Not sure I like my dog right now

[OldSpeclkledHen]

Re-homed a 7yo dog earlier this year, knowing quite a bit of his history

On Sunday, as we were on my driveway going to my car, DDog off lead, as he's normally behaved...

However, my neighbour appeared walking her new rescue dog, snd mine just saw red, and attacked her dog.

Her dog was SCREAMING, (God I've never heard a sound like it, and it carried on crying even once they were separated and she'd got her dog in the house)

I put my dog in the car, and went straight round to hers too apologise, (please - this is all new to me) as I thought that was the right thing to do - rather than run away. Anyway, she quite rightly put me in my place.

So how can I get over letting EVERYONE down?

I've let her and her dog down. I've let my dog down (as i abandoned him in the car whilst i went check her/her dog without checking on him - and he was upset when I got back to him)

Now our relationship is stalled... he doesn't seem happy and I'm ... angry that because of me, he caused her dog to suffer like that, and the noise that came out of her dog...

Both dogs are physically fine, no injuries I heard she took hers to the vet. I know I should go back around there and offer to pay her vet bill, but I'm scared (and freaking emo 🖤 cried this morning over something really stupid)

I hate myself, and I don't much like him right now. How can I get over it?

Before anyone states, keep him on the lead, He's on it everywhere now, which isn't fun for him as he has a lot of energy.

Hoping maybe writing it out will help - it's all I think about.

Firstly, you need to gain some perspective. Neither dog was hurt. Your neighbour got a fright, understandably so, but you have apologised and are looking for solutions.

As ever, a vet check to ensure that your dog isn't in pain and then some behaviour modifications with assistance from a professional.

Your dog hasn't done anything wrong at his level. He's reacted for a reason, you just don't know what it was or missed his warning signals. Most older dogs are disinterested in other dogs and some don't tolerate others very well.

He's still your boy and if this can't be fixed, it can be managed. Allow yourself to get over the shock, keep him on lead when outside unless he's in a secure area and ramp up the training so you reestablish your bond with him.

The noise from any dog snafu is horrific but is usually just that - noise.

Don't beat yourself up over it.

1. Offer to pay the vet bill if you want to.
2. Keep yours on a lead at all times - for a rescue you haven't owned for long, he will be unpredictable, and to be honest I think all dogs should be on a lead anyway.
3. Invest in a professional dog trainer or behaviourist to get some help with any particular issues.

How upset you are shows you care. We all make mistakes. If you were an irresponsible owner you wouldn't care.

You can also get a long line to keep him on the lead e.g. in fields, so you still have control but he can have more freedom.

A good scream usually keeps down injuries. Puppies learn that very young from their litter-mates. (Murder alerts are given frequently when they find each other's tails.)

You did all the right things - despite the shock. I expect the neighbour understands that now too.

Your dog reacted to something in the other dog. They do that - for reasons known only to dogs. Perhaps he was keeping you safe.

Remember that he has lots of teeth - and could easily have drawn blood ...but didn't.

Pop round with £65 for the vet bill, insist she take it. Nice bottle of wine and promise that it will never happen again.

These things happen, you learned a lesson. Have a look for a secure dog field that you can let yours off the lead.

Don't beat yourself up - these things do happen and no one was hurt. You've gained some insight into things inside your dogs head, and as a pp said, if he'd wanted to do damage to the other dog it would have happened.
I'd pay the vets bill, and apart from now knowing your dog can be untrustworthy around other dogs and keeping them on the lead apart from in secure fields. It might be worth muzzle training them so you can do doggy playdates in the fields knowing that everyone is safe.

Re-homed a 7yo dog earlier this year, knowing quite a bit of his history

What history? Aggression? Biting? Nervous? What breed is he?

Key bits of information, OP.

If the dog has a history of any of that then you were an irresponsible owner for having your dog off the lead even if it was just going to your car.

Ensure your dog is always on a lead outside of your house in the future, pay the woman's vets bill and keep an eye out for future aggressive tendencies.

You must go around to your neighbours house and check if her dog is okay now it's been to a vets. And you need to reassure her of the measures you're taking in regards to your dog. She'll likely be terrified and furious in case it happens again.

I understand the strong emotions that you feel after an event like this but rather than beating yourself up now is the time to make the correct decisions. You need to make sensible non emotional decisions at this point.

Go and see your neighbour - they may rant they too are feeling extremely emotional.

Put management in place so that this can not happen again. This may be doorgate or fences gates in the front of your house etc.

Your dog must be kept on lead at all times initially. I would also start muzzle training - I do this for all dogs as a matter of course not just reactive dogs

Vet check for your dog
Behaviourist to draw up a plan to help your dog.

Dont pretend it has not happened and it will not happen again. it will unless the environment or situation changes. Prevent that from happening by being proactive.