At our local members show yesterday there was a photo call for dogs attending Crufts this year. It was at the same time as junior handling so we didn't go out for it. Am I glad Mastiff (20months old) lunged and bit a woman on the arm. His handler managed to hold him and he didn't break her skin, tore her jacket and she is badly bruised. Today in the local paper is a fine photo! The photographer snapped at the same time!
Trouble is would you ever trust it again? I dont think I would and sadly although the owner said he 's usually okay..............

Karen :-(

I don't show but I always thought show dogs should be an excellent example of their breed. Aggression from any dog is certainly not a desirable trait, what if it happened to a judge in the show ring? And the excuse of hes usually ok - obviously not!

> he 's usually okay..............
>

oh my god- not quite what i;d say if a dog of mine attacked someone. glad the womans ok.

> I don't show but I always thought show dogs should be an excellent example of their breed. Aggression from any dog is certainly not a desirable trait, what if it happened to a judge in the show ring? And the excuse of hes usually ok - obviously not

If this happened at a show the dog and any progeny would be excluded from being shown or bred from.

So out of interest what are your suggestions for the way forward in this instance with the dog? 

Maxine

Hi,

If it really is out of character then the first port of call should be a vets for a checkup.  Keeping him calm and in unstressful situations for a few days for his adrenaline levels to get back to normal.  Then working out what triggered the reaction in the first place, he could be a nervous dog in the first place and then obviously shouldn't have been in that environmrnt in the firrst place; in which case he needs work on his confidence and managed in an appropriate manner to prevent a similar incident until he this behaviour has been worked through.  He could have been in pain and lashed out at the nearest person?  Something could have frightened him - while of course this isn't acceptable, had he meant a real attack, his owner wouldn't have been able to hold him and she would have had more than a ripped jacket and bruised arm.  There are too many variables to know where to go but the first port of call in my opinion should always be a full check up at the vets for any unexplained and unusual behaviour.

Thank god it wasnt a child. Could have had far worse consequences

>If this happened at a show the dog and any progeny would be excluded from being shown or bred from.

I am told by the KC that the progeny ban is only in exceptional cases, Barbara, not as standard if a dog is investigated or banned.

M.

That seems to have changed as I knew of a case the incident fairly minor yet the bitch and her progeny were banned, (not my breed though).

I phoned them recently to check it (just as a matter of interest, I hasten to add, relating to another case not one of mine!).

Not sure what they'd class as exceptional circumstances, but the KC rep did say that it wasn't automatic or even usual. They said that if a ban was placed on progeny, this would be made clear in the entry in the Gazette, so if this wasn't mentioned then it was just the dog in question.

Seems sensible really that they at least look at each case on its merits, as the consequences if it happened to a widely used stud would be extensive, down through generations. Whilst none of us want to see dogs of bad temper reproduce, I would hate to think that would automatically happen for a minor case, or where there was a 'reason'. I'd imagine we'd all agree that there are circumstances where although it's undesirable that a dog may bite, it's still understandable - if they were ill, hurt etc.

M.

I must admit one of mine had a go at someone on Saturday, though her case is different to many.  She had a very traumatic time and she is fine and allows judges etc. to go over her, but on Saturday someone came close by and bent down right next to her she wasn't expecting it and I wasn't though luckily I managed to pull her away. 

Unfortunately I won't be taking her to anymore shows even though she was fine with the judge in the show ring afterwards and was OK at the show the week before.  I know that she's not good with children so ensure that she's not put in that situation.

She was my girl that was taken and went missing after the break-in so does have a lot of issues.  As she was getting older I thought that I may just take her to a few shows to get her out and about but it's just not worth the risk.  Such a shame for a dog who once had a fantastic temperament and just one drug hungry person ruined it for her.  It looks as though a life of being stuck in the house is the only thing for her!

I'm sorry about that Perrodeagua.Such a horrible experience it must have been for both of you, when she was taken. :-(

Well...I'd guess he is still going to Crufts as tehy settled him a little away from the line up of others and took a photo of that too.
Karen :-(