STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Metric · Gucci

dog owners- Help!

Elle · Hermes

I don't think this one time makes her 'a biter'. She reacted to the situation just as she should have - she felt threatened, and relied on her instincts to protect herself (and you). This is the reason bikes are not allowed in dog parks! Why would he think it was a good idea to ride his bike through a group of off-leash dogs he's unfamiliar with, in an area where bikes aren't even allowed?

Hubby and his family have 2 big dogs, both labs, neither of them have ever bitten or been aggresive ever. Except, when someone comes around them on a bike. If it's someone they know well (like hubby), they won't actually bite, but damn they sound mean!

Not sure what it is about bikes - do they not realize that it's a person on a bike, and think it's some other animal entirely?

luckylily · Gucci

First of all, I am so sorry. My dog hasn't bitten anyone, but he scares really easily and he used to react by barking in a semi-aggressive manner. I know how heart wrenching it can be for an owner. Please keep in mind that EVERY dog has a breaking point at which they feel threatened enough to react that way.

I would try to keep her calm for the next couple of days. When we were working with an animal behaviorist she told us that when a dog has a scare like that, it can take up to three days for their system to get back to normal in terms of adrenaline.

Did she chase the bike and bite him or did he come close enough for her to bite? You could do some bike orientated training. Like give her treats and praise when she remains calm around a bike.

This is actually why I don't like to take Mitch to off leash parks very often. I've heard too may horror stories.

halleybird · Hermes

Oh, I am sorry! I agree with Elle -- this doesn't make her a biting dog IMO. A trainer may be able to help you, but I am not sure I want my dog to think it's OK when a strange man comes out of nowhere while we're out alone, you know?

I'm glad he's not pressing charges, but for your sake, try to type up your version of events (as much as you can remember, including what he said), date stamp it in MS word and save it, just in case.