Always Learning

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

We had a situation yesterday with Murphy that I handled very poorly.  We went to an outdoor party...lots of people and five dogs (three Doodles and two Labs).  All the dogs are very good off leash, so none of them were leashed, and they ran and played very appropriately in the yard.  During the afternoon, Murphy cut one of the pads on his foot and started to limp.  I checked it out...it looked sore, but it wasn't bleeding.  I leashed him and brought him on the deck with me in a down/stay.  A short time later one of the other dogs approached him, and he snapped actually showing teeth.  He has never done this before.  He has lunged or barked, but never shown teeth or snarled. I corrected him and put him back in his down/stay.  A little while later another dog just walked by him, and he did the exact same thing....this time even more aggressive and very disturbing to see.  Again I corrected and submitted him.  Shortly after, we left.  It really bothered me, and I worried all night about this.  I belong to an online dog training site where you can submit questions, and the trainers will respond.  Before calling my trainer this morning, I decided to pose the question on that site.  The response I got was very interesting.  This trainer said that Murph was totally acting out of instinct.  In the wild if a dog is injured or lame, the other dogs will attack (survival of the pack).  He said that Murphy was feeling vulnerable (instinctively) and that he was defensive to protect himself.  He said this does not mean he is dog aggressive, just that he was fragile and thinking I wasn't doing a very good job of keeping the other dogs away from him.....so he made his own choice.  He said I should have immediately removed (preferably crated) Murph from where other dogs (especially unleashed) could come in contact with him. It seems like Murphy is always teaching me something....now I'd know what to do in the future.

I'm waiting for the Vet to call....she's going to fit me in between surgeries today.  Murph is still limping.

UPDATE:  We're back from the Vet, and Murph has injuries to pads on both feet.  How awesome is it to have a Vet who takes him in between her surgeries and then hunts to find green bandages.....and then takes the time to cut out little shamrocks to decorate those bandages.  The Drama King is soaking up all this attention.  Check out these pictures of our injured Irish Doodl.

[Connie & Bocelli]

Jane thanks for sharing this.  These things are good to know as I probably would have done the exact same thing you did.

[Jennifer Tramell]

Personally, I don't think you reacted that bad AND I don't think poor Murphy reacted inappropriately, either.  Reminds me of a kid who yells at another kid to "leave me alone!" because they are hurt and don't want to be bothered.  I think it is unlikely that the other dogs were offended, they understand dog.  Your reaction simply told Murphy that he was safe with you and you were in charge of the situation.  It doesn't sound as if you acted harshly - one of the goals of training is to teach our dogs NOT to behave instinctively but to trust us.  Sure, hindsight is 20/20 and you'd do things differently next time (hopefully there won't be a next time) but I wouldn't worry about it.

I hope Murphy is better - let us know what the vet says.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Murphy, hope your paw is all better soon, just to let you know I've been snapped at by PEOPLE when they are not feeling well, so tell your mom not to worry, you'll be back to your old self in no time. Jane, that is good info to have and now I'll know what not to do in that situation. A valuable learning experience for us all.

[Carol and Banjo]

Thanks for sharing this Jane.....very interesting...something I'd never have figured out.    LOVE  LOVE  LOVE the bandages and hope your guy is good as new soon!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Cool bandages, hope mom is spoiling you just a little.  :>)

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

OMD how cute are those bandages!!  What's wrong with his paws, are they cut?

[Adina P]

Awwwe what a sweet vet!  Drama King looks awesome in his shamrock bandages :)

[Linda and Murphy]

Murphy, those are the coolest bandages ever!  Thanks for sharing, Jane.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hey, Murph, I'm jealous! When I tore my pads, my bandages were just plain white! No fair! You are lucky to have such a nice vet!

Now, go sit in front of the mirror and practice looking pitiful. You want to milk this for all it's worth. Trust me on this one, those pads heal really fast, take advantage while you can!

Your friend,

JD

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Not to worry, JD.....I'm doing a really good job of being "pitiful".

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Murph...dood!  You are lucky.  I like your casts. If I get a messed up pad one day maybe I can get pink bandaids with shamrocks.  But I hope that doesn't happen to me dood.  Get better soon Murph!

Lady P

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Wow, wasn't expecting this update.  Murphy, wish you felt as nice as you looked.

May I ask what Murphy was doing to cut the paw pads?   Spud has done this twice and we think it was running and a combination of trying to turn over the Frisbees BUT he always slides now to a stop.   So if you can, what do you think caused this with Murphy?