Simba is now relaxed enough that he is spending most of his time chilling (literally) on the floor above our vaulted basement and doing a lamprey impression.
He was too nervous and discombobulated for the first couple of days, so this is a blessed relief from constant wrestling bouts where the rules are he gets cuddles and then suddenly tries to jump on me or sit on my lap. My role is to try to push him off. It was utterly exhausting.
Well, I've been attacked for the second time in the first week of adoption. The first time wasn't too bad, but showed he hadn't been trained to not try to dominate his owner. This time (when he didn't get what he wanted) and after I tried to get him to go outside using the technique of straddling him and raising his front legs slightly, while protecting my head against the back of his (which I've used before, just to get him moving, with no problems), I talked to him gently as I lowered him and eventually let go. He turned round and mauled me. I got bitten to the bone in my arm.
His previous owner had no idea how to train him and got him as an attack dog. I imagine his dislocated knee at five months was his master beating him badly. Then he got too strong for his master and he left the dog with his ex-wife (they'd just split up). Her and her parents were equally clueless, but the point is it's too late (and dangerous) to try to get him right in the head.
I sent them messages earlier with a photo of my arm, saying I'm giving him back or taking him to the French equivalent of the RSPCA (the SPA). They never replied. Given his background and the fact his attacks to establish dominance are getting worse (the first time he nicked a loaf of brioche off the worktop, legged it outside like a thief, followed by me, flung the brioche behind himself and attacked me when I went to get it, drawing blood on the bridge of my nose) I don't think the SPA will let him be rehoused. And he can't be a working dog either because of his injury and attitude. So, we know where that will end.
It's horrible, because he's really sweet 99% of the time. But twice in a week is too much, even if it's not his fault.
My arm hurts to buggery.
I've raised this type of dog from a puppy before, so I know their quirks, before anyone gives me unsolicited advice.
@davep
I'm so sorry to hear this. Poor fellow must have been seriously damaged with his previous people. When things get to the dangerous stage, there's limits to what you can do unfortunately.
@negative12dollarbill I'm going to the hospital tomorrow morning. It's too far right now (it happened four hours ago, and now it's nearly 2am; we live in a very rural area). I tried to clean it up as best I could for the moment. I imagine I'll be on antibiotics for a while.
Ok, went nearly an hour away to the animal rescue centre this morning (it's where the A&E is too) and they don't take abandoned dogs. She gave me the number of the weekend vet though.
So, went to the vet and of course France has a specific protocol for a "chien mordeur". I'm meant to see a vet the day it happens, then a week later, then another week later. No point doing that with a vet so far away so will see mine tomorrow.
This also means I couldn't go to A&E, so I've got an appointment with a weekend GP in half an hour.
I might ask the dog training school if they'd take him for the duration of the protocol, as I don't know the next time he's going to go ape. What a palaver.
@sfscotland I'm feeling really guilty, but the vets basically said he was too dangerous. I'm still a bit traumatised after getting mauled too, if I'm honest. All in all a pretty horrible day.
@withaveeay it's really tough to deal with. Despite his constant pain he was settling in great, but the fact he was mistreated means I can't ever be sure he won't go crazy again. He was going for my throat the second time, and I instinctively protected myself with my arm, which took a right beating. The two vets decided this was for the best as the risk of getting killed was too high as he didn't give any real warning.
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