Mmmm, Chablis!! Whereabouts in Surrey are you HuskyGal? (I am in Surrey too)

Having read your posts huskygal I cannot help but wonder exactly what your intention actually was... in fact I think you are a bit weird!

Mmmm.. "stick and stones" Starry.
but lets get away from the name calling and address your 'question'?

our dogs are an emotive subject, we love them dearly, stand by them and dear god trudge through rain hail or shine for them!

I think its a given that the one thing that unites us all is this hopefully mutual admiration,love and respect for our animals..... especially here in this forumn.. because by virtue of us signing up to such a site shows our willingness to communicate, educate, ask questions, seek help and perhaps for some us just let off steam.

what was the point I was making?

I had read earlier posting about rescue dogs and aggression and had been disheartened at varying levels of misinformation or worse predjudice.

I have an 'iffy' call it what you will dog... but can be rehaibiltated and deserves this chance. I wanted to find out if other people had experience of lack of consideration from other owners predjudice or otherwise... and yes I wanted to let off steam.... surely we all do from time to time?

Im, not sure I can clarify more than I have in (lets face it ) numerous postings.

where's the wierdness in that? can we not keep a sense of humour too?
Best wishes x

I have noticed the amount of replies you recieved on this subject which I think by your reply to me was your aim  to wind everyone up ...of which your seem to have suceeded .....big pat on the back!
obviously your wit is what I find rather strange it must be the north south divide being a liverpudlian I can usually bring a smile  :) to most situations but I also speak as I find.

Not looking to turn  this into a slanging match I am giving you my opinion and have now finished.

thank you.

Regards
Roni

If a dog is ALWAYS on a lead, but it seems to demonstrate aggression toward people or other dogs, but has never bitten anyone, can anyone force the police to have it put down?

That is the first part of the question.

Here is the second part..

Let us say I have my dog on a lead, and a dog not on lead runs up to it and is attacked by my dog, am I legally responsible in any way..?

<DELETED> posted in wrong place!!!

hang on ur all forgetting some thing walking ur dogs in the parks?? off the lead what if a stray dog ie(no owner there with it) runs up and starts fighting with ur dog thats all so of its lead its going to defend its self  what if there is kids playing near by?
big chance ov 1 ov the kids getting bitten?
or a crowd ov kids run up to ur dog shouting and screming as they do? can u realy trust ur dog not to get scared and bite?

hello, i have a husky also... funny thing about him is he never realises that the other dog is twice the size of him. If a dog comes running over to him he automatically thinks they are challenging him, now he is big for his breed and incredibley dominante with it. So i dread to think what would happen if i didnt pull him back / intervene or shout the other dog owner over.
So if someone has there dog off lead and it comes running to wulf. If Wulf then mauls it before i have chance to sort it whos fault is it? i have had the sense to put him on his lead, make sure i keep away from other dogs. Its the other owner who hasnt thought oh i will keep an eye on him or call him back.
rule of the wulf - if he escapes no point in shouting or running after him just following with food. The louder u shout of faster u run less chance you have of him stopping - thus the reason he is leashed.
Funny thing is he loves golden retrivers so they are ok lol =) and for record he is ok with other dogs but id be pretty peed if some human came running at me full pelt.

cherrii x

Hi
Like a few other folk on this discussion we have been on both sides of the coin. However I dont think it is fair to have several or more dogs running free when you meet someone else with a single dog.  I never walk more than 3 of ours at a time.  If I see anyone in the distance with a dog no matter the size, I put two of them on leash.  I just dont deem it fair to have 3 dogs rush up to one dog no matter how friendly.  Several times we have had folk thank us for leashing two dogs especially folk with smaller dogs.  I know mine are friendly but how does everyone else.

I would not let mine rush up to any leashed dog - we have had a fear aggressive dog ourselves in the past so know what it is like.  Ours was brilliant with all our other Labs and my uncles dogs but any outside the home that he did not know, he hated the sight of them.  We gave him a home after his  owner could not cope but he was honest in the fact that he told us that the dog had been attacked when younger and it had left him very fear aggressive.  Our lad lived to a ripe old age and we broke our hearts when he finally went to the rainbow bridge but he was never 100 per cent with other dogs outside his home. 

At one time I used to periodically "meet" up with another dog owner - no matter how I varied my times. She would open her car boot and 7 highly hysterical screaming dogs of various shapes and sizes would leap out and as a "pack" would go for the nearest dog or person.  Now, it was okay the owner saying "Oh, they are fine, just excited" but is this fair on other walkers with or without dogs to have this pack racing up to you.  I dont think so.  I didnt appreciate it.  If I saw her in the distance I would turn and go the other way as once free of the car, she had absolutely no control over them whatsoever.

