Threat level orange

Maggie HATES strangers.  Her disdain for people, bikes, motorcycles, and other dogs has been a chronic problem and her tendency to charge our neighbors has finally put the Wiggans/Carter household all over the radar.  (It is technically the Carter household but to say ‘finally put the Carter household on the radar’ didn’t really fit as it’s only been the Carter household for a short time and we’ve had years of issues getting Maggie to chill.)  So, the other morning, I let Mags/Tyson outside and they scared the living day lights out of one of our neighbors.  Maggie’s lack of hesitation to run after people is no secret; to me or our other neighbors but Tyson is usually a happy and mild mannered dog.  He must have gotten caught up in all the excitement and ran towards the new neighbor with his partner in crime.  Well, the super nice animal control lady informed me of all the rules and stigma attached to both breeds and assured me if even one person called with a suggestion that either of our dogs were off leash they would take them.  And let a judge decide their fate. 

I guess I’m mostly upset with myself as I know Maggie is prone to charging and I knew it was only a matter of time before she REALLY scared someone.  The other morning was that day.  I know better.  I know Maggie needs to be on a leash or chain.  All.  The.  Time.  She’s always needed the restraint.  But, after a little while I relax, believe I can trust her, and then she proves me wrong all over again. 

I think worst part is that Mags is at fault 99.99% of the time but this one particular instance puts BOTH of our dogs on the radar. 

PS. I've never wanted a backyard as much as I do right now.