it is part and parcel of the job i suppose, dealing with dogs that could have some form of aggression. usually fear aggression, especially newer dogs who are unused to their surroundings. are u in boardking kennels or rescue kennels?

i work with a lot of dogs who redirect their frustrations, eg. if they see another dog, they just want to latch on to the first thing they can, which is usually the handler, or sometimes another dog if you are out with someone else. you do over time get to know different dogs behaviours and know when they are going to react.

do let your employers know about your worries though, otherwise the situation can only get worse. was this dog actually being aggressive? or was it an overexcitable mouthy dog?

try not to let it put you off, but it is kinda part of the job. i come home from work everyday with nice new scratches and bruises (usually from lovely dogs just wanting cuddles!) covered in hair, saliva, and sometimes poop! but i absolutely love it haha!

__________________

6th Jan 2008 - 22nd July 2009

I work in boarding kennels.

I absolutely know it's part of the job, I've worked with horses so I've dealt with lots of kicking/biting etc but there's just something about today that's made me so depressed. I don't know whether it was the fact that my manager/workers didn't actually care or that they were negligent in putting on a clip to ensure nobody went in there. I just feel so unsafe there now, I've never been nervous around any type of dog before in my life but after the incident I completely froze around the kennel block.

__________________

Oh Abbie only one week and you had that happen to you
Did i tell you about the aggressive dog at my kennels? I had no warning at all i opened the door to let him into the run and he guarded the door, and was barking aggressively and wouldnt let me out Also when i was cleaning his run, he kept barking at me, then he suddenly stopped and just looked at me, wagging his tail. Then he just went for me and bit my hand I refused to go near that dog again and now the members of staff leave notes if theres anything i need to know about the dogs. I hope you get your confidence back, you were so excited about this job! Im sure itll get better

__________________
Once You Think You Know It All, give Up, Because You Will Stop Trying To Learn....
Blue-Border Collie
Maple (Ginger)-Greyhound

Oh Jadine that's awful I hope you went to the doctors hun.

I'm going to ring the manager on Monday morning and speak to her, she's not the sort of person who's easy to talk to because she doesn't usually have much sympathy or patience. So I imagine it won't go well but ho hum.

__________________

Nope didnt go to the docs, i think the owners knew he was aggressive, his teeth were filed down so were very blunt. The bite itself didnt hurt but it was the shock that really hit me and i never went near that dog again Good luck with the phone call x

__________________
Once You Think You Know It All, give Up, Because You Will Stop Trying To Learn....
Blue-Border Collie
Maple (Ginger)-Greyhound

You should definitely go, you might need a shot hun.

__________________

Nah im fine, this was like 2 months ago lol

__________________
Once You Think You Know It All, give Up, Because You Will Stop Trying To Learn....
Blue-Border Collie
Maple (Ginger)-Greyhound

I am shocked at some of the comments on here.

I have worked with dogs for 16 yrs and have been supervised where necessary and supported when I first started.

I work in rescue and new staff have a 12 week training plan and volunteers are mentored for 4 weeks.

Now I know that not all small rescues can afford to do this but there are some dangerous dogs around that need to be dealt with correctly. Just being confident isnt enough.

I have never been bitten from aggression which I think is a testament to the support and training I have had from experienced people.
I often leave with bruises but some dogs at times are frustrated and need more mental and physical stimulation which we do our best to provide.

Did the dog break your skin with his teeth? Maybe he is just incredibly frustrated?!

Sorry, rant over with

My advice iis to speak to the manager and then follow up your conversation with your concerns in writing to her also asking for acknowledgement to the letter.I know this may sound abit over the top but suppose the dog in question did serious damage to you (hopefully this will never happen) your manager could turn around and say that he/she was unaware of the problem ( its more for your own protection).

One of the kennels here all the staff have a whistle - if a dog starts to attack the whistle is blown sharply - this works two ways, firstly to startle the dog in and secondly to attract the attention of other workers that help may be needed - perhaps it may be worth getting a whistle? A few scooby snacks in your pocket as well - get the dog to work for a treat, then he may associate you with nice things - good luck