Teddy just bite a stranger

Siena

I don’t know where to put this. But I am feeling awful about it. What do I do? I’ve been trying to train him not to pull on the lead and today is the 6th day and it has been going wel imo. He looks at me more and sometimes I can get his attention when he gets distracted. But this man cane up to him and he started barking and the man got closer and I was trying to move back but he bite him when the man put his hand out. I said I am so so sorry and he said it’s fine. I should of said he hasn’t done it before. tbh it was the mans fault. The training was going so well now I feel really awful

Dancer

I understand that you would feel awful that something like this has happened but I wanted to tell you that you are an amazing person and an amazing dog owner. Teddy loves you a lot and I can see that he has respect for you.

What that man did was basically asking for him to be bitten. I understand why it has made you feel like this but like you said, it was honestly the man's fault.

Guilt can still lurk around even if you know someone else was in the wrong or if it has been dealt with. 

Siena

Thank you Kasa it’s cause teddy is so anxious when out. Thinking about getting 121 trainer for when we are out. He’s the perfect dog at home but gets all anxious when out

Past User

It’s polite to ask a dog owner if you can pet their dog and it’s common sense not to approach a barking dog. That man was clearly lacking both of those things 😳Try not to feel guilty. Dogs can only protect themselves with their teeth, if they feel threatened, they’re obviously going to bite. That’s not your fault nor is it Teddy’s. The man should’ve stopped as soon as teddy warned him with a bark. It’d be a different story if teddy was off leash and had run up to the man and bit him. Obviously not ideal that Teddy bites though, maybe a personal trainer? Steve had a 1-2-1 trainer for a few years and it did him the world of good. You can also get leads that say “nervous” or “do not approach” to warn people that he may bite?  Don’t feel bad, training can take agesss and sounds like you’re doing your best.

Dancer

Shaunie said:

Thank you Kasa it’s cause teddy is so anxious when out. Thinking about getting 121 trainer for when we are out. He’s the perfect dog at home but gets all anxious when out

No worries. Getting a 1-2-1 trainer for Teddy when he goes out with you sounds like it would be a great idea just like what @Liam said.

Siena

Thank you @Liam I didn’t tel him not to touch him tho. Cause I didn’t know he would bite! Never done it before. He normally sniffs and then steps back and starts barking again. But yeah why do people still approach when he’s barking so much idek. Not even one bark. None stop barking. Clearly not calm and so unpredictable I was trying to move past him but he was coming closer

how much was the training if okay to ask? I have just emailed a few

Past User

It’s still not your fault. He shouldn’t have approached Teddy, 1 because it’s silly to try and pet a barking dog, and 2 because we’re just coming out of global pandemic. The trainer for Steve was £35 per 1 hour session and he had a session every week.  Group sessions are a lot cheaper but obviously you’re not getting the one on one advice. If it’s just the issue with being anxious of strangers though you could just make sure you keep him on a lead and tell people he bites even if he might not, then everyone keeps their fingers and Teddy stays happy😄

If you google colour coded dog leads you can find the ones that have warnings on. you can get harnesses / coats etc. Then if people still decide to try and pet him it’s their own daft fault 😆

Siena

Ah yeah I guess so but didn’t make walls enjoyable I want to walk him without barking at every person and dog he sees. Don’t suppose you know if it’s a thing where you pay set about off price and they have to keep training until the behaviour goes? And ah yeah I might but one of them. 

Past User

I think you just keep paying per session. Could take months for the behaviour to go or could take years. Try group training so he can socialise with other dogs and people, that way you can work on the constant barking  🐾

Siena

Liam said:

I think you just keep paying per session. Could take months for the behaviour to go or could take years. Try group training so he can socialise with other dogs and people, that way you can work on the constant barking  🐾

I think he would be kicked out of one of those groups.😂do you think I shouldn’t take him out again today? Cause he’s been bad and start again tomorrow (been taking him out 2-3 times a day for training )

Past User

Nah, he wouldn’t 😆 if anything, his barking will get annoying and the trainer will offer more 1on1 time with you to save their head ache😆. I’d still take him out, don’t give up on him. He’s not going to be able to put 2 and 2 together to realise that the reason you’re not taking him out is because he bit that fella earlier. Just say no if anyone tries to approach him or if poss take him somewhere where there’s not many people so it’s a walk rather than training. If he’s just going to be barking it’s not enjoyable for anyone including him 

Siena

Thank you! I just took him out again quickly. Didn’t go well at the start because there was a fight and bit more people around cause a bit more warmer. But managed to distract him from some people

Siena

I emailed one and they replied with “What I am able to offer is a initial consult fee of £30 with support for around two weeks via email, phone etc and any further visits at £15.

I am fully booked currently and the earliest that I can see you is Thursday 23rd July. If you would like to book a time for then please respond to this email.” 

Siena

I just don’t understand really he has never bite anyone before. He hates the vets. The last time we went the vet came out and pick him up but he didn’t do anything was just sad. I think he’s just clearly anxious about strangers out and about and don’t know what they’re going to do to him. 

Siena

Thank you Aidan just tried out his thunder shirt I got from pets at home And I think it helped a little bit. Made him bit more easier to look at me instead of other people!
 Teddy does sleep with me. But at the start of the night he sleeps under the bed then half way through he comes on to the bed