Help! Scout(non newf) tried to kill neighbor dog!

[scout]

Oh my goodness. Scout got out of the yard while I was vacuuming. The neighbor was walking her three Afghan hounds and Scout attacked the youngest one. She was really trying to hurt her! Scout is a small,spayed 40 lb husky, and this Afghan, though light, towers over her. Scout got hold of the dog's hind leg and wouldn't let go. Hubby finally got them separated and the Afghan howled bloody murder.

I went with over to neighbor's house and the Afghan seems okay. Some abrasions, no puncture wounds (surprising), and so seeming damage to the leg. I apologized profusely and offered to pay for any vet bills resulting from this. Good thing we're all on pretty good terms.

I've noticed that Scout has been barky and hostile towards other dogs, but I've never seen her attack like this before. She is a lamb with all people. She wasn't protecting the house (unless she has a very large idea of what our territory is) because the neighbor was across the street.

Hubby is grumpily stringing a cable line in the back yard since our fence won't hold her in right now. Scout is in time out in her kennel.

What do I do? There are 20 other dogs living on our short block, and dozens more in or small neighborhood. I have to do something to fix her behavior before another dog gets hurt or I get sued. Scout seems to have no fear, and extreme hostility, for any dog except Atticus.

Advice from all you wonderful experts would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[ina/puusty]

If Scout were mine, no matter what training/meds or remediations..you buy/get/sign up for..I would consider Scout as a lethal dog..and keep in house..or strongly fenced and DOUBLE-gated area..period. None of us..can take the chance..that a 'love'..one min., won't change temperament..due to injury/blood lines/breeding questions...etc. Scout must..henceforth..be considered a danger to all other dogs in area..and watch for any 'in house'..and changes towards family members. Even if a vet visit..gives you an 'all clear'..as to no found abnormalities..he WILL..attack again..if given the chance. Protect him..from that, as he may live out his years..as a perfect..family pet..within your family. ina n HB

 

[Nasus]

Husky`s as a general rule are working dogs that work within their own pack.. example is for what they were breed for, sledge dogs. There is always a lead dog who is the Alpha. Scout views all other dogs as not part of her pack, it`s her breed view. Ina is correct in that she will do this again. She might be great with you and your newf (he`s part of her pack) but other dogs will not be viewed in the same way.
I have seen this behavior many times here with very well trained Husky\s. These dogs are never off lead to play with the other dogs, they are either working or walking on lead with the owners. I`m sorry u have to go thru this but at least u know that u have to be on guard.

 

[blstarke]

Immediate consultation with a behavorist.
She has shown warning signs of this before

 

[scout]

Thanks to all. Some clarification.... we DO have a fenced in yard. Apparently, the fence is not quite doing its job, but we have tried to take every precaution in keeping her leashed and away from situations where she might get into trouble. I was aware of the warning signs, but she has never shown outright aggression before. Also, Nasus makes a good point about the pack. She has certainly shown marked pack behavior.
Ina, I agree with your assessment. I'm going to have to step up the vigilance and become an outright prison warden with her. Judy, I'll be contacting the vet on Monday for a recommendation for a behaviorist. That was the first thought(okay, second, after the securing the backyard thought)as to what action I would take.

thanks again! I would appreciate any others who might want to throw in their two cents.

 

[Annie Milliron]

I think some serious training is called for. Also, do you know where she's getting out? There may be some things you can do to secure the fence. I would think about installing an invisible fence on the inside perimeter of your existing fence, and have her wear the collar. This would keep her away from where she's breaking out.

You're right... there's alot at stake here. You don't want your home owner's insurance to get wind of a problem... that could effect Scout as well as your other dogs. I would find a certified behaviorist and start work and serious training asap.

[ 04-22-2006, 06:42 PM: Message edited by: Annie Milliron ]

 

[Jenn]

I would suggest lean-ins like we have for our wofldogs. Not expensive depending on the type of fence and if you live in a community that has a HOA I doubt they would allow it. Lean'ins will stop the escaping as ours clear 6 foot in a blink without it. If you want info on them send me a PM.