied]

Another thanks for rescuing Joe and sticking with him. I am sure with some training he will get better. He just does not know any other way and God only knows what his past was like. Sorry for this horrible accident that has happened and sending hugs and boxer slurps your way.

Christa and Angel

 

[Mama_Zookeeper]

I am so sorry to hear about Joe killing that poor cat. I am sure if you had known there was a cat in the bush that you would not have let him in there. My first boxer had cat issues and did kill several small kittens that a stray cat had left in our yard. It is horrible, but these are animals and it is impossible to control every aspect of their natural behavior.

I agree with everyone else. Joe needs to see a behaviorist ASAP! While I am sure he is lovey with you, next time it could be a neighbors pet or worse. I want you to know you have my support and I sincerely hope things will work out for you & Joe. You are a great Mom...most pet owners would have given up by now.

Dora & the Zoo Crew

 

[None-removed]

I did not mean it as harsh as it came out.

Then, may I suggest that you make use of the "Preview Post" button. It is conveniently placed directly beside the "Submit Reply" button and is there to allow you time to review your post before it goes up.


What you say has some validity, so I am not removing your posts yet, despite complaints, but I am struck by your lack of tact and sensitivity.

 

[gojoe]

Ug!

What a mess i've created. Yes, unfortunately the kitty did not survive, however it happened in an INSTANT and i am certain it didn't suffer.

I noticed immediately that Joe wants to chase anything with legs and fur or feather. I keep him away from anything he could harm, human, animal, etc. The ONLY reason this incident occurred is because i had NO IDEA there was a cat in the bush...they usually run away, i couldn't see it and thought he was sniffing around to go potty.

Let me clarify. 1) I LIVE IN THE CITY!!! I do not have a yard, Joe gets exercise jogging and walking with me. I cannot and will not, not walk him. Most people in my neighborhood are afraid of dogs. I have yet to run across another leashed dog on our walks, we pass a few dogs on peoples back porches, Joe just makes sure he marks a bush or tree where they can see him doing it and goes his own way, i found out about his child and dog aggression issues when i took him camping and another person in our party had brought their dog. With that said and done. Joe and I will not be going camping if others are bringing dogs, or getting a tent site far away from other dogs. I do not have children, but do have friends with children, with that said and done, i will be crating Joe when my friends come over with the kids. The odd thing about him is he has absolutely NO AGGRESSION issues INSIDE the house. Once someone is INSIDE it's like they've been best friends forever, he will roll over, play, put his head on your lap, ignore you, whatever. Joe's problems are ONLY OUTSIDE & on a leash. Does that mean i'm not going to take him outside on a leash anymore? NO!

2) I am not a millionaire. I can afford the vet bills, i can afford the dog walker when needed, trips to the dog wash and his monthly heartworm and occassional ear and eye drops. I checked prices for these 'behaviorists' and i can't justify doing it. If i am doing Joe a disservice and/or not providing a proper environment by not obtaining one of these for him, i may need to look into re-homing him. I am willing to take the time and effort to work with him and give him all the love in the world...and if his hips go out, his kidneys shut down, his heart murmurs...fine, I'll raid my savings to pay to keep him healthy...i'll pay for more time and for him to live comfortably...but i can't sustain the load of a behaviorist...unless i am willing to give up my own $400/mo. therapist...which i won't, only one of us can be crazy and it's not going to be me (those of you with therapists will understand).

My only solution at this point is to continue to love him, keep an eye on him and continue to introduce him to people...INSIDE. I am still debating on the muzzle after reviewing the Aggression issue threads posted on this site. I don't want to 'break his spirit' or crush him emotionally. If Joe needs to be in a 1 dog, child-free household...i can provide that. I am saddened that i can't take him with me to the lake to play with other dogs, or to functions, or to more populated fun spots, but he still goes to the lake and i just stay far away from other people. We still have good fun jogs, i can still put him on a 25ft. lead in an open lot and play fetch. He doesn't seem to mind that i can tell.

 

[natrhymer]

I can understand the prohibitive cost of a behaviorist... we've been saving for a while to hire one for our guy. Check with your local Humane Society or ASPCA; they may offer discounted rates or free workshops or something. You do the best you can, which is what it sounds like you're doing. In a previous post, someone recommended two books: Dog Listener and Culture Clash. Get them (or borrow them from the library). They will help you better understand your dog's behavior and what to do about it.

I think everyone here just wants to help you make sure you're responsible with Joe (which it seems like you are) so that he doesn't end up biting someone and then you're forced to put him down. That's a worst-case scenario, but it does happen.

Good luck, keep lovin' Joe, and thank you, again, for adopting him and dedicating yourself to him despite his problems.

 

[gojoe]

II think everyone here just wants to help you make sure you're responsible with Joe (which it seems like you are) so that he doesn't end up biting someone and then you're forced to put him down. That's a worst-case scenario, but it does happen.

Good luck, keep lovin' Joe, and thank you, again, for adopting him and dedicating yourself to him despite his problems.

Thanks. I get it, it's just a bit disturbing...just like the parent who wants the perfect child and then find out your kids got ADD, a bit disappointing and unsettling. I'm in an odd place. But...if i had to do it all over...i'd still pick Joe. There is a very, very good dog in there...it hasn't been that long and i also have to remember. I got him from a shelter in MARTINSVILLE, INDIANA! THE COUNTRY and have taken him to a world filled with scary noises, different smells, things, etc. I'm gonna keep on being patient. Yes, those suggested books will be helpful. I CAN afford that and who knows...maybe i'll get REALLY lucky and his behavior can be helped post-neuter. You never know.