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Saturday 15 February 2014

Walking in my paws.

Today's post is part of the first WOOF support blog hop ( Working Out Our Fears )

First of all I would like to apologise for a short post but I'm pushed for time, there's never enough hours in the day at the moment. 

I will start off by introducing myself and explaining how I managed to end up in the state I'm at for the benefit of the members of the group who don't know me.

I'm Sheba a Dogue De Bordeaux/Rottweiler I was 5 yesterday 14/2/2013.


Me when I was a pup.


And now all grown up.

When I was a pup Mum and Dad would take me out in the front garden to toilet so I got used to traffic and people walking past with dogs, and when I had finished my puppy vaccinations and could go out I went to puppy socialisation classes to get me used to being around other dogs which I loved playing with the other pups.

And then one day it all went horribly wrong, We were out for a walk and I was quite happy sniffing lamp posts and minding my own business walking at Dad's side when out of a house came 2 Staffordshire Bull Terriers running straight for me I tried to hide behind my Dad but one of them managed to get behind me, Dad eventually managed to kick them away before the stupid owner called them back saying she didn't know how they got out, leaving the front door open might of had something to do with it.

I just got over that incident when we were walking past a house when 5 Cocker Spaniels ran out of the front garden, that was the last straw and I've never gotten over it it took me months before Dad built up my courage to walk past that house again I used to drag him to the opposite side of the road. Why do people have dogs if they can't keep them in a secure environment.

So now I don't trust any dogs I see and am a complete nut job when on the lead barking, lunging forward and spinning around on the end of the lead trying to get away, I'm not aggressive and have never attacked another dog I just like them to keep a safe distance from me, I love all animals apart from dogs that I don't know cows, sheep, horses don't bother me and I can walk through the park off lead past the ducks and swans and I'm not interested in them. I live with 2 cats who I love very much despite people saying cats and dogs cant live together it's all in the way your brought up.




If I'm off lead I'm fine around other dogs as can be seen from the above pics. So Mum and Dad try to avoid putting me in stressful situations and let me off lead when it's safe to do so. We have had a few comments but when Dad explains that I'm better behaved off lead most people understand, and I always stay close to my humans and don't run off so am always under control.

Luckily for me Mum and Dad are very understanding and have always worked with me when a lot of other people would of gave up on me and put me in the shelter.

I feel sorry for Dad because he gets abuse hurled at him and 1 person said I should be put down I'm glad I don't live with him. Dad used to get all protective to defend me but Dad's shouting made me worse so now he's learnt to ignore the comments and to carry on walking, Mum says he must of caught his selective hearing off me I don't know what she means by that.

All I ask is for people to be understanding of my needs and not to judge me before getting to know me, the only people who really know what I'm like are Mum and Dad because they spend 24/7 with me, I might be a pain when outside when on the lead but am as good as gold around the house where I spend most of my time.

Dad says if he was in the pub and someone punched him on the nose he would be weary of strangers it's the same for me.






I'm a lover not a fighter.


Me with Mum and Cody and Coco.


This is the WOOF Support Blog Hop, where reactive dogs and their owners can come together to share similar experiences.  Are you a reactive/fearful dog or its owner?  Then please join us and share your story.  The Blog Hop is open through Sunday, February 16th on Oz the Terrier's blog as well as on co-hosts Roxy The Traveling Dog and Wag 'n Woof Pets blogs.




18 comments:

  1. This is awesome, thanks for sharing your story! My dogs are all very friendly, but I have a fear of walking my dog Charlie because he lunges at EVERY car that goes by us. We don't have sidewalks where we live, so we have to walk on the road or in the woods. To get to the woods, we either have to drive or walk on the road. It's a conundrum! He also lunges at motorcycles, bicyclists and people carrying surfboards, beach chairs, coolers, or pushing strollers. Ugh. He is a very big dog (85-90 lbs) and I am able to hold onto him, but he looks like a crazy dog. In all other situations he is perfectly fine and very lovable.

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  2. Sheba, thank you for sharing your story and joining our hop. Your parents did everything right with you when you were a puppy, and then other stupid people had to ruin it. The good thing is your parents believe in you and love you no matter what.
    You were such a cute puppy and grew into such a beautiful big girl! It sounds like you still get to do lots of fun things in spite of your difficulties....that is so great.
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for visiting my blog, your right about idiots spoiling it.

      Sheba.

      Delete
  3. Thank you for your post. My German shepherd Leo totally relates to being a lover, not a fighter. It's tough for large breeds, isn't it? People are so judgmental! We know how you really are, at home snuggling. They just don't understand that the barking and lunging comes from fear.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for visiting my blog, I'm always getting judged without people knowing the full story.

      Sheba

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  4. Sheba, I know how you feel. I cannot understand how people can have dogs and not know they are out, running around loose and causing havoc on other dogs. I don't blame you for being nervous since a similar experience happened to me. We are very similar in that we love our humans and are good off-leash with all kinds of animals. I sure hope that being a part of our group can help you overcome your fears. Thank you for joining the hop and sharing your story.
    *Cairn cuddles*
    Oz
    P.S. I hope all is well by you since the storms.

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    Replies
    1. Some people don't deserve to own dogs, we're fine thank you plenty of damage but better off than a lot of unfortunate people..

      Sheba.

      Delete
  5. That was quite a story and I loved your puppy pics!

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  6. Oh Sheba. What a story! Your very cute you know.

    Earl and I.

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  7. What a cute puppy you were. We don't blame you being nervous as it can'r have been a nice set of early experiences with other dogs. Nice to read your story.
    Have a serene Sunday and get in some big easy today.
    Best wishes Molly

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  8. Super wonderful post guys! Thanks so much for sharing!
    I feel so bad for your dad Sheba! I k ow how he feels. People look at you like your dog is just completely aggressive and out of control when they don't know what has happened in our past etc....its really to bad that people have to be so judgmental!
    It seems you have been traumatized by other dogs, and that's so sad
    I think it much easier for me to over being tense on the leash compared to what your dad is going through. We have never had dogs off leash come up and attack us etc, so I wish you both the best of luck with this and thanks for sharing
    ((Husky hugz))
    Frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky

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  9. Shame you had bad experiences when you were young as it really stays with you. A few GSDs near us are the same, one wears a yellow ribbon on his lead to warn people to give him space.
    Hugs to your dad, people can be so cruel, especially when they don't have dogs they don't understand.

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  10. Sheba that was such a lovely story (how it turned out, anyway!). Lucky you have such a great family now. You were and still are beautiful.

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  11. sheba...we haz enjoyed yur storee N sorree ya had sum encounterez that were knot sew nice....N yur mum & dad R rite...onlee THEY noe de troo sheba...N curses two de azzez that say nastee stuff anda happee bee lated birth day !!! hope ya got lotz oh biscuits N sum burgers, steaks, friez, fish, sum toys, cake, donuts, ham samiches and catnip...ta share with cody & coco !!!!
    :)

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  12. I'm glad you're in such an understanding home.
    Unfortunately, some people are quick to jump to judge. We have to learn to only listen to those who really know us :-)

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  13. Thank you for sharing your story (and your puppy picture), Sheba. We love you, and are glad you are safe and loved with your family. Big hugs!

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