I heard the sound of Mac’s jaws snap together as he jumped towards the girl’s face.  At first, I thought he had missed, but when she pulled her hand away from her face, I saw the blood.

By dog behavior standards, Mac’s reaction to the girl was not unusual or entirely inappropriate. The girl didn’t know him and she grabbed his head and stared into his eyes – the worst way to approach an unfamiliar dog. She required 52 stitches and two plastic surgeries. By society’s standards, Mac, at 7 years old, was now a dangerous dog; a vicious dog.

Friends and family rallied around us and wrote letters to animal control in his defense, saying they would still allow Mac around their children, that they trusted Mac.  But I didn’t.  Not anymore.

When Mac was finally returned to me, I molded my entire life around his behavior. I only walked late at night. I had a strict set of rules for visitors to my house…which I even emailed to them in advance! I had nightmares of all of the times when Mac could have bitten someone else. I stopped hiking and camping and many other activities that Mac and I had enjoyed in early years. My social life dwindled.

Mac, a Rhodesian Ridgeback/Lab mix, had displayed some troubling behaviors in the past, but they were few and far between. Further, I thought all training consisted of formal obedience, and didn't know that there were things I could have done to prevent future problems. Required by the local animal control to seek training after Mac's release, I discovered that the entire situation could have been prevented.

A DOG LIKE THAT

Very few people understand what it is like to live with an aggressive dog. They assume that the owner encourages the aggressive behavior or abuses the dog. They can’t imagine what kind of person would keep "a dog like that."

In fact, many owners of reactive dogs are more responsible than owners of “nice” dogs. They have to be. They can never let our guard down. They remain ever vigilant for anything or anyone that their dog might react to. They are always in fear of the errant child or the overly-friendly dog who just wants to say “Hi.” They live with a strict set of rules that are created to maintain the safety of their dogs and those around them; "Don't look him in the eye.” “Only pet him under his chin, not over his head.” “Don't play tug-of-war."

Most owners of reactive dogs are not abusive, neglectful or irresponsible. They are usually good, loving owners who refuse to break their commitment simply because their dog does not fit the mold of the “ideal” dog.  These dogs are still pets. They still like belly rubs and hate baths just like other dogs. They still like to play and make us laugh. And we still cry just as hard when we have to say goodbye.

FINDING A SOLUTION

Thanks to irresponsible breeding, the horrors that people inflict on animals and sheer ignorance of canine behavior, dangerous dogs are rapidly increasing in number. Breeders, veterinarians, and even trainers disagree on socialization, training methods and treatment of behavior problems, leaving owners to sort through the mess and find the right solution on their own.

Animal Control agencies have limited funds and personnel to enforce already existing laws on responsible ownership. 

To make matters worse, sensationalized media reports shift the focus away from the true source of the problem and instead focus on specific breeds, and reactive politicians pass ineffective laws that do nothing to address the root of the problem.

HIS LESSON

I will always be grateful for the lessons Mac taught me. Mac is the reason I became a trainer. Mac is the reason I am able to teach owners of reactive or aggressive dogs how to safely manage and modify their dogs' behavior.  Because of Mac, there are a few less dangerous dogs in our community. 

No one wants a dog with behavior problems and few owners choose to stand by their dog through the time and effort it takes to manage their dog's behavior.  Those that do are usually at a total loss for how to help their pet overcome their fear and stress. 

Instead of suspecting or accusing the owners of reactive dogs of abuse, neglect or irresponsible ownership, suggest a reputable trainer. They are probably as embarassed by their dogs' behavior as we are shocked or annoyed to be confronted with it.

SAYING GOODBYE

Mac only lived to be 9 years and 8 months old. The years of reactive behavior took such a toll on him physically, that he was much older than his years. His pain began affecting his behavior, making him less predictable and, thereby, more dangerous. I finally made the difficult decision to give him relief from his pain and stress.

The last two years before he died were full of success and amazing breakthroughs, along with some setbacks and disappointment. We had been through a lot together and saying goodbye was the most heartbreaking experience of my life.

I joke now that Cujo slept on my couch.  But in reality, Mac was a loving, friendly and wonderful dog to his friends and family.  I will never regret my time with him and have many happy memories of our short time together.