Had to grab dog by tail - feel awful

[Saavhi]

My GSD has been staying with my brother for the past week (they have an amazing bond). A delivery arrived just now but the kitchen door did not latch shut behind my brother. I saw the whole thing happening in slow motion. My brother lives on a main road and my dog would most certainly have been hit had he gone through the front door (likely to look for my brother). Anyway, I did what I had to do and grabbed my boy by the tail, he looked so betrayed :(. I have given him some treats and cuddles. Anyone had to do something similar?

I know it was very negligent of us, trust me I am devoted to this dog- he is my pride and joy. He's fallen back asleep and I'm sure he is not hurt.

Honestly? I wouldn't give it a second thought. You did what you had to do to save your dog's life.

I'm not sure dogs have a concept of betrayal - despite popular misconception they don't have a concept of guilt either. Your dog probably just looked around to see wtf was happening to his tail.

Mine has a tendency to dive under my feet so he's been kicked and trodden on on several occasions. A quick sorry and a stroke and life goes on.

If he didn't yelp, and he hasn't bitten you, then all is probably pretty good in his world. Treats and cuddles and all is well. :)

Don't give it another thought. Dog is fine, is is alive, no damage and he will have forgotten about the whole thing by now. Dogs don't feel betrayal.

Many years ago my friend’s lovely dog was killed in very similar circumstances. I’m certain she would rather she had grabbed him by his tail.

Don't give it another thought.

It was clearly a 'what are you doing to my tail' look which would have been forgotten straight away. Anything more would just be feeding off your emotions.

P.s. you should see the look I get from BiteyDog if I accidentally brush his tail

What you're interpreting as a look of betrayal is probably just him wondering what all the sudden treat were in aid of.

You needed to stop him getting into the road, he's a big dog, he probably didn't even notice. If he's asleep he's fine.

I have a westie. She tends to gather shite on the hair around her anus so I cut the hair around there regularly. This involves holding her tail up. She hates it.

However, she still adores me and doesn't hold a grudge. That's the great thing about dogs .

You're over thinking it. That said, nothing wrong with plenty of cuddles and a few treats.

I also would t worry however I would train your dog not to run out as that would leave me constantly on edge as they’re a high risk for something happening.

Wouldn’t

I wouldn’t give it a second thought , it’s not like his tail came away in your hand .

At puppy training the trainer (an older lady) told us a sad story about a dog that got stuck deep in a foxhole/rabbit hole, and because its tail had been docked they couldn't pull it out. Tails are very useful things. I'm sure your dog would rather he hadn't been injured and suffering the pain from an accident on the road.