I had a big dumb Turverin Sheppard/??? mix that bit a vet (reported) and a friend (not reported). We rescued him from a family (single mom + four kids) who just couldn’t handle him.
We struggled to get through a couple of obedience courses, which helped, but not enough. He still did the 2 bites above.
Fearing he’d do it again, we resorted to muzzling him any time he was in the presence of new people or out in public. Hated to do it, but better than the alternative; owner is responsible for damages in Ontario, and I think the 3-bite rule applies here, too.
He’s ~7 now, much mellower. Lives in the country with my daughter. But he still gets muzzled for new people or in public.
He knows his limits though… pre-muzzling, he once got away from me, took after a bulldog two doors down. Full bore charge, much barking. I feared a bloodbath. Bulldog didn’t flinch, not a peep. Eugene (my dummy) sensed it was a bad idea and pulled up short, then lost the staring contest. Bulldog just turned and ambled away. Much relief.
Here he is after playing in the snow:
And my original intention for this post, which seems to have gotten away from me… can’t the White House afford a muzzle?
