[Skully]

The other day I got really angry because my 1 year old small chihuahua pooped in the house for the second time in the same day. I just went off and ended up punching the wall then I spanked him. It wasn't hard but he was on top of the cat condo and he lost his balance and he fell off and broke his paw. I feel so bad that it happened. I didn't mean to hurt him and I didn't spank him very hard for it, it was just a little swat but he only weighs 10lbs and lost his balance. Now I am very depressed about what I did. He has a little cast on his paw and seems to be doing ok with walking on it. But the guilt is killing me. I am such a terrible person. I love him so much and I hurt him so bad like that. Every time I look at him I start to cry.

[lynn P.]

I think you're brave for admitting what you did but I hope this won't happen again. I'm sure you know that hitting an animal or person doesn't teach them anything - especially with an animal..this just teaches him to be more secretive.

I think this is a dog training and people training issue - meaning the person needs to be aware of cues from your dog, when he needs to go potty. Is he sick - does he have diarhea? Is he normally house trained? Make sure to get a cleaning product which takes away all the odour - dogs will smell where they went and tend to re-offend. Hitting won't prevent him from poohing again - it just makes him afraid of you.

Next time - give your dog lots of opportunity to go out. If he's normally house trained, he may be sick. If he poohs again, just clean it up. Take some deep calming breaths. You're not a terrible person...you made a mistake. You can prevent this from happening again.

I went through extensive training with my dog and I'm willing to help. If this happened when you weren't home - I recommend a crate for your dog that's just big enough for him to stand up and turn around. A dog won't poop in their crate as long as it's not too big. But if a dog is sick with diarhea, then he'll poop anywhere because he can't hold it. I give you credit for admitting this. I'm sorry your pet is injured.

[Skully]

Thank you for your reply it was helpful. He has diabetes and sometimes cannot hold his urine which is ok because I understand. I never hit my animals but for some reason I just lost control and swatted him on that day. I have been under a lot of stress and I just lost it. I am working with my therapist on anger issues so that won't happen again. I know I will never swat him again or any of my other dogs for that matter. I just don't know what happened that day, it was the first time I ever laid a hand on one of my dogs. Still, it doesn't make me feel any better. I am trying to look at it as a one time thing and learn from that mistake.

[lynn P.]

That's good you're learning from this mistake and I believe this was a one time thing. If you were an animal abuser, you wouldn't be posting here lol.....they would be the last one to admit they have a problem.

Have you tried meditation - this helps with anger. Removing youself from the triggering situation helps. You could even punch some pillows to get out the frustration. Teaching yourself how to delay your response is good - don't speak or act for a few mintes until you've calmed down.

[lonegael]

Hon, when my disorder is acting up, I get easily angry and lash out in a way I don't normally and such things happen. When my meds are working, it happens very seldom. when they are not, it happens more and more often nd is a good sign that i nned to contact a p-doc. How are yours doing? I'm also glad you learned a lesson, but it is also improtant that you learn it, AND DROP IT: dragging the guilt around with you can make you react even worse next time, and will make you send confusing signals to the dog you might not be aware of. You messed up, OK. Time to get back on the horse. Huggs to you and to the pup. Sounds like you both need it

[ladyjrnlist]

I also explode when I'm manic. Punching walls, hurting my hands...once I slapped my cat across the head when he was pestering me.
The thing about our fur babies is that they forgive us and still love us, even when we slip up. Your puppy is not going to be emotionally scarred by this and you shouldn't be either. It sounds more like a spanking that led to an accident. I mean, you didn't toss the dog into the wall or anything.
Forgive yourself. Your puppy does.

[Skully]

I am feeling much better about it now. He is running around on the casted leg with no problems and seems no worse for wear. He is still very loving towards me and I am spoiling him rotten. I have learned my lesson and I am letting go of the guilt now. He is doing good and after all, it is an accident.

[lilred3382]

I know how you feel Skully. My chihuahua once peed on my pillow of all things. It sent me over the edge. I hit him entirely way to hard, he didnt get hurt or anything, but he avoided me all that night. That broke my heart worse than anything. He is my baby he knows it. This happened about i dunno 3 yrs ago, and i still feel guilty about it.