Kaige was in a fight & socializing with dogs?

[Jadapit]

Geez, I'm sorry that happened Sue. I know how scary that is. When we got Ebony, Jada was fine with her the first day. The second day she almost killed her. Stuff like that is so scary. I'm so glad Kaige is ok.

[RobiLee]

Oh no! I'm so sorry this happened. It sounds like you handled it right, especially by not babying him afterwards. That had to be so hard to do. I'll bet Kaige is still going to be fine with other dogs. I'm a big fan of Cesar Millan and he says never to baby them that it only encourages the fear. I think that is pretty much true. He also says that dogs don't hold grudges. I'm not so sure about that one.

Gosh, I hate to think of Kaige getting attacked and hurt. I just love that boy. I know how scared and upset you must have been. I'm sending out big hugs for you both.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Here is a recent pic of Pistol eating a Frosty Paw, Sue. It's the best one I have right now. Sorry you can't see his face very well. I'll post more soon

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Poor Kaige! That must have been terrible. I think he'll be ok, maybe it will just take some time for him to be completely trusting again.

Marta got attacked at the dog park before, out of nowhere. There was this spot that all the dogs were interested in, and Marta was sniffing next to it, this dog (much larger than her) ran over and grabbed her by the scruff of the neck and threw her! I was so glad my husband was there to grab Marta and shoo that other dog away. I know this sounds awful, but I really felt like shaking that other dog myself, but we just left the dog park quickly to get away from it. The owners didn't do anything though, I think they were one of those people who come to the dog park without registering their dogs. I was SOOOO upset, I can completely understand how you must feel. I think I was more upset than Marta! Luckily she didn't have any injuries, and she still likes other dogs and plays with them (although she has always been more interested in people). I hope it's the same with Kaige.

Poor little Kaige! I'm very glad to hear he wasn't hurt badly, and that he's doing ok.

[Ginger's Mom]

Wow Sue, how scary!!! I cannot imagine what is was like having to witness that. Poor Kaige!!! Big hugs to him. I am sure that if you take it slowly at first everything will be alright. As someone else said, Kaige will let you know how much socialization he wants/needs with bigger dogs.

[.sarah]

Poor Kaige!!

Nova has been attacked by Mandy twice. Nothing serious happened -- a bite wound the first time and nothing the second, but Nova was pretty shaken up both times. She's also been bitten by a few other dogs. She's just so friendly that it's usually too much for some dogs when she comes running up to play. Each time she was fine, she actually tries to "apologize" to the dogs. It's never dampered her spirit towards other dogs.

I hope he does okay. I agree with everyone when they say to get him out ASAP with friendly dogs. I don't think size should be an issue when choosing them, though. If you keep him away from big dogs now only to introduce him later I would think that would almost make him think that big dogs have gone away. I'm not sure, but I think it would just enforce the fear more and when he saw another big dog after a long while of not seeing them he'd probably be even more scared than if you re-introduced him right away.

[king2005]

oh no poor guy

I kinda know what its like to see another dog attack your loved one. During the 1998 ice storm, we took in my friend & her small dog. We went out & bought 2 treats that would last then 2 dogs hours. Well Max started to lick his across the floor & I didn't notice it (he "can" have aggression with treats, but hes just fine when hes in his own corner & left alone, I can even call him off of it & pick it up & walk off with it). Well we had NO idea the small dog was treat/dog aggressive, as in the 10yrs they had her, she showed none. Well Max's treat bumpped the tip of her tail & she tried to attack him in a NASTY way! However Max was MUCH larger then her & he just grabbed her by the back of the neck & litterly sat ontop of her, while she still tried to attack him. It scared the HELL out of us & both dog were puniched & made to site outside for a few mins (they are the type that HATE being outside with out us, so its a wonderful punishment, with out being physical (no it wasn't tool cold out & they were only out there for 5 mins). After that they both came in & layed down... Both dogs were fine after that, they just stayed away from eachother after that.


The above dogs BIG brother was in a really nasty fight. It wasn't his fault at all & he even tried to get away when called off... This lady (who had beaten the Rottie we babysat with a baseball bat, as he was tied to a tree on our yard 20 feet from the road) bought a Mastiff & made him mean or had someone train it, or borrowed it (not sure really). This nut bag came up to our yard (really my friends, but I was living there during the summer) & released her dog & told it to attack our Rottie Rocky has always been dog aggressive, but he never left his masters side after training. Well my friend ran, the rottie was attacked by the mastiff & he faught back & when he was called off (right away, duh), he tried but was attacked along the way. Luckly my friend was able to get him in the house away from the mastiff.
I wasn't there at that time, I was at home. She called me & I had to bike 20km to get to her house (in the country) to help her look over our big baby. He was covered in blood, as his neck was a mess. The vet cleaned him up & he didn't change towards dogs at all.

I don't think dog fighs upset the one being attacked if the dog understands it did nothing wrong & that what happened wasn't good either.

[k9krazee]

((((Hugs)))) to you and the little Kaige man

I don't have any advice or anything. The only one of my dogs that have been in a nasty fight is Micki, and he was never really dog friendly to begin with I would just pretend it never happened and move forward...I am soooo glad he wasn't seriously hurt

[slleipnir]

I'd watch him around other dogs to be safe. Just let him sniff any new dogs...Josie use to be really friendly. I took her to the dog park a lot, and she was in a couple (not serious) fights because of other aggressive dogs. I don't know the reason, but Josie is aggressive now.

[bckrazy]

That is SO, so scary!!! I'm really glad Kaige is ok, give him extra hugs and cookies for being such a tough boy.

>_< I really can't believe some one would just let their dog loose in your house. Especially since, I'm sure they've seen hints of erratic behavior from their dog, and with those breeds he could've really done damage to your little Aussie boy.

Gonzo was jumped on by a Black Lab when he was about Kaige's age - and he is still very wary of Black labs (not yellow, or chocolate.. Black ). Like, he'll be playing with a Yellow lab, and Black lab will come over and he'll shrink down and act very scared. He was also attacked by a Rottie last year. He's been much more intimidated when he meets unknown large dogs, but with a slow introduction and after some time he's usually playful. I really think going out of your way to find trustworthy, mellow large dogs to socialize him with would be a good idea! His Brother and Sis are big dogs, too, so that should reinforce that not all big dogs are scary.

[KYS]

Very scary situation. You must have been so shaken up.
I probably would have sent the woman home with her dog after that.
Sending oodles and oodles of hugs to Kaige.

[CathyBogart]

How terrifying!

You do such a wonderful job socializing him that I suspect he'll be okay after a few days of fun play. Fingers crossed that I'm right!

[pitc9]

Ohhh poor baby boy!!!
SO glad to hear he's okay! I sure hope you gave that dog's owner an ear full!!
I think as long as you don't let yourself get nervous next time he's around dogs everything will be fine. He'll feed off of you and if you're nervous, then he'll think "Oh.. is there something I should be afraid of??" But if you just keep your cool, and stay calm he'll be fine.
(sure... easy for me to say )

[lv4dogs]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone.
Now here comes the hard part, I only know of a few people that have friendly dogs that we are able to play with, none are that large. I guess we'll be visiting them often hoping that the fact that there is no BIG dog around won't cause a problem later in life.
We'll be hanging out at the park more often too, busier parks that is, hoping for more friendly dogs!

Kaige seems to be doing great, he's acting compleltely fine. He's still a little more clingly & lovey than usual but thats ok, I like it like that. He's usually too wiggly to cuddle with.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Glad to hear he doesn't appear too traumatised - kiss that lovely head for me