Cathy Kennedy
04-30-2005, 02:48 PM
Hi there,
I first posted this on the defensive dogs forum, and someone there suggested I ask you guys. Here is what I wrote:
hi there,
I have been reading posts here for a couple of weeks and I was hoping that you could help me with a problem. I have 2 beautiful and extremely soppy black labradors called Jack and Jill. They are just over 2 years old, litter brother and sister and have no problems with their behaviour at home at all.
The trouble occurs when we meet other dogs of a similar or larger size - pointers, golden retrievers and especially other labradors. Although they are both neutered, other male dogs always make a beeline for Jack - sniff his bum and then lick his remaining genitals, and try to hump him. This would be bad enough, but the poor soul is cursed with hip dysplasia in both hips, has had a cruciate ligament operation *and* has elbow dysplasia (Jill has no problems at all - the vet tells me it's probably just one of those things).
Anyway, the last time this happened in the park he was about 100 yards away, and although he normally runs to me when it happens he was physically knocked over by the dog and couldn't reach me - with the result that he turned - in a way that is so out of character I can't tell you - and growled, snapped and chased the other dog away. The other owner got very grumpy (understatement) and I got v. tearful (6 months pregnant with our second child) - it was awful.
I have asked the vet and they suggested eucalyptus oil - have tried this and it makes no difference. Please please help me to help Jack - I am now 7 months pregnant and can't run after him as easily in the park, so walks are now restricted which is so unfair.
My question basically is how I stop other dogs crossing the park to investigate or at least prevent them trying to have their wicked way once they reach us. As I say, I have tried rubbing eucalyptus oil in various places and it makes no difference. Any other ideas?
thanks
Cathy
I first posted this on the defensive dogs forum, and someone there suggested I ask you guys. Here is what I wrote:
hi there,
I have been reading posts here for a couple of weeks and I was hoping that you could help me with a problem. I have 2 beautiful and extremely soppy black labradors called Jack and Jill. They are just over 2 years old, litter brother and sister and have no problems with their behaviour at home at all.
The trouble occurs when we meet other dogs of a similar or larger size - pointers, golden retrievers and especially other labradors. Although they are both neutered, other male dogs always make a beeline for Jack - sniff his bum and then lick his remaining genitals, and try to hump him. This would be bad enough, but the poor soul is cursed with hip dysplasia in both hips, has had a cruciate ligament operation *and* has elbow dysplasia (Jill has no problems at all - the vet tells me it's probably just one of those things).
Anyway, the last time this happened in the park he was about 100 yards away, and although he normally runs to me when it happens he was physically knocked over by the dog and couldn't reach me - with the result that he turned - in a way that is so out of character I can't tell you - and growled, snapped and chased the other dog away. The other owner got very grumpy (understatement) and I got v. tearful (6 months pregnant with our second child) - it was awful.
I have asked the vet and they suggested eucalyptus oil - have tried this and it makes no difference. Please please help me to help Jack - I am now 7 months pregnant and can't run after him as easily in the park, so walks are now restricted which is so unfair.
My question basically is how I stop other dogs crossing the park to investigate or at least prevent them trying to have their wicked way once they reach us. As I say, I have tried rubbing eucalyptus oil in various places and it makes no difference. Any other ideas?
thanks
Cathy