Please help worried!! :( :(

[steph_bella]

well just about half an hour ago my mam came to pick me up from my house, i accidently left the door open a bit and bella went running out....

there was 2 kids playing and all i heared was very loud barking and yelping and bella had the 2 kids backed into the corner snarling and barking! kids where crying their eyes out....i feel really bad and bella never goes out unnatended..... the whole street is scared of bella she is constantley snapping and marking at people......she has never ever bit but i wouldnt put it past her

im sooo worried shes gonna get took off me after this episode tonight, does anyone think that is likley ?? scared to death ((((

[Harrysmum]

Did she actually bite one of the children? Or were they just intimidated and scared of her (and her reputation!! ). Has anyone reported you or her to the authorities previously? Sally + Harry x

[steph_bella]

she didnt bite just barking (she also yelps) she was right near them my mam said just barking and snarling, noone has reported her but people dart in their houses when i take her for a walk worried their gonna lie and say she bit or somthing

[steph_bella]

i cant hide the fact shes not aggressive cuz if any strangers come near her or even give her eye contact she goes mental snapping and barking

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by steph_bella

she didnt bite just barking (she also yelps) she was right near them my mam said just barking and snarling, noone has reported her but people dart in their houses when i take her for a walk worried their gonna lie and say she bit or somthing

Aha - The Menace of Middlesbrough!! Ok, obviously you're worried out of your head - and it wasn't a nice thing for those children to have gone through. But she didn't bite - and never has done. People can't just make that up - there has to be proof both in statements and photographs and then go through the 'proper' channels.

Originally Posted by steph_bella

i cant hide the fact shes not aggressive cuz if any strangers come near her or even give her eye contact she goes mental snapping and barking

Now you've realised that this can happen - and how much it's frightened you - you've really, seriously got to address the issue. It could happen again easily - and the outcome might be far worse. How old is she, and what training have you done? While you get this sorted out, I would seriously consider getting a baby gate to go across the inside of the front door. Oh dear. Sally + Harry x

[steph_bella]

thank you for the advice, i havnt done any training, ive watched all the training programmes and tried to do what they are said and it doesnt work im the boss of bella she always listens to me in the house and stuff ive been looking at trainers and stuff buy they all want too much money once she gets to know someone she is the friendliest dog ever! their is no aggression towards me or my fiance at all no posession over toys or food. she is 18 months now and we took her to puppy socialization classes as a pup. she barks when the door goes and goes for other dogs and people. im embarrased and scared to take her out on walks i dread it all i wanted was a friendly dog so others can have a fuss. the only thing i can can think of is we did leave her alone a lot as a pup :S

[Harrysmum]

You sound like you're tearing your hair out

Ok, I've had done a quick search (obviously I don't know whether you've tried them) but I've found a couple of people in your area who apparently do a 'free assessment':

www.barkbusters.co.uk/middlesbrough

www.blackbankskennels.com

Might be worth an ask/try? Sally + Harry x