Is it possible?

[Defender06]

I lost my partner recently to what we can only assume is something Mental. My dog was a 7 y/o Shep and dual purpose. He came up leash on me while searching a vehicle and ever sense attacked myself and the other handlers that I worked with. I probably have been bit 7 times total.

Its something I would never wish on anyone.. We don't know what caused my dog to loose it were going to conduct a necroopsy on him hopefully that will revel some news but it will be too late.

Being a new handler I am "gun shy" now to pick up a new dog. Anyone have any advice on how to overcome this? I probably need to buckle down and just deal with it but I dont want my new dog to sense that I am scared or nervous.

[k9 max]

If this was something totally out of character for the dog, I think you may be on the right path and this suggests perhaps an underlying medical condition. I'm sorry to hear of this and your loss. Please post the results once you find out.

[hemicop]

A friend had a GSD that did the same thing----they found out the dog had some disease that depleted his spinal fluid. Unfortunately the dog had to be put down but that's the only case I've ever heard of.

[Defender06]

Its probably the hardest thing I have had to ever deal with. I went and sat with my new partner today just petted him threw the fence and talked to him for about 5 minutes. He is a way different dog then my prior partner. I'll keep you up to date.

[Kdog9]

Defender06,
Most police dogs will take a shot at the title every once in a while. A dog that does it all the time, like in your case, either has an unknown injury, medical condition or sometimes a screw just came loose. You may never know why it happened but the dog has been replaced.

From reading your two comments, I think you realize that you have another problem and you are smart enough to know that it is you. This is understandable because you are a new handler who had to deal with a dog that came up the leash several times.

When you were a kid learning to ride a bike, what happened? You fell, dusted yourself off, got back on the bike and rode away. Now you are being asked to do the same thing only it is with a dog.

You are obviously worried that the new dog will do the same thing. Guess what...he probably will. At some point your new dog will take a shot at the title as well. When he does, you need to deal with it right then and there. You must be decisive and very firm with the dog. This usually involves alpha rolling the dog. Hopefully once or twice is all it will take for the dog to completely understand that you are the boss.

If you show fear towards the new dog or shy away from putting pressure on the dog he will own you. Every day that the dog thinks he owns you it will be that much harder to change its way of thinking. Even if the dog growls at you...deal with it.

So, put what happened with the old dog in the past. You have been bitten by a dog and you survived...so you already know what it is like. Have the mind-set that you are the leader and be willing to prove it every day. This mind-set is a must for all handlers and especially you in your case. Be this way and I think you will find it will be a lot better for you and your new dog.

Let us know how it goes.

[ofcbaum]

defender, I am very sorry to hear this. As a fellow K9 handler I know this has to suck and I fee terrible for you.

[Defender06]

KDog,

Good post. I have overcome my "gun shy" fear for the most part. Took my new partner for a 6 hour walk today. He is a Shep with -0- problems. A big step from my last partner. The DoD has declared my last partner to much of a danger for anyone to handle.

KDog I think your right, I had my dog for about 6 months and being a new handler when he test bit me and I didnt end it right there it gave him ultra confidence, and things progressed worse. Why I didnt choke him out? He had a low tritraion level and I never had to use physical corrections before, so instead of reacting and choking the dog into submission after the bite I was shocked..

Word to the wise do what you have to do.. being bit SUCKS but if you can fix it then and there its so much better then having a dog put down.

Now with the new dog, new game plan.. its pretty clear all eyes are on me right now but when I pulled my new partner none of that mattered. Going to keep everything all positive. I'll keep you posted.