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| Sasha attacking Benson bear :(; advice please | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: 2 Sep 2015, 10:07 AM (662 Views) | |
| Megatronic | 2 Sep 2015, 10:07 AM Post #1 |
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wots missing Pat a lot
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For those of you who don’t know me and to give a bit of background, I have 2 gsd’s – Benson is around 10 and Sasha is almost 6. We’ve had Benson for over 8 years and Sasha for just over 2 years. Benson was a stray taken off the streets in Ireland and Sasha came from a loving home who were unable to give her the attention she needed. Both are very loving, affectionate dogs. Benson is getting old and is now struggling with his back legs. He no longer has much strength in them and at times he slips and can’t hold himself up and goes down. However when this happens Sasha attacks him. It’s a full blown attack and as he’s weak he can’t defend himself. He’s flat on the ground on his tummy screaming while she’s on top of him. She just won’t stop. One of us has to pull her off by her collar and even then she wants to go back for more. This has happened about half a dozen times now. We try to anticipate when this may happen and recently things have been fine. We’ve put rugs down on the floor tiles in the house so he doesn’t slip but this morning he stepped outside and the patio was wet, he couldn’t keep himself upright and went down. Sasha flew out of the house and was on him in an instant. I was right behind her and saw what was going to happen. I shouted out but it didn’t make a difference and I wasn’t quick enough to stop it. I ran out and grabbed her collar to pull her off him but she wouldn’t let him go. After a few seconds which seemed like forever she lost her grip on him and I finally pulled her off, thankfully Steve came running out and took her off me but she was still in a rage and growled at him too. She wasn’t for giving up even then. We didn’t dare let her go until I took Benson inside. My poor boy was crying, I checked him over and fortunately there doesn’t seem to be any broken skin. Sasha remained outside for a while, Steve had given her a telling off before coming in. When she did come back in they were both wary but settled down. We will have to keep them separate now when we’re out, we can’t risk this happening when they’re on their own or he may not survive. ![]() Has this happened to anyone before? If anyone has any suggestions as to what else can be done or even why she does it I’d be grateful. As I said before, at any other time she is a friendly dog and is no problem with other dogs when out. |
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| Pamela | 2 Sep 2015, 12:52 PM Post #2 |
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Sorry your having problems , Ive never had that happen to me . Is Sasha a dominant dog ? maybe she can now sense and see a weakness in him . I know you went away recently and your took her with you , so it seems she may be getting more attention and see's her place as top dog . I personally would cut off some attention , only fuss or praise her on your terms |
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| Megatronic | 2 Sep 2015, 07:52 PM Post #3 |
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wots missing Pat a lot
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thanks Pam, no I've never known it in my dogs before, even gobby Meg. She isn't normally a dominant dog which is why I'm so concerned but like you say she probably spots a weaker dog and is picking on him. These started before we started going away so I don't think it's that, but do agree that it's Benson being weak now. I'm going to speak to a behaviourist about it and see where we go from there. She's perfect in every other way. thanks for your help
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| Patlucky | 2 Sep 2015, 10:58 PM Post #4 |
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Would like to stay in bed like the other Pat does
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I think you best bet is a behaviourist . These two always looked so good together. I have to say you have to be master of a dog. If an owner is a little on the soft side they will take advantage. It isn't very nice for you or Benson. I do hope you get a good behaviourist and it is sorted soon for you. I do feel for you . |
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| Heambro | 2 Sep 2015, 11:35 PM Post #5 |
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GSD Annointed Member
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Pat has hit a chord with me. Within a week of getting Kiera, Wing attacked her out of the blue and it's as you described, even after taking him from the situation he kept trying, no other way of putting it, he wanted to kill her. Now my Wing was gentle as you like to all and it's the only time in the 9+ years we had him that we saw him act in that way. The only reason I think he never did it again was because i took him away from the situation with a lot of stern words. I made sure he knew he'd done wrong and I made sure he knew he couldn't do it again. He never did. I love my dogs, I spoil them, I'm soppy with them but they know who's boss and what is and is not acceptable. Not saying you're not but is it possible Sasha thinks she is boss? Especially as she's been going away with you and Benson hasn't. Delicate question and I don't want to offend you as I don't know you. Behaviourist may be able to tell you why she's doing it, just a guess on my experience. |
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| gsdlover | 3 Sep 2015, 07:46 AM Post #6 |
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Herbie's Mum
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Pauline - I'm really sorry to read this....poor Benson Bear and poor you I agree with what Pam has said - the weaker dog is always an easy target and the fact that she goes away with you without Benson probably doesn't help. Sorry I can't be more help - please give my favourite sable boy a big cuddle from me
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| Megatronic | 3 Sep 2015, 10:48 AM Post #7 |
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wots missing Pat a lot
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thank you everyone for taking the time to reply. Thankfully the situation hasn't been frequent and has been over about 6 months but it still needs to be resolved. It is only when Benson slips over, the rest of the time they're fine together. Sasha is well behaved and is easy to control at any other time. She's such a lovely dog, apart from this. These have happened before we started going away so I really don't think it's that but we will be looking at sorting this asap. Benson is such a good dog and after all he's been through, deserves a happy and relaxed old age.I'll keep you posted on what we're advised. Zoe, I will give him a huge cuddle from you, he'll love it |
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| catsx11 | 6 Sep 2015, 01:14 AM Post #8 |
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"...it's a dog's life!"
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| moorgal | 11 Sep 2015, 04:37 PM Post #9 |
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GSD Addict
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i have heard of something similar with a 'pack' of whippets....and they literally dispatched the old/infirm one . And once,I fell over my old girl (now at the bridge)...and made her yelp/squeal...and the younger one attacked her....I think it must be 'nature' at work...unfortunately...so human intervention essential and I'm positive keeping them apart when you aren't about is very very wise. Good luck.
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have happened before we started going away so I really don't think it's that but we will be looking at sorting this asap. Benson is such a good dog and after all he's been through, deserves a happy and relaxed old age.
. And once,I fell over my old girl (now at the bridge)...and made her yelp/squeal...and the younger one attacked her....I think it must be 'nature' at work...unfortunately...so human intervention essential and I'm positive keeping them apart when you aren't about is very very wise. Good luck.
1:34 AM Jul 11








