Rant about other peoples dogs!!!

[JennyBee]

We all carried sticks around here last year when a staffie attacked several dogs, some of which are still suffering the side effects of that attack . Did I like the thought of having to use it? Definitely not, but it was a very scary time for all dog owners in the area and it was horrible having to look over your shoulder all the time in fear that the dog would appear (although when Brodie was attacked I froze, so even if I'd had a stick it's unlikely I'd have used it )

[Pip C]

I just think its so sad that any of us is having to have this conversation
Its just awful how some people's stupidity and irresponsibility can have such an effect on us. I don't blame the dogs for one second,  its the owners who need training.

[*Marie*]

Bracken is 5 months now and at 3 months on his first few walks I had 3 dogs run up to him to have a go at him, he didn't provoke the other dogs in any way, after that I too was very nervous going out with him afraid I'd meet up with these dogs, never did, Bracken is a lot bigger now and has got a lot of confidence and interacts with certain breeds loves border collies the best, most of the time he plays with his ball, he's never been the one to run up to dogs! You will feel better in time!

[dal55]

One thing I would say to Holly9 , with the greatest respect... until (doG forbid) your dog is seriously attacked you have no idea how bad it feels and just what you would do. All advice flies out the window as your one thought is to get the attacker off and save your dog.
I carry a stick and would use it if necessary but in three years since Cass was attacked I have only used it to "ward" off  aggressive dogs
 I feels better with it and on a lighter note it doesn't half help with hills !!
Years ago in my job we were told by the Police that... for example.. if you said that you took a knife to bed just in case you had a burglar and would use it.. this would/could be construed as premeditated. You should say you took the knife to bed with a piece of cake to cut it and it was left by your bed etc so you just snatched it up
  So never say you take a stick to hit something.................it is a walking aid !!!!

[Pip C]

Well we have had an awesome walk on the beach this morning.   Zac sticking with me when I use 'with me', and just generally had lots of fun running around. No out of control dogs in sight.  What a difference. He's tired now, fed, content and generally a happy puppy.  My confidence is boosted, feel refreshed from sea air, and ready to take on the day!

Instead of taking walking stick this morning, I took a small retractable umbrella, which fitted in my pocket.  Handle extends so umbrella bit could be used for angry dog to chew on if necessary and could also be opened and used a a shield or of course an umbrella! Didn't need it but better than a stick I think and better for aggressive dogs to grab hold of.

have a fab weekend everyone 

[Lovely]

Great idea glad you had a good walk, makes you feel happy for the rest of the day x

[Ben's mum]

My OH carries a big stick (I don't only because I can't juggle dogs, treats poo bags and a stick!) he is convinced it is more of a deterrent for other owners  - not their dogs 

As I am so much of a wuss now when I take the dogs after a scare, I have learnt how to shout very very loudly, at the owners 'come and get your dog' repeatedly until they fetch it!!
I haven't got a problem with dogs coming over to play even if they bounce all over Harry he can sort that out himself and usually does  but after all the problems I have had with Ben over the years because of his reactive behaviour due to fear I just do not want dogs bouncing on him as he gets defensive, aggressive and fearful and after the dog has flounced off I still have a badly shaken Ben who is then quiet and reactive for a day or so at home, and I don't see why he should have to go through that when he is happy minding his own business on a walk, he just potters and does his own thing. 

I've found if its just play another dog wants he will soon see Harry is up for a game and leave Ben alone, but if another dog is spoiling for some trouble then they head for Ben for some reason. 

[scotsclyde]

Reading the replies on this thread makes me very nervous to let Piper off his lead at all. He is still learning to stay with me and many times runs to other off lead dogs(only let him off if no leashed dogs are around). I watch him and he is very submissive on his approach to the other dog. He loves to play and I watch to see if the other dog is ok with him and if not will go and leash him.  The opinion I am getting that even my dog going up to another dog( both off leash) will get people angry.

A example of this happen just the other day. Met a woman walking her off leash dog and Piper went to up to her dog and he snarled. I called Piper to me and walked fast ahead of her hoping that Piper would follow. Piper went back and wanted the other dog to play( piper started barking). She went to leash her dog and I told her no will leash mine since he is the problem.
No hard feelings I hope. She was able to walk in peace and I just went to another field.

[JeffD]

Reading the replies on this thread makes me very nervous to let Piper off his lead at all. He is still learning to stay with me and many times runs to other off lead dogs(only let him off if no leashed dogs are around). I watch him and he is very submissive on his approach to the other dog. He loves to play and I watch to see if the other dog is ok with him and if not will go and leash him.  The opinion I am getting that even my dog going up to another dog( both off leash) will get people angry.

