Re: attacked neighbour!

In Reply to: attacked neighbour!
Posted by:  Kim
Posted on:  July 29, 2001 at 20:53:52

: We adopted a 3 year old female from a friend of ours who couldn't keep her any more because of long working hours 14-16 a day. She is a wonderful loving little girl and gets along great with everyone. We have had her for 7 months now. Here is my problem. Last night she got out the door, which she does occasionally and comes back right away when I call her. but she didn't yesterday she ran over to where out neighbour was cutting his shrubs and started barking and biting him,I ran over and yelled NO and she ran home. We also have rabbits that hang around that area, which she watches from our window. Any Ideas why she did this and how can I fix it? I would greatly appreciate your help.

: Thanks,
: Kim

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Hi Kim,

First let me say it is great that you took in this terrier.

Now for the bad news. You need to secure your yard better so this does not happen again. You got lucky this time, not only did your neighbor not report your dog, he apparently is not suing you either.

You cannot let this dog run loose, and as you can see especially not now.

Most dogs bite out of fear aggression. You would do yourself, your dog and your neighborhood a big favor by enrolling your girl into an obedience course. Obedience school works on so many levels for your dog. It teachs them to look to you for leadership, it conditions them to be around other people and other dogs, it leads to a stronger bond between them and their owner. If you make the commitment to taking her to school and actually working with her between sessions, you will start to see a marked improvement not only in her behavior but also her relationship to you.

Regards,
Marie