Our Rescue Dog Bit Me In The Face

[@stevenwilliams3182]

Hi, I just wanted to say I recently brought home a rescue dog (4 month old husky pup), so I did your free “from the rescue to your home” course that you mention here. I’m an experienced dog owner, but I still find value in reviewing the basics of training and management. I thought the course was really great, and I think you’re doing a great public service by making it free. I would definitely recommend it to anyone bring home a new dog, rescue or otherwise. Thanks!

[@Rudelherz]

Totally like your comment. Just know that a Husky ist very special. Never use the collars and some techniques that are being recommended here. Go to dogtrainers who deal with huskies all the time/ have owned many. Dogtrainers with their GSDs/Retrievers almost broke me and my dog years ago. He is the best today and exceptionally wonderful but it was a long way and I had to understand that many dogtrainers have no knowledge /experience when it comes to Independent breeds.

[@balancedk9trainer]

I'm a director for a dog rescue and a balanced trainer... I always promote management and training for all dogs we home! However, not everyone listens... I think I will share your course with our adopters! Thank you for all you do!

[@efrawley55]

Good fir you . I hope more rescues do this.

[@chrischrisafis484]

The tone of my voice controlled my two dogs but they new who ruled . They lived 19 and 21 years old. ❤️❤️

[@stellamariesmithson1431]

People don't realise it takes a lot of hard work and repatriation with a rescue dog. I am third owner of a bull lurcher rescue. That includes the first owner who badly neglected him. It was hard getting him to know he's boundaries but eventually everything clicked into place. I have another lurcher they play good together. I never leave them together when I go out.

[@stellamariesmithson1431]

Repetition I meant

[@kathleengagliardi7669]

Who wants live like this. Having an aggressive animal totally changes uour daily life for a loooong time. I would think you get a pet to enjoy life with. You putvthe work in and you can enjoy your buddy and go places with that buddy. I'm not saying you don't have to do your due diligence in training , but what's the whole purpose . When it is an unstable dog it is scary. Most people and families do not have the education to deal with extreme behaviors. I guess I have been blessed with the beauties that have been in my life. All into old age . One dog at a time . You must have common sense , and boundaries, with decent well thought out training and consistency. They all need good exercise, not just sitting in a backyard.

[@kalikeleka]

It's something I've never understood either. Hundreds of dogs get euthanized every day because there are not enough homes for all of them. Perfectly nice, healthy dogs. Why waste your time, money, and energy on a nasty dog when you can save a nice dog that won't require so much? It may sound cruel, but the reality is, there are more dogs who need homes than there are homes for them. Why take on a problem when there are better options?

[@carolyngracetoday]

If a dog bites once he will MOST likely bite again.

[@lillianflorence6056]

So will a murderer

[@vitalucas9452]

That's very true. It seems to be reinforced by their success.

[@petesson1880]

We had a rottweiler for a long time The neighbor kid was having dinner with us and when he came in the back door from playing she nipped him on the back of his calf and broke the skin. I was in tears as I drove her to the vet the next day. Don't know if she was put down or not but we had a lot of kids back then and didn't want to see that happen again. I've heard too many horror stories about pit attacks and kills to both other dogs and humans so I will never understand why anyone would take that risk especially with that breed. It's crazy

[@vitalucas9452]

@@petesson1880 I am sorry to hear that. What a shock.

[@anitahendrix7573]

I have had 6westies and now have 2westies and a small terrier rescue. We have never had problems with resource guarding growling etc. As we wont put up with it. Westies need to know who is boss and we never have hit our dogs but they know we won't tolerate bad behavior. Very good advice here. Thanks

[@CompleteK9Canada]

It would be nice to see all rescues require training with qualified trainer for the first 2 months. I see so many rescues going into family homes with serious issues and the families aren’t aware and don’t have the tools to deal with the dogs. Its scary

[@PARoth2011]

Agreed, that’s why so many dogs get returned. I am hoping to convince my dog club to allow me to give free lessons of handling for the home to anyone who rescues a dog from our local shelters. I’m just a regular person who has had some success with my dogs and takes lessons at my club and watches educational series here at Leerburg. It seems if each of us with some training knowledge helped families who don’t have a clue we would all benefit, especially the rescue dogs.