A example of this happen just the other day. Met a woman walking her off leash dog and Piper went to up to her dog and he snarled. I called Piper to me and walked fast ahead of her hoping that Piper would follow. Piper went back and wanted the other dog to play( piper started barking). She went to leash her dog and I told her no will leash mine since he is the problem.
No hard feelings I hope. She was able to walk in peace and I just went to another field.

Yes you did the right thing and there should be no hard feelings I certinly would not have any, both dogs were originally off lead and you took action to resolve the situation , thats what I mean by good manners.

[dal55]

I'm so glad that you had a good walk today. Carry with you whatever makes you feel  more secure and comfortable. In time you will feel more confident but you will, I think, remain ever watchful. I hate corners and always use "with me" at any. Cass was attacked around a sharp bend on a bridleway
Thankfully not all dogs are attacked and even so most are not serious but it does not alter the fact that they sometimes have lasting effects on either or both owner and dog.
Most(responsible dog owners) adopt a code.... if they put their dog on a lead, do same. They are either afraid of your dog or afraid that their dog will do something. On meeting most then, are able to evaluate just how to continue,in 99% of the time it all works out well
Better safe than sorry

[Pip C]

Reading the replies on this thread makes me very nervous to let Piper off his lead at all. He is still learning to stay with me and many times runs to other off lead dogs(only let him off if no leashed dogs are around). I watch him and he is very submissive on his approach to the other dog. He loves to play and I watch to see if the other dog is ok with him and if not will go and leash him.  The opinion I am getting that even my dog going up to another dog( both off leash) will get people angry.

A example of this happen just the other day. Met a woman walking her off leash dog and Piper went to up to her dog and he snarled. I called Piper to me and walked fast ahead of her hoping that Piper would follow. Piper went back and wanted the other dog to play( piper started barking). She went to leash her dog and I told her no will leash mine since he is the problem.
No hard feelings I hope. She was able to walk in peace and I just went to another field.

Its difficult to find a balance.  I don't want strange dogs running up to zac, but then people won't want him running up to them either. He does also need to socialise with them too though. I am finding that using 'with me' command, lots of treats, and if necessary making a change in direction stops him from running to them.  I can them evaluate whether to take him closer to the dog and let them meet or just keep our distance.  I'm starting to change my way of thinking and am trying to adpot a more chilled out attitude and not be so paranoid of other dogs.  You would hope that 99% of owners will be responsible and I just hope that I rarely meet the other 1%.
 

[JennyBee]

Reading the replies on this thread makes me very nervous to let Piper off his lead at all. He is still learning to stay with me and many times runs to other off lead dogs(only let him off if no leashed dogs are around). I watch him and he is very submissive on his approach to the other dog. He loves to play and I watch to see if the other dog is ok with him and if not will go and leash him.  The opinion I am getting that even my dog going up to another dog( both off leash) will get people angry.

A example of this happen just the other day. Met a woman walking her off leash dog and Piper went to up to her dog and he snarled. I called Piper to me and walked fast ahead of her hoping that Piper would follow. Piper went back and wanted the other dog to play( piper started barking). She went to leash her dog and I told her no will leash mine since he is the problem.
No hard feelings I hope. She was able to walk in peace and I just went to another field.

I would not have a problem if your dog ran up to Brodie. I would probably let you know that he is likely to get a telling off if he is rude, but as long as the it looks like the other dog is still learning and his owner is willing to put him on lead if things got too much then I would be perfectly understanding. After all, I am sure most of us have been in similar positions with our own dogs at one point. The dogs I have a problem with are those who are the pushy/bullying types (usually big too ) whose owners have not a bit of interest in what their dogs are up to and make no actions to bring them under control.

[Karma]

Reading the replies on this thread makes me very nervous to let Piper off his lead at all. He is still learning to stay with me and many times runs to other off lead dogs(only let him off if no leashed dogs are around). I watch him and he is very submissive on his approach to the other dog. He loves to play and I watch to see if the other dog is ok with him and if not will go and leash him.  The opinion I am getting that even my dog going up to another dog( both off leash) will get people angry.

A example of this happen just the other day. Met a woman walking her off leash dog and Piper went to up to her dog and he snarled. I called Piper to me and walked fast ahead of her hoping that Piper would follow. Piper went back and wanted the other dog to play( piper started barking). She went to leash her dog and I told her no will leash mine since he is the problem.
No hard feelings I hope. She was able to walk in peace and I just went to another field.

I would not have a problem if your dog ran up to Brodie. I would probably let you know that he is likely to get a telling off if he is rude, but as long as the it looks like the other dog is still learning and his owner is willing to put him on lead if things got too much then I would be perfectly understanding. After all, I am sure most of us have been in similar positions with our own dogs at one point. The dogs I have a problem with are those who are the pushy/bullying types (usually big too ) whose owners have not a bit of interest in what their dogs are up to and make no actions to bring them under control.

This - almost word-for-word!