I was so angry last night!

[Chris & Boys]

I was at training with Fozzy last night. There is a couple that has pissed me off since day one. They have this adorable border collie that is an absolute head case. She goes after other dogs, nips at the owners barks like crazy. From the first class it was clear that the owners are abusive with this dog. I have seen both owners swat this dog, scream at this dog and just treat this dog badly. The trainer is visibly struggling with this couple, biting her tongue and show them the proper way to train this poor girl. Well, last night the husband was dragging this dog around and it was crying very loudly, the man did something, the dog yelped then the man screamed at the dog, getting in its face. The instructor from day one has talked to these people that the dog is anxious and should be dealt with in a calm manner. So when she again reminded him that correction is good but anger just causes her more anxiety I thought the man was going to snap! He started yelling/mumbling and drug the dog out of class.

I was so angry I wanted to snatch that leash right out of his hand and call the human society! I can only imagine what goes on with that poor girl at home.

So on the way home my son asked me if we could call the police on that couple. I told him we don't know the whole story and if we did then we could make an informed decision. I told him if the trainer thought that it was necessary, I am sure the trainer would make the call. But after I said it to him, I thought.......but what if she doesn't? What do you think?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

That makes me sick...and so sad for this poor dog. I would first talk to the trainer. I'm guessing this is not the first time he/she has seen this type of behavior from owners and would have an idea about where to go next.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

I can't imagine how you must feel being in that class and having to watch that! You should absolutely call the trainer and see what you can do! I would be really upset too. Your heart just goes out to that poor sweet girl.

[Denise, Winnie, and AngelAbby]

I agree with Allyson - talk to the trainer. You can't sit and stew on this and worry about the poor collie. They - as trainers - have an obligation I would think, and if they were worried about abuse, they should call. If they treat this poor dog like that in public, it's' scary to think what they would do to it in private. :-(

[Adina P]

Ugh that upsets me. I don't think it could hurt to report them, but chances are the police couldn't/wouldn't do anything. There are no laws against yelling at a dog or person...so they'd need probably need something more concrete I would imagine. The last thing a high strung border collie needs is another high strung person trying to 'lead' them in such idiotic ways.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

It is better to have too many people reporting someone, than no-one report them because they think someone else will do. Bystander effect is a terrible thing and people/animals suffer and die because of it.

Report them! They obviously care enough about their dog to be taking her to training classes, but they need to learn to control their anger and frustration before they have a dog.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I would have been pissed off too! Beyond belief.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Call your trainer - it is obvious she is probably on the same page with you. She may also have an idea of how to handle this. You have to do something or you will not stop thinking about it! Your trainer will probably be relieved and happy someone else noticed this.