My dobermann has just escaped onto our street and started barking at a woman who was walking past The lady handled it really well and just ignored Jess, but I couldn't get her back into the house and she just kept on barking - there was no attempt to bite - it was very much just get away from my house.   We eventually got her back inside and I'm sorry to say that I gave her a smack :-(.     I just didn't know how to react.  The lady asked what type of dog she was (she's a dobe) and I have a feeling she is going to report us to the police (she has every right to I suppose).     We live in a quiet cul de sac and for the first time ever it was like picadilly circus - taxis, neighbours out in their gardens etc. Jess is really upset now and I'm sat here in tears as I just feel so stupid for letting her get out and letting this happen.

Hiya,

I also have a Dobe, who has a habit of barking at strangers if they invade her personal space, not in the situation that you describe and I can always call her to me, but it is more of a worry just now as people are more suspicous of guarding dogs than ever.  Smacking a Dobe is in my opinion NEVER the way to go, they are very sensitive dogs that don't benefit from harshness and it can actually work the otherway, however I'm sure you just got yourself into a state and lashed out so don't beat yourself up too much and as a one off I'm sure it won't be a big deal :-) How did she escape, did she manage to get out of your Garden or did you leave a door open? Is she generally barky at people she doesn't know or is it just in and around the house? 

Karen

Yes, it was silly to let her get out, but she did not bite she only barked, I don't think you would get a police visit even if she did complain. Unless it was a frequent occurance or a vicious dog with previous complaints, then try not to worry. No-one is going to do anything she only barked, nothing will happen to Jess or yourself, so cheer yourself up and give Jess a big cuddle, and learn from it.

I agree a smack was the wrong thing as Dobes are sensitive animals but it was a none thinking reaction, I think we are all allowed to do this at least once. ;-) I'm sure that Jess was just as shocked as you.

Just take precautions that it does not happen again.  And don't beat yourself up anymore now, it is over and done with.

Hi Josie

Firstly I'd make sure you learn from this - this is meant very kindly and not as a criticism :)

I've also had a dog (my first dog) escape and not come back, she was barking around someone walking their borzoi, so I know how it feels

Ensure you have a secure system when people come to the door, or when the door is open and that if you have a garden gate is is always kept shut, or you check it is shut. Make sure fences are doing their job, and then work on your girl's recall away from people (and other dogs). Try www.apdt.co.uk for a good trainer who will hopefully help you teach this - ideally you can train her to an "excellent" level and with practice every so often keep her to that level .

That will give you confidence :)

I have a childgate across my living room entrance, and no matter who comes to the door, my dog runs into that room and I shut the childgate first (I trained this with food rewards and toys).

Lastly, you were very shocked and i understand the smack - but it won't teach your dobe anything except perhaps to be wary of letting you get hold of her...as I guess you know. Fingers crossed you hear nothing more and that it will remain a one off scarey incident you can chalk down to experience :)

Lindsay
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