Koda wrote:

Again, I still think accident. If Maddy had gotten out from her spot and was walking towards the door, and Hayden and Nicky were playing... she could have EASILY gotten in the way. Or perhaps they thought she was coming to play when she was just going to follow you. Again.. easy mistake to happen.

I agree in that puncture wounds (regardless of how deep) don't indicate intent. Think about it. If Nicky and Hayden were playing, they are used to biting each other--HARD. If Maddy got in the way and it was an accident, it makes sense that the puncture wounds were deep... because Hayden thought he was grabbing Nicky or used to grabbing Nicky and didn't control/think.

Does that make sense? Don't look at the bite marks and immediately think that because they are deep, there is necessarily some major problem.

However, I agree that separating Hayden and seeking a behaviorist is the best course of action right now... if anything, I think it will just reinforce that it was an accident.

I agree with Tori. I've stuck my hand in between Kody and Asia when they're playing and they do bite hard! Harder than I thought!

I completely agree with tori. Its a risk any of us take that have cats and small animals. You can't hold it against him, as he can't help if it were a freak accident or if it were prey drive. It doesn't make him aggressive or bad, it just means that a mistake was made.

I can't even begin to imagine how you feel and I am so sorry for your loss.

So sorry for your loss =( This is one of my worst fears with our cat. I can't imagine it actually happening.

My deepest condolences for Maddy - run free!

I can't offer any advice, but at least she didn't suffer too much. I will say that being able to realize yourself that emotions are running high reflects very well on you as a person / dog owner. Keep us all updated.

My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.

Thank you everyone, I really appreciate all the kind words.

Right now is a very emotion time for myself and my family. Everyone who has ever had contact with Maddy is deeply upset.

I've contacted several trainers today and most seem to have the same opinion on Hayden. The closest appointment I can get is 2-3 weeks from now. The trainer I spoke with last is trying to see if she can get me an earlier appointment though.

I have to ask - what are you hoping to achieve with the trainer? If this were an accident, how would that help? And, if it were prey drive how would it help? Just an honest question.

Hayden_69 wrote:

I've contacted several trainers today and most seem to have the same opinion on Hayden. The closest appointment I can get is 2-3 weeks from now. The trainer I spoke with last is trying to see if she can get me an earlier appointment though.

What opinion is that?

Koda wrote:

Hayden_69 wrote:

I've contacted several trainers today and most seem to have the same opinion on Hayden. The closest appointment I can get is 2-3 weeks from now. The trainer I spoke with last is trying to see if she can get me an earlier appointment though.

What opinion is that?

I read it to mean the same opinion the majority of us had, that Hayden is not dangerous and it was an accident. I could be wrong.

I suspect the trainer will be helpful in doing an evaluation of Hayden and not trying to correct an issue.

Oooh. That totally went over my head! Thanks, Brian

What I'm hoping to gain from a trainer is to teach Nicky & Hayden how to listen better and to teach me to have more control over my dogs. I take them to the dog park and God forbid if this were to happen to someone else's dog, I wouldn't know what to do. The dog parks in my area don't have a separate area for small dogs, so they are all together, which scares me.

Also, we have another Yorkie in our home that I have to protect and I don't want a repeat of what happened last night. I've spoken with many trainers today and have settled on a very reputable trainer that will be training both Nicky and Hayden and I hope I have as much success as the other Husky owners in my area have had.

To answer you're question Megan, I don't believe what happened to my baby was an accident. Other's may choose to disagree, but that's the way I feel and I'm not saying this out of emotion, I'm saying it out of an honest opinion. If it was prey drive, then obviously he needs more training to know the other dog's in the home are not his chew toys. Plus, getting an opinion from a specialist won't hurt anything. The only thing that can come out of them getting more training is positive, so I'm all for that.

I'm sorry if this may come across as rude, but I'm not meaning it in that way by any means. I'm extremely upset and only want the best for Nicky and Hayden and if a trainer can help them from doing this again in the future, then that's exactly who we will see. I know there are no guarantee's, but at least I can say I tried and I plan on doing everything in my power so this won't happen again.

Was the room dark when this all happen? If so it could have been predatory reaction from Hayden when Maddy scampered across the room in hopes of catching up to you.

My 1st thought was prey drive. Adobo and Biko in a controlled setting (in the house ex.) have been taught to refrain using their predator skills. Outdoors though all bets are off if they catch me off guard.

Sorry for you and Maddy.

How do you know it was Hayden?

Hayden sorta told on himself. He was the only one that hid in the corner and everyone else seemed concerned and were sniffing. Hayden held off and wouldn't come near.

I'm so sorry for your loss! I kind of know how it feels to loose a companion like that. Missy, my teacup yorkie was slammed by a car door when my cousin didn't see her try to jump into the car as he was shutting it. It really is difficult with this type of situation. All you can do is remember the great times you had. Hope the best for you.

I'm also always fearful for my GF's 5 lb Pomeranian. Mia is 37 lbs and obviously out weighs her, but is very gental when they play. If anything, Peanut is the more aggressive of the two. But it wouldn't take much for Mia to just bite down on Peanut if Mia got tired of her. So, I've almost always got an eye on Mia when they are around each other.

Oh my gosh, how heartbreaking. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Oh no, I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss.
I thi k the only way to tell yes or no if he is dangerous or not (which from everything you've said about him, I dont think he is) would be to get him temperment tested.

Do you think Hayden could have been cowering in the corner because you were screaming and he didnt understand what you were going to do?

I knowwith Freya, if I bahave in a way she hasnt seen, she gets really unsure of the situation and submits.
Could Hayden hiding in the corner, be hinm doing the same?

Kelly, I am truly sorry for your loss, I know how much you love all your animals and I know this has to be really hard for you and your family.

My thoughts are with you!

He only goes in the corner if he does something wrong. If any of them were going to be upset by me screaming it would have been Nicky and she was fine.

I'm so sorry to hear this Kelly I can't even imagine...I don't even want to think about what would happen if the dogs did that to our cat, Keaton would be furious, and I know he wouldn't forgive the dogs..

I do agree with Tori though.

I'm so sorry to hear this Kelly. I'm at a complete loss for words. I hope you find peace in the coming days as you decide how to move forward.

I'm so, so terribly sorry for your loss. My heart just dropped when I read your post. I can't even imagine what you must be going through right now. I have a 6 year old pomeranian who is like my shadow. I can't imagine the same thing happening to her . I also hope that you find peace in the days that follow. *hugs*

How are you doing? You ok?

Oh Kelly I'm so sorry about little Maddy. Her pictures are so adorable! I hope you all get through this.

Make sure to keep us updated on how the training goes. My thoughts are still with you guys.