I will not have an opportunity to speak with the dogs owner. Due to my husbands odd ball work hours there's no chance to get over there without my children. I dont feel its in their best interest to witness the potential conversation or to be around a dog I know to be aggressive.
There is no chance we'll be walking anywhere near that house/yard in the future. Even though avoiding this area means the loss of almost 1/2 of my walking options, the risk of continuing to walk near that house is far too high.
Instinct did kick in as I pulled Buster behind me. The incident (I hesitate to call it an attack since the dog never touched either of us) was all in slow motion for me, during which I saw this board in the back of my mind...nice reassurance my instincts were leading me in the right direction. Just as with the kids (human), Buster depends on me for his protection...he's still a baby after all...all part of the responsibility I took on when I chose to bring him home.
An aggressive (dog or otherwise) Saint Bernard is really not appealing to me. Knowing it can only take a single incident to change a dog, Im a bit over protective of my boy. I make a point of exposing him to as many new people, places, animals and situations as I possibly can. The effort to avoid one house that has the potential to ruin the work Ive put into the pup already is well worth it. At this point, he wags his entire body at the sight of people (waits to be told "go say hi" before approaching), he play bows to cats we see while walking (he's an only pet, unless you count the husband and kids), he plays well with other dogs ranging from a 7 month old Mastiff/Black & Tan Coonhound/Pit Bull mix thats his size down to a tiny 7 month old Pom who weighs about 60lbs less than he does.
Time and effort spent teaching Buster skills he needs to go from being a wonderful puppy to an awesome dog is well worth it to me. He was probably the wrong puppy to pick, low confidence, can be fearful in different situations but I wouldnt trade him for anything. I am thankful to have found such an amazing puppy. I love working with him, he's eager to please, highly food motivated, picks up new tricks very quickly.
The girls and I enjoy teaching him different tricks. Some have no real use, others such as "leave it" have the potential to save his life. My oldest (almost 11) wanted him to "shake", changed the cue around a bit to "gimme your paw" and taught him in a matter of 2-3 minutes using a peanut butter filled Kong as a reward (he got to lick the toy after each success).
I consider this one a success...4 months old, large milkbone between the paws yet he's not touching it due to being told "leave it". I really need to get some new pictures taken...
My girls enjoy him every bit as much as I do...my youngest 2, 3 year old wearing pink, 4 year old wearing blue. I think its safe to say he enjoys them too. He's 14 weeks in this picture.
That got just a little off the subject...