Bad Day, Ignorant man says, "your puppy attacked me"...

[x0emiroxy0x]

Post some pics of the pup please

[GSDMUM]

Originally Posted by Holmeshx2

Please read this statement a few times.

Things happen and you can't beat yourself up over them you however can learn form the situation and I believe you have. Also please realize that to those less then knowledgeable a 5-6 month old GSD can have lots of adult characteristics so they don't quite get the "puppy pass" from some people because they don't view them as puppies.

I'm normally diligent with Jinx however there have been things that have happened that I unfortunately had no control over.. thankfully they ended good but doesn't mean they always will. Plenty of times at a pet store someone will pop out from behind the end of an isle and jump on top of her wrapping their arms around her in a "bear hug" type of hold.. thankfully she is the social butterfly she is because she just wags her tail and licks them however I know it can end badly which is why I would not intentionally ever allow it to happen and then always give the person an ear full when it happens. Not sure why people feel compelled to do it but it has happened more then once with her and I'm not a social person so it's not like I'm walking around the store chatting with everyone to give someone an idea this may be ok... not sure what idiot just goes and grabs a GSD but they are out there so be careful.. I know I have to be hyper vigilant, not because she's not ok with it but because she shouldn't have to be.

However, the reason I quoted MRL's post is because some people truly are dog people and having them to socialize with is a great thing. We had a repair man come to the house to fix a window screen. He showed up I opened the door (had Jinx behind my legs) and told him ok (thought he could fix it from the outside) then he told me he needed to replace it from the inside so I told him to give me a minute so I could put my dog up. I ALWAYS put her away because even though she's a social butterfly not everyone appreciates a big dog running around and we still haven't learned proper house manners 100% with strangers (I don't have many people over to the house so she gets over excited).. anyways the guy said he was ok with and before I could say anything she peeked her head out from behind my legs and as soon as he saw her he basically "jumped" into the house to see her. He sat on the floor for almost a half hour playing with her she curled up in his lap getting loved on giving him kisses then they rough housed some and she brought him all of her toys and they played tug and just spent awhile with each other while he talked to us (never making eye contact since he was focused on her) He sat there telling me about how much he loved shepherds and apparently just the week before had to put his 13 yr old GSD done due to failing health and how hard it was etc.... So I got why he was a little over eager to see her and was fine with all her crazy puppy antics (she was 6-7 months at the time) So it was a great opportunity for her to see someone in the home and socialize some and you can generally tell when someone is a dog person and ESPECIALLY when someone is a GSD person. He later asked for me to specifically request him if I need more work done in the house so he can come play with Jinx.

For right now, if it were me, I would ask people that are dog friendly to help do short visits with your pup to work on it. Maybe even meet up with people from this board that are in your area who are strangers to the dog who are willing to help you work on socializing with stable shepherd people who know the breed can read body language and would be a HUGE help.

Thanks for your kind advice. Good idea!

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by GSDMUM

Gee thanks for the dig. Anyone know what constructive criticism is? Why does it have to be in such an insulting way. If you read the rest of the posts, I said repeatedly that I have thought about it and realize that I was WRONG for having her offleash in the first place in my backyard., for Crying out loud already!!!! I already have my doubts about some trainers. Have you not made any mistakes in YOUR life? I was following my trainer's lead in what she was teaching in all areas. I have voiced my doubts about some methods already. I have changed my mind on what I should have done. I'm so sorry I wrote about it in the heat of the moment without reflecting on the situation. I was upset and now I feel like worse even after admitting and learning something. Ever hear of encouragement????

Your'e welcome!

[GSDMUM]

Originally Posted by codmaster

Your'e welcome!

I said, "I was wrong!!!" Okay?????

[codmaster]

Relax - your first post simply came across (to me anyway) as blaming everyone except your dog and yourself for acting poorly.

[GSDMUM]

Originally Posted by codmaster

Relax - your first post simply came across (to me anyway) as blaming everyone except your dog and yourself for acting poorly.

You're right, it did come across that way. It was my fault ultimately, my pup is in the learning stages. I can't blame her for what I neglected to do. I have definitely learned my lesson!

[GSDMUM]

Originally Posted by x0emiroxy0x

Post some pics of the pup please

I changed my avatar to her current photo. It's the best recent photo I have of her.

[GSDMUM]

Originally Posted by x0emiroxy0x

Obviously the OP was a little ignorant but they didn't do anything on purpose. Let's educate them for next time instead of berating them for this time...?

Thank you! I have this lesson burned in my mind.

[CarrieJ]

I agree with the containing the dogs while workers are over. That being said, I would have fired the handyman on the spot. He's responsible for his workers.

On the other hand, Gar has picked up several fence and deck jobs BECAUSE he loves dogs. We have a photo album of his work with his client's dogs always in the finished picture.
He's retired now, but it's fun to go back and remember the dogs....Lord knows he can't remember the humans; but will always remember their dog's names.

[Germanshepherdlova]

This guy was attacked before so he was probably terrified and reacted accordingly. I never let my dogs out in the yard if I have workers back there-I simply put them on a lead and take them out on a walk to do their business.

*I posted this before reading through the rest of the comments-I see now that you understand why this should not have occurred! The good thing is that the worker is ok and your dog wasn't injured. Lesson learned-we all make mistakes!!