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.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

oh I love those bandages!

[Sally]

those are the best looking wrapped up injured paws i've ever seen. Yes, as other's have said in addition to the injured vulnerability the leashed vs unleashed i'm sure had a little to do with it. I hope his paws heal quickly. He looks really good.....nice haircut...

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

A good bully stick and a long nap are the two best cures.  Having cute bandage can't hurt either. 

[Kyoko]

Awww! So sorry to hear about the injury and  incidents. However, He looks so cute in those " Boots"!!!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Oh poor Murphy...but I love his bandages!  He is one really cool Dood.  So I would tend to agree with what you learned on line about Murphy feeling defenseless and had to protect himself.  He was on a leash and the other dogs were not.  That in it self makes a dog uncomfortable.  They feel they are at a disadvantage being leashed up and have to show the other dog they are in control.  That is why you never take a dog into a dog park on a leash.  All dogs need to be on an even playing field.  Murphy was hurt and felt very vulnerable so like the trainer said, he needed to do something to protect himself from this leashless dog approaching him.  I would give him the benefit of the doubt that he was doing what he needed to do under the circumstances and not worry too much about it.  Hugs to the Irish Boy!!!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh beautiful Murphy! I'm sorry you are wounded but so glad that your vet loves you so much!

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Murph, you rock those bandages, dood!  I'm sorry you got hurt but mom and dad will take great care of you - like they always do.  Maybe Guinness can be your nurse and fetch things for you so you don't have to walk on those sore feet. 

[Elizabeth & *Kosci*.]

The bandages a fantastic with there trimmings of a shamrock. Hope Murphy's healing fast.

[Dori & Rua]

I remember when Rua had the attack at the dog park and I brought her back...but did it on-leash.  I received quite a number of comments about what a vulnerable position that put her in so it makes sense what was happening.

 

I love the shamrock bandages...your vet ROCKS!

 

Rua says:  "Heal soon, Murphy buddy!"

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

So cute-I LOVE your vet! Hope Murphy is better soon,