Consultation Files: “My Dog Bit Someone Out of Nowhere” — Now What?
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In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—breaks down what to do when a “great dog” suddenly bites. Spoiler: it rarely comes out of nowhere. Kati shows how to replace autonomy with structure (crate/place), add clear instruction and meaningful consequences, stop window barking and door charging, and set safer plans for guests and sitters so the behavior doesn’t repeat.
Episode Highlights
- “Out of nowhere” is a myth: subtle signals were likely missed; first times happen—plan for them.
- Structure over stories: restrict freedom with crate/place; you make the decisions, not the dog.
- Real accountability: fair, tangible consequences for breaking known commands and for problem behaviors.
- Eliminate triggers: end window barking, door charging, hard staring, and free-for-all greetings.
- Feelings follow behavior: change the actions first; the dog’s state of mind follows.
- Safety with people: no unsolicited petting; “mind your business” around strangers.
- Other handlers: dogs don’t generalize automatically—sitters must enforce your rules consistently.
Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
- 01:13 – Intro: Diamond K9 Dog Training; e-collar obedience and behavior modification.
- 02:30 – Case: 9-year-old dog bites the sitter while owner is away.
- 03:21 – Accountability vs. blaming others; responsible-owner mindset.
- 04:04 – Doodle “snap” when a stranger says hi—why we don’t allow random greetings.
- 05:31 – The “first-time fallacy”: behavior isn’t 100% predictable—prepare anyway.
- 06:42 – You see one version of your dog; others may get a different one.
- 07:41 – What changed? Health, meds, moves, new dogs—or signs were always there.
- 08:31 – Subtle body language often missed; teeth are just the “loud” message.
- 09:59 – Regardless of why, the solution is the same: change headspace and relevance.
- 11:05 – Step 1: restrict freedom—crate overnight, when away, and in daytime blocks.
- 12:42 – Crate builds coping skills and makes you the decision-maker.
- 13:29 – Place vs. crate: open boundary + accountability = stronger conversation.
- 14:32 – Train first; then add tangible consequences for not listening.
- 16:17 – Autonomy at home fuels problems; most homes lack negative consequences.
- 17:36 – Eliminate door charging and window barking—“not your job.”
- 18:24 – Don’t just manage; remove rehearsed behaviors with proper corrections.
- 19:30 – Change behavior first; possessive feelings recede after.
- 20:35 – With possessive dogs: no scattered toys or free-feeding.
- 22:16 – Intervene early on hard staring/growling; set clear boundaries.
- 23:22 – “What about burglars?” Real emergencies look different—focus on daily life.
- 24:17 – Love + unlimited freedom → “too big for their britches.”
- 25:57 – Other handlers won’t get the same results unless they enforce rules.
- 27:13 – Common human mistakes: baby talk, in-the-face petting, unsolicited touch.
- 28:27 – Sniff ≠ consent; many dogs don’t want to be touched.
- 29:19 – You can’t train the public; avoid sniff-and-greet setups entirely.
- 30:34 – Leashed “let’s see what happens” is risky; use the leash for instruction, not yanks.
- 39:56 – “Mind your business” protocol in public; ignore people.
- 41:33 – Why dogs rush people: arousal / threat assessment.
- 43:46 – Guests at home? Use the crate; out in the world, skip stranger interactions.
- 45:05 – Outsiders vs. insiders; set realistic expectations for your dog.
- 46:06 – Takeaway & contact: questions welcome at [email protected].