[@vitalucas9452]

@@PARoth2011 Great thinking. I wish you great success.

[@x2z964]

Bit in the face? Poochie gets rehomed to Jesus.

[@timmiet47321]

You should share time with any dog.

[@PARoth2011]

I’ve got 3 rescues in the house and we place them in their crates to feed them, let them take naps, at night and when we go out or if one of them is misbehaving and needs a time out. We had our Pitbull cross male pup on a leash for about 3 months inside the house, the older ones were fine but they were females also. I really appreciate the way you addressed this, I thought it was excellent. Question: You didn’t say anything about the pair being “bonded”, does this create extra owner stress? Is it the same as sibling syndrome?

[@patriciaribaric3409]

Dogs don't belong on the human's furniture ever. If a dog doesn't respect the human's space he doesn't respect the human.

[@finerbiner]

Complete tripe. the dogs don't respect you.

[@luke8329]

Hi Ed, I enjoy this segment and unfortunately I have a story of my face getting bit for poor handing of a sitiuation, management of the dogs expectations and not having the correct equipment ahead of time. My malinois was around 6-7 months ,he had been showing signs of stress at going in the crate for a few days, he needed a larger one. He'd been trained by myself and my girlfriend multiple times a day since day 1 and heavily, if not over socialised. I blame him 0%. Long story short. He wanted to remain on the bed, which we had wrongly allowed him to stay on as a young pup too much and I gave in the crate command (the crate was also in the bedroom, another mistake) and he was telling me No in no uncertain terms , teeth showing and gripping into the bed. Instead of deescalating and trying a different tacked , I moved towards him way to quickly and agressively , repeating the command. I still have the picture in my mind of his mouth open flying at my face. I grabbed him by the neck and chucked him in the crate. He'd not clamped on, luckily it was just two minor cuts and good slice down above my top lip which doesn't grow hair now. It looks like a cleft lip scar when my beard is short. I attended to my injuries and took 2 hours to go over what had happened. I got him out the crate holding no grudge , had a training session and went to get him a bigger crate. Sunny's 3 in the summer , fully trained off leash, we have a great working relationship. For my first working dog I think I've done a good job at learning from and correcting my mistakes. A warning as to what can happen with dogs and green handlers.

[@riekaakier1526]

Wow! I think you can be proud of yourself for having built such a good relationship

[@PARoth2011]

You have my greatest respect for recognizing what went wrong, getting your ego out of the way and how you corrected the error. You might have been a novice trainer but you handled it like a pro. Well done.

[@scotteklof5082]

I have a malinos. He is a great dog, but he is a filthy beast. No way would I let him on my bed. I don't even let him in my bedroom. I treat him real good and he is my adventure buddy, but if he ever bit me out of malice I would beat him to death.

[@riekaakier1526]

@@scotteklof5082 30 years ago we had a Deutsch Drahthhar Shepherd mix. That was the craziest dog I've ever known. He bit my husband's ear while he was tugging. That had to be sewn. First we didn't know what we are doing. So..., for a while the dog did not get any resources and he was castrated. Later we did a tour of Europe with this dog. It was the best guardian imaginable. Nothing ever happened again. Looking back, we made the right decision. The dog turned 14 years old. With all biting accidents, you also have to ask yourself whether you are giving your dog the life he needs. This dog could walk on the bike for 3 hours and still wasn't satisfied. Until we were on tour he was another dog I don't know your dog and I don't want to judge.. I'm just saying that giving him a second chance was the right decision for us. Back then people were even cooler, nobody advised us to put the dog to sleep or to beat it. He had snapped once and mauled no one.

[@scotteklof5082]

If my girl cheats on me or my dog bites me, there are no second chances.

[@5801160052086]

So you are saying you never make a mistake?

[@cheffie521]

​@@5801160052086 not those kind.