I think reading a post like "Huskygirls" is good and I wish her every success in rehabilitating her young dog who is after all not that old and hopefully get a lot better.

Neeva

wow, what a HUMUNGOUS conversation !!
Just wanna say...Im a new dog owner, if I see a dog on a lead I think; " he needs to be controlled ", but I dont think..I better put mine on a lead to pass him.

My dog is very friendly, but also smart, if a dog growls or eye balls him, he will give them a very wide berth as he passes. I thought this was fine, as I leave it to the dogs to sort out. I didnt know I was being inconsiderate ??
Genuinely - I just did not realise that I would be expected to put my dog on a lead, as he is well behaved and never fights.

Its given me something to think about...........

If your dog does not interfere with others ans is dog savvy and well mannered enough to know when he is not wanted them as some of us were trying to say, you should not need to put him on lead all the time.

Where I walk the por dogs would never get off their lead if I did this every time I saw another dog.  With five to call back it would be rather impractical and time consuming too, when they ahve been taught to mind their manners.  I would of course take this precaution with a youngster who is still at the unmannerly over enthusiastic stage.  A stern walk on is sufficient for the others if they stop too long when passing a dog who may get uncomfortable or look unfreindly.

Only just read this one and couldn't resist it :D But I don't live in the Surrey area and I expect the wines are gone (if nothing else you drank them :D :D ) Incidentally having looked at your web page ( to suss out moonfruit) I think your dogs are gorgeous (no, not just for the wine!!) how long have you had the Eurasier?

can i just say something while alot of people will realise that no husky can be let off the lead it remids me of a inccident that happened a few months ago. A lady that lives across the road from me had a stunning female husky now we live on a crescent and my house is on the end and next to it is a little green. now as i was walking home i cut across the green and found the husky lying on the grass totally alone with no lead and no other people around. thankfully i was with a friend so she stayed with the dog while i ran to the house to tell her owner that her dog was out but there was no answer. now according to one of her neighbours she dogs owner is an alcoholic and has not been home for 3 DAYS!!!. now the lady i was talking to had put out food and water for the dog. so i took the husky to the plice station where this womans husband took her and kept her.
the point of this story is maybe this dog one was one in a million but if its true and huskys are roamers how come she stayed by her house for 3 days and not run off anywhere

Hello Huskygal - I am in the North East and know a chap that breeds Huskys, to be honest with you he does not appear to mind what type of homes they go to unfortnately.  I may be wrong, but I am aware of a few people who own his huskys and I would not like to sell one of my puppies to him.  Poor things.

Well I'm from the South and I don't find the tone of her messages funny either.

I don't like dogs running up to my dog when I have her on a lead or otherwise but it happens because everyone has different views on what is ok or not.  This doesn't mean there are rights and wrongs but just different opinions leading to different behaviours. I can't judge other people's behaviour unless an aggressive dog is loose of course.  What I can do is deal with the situation as it arises.  I have asked people to call back their dogs and I have thrown down training discs in front of other people's dogs, I have also just let my dog sort out the situation for herself. Mostly what I do is mix her walks to areas where there are likely to be dogs and areas where we don't see a soul and that way she gets some interaction but also gets uninterupted pleasure acting the loon around unspoilt meadows and this way the interactions with other dogs are fewer and are generally getting much easier.

It's good to generate discussion and hear different viewpoints because this should lead to new ideas, tolerance and understanding.  What I don't understand here is why there is so much anger directed at the posts because all they are trying to do is offer insight.  You don't have to agree with it and you might not like it but it doesn't give licence to be aggressive and insulting.

You haven't got the pseudonym of Denis by any chance?

Damn, post fallen in wrong place

I'm a new dog owner so probably one of those that dont know the unwritten "ettiquette". I have a 6 month old westie and am terrified of letting him off the lead although his recall is very good. Its helpful to know what to expect and I shall be more aware of why dogs might be on leads now but it is not easy to know what their owners intend. We pass an alsation every day and its owner always crosses the road when we or others approach. The Alsation always barks. I asked him the other day, as I was curious, if his dog had a problem with small dogs particularly. The owner replied that the dog did not have a problem but the dog loved to play and was a bit mouthy (liked to bark). However unfortunately we had the immpression that he was a problem dog because of his owners actions. I go to training classes and learn how me and my dog should behave when meeting other dogs, I am surprised that most of the dogs in the class are large dogs, small dog owners seeem to think that they dont need classes. There is so much information out there about how to bring up a dog but nothing on "good manners". Much of this post has been helpful to me, I would have no problem with dogs practising socialisation skills in the park as long as their owners shared a duty of care towards other peoples dogs, but if some have the attitude as one post did that they werent going to muzzle and tough if their dog bit another dog then that doesnt inspire me to let my dog off the lead, because after all he has to learn too.

