Thanks for the clarification, William.
I understand the situation now, and the Rottie had just had enough, and did what comes naturally to most dogs, it stopped it's attacker the best way it knew how.
Hardly unprovoked, was it!
I had no way to know the history, so thanks for sticking up for your dog.
William Robb wrote:
[...]
Just to make sure you don't think I am making light of this.....
The cat in question was quite unpleasant. She was capable of going from a friendly purrball to all fangs and claws for absolutely no reason. One could be contentedly stroking her and suddenly finding the cat going for your eyes. Frankly, we didn't know what to do with her. I hate putting an animal to sleep, but we were running out of options with her. I won't pass a psychotic animal on to someone else.
Seems obvious to me, that's what this one was!
Twice, we came home to find that she had opened Rollei's face up. The third time, she struck out.
We had no behavioural problems of this sort with the dog before this, and have had none since. The dog in question has one of the more solid tempermants of any of the thousands of dogs I have been in contact with. Leaving a dog, any dog, unsupervised with a baby or very young child is, in my opinion, gross stupidity bordering on criminal negligence
Absolutely so!
You are discussing dog behaviour with a qualified obedience and protection instructor, BTW. I teach this stuff.
William Robb
Yes, and I think I can speak for all of us who love pets -- thanks for completing the tale and clarifying the situation.
keith
