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Not letting go
Hi everyone I am a dog walker and in the process of being a professional dog trainer!
I walk a 3 year old golden retriever, last week we did just a drop in for dinner- he tends to chew up the grass in his yard and the dirt which I believe is a sign of anxiety, stress, frustration from what I’ve learned! Only because he does this when I pay attention to his younger brother which is an 8 month old golden! Unfortunately, when he picked up a very large patch of grass and dirt I went to get it out of his mouth bc I didn’t want him to swallow all of it ( he eats it everytime) so I reached to grab it – I first told him to drop it 3 times and he wouldn’t, in a very nice voice at first then a more stern one. So I reached in and he clamped down on my hand with the grass , he wouldn’t let go , treats didn’t work either. I sat there for 10 minutes actually crying because every time I tried to take my hand away he would clamp down harder! What would you have done in this situation?
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3 Replies
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Hi Analeise, I am so sorry this happened to you. That must have been painful and really scary. Can you provide more information about this dog please? Does he have a long history of snatch-and-swallow? Does he normally guard resources either by running off with them or by getting stiff or something?
When he was holding your arm, what else was happening with his body? Was he hunched over and stiff? Widely wagging? Could it have been a game (I’ve known goldens who grab and hold but they are being extra affectionate.) Did his bite break your skin?
What was the puppy doing while this was going on?
How did you ultimately get free?
Finally, what’s your plan to avoid this situation in the future if you do another drop in? Have you given that some thought?
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Congrats on your journey to becoming a professional dog trainer!
I am sorry to read that this happened to you… this is an unfortunate and scary event.
I like @catherine follow-up questions. I would also ask: how long have you been walking this dog? What was the relationship like if not a new client? Was he on or off leash? Does he know the drop cue? There appears to be a lot to unpack with this situation and dog.
Not expecting a negative reaction and then experiencing one is always a situation where “hindsight is 20/20”.
In my opinion and experience, I ALWAYS treat a dog as if it was going to bite, especially in the presence of resources, lack of space, multiple dogs, purpose bred guardian beeds, newly adopted dogs etc.. In fact, people/clients are usually asking “why aren’t you playing/ interacting with my dog”, “are you afraid of my dog?” etc. I simply explain that I see things thrugh a behavior lens, I do not have a relationship with their dog (yet) or that behavior can change suddenly, regardless of why I may be there. I am on the pro-active side.
To answer your question “what would you have done in this situation?” I have 2 responses as I think this question can be answered as a before the bite/hold event and during the bite/hold event.
Prior to the bite, before the dog had the grass: If he only eats grass in the presence of his brother getting attention, I would have taken them out separatly to minimize the grass eating behavior. If he still did and not drop it, I would have done a treat dump (like you did if I am reading correctly). If that did not work I would have likely tried to play and cheerfuly “run” away from him to encourage a little chase/play game (if I felt it was safe to do so). If that did not work and I knew he was intent on keeping that grass clump, I would have let him have it. It was not an immediate life-threatening item he had. I understand in the moment we try to do what our emotions say (don’t eat that- it is not good for you, and you were not wrong for likely feeling that). Over-ruling our emotions with logic (for our safety) can be hard sometimes since we are thinking of the dog’s safety.
During the bite/hold event. I would have tried to remain as calm and quiet as possible. I would have dumped treats (carry a variety) in hopes he would let go sooner than later. I actually (due to experience!) carry a break stick and spray shield with me at all times, even at dog events. (in fact I just went to fundraiser Sunday and both items were with me. ) They are 2 tools that have come in handy for me during consults. Clients have inadvertantly or knowingly dropped the leash or allowed a barrier to fall allowing their “friendly” dog to reach me. Additionally, knowing managment fails and behavior changes suddenly it is safety net for me. I would have used either tool or both if needed.
I hope you are and will be ok after this. I encourage you to take some time to process this event. Take precautions if you decide to keep them as a client. It is ok if you chose not to if you are not comfortable- most people would not be not knowing what can potentially trigger him again.
I am curious to read what others’s experiences will have to offer you for support and advice.
We all have something learn from this.
Thank you for having the courage to speak about what happened.
Best,
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Such great advice, @jenz !
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