[@apow8535]

I know a Westie who is sweet as pie during the day and when not tired- but needs to be crated/put on the other side of a gate when she starts to get tired because she has an aggressive sleep disorder where she often has several dream ‘attacks’ in her sleep where she growls like a Tasmanian devil and bites at whatever is in her vicinity. She is clearly ‘spaced out’ during these episodes (like a dog in a deep resource guarding trance) and not in her ‘right mind’ so it is all about management with her. If this dog has too exciting a day and starts to get ‘shark eyes’ she needs to go into ‘solitary’ for nap time - preemptively - before she decides to ‘sweetly’ curl up beside you for a nappy time. Weird disorder, but otherwise she is the sweetest dog!

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

Our one male Doberman sleeps in a crate to this day because he's a grouchy sleeper. It keeps us and the other dogs safe and he actually feels safer too. He does get snuggle time (well we can't touch him, but in the am, he can get on the bed). He does know off and immediately jumps off when told. I usually will say I have to move buddy, before I actually move. He knows if he does growl when on the bed, he's going in his crate. Our boys also love their hound of the Baskervilles muzzles because it means they get to run and play together. The grouchy one is still less confident even with Nose Work. World of difference better though. Hope that helps.

[@apow8535]

Thank you! And your reply is actually pretty serendipitous as I have a shy/reactive female doberman that I am currently shopping for a muzzle for! Will check out the hounds of Baskerville muzzle! Thank you😊

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

@@apow8535 Nose Work helps a lot with shy dogs too. Check out Baebae's training - she's a judge in Oregon I believe, especially if you want to compete. Sara Ondrako has an awesome video on how to make a snuffle mat with a pocket. My younger Dobe has to have his lunch in his snuffle mat. If it's in his dish, he leaves it. Doberman planet too. Hope that helps.

[@apow8535]

@@robinrutherfordcost4748 That's great- thank you!

[@ralemc1960]

Why allow a dog that gives warnings like this to be on a couch or bed. If it is aggressive about being moved after getting comfortable. Sleep on your dog furniture. Not mine. He is spot on. They caused this.

[@fmknokey]

I wish I would have found your channel BEFORE I bought my puppy, instead of after I started having problems. It would have saved me from having to find a new home for him after he killed the neighbors baby lamb 😞.

[@alisha_madariaga]

Amen! I’m soooooooo sick and tired of the Zak George’s of the world and their holier than thou attitudes and zero experience with serious aggression issues . I have yet to see a r+ trainer take on a truly aggressive dog and be able to modify their behavior with just clickers and treats. It just ain’t gonna happen.

[@Cougar139tweak]

Rescue dogs with violent backgrounds have no place with anyone who is not a professional dog trainer, and I would add, doesn't have children. either that or put them to sleep.

[@riekaakier1526]

No matter what you do, you have to get to the point when you know your dog and then get to the point when you trust your dog! Thats a long way when dogs are from the shelter. I have an HSH mix from animal welfare, when he jumped into my bed the first day at my home, I first didn't know how to get him out as he lay on the bed and didn't listen when I called him to leave. Pulling him out by the collar seemed to me too dangerous, because he stared at me. He growled. So carefully I went to bed myselfe, went behind him and kicked him out of bed with my feet. Sayed loudly "down". He was suprised and falling out and it was so intense for him, that he never went back in. Taking a leash at the first day would have been a better idea!:) Here in Germany, the cages are rarely used indoors. It is not common. I know them more in cars. I think it makes really sense, like in this case. One thing I know for sure: The dog needs clear rules and announcements. He has to earn your trust. Only then he can take a seat and keep his toys. We have never done it any differently. You give the dog a warm home that also challenges him, everything is new. So expect problems as he will test how far he can go, just when he doesn't get structure.

[@efrawley55]

I have been to Germany many times since 1982 for my dog training videos. Most of my friends kept dogs in outside dog kennels. Frankly I did the same for many years. But when I brought the dogs into our home and used dog crates and expens I really never got to know the temperament like I do. now. Brining a rescue dog into a home without a dog crate and not keeping it on leash in the house is an accident waiting to happen.