To be honest most of the social skils and manners should be learnt before the dogs are allowed off lead in the Park.  I am often surprised at how few dog owners have ever taken their dogs to any trainign classes.

I think it essential and have always taken mine for Pet obedeince, and have found the best and most relaxed socialisation is to be foudn at Ringcraft classes, as you don't all train as a class so a lot of time is spent waiting for your turn so ideal socialisation opportunities.

I agree, ringcraft classes are fantastic for basic social training. Moving on a loose lead in close proximity to other dogs of all shapes and sizes, and standing quietly while owners chat - the sort of thing that makes day-to-day life easier with any dog, whether or not it's ever going to see the inside of a showring. Also vets appreciate the ease of examining a dog who's used to having strangers examine it!

OK HERE i walk three boxers together, yes we all know boxers just go bounding in nothing wrong with that all my three are very well socialised and have all been around other dogs since a early age.So i am a bad owner because i choose to put my three back on their leads when other dogs are approaching(I dont think so) my dogs saftey is paramount at all times, i dont want any of them bounding up to another dog that i dont know is socialised or not.but i do admit to seeing the same people sometimes on our walks that i know their dogs will happily run and play with mine. but if i am approaching a dog that i am unsure about i always put them back on their leads, and i will continue to do this for the saftey of my dogs.

Probably slightly off the point but it does help if an owner can actually control a dog on a lead.  We often meet a female pensioner walking a very large, young, male boxer on an extending lead.  When she sees other dogs coming she has to shout to people to stop while she wraps the lead around a tree to take the strain while they walk past.  This dog could easily pull her over or in front of a car and she is obviously scared of what he will do (although quite honestly he is obviously not aggressive just a normal boisterous boxer). 

Yes very true Treacle (although quite honestly he is obviously not aggressive just a normal boisterous boxer).  All mine want to do is play but by the same token i am in full control of them on whilst they are on their leads. poor pensioner i see where you are coming from. ive seen this so many times where people have to attached themselves to something to stop their dogs from pulling them over.

I'm sorry for this, but i feel this should be said. I have 3 dogs who aren't perfect with other dogs, but are much better after lots of work. I don't allow my dogs to go charging up to ther dogs, nor do i put them all on lead as my collie is quite happy to pass other dogs without going up to them, but gets a bit funny on lead. I've had a lot of dogs run up and have a go at my recue springer, who as a result is iffy with other dogs now, particularly on lead. THerfore i see nothing wrong with either brainless's point or huskygal. What i do take issue with however is "huskygals" attitude. I seem to be the only one but i found some of "huskygals" posts downright rude and nasty to brainless, who from what i read never said she let hers all charge up to ther dogs. Brainless does give good advice and i felt that some of your comments were very personal and  unneccessary, huskygal. We all have problems with our dogs, but there is no need to take it out on someone who is behaving responsibly.

Thanks for that, I just thought I must be being very obtuse and not getting across that I cannot see a problem with people expecting to be able to let their dogs socialise in a Park, if their dogs are properly socialised and well manered without resorting to unecesary restriction to their excersise and ability to interact effectively.

I agree with you, lucyandmeg.

No youre right there is nothing wrong with socializing a dog.... but just assuming that your dog can go up to anything that is on lead because you want it to socialise is wrong! Why should I stand there struggling with my dog who is clearly uncomfortable because yours wants to say hello?? What happened to always asking the other owners before allowing your dog to say hello?

I don't think anyone has suggested that.

No, just that people with iffy dogs would be better off taking them somewhere that there are no others because it would be a pain to leash your dogs when ever u saw another dog... Although that isnt what was meant...just that to not let your dogs run up to onleaders. I just get annoyed that I do all I can to be polite when it comes to other people and their dogs but others especially those with social dogs just assume its ok they can do as they please... but if one of the onleaders was to bite a 'nice' dog who was just being friendly I'm sure we'll still get the blame.

A well socialised and mannered dog will not boither your stressed on lead dog exhibiting piss off body language, that is the point.  If you walked up to someone that gave you a fulthy look and swore at you you wouldn't hang about to chat you would walk on by, probably giving the person a wide berth, unless of course your like some young men who would rather have a scrap.

In that case unlike the young men they have an owner who knows what they are like and ought to be leashed, but the vast amjority of dogs given th4 opportunity to socilise do not need this intervention, but the more we restrict dogs the less social they become.

God forbid we ever returned to the days