What Information are "owners" entitled to?

[borzoimom]

We were told when we got Femka, that if suddenly startled and felt cornered- she might snap. I have only seen the behavior once- and that was in the first week.. She was asleep near a closet, with her back against the wall. My dogs use to closets, and me not thinking- I said something, then opened the door which opened outwards- putting her between the door and the wall. I guess in her mind- she felt trapped and snapped at me.. ( looked more of a snap to me..but didnt make contact- but her teeth sure went click..).. That was two years ago- .. I am not sure if its that she has settled now- as she is obviously happier- a totally different dog with a 180 degree change- but I will say this-
The fact they told me that could happen- instead of me freaking out that she " turned on me" - I understood what position I had put her in.. For months afterwards- I watched for things like that- and now two years later- I doubt she would.. But we know its there.. She is also MUCH MORE CONFIDENT and actually quite silly.. I am glad they told me this could happen. She already acted terrified the first few weeks..
(** importantant note- if we had small children or many people in the house other than us too, this situation might have had more gravity to us than " Oh you idiot Michelle- that was a stupid move!! Poor Femka..".. **)

[DrKym]

I think you made part of my for me Michelle, the fact is you were allowed to make a choice about Femka, you were informed, and you could decide if you wanted to retain her , or if not you had options open to you.

Glad Femka stayed though, that way when I steal Hottie you wont be to lonely.........

[borzoimom]

I think you made part of my for me Michelle, the fact is you were allowed to make a choice about Femka, you were informed, and you could decide if you wanted to retain her , or if not you had options open to you.

Glad Femka stayed though, that way when I steal Hottie you wont be to lonely.........

You and I both know - that although a small dog can give one heck of a bite- it only takes 7 pounds of pressure to break someones arm.. To not give out information especially with a big dog is rather irresponsible to me.
Those people that took that shepherd KNEW that dog was not reliable around children- .. Something that fit with their life style and lived out the full life of the dog- with them!
( and just try to get hottie from me.. rofl.. )

[DrKym]

hehehe Michelle I have other devils at work helping me to steal Hottie..................remember hun I love you, my job is to distract you while he is whisked away along with his vet......

as for the bite issue in where this thread is going, that is part of it, my point with asking all of the PT ppl, wasn't just that though. It is the willful witholding of information, that can make a difference in the dogs or cats life, I truly feel that all ppl responsible for the animal legally or morally are entitled to all information on that animals behaviour. Not just from the legal aspect , and trust me for some you that isn't an issue but for some of us owning certain breeds and having to carry insurance etc, it is, but also for the protection of visitors and passerby.

[borzoimom]

Its also not just biting- its fence jumping or fighting with other dogs, or food issues, and even saw a few with leash issues as well. I believe being informed not only helps you make the decission of 'if the pet will fit', but also prepares you for the dogs safety- and yours.. Knowing its there in my mind, makes the situation less grave and concerning. Using Femka in the above example- instead of feeling like I was 'in danger' and she was ' unpredicatable', I learned to just pay attention to what I was doing in relation to where she was.
After all- having a anti jump harness if you were to adopt a dog that would jump the fence- thus getting lost etc., is alot easier than spending one whole afternoon looking for your " escape artist.."..
And Kym- my dogs tell me when someone is around- they may not bark- but its obvious when someone is here as evident by this video. Alias- the Borzoi alarm system.. View My Video Its hard to miss 4 pacing ponies in the house..View My Video

[Twisterdog]

Its also not just biting- its fence jumping or fighting with other dogs, or food issues, and even saw a few with leash issues as well. I believe being informed not only helps you make the decission of 'if the pet will fit', but also prepares you for the dogs safety- and yours.. Knowing its there in my mind, makes the situation less grave and concerning. ...

I totally agree. You simply cannot have "too much" information about a dog ... be it a potential new pet, a friend's dog when you visit their home, a neighbor's dog you share a fence-line with, etc.

I board and groom thousands of dogs every year, and it is almost always without fail the "Oh, I forgot to tell you..." people that cause issues to balloon. If a customer simply tells us honestly, "Muzzle him to clip his nails.", "She is afraid of the broom, of men, of kids, of the brush, etc.", "Don't reach for his collar, he'll snap.", etc., etc., there is never a problem. It's the people that DON'T inform us that he once snapped at a child, etc. that cause problems ... for us, for the dog, for them.

And this is a much more important issue with a dog in a shelter, rescue, breeder's home, etc. that is potentially going to a new home. It is SO important to be brutally honest about a new dog, in any situation. That is the only way it is going to work out for the best for the dog and all the people involved.

[borzoimom]

As many of you have noticed- even on breed posts, I say the things to consider.. Better prepared than have heart ache..

[critter crazy]

We were told when we got Femka, that if suddenly startled and felt cornered- she might snap. I have only seen the behavior once- and that was in the first week.. She was asleep near a closet, with her back against the wall. My dogs use to closets, and me not thinking- I said something, then opened the door which opened outwards- putting her between the door and the wall. I guess in her mind- she felt trapped and snapped at me.. ( looked more of a snap to me..but didnt make contact- but her teeth sure went click..).. That was two years ago- .. I am not sure if its that she has settled now- as she is obviously happier- a totally different dog with a 180 degree change- but I will say this-
The fact they told me that could happen- instead of me freaking out that she " turned on me" - I understood what position I had put her in.. For months afterwards- I watched for things like that- and now two years later- I doubt she would.. But we know its there.. She is also MUCH MORE CONFIDENT and actually quite silly.. I am glad they told me this could happen. She already acted terrified the first few weeks..
(** importantant note- if we had small children or many people in the house other than us too, this situation might have had more gravity to us than " Oh you idiot Michelle- that was a stupid move!! Poor Femka..".. **)

Rocky was the same way, I was not informed however, and was very shocked about his behavior. He felt cornered as well, and snapped at me, he thankfully only left slobber on my arm, but it was quite a shock, but it made perfect sense later. Rocky has not done this since that day, and I am very acreful about putting him in that situation again.
It is best if all parties are told of behavior like this, so certain things can be avoided!

[borzoimom]

Rocky was the same way, I was not informed however, and was very shocked about his behavior. He felt cornered as well, and snapped at me, he thankfully only left slobber on my arm, but it was quite a shock, but it made perfect sense later. Rocky has not done this since that day, and I am very acreful about putting him in that situation again.
It is best if all parties are told of behavior like this, so certain things can be avoided!

PERFECT EXAMPLE and we all know now what a lovely dog he is.. Just like with Femka- the right situation, and training and love- and knowledge to the owner this can happen- we knew.. She stayed with ME FEELING like the stupid one for not paying attention.
BTW critter crazy- Femka was terrified of men for a long time. Now she accepts like she owns the house- full of confidence but not putting her in a corned position for months I am sure made the difference for her to relax and realize- NOTHING was going to happen to her..