[@riekaakier1526]

@@efrawley55 I'm not a professional, I have 5 dogs from animal shelters so far. This applies to 3 of them. The other two were lambs. That was obvious. One of these gentle dogs came from an outside kennel. But it was a sensitive cuddly dog ​​and had no place there. He wouldn't have had to be on a leash either. Later he was at every children's birthday party and took care of the kittens. It was clear from the start that he was a gentle giant. He never had fights with other dogs. Putting him in a cage indoors would have been compulsion. He would have had to get used to it first. Otherwise it would have done more harm than good for him. The aids are good, but not for every dog, I think. It always has to be the right amount for the right dog. Working indoors with this caged dog? I probably should have laid down next to him and the cage at night so that he didn't feel lonely. HAhah! He had previously run away from the kennel because he had no family connection. As the shelter suspected. But, for most dogs you are right, I think.

[@efrawley55]

@@riekaakier1526 If you dont want to use a dog crate thats your option. No professional dog trainer would agree that a dog crate is not necessary for EVERY dog. So no insult meant here but your drop dead wrong.

[@riekaakier1526]

@@efrawley55 Really? I dont think so.

[@efrawley55]

@@riekaakier1526 Like I said - it's certainly your option. We use dog crates to take our dogs to the vet or when we travel in our vehicle or travel to spend time with relatives - or when take our dogs to a trainingt club the crates go with. These are the things we do based on our experience

[@cheyenne2572]

Never put a dog down unless it truly is a danger. 11 times out of 10 the problem is the human not realizing that dogs are animals and animals bite when they (not you) feel threatened.

[@cherylmillard2067]

This Tuesday (tomorrow), I pick up my new puppy Maxi, a 14-month-old Belgium Malinois. She's a shelter rescue who needed a person who wouldn't give up on her at the first sign of "trouble", due to people who adopted her on two separate occasions and then immediately returned her because they could not advocate in favor of a dog's need to first decompress in a brand-new situation/home. The adoption facilitator has been completely honest with her history that includes a bite from a forced interaction and a fight over a bone. They were not able to replicate the biting situation at the shelter. She needs basic engagement and obedience training. I run a tight ship, all toys will be put up so there's no fights between existing dogs and the new dog, privileges are earned and yes to being on a leash in the house. I have a trainer (French Ring) with extensive Malinois experience on the ready.

[@George12129]

Sorry to break it to you but a 14 month old dog is not a puppy. And you might be getting in over your head with a Mal

[@cherylmillard2067]

@@George12129 Sorry to break it to you but most dogs are considered puppies until the age of two. She is still emotionally a puppy. I've worked with high drive dog breeds throughout my life that have exhibited the same qualities, drive and energy as the Malinois. This isn't a whim based on a Hollywood movie fantasy, but several decades in planning, it is only now that everything has fallen into place. You don't know me, my experience or my capabilities. While you might be over your head with a Mal, it doesn't mean I will be in over my head, so before you make an emphatic statement, please do your homework, I know I have done mine.

[@efrawley55]

@@cherylmillard2067 I just filmed oone of these videos today about people who bring a new rescue into a home with other dogs. Wiouth using a crate and just releasing the new dog into a home with other dogs -100% the wrong way to do it. The new dog should be introduced on leash on walks for a long long long time - maybe months. Take the time it takes to do it correctly. If you have multiple dogs, walk them one at a time with this new dog. Think about muzzles. If you have multiplle dogs have a freind handle the other dogs (n leash) while yu walk with the new one on leash. The penalty for rushing this is a dog fight - this dog is not a puppy - its a teanager. 14 month old Mals can do a ton of damage if you screw up, I know we have owned a number of them and bred them.

[@cherylmillard2067]

@@efrawley55 Thank you for the suggestions I appreciate it, this is what I have planned, I am going to put a blanket with their smells in the crate for the trip home, when we get home I will let her out alone in a fenced yard to run and blow off some steam for a while, then the same with Fritz alone to run off some energy and he'll get to smell where she's peed, etc Then we are going to do the intro with Fritz, each dog separately in the yard with both on leashes, she will have her own area in the house while she is settling in. I'll stop and pick up a couple muzzles on the way home. I'll have my trainer help tomorrow. Do you have any other suggestions or revisions?

[@efrawley55]

@@cherylmillard2067 I would not do what yiour doing. You are rushing things. We would NEVER try to introduce a new dog that way so quickly. Bring her home - use your crate for a week or more. Whats the hurry - you have years to get it right - your pushing too fast. I assume you have 2 crates. One out at a time in the house - until your pasrt the honeymoon period of 2 weeks. Watch the free course on my web site FROM THE RESCUE TO THE HOME and dont try to rewrite the b ook.

[@aureliofont]

The biggest mistake people make is in regarding their dogs as “babies” or “fur babies”. Dogs are genetically programmed to run, sniff, dig, engage in dominant/submissive pack behaviors, and have ingrained predator instincts. They are not children. They become grown up, mature, animals with all the animal drives of their wolf ancestors. Letting dogs claim your spaces such as the sofa, chairs, beds, etc. is preparing that dog to,think of himself as the alpha and will regard you as a subordinate. A recipe for disasters large and small.

[@johnmclaughlin4802]

👍

[@deeder001]

Notice to women (and it always seems to be women) - STOP sticking your face into or near a dog's face until you are thoroughly sure of the dog's stability over many different interactions and situations, without signs of stress or anxiety! The inclination of women (and it always seems to be women) to do the "smoochy smoochy gimme kisses" does NOT work with ANIMALS. They are not human infants or even toddlers. If you want to get your face bit off resulting in terrible scars or disfigurement then by all means continue to do your "smoochy awww kissy face to face" to dogs you are not familiar with. Why you would even want to do this with an animal that has probably just licked a butt hole or eaten some poop is beyond me.

[@lillianflorence6056]

73,,, been nipped loads of times got scars, dogs my dad got over the years, he kept them all,

[@efrawley55]

Not sure what your point is? I will say this - a NIP is a dog bite. Some are worse than others - some turn into full fledged attacks like the ones people have sent me email about on my website. WARNING the pictures are graphic. leerburg.com/dogbites3.htm

[@vincentking9043]

Soft people who have no idea. I'm no expert but people are so thick and create unnecessary issues. Dog in the bedroom is one of the worst things that you can ever do, crazy people. What sort of life is this for any dog or owner. People baby and feel sorry for these dogs and let them down sadly.

[@AsharKoase]

It's highly counterintuitive to bring something smelly and dangerous into your clean sanctuary in the first place. Just no.

[@efrawley55]

So your saying a dog should not be a house dog or an office dog?

[@tonifonseca9178]

That is what rescue is ashar koase

[@lillianflorence6056]

​@@efrawley55 dont like dogs out in cold,

[@alisha_madariaga]

What??! What a ridiculous comment! Why are you even here then?? For real! If you don’t even like dogs, seriously just go anyway then .

[@johnphillips2396]

My dog bit me once ,then I beat him to death with a baseball bat. He never bit me again.

[@chrischrisafis484]

Lead dogs in a pack inflict painful discipline on disobedient members of the pack. There is no mercy

[@whomeverwherever]

Sounds like she hit him. That will cause a dog to bite.

[@tdc6255]

What a ridiculous assertion. Dogs don't just bite bc someone hits them.

[@asanseil5553]

Rules, boundaries, limits, all super necessary with all dogs since they are domesticated wolves and will take you over if you let them. I personally do not let dogs on my bed because I "claim" that area as my own. They get freedom off-leash properly trained and are covered with ticks a lot of the time. No one is allowed to sleep or touch my bed and it's rules like this that keep them all in check, especially when they're not my dogs. I'll even herd them out of the kitchen and make them sit in the living room while I cook food. There is no begging. I don't allow it. Rules, discipline, and respect.

[@caobita]

Well said and done

[@finerbiner]

My wife convinced me to save a 5yr old dog that had been the king of the house and was now threatening a newborn. Stuart was so strong willed and so mad that he tried to bite me repeatedly. We just loved him and were firm about the rules of our house. To this day, Stu is our favorite dog we had. He loved so strong once he did that we will never forget our Westie.

[@debbiecomerford-lalonde2699]

How did you stop the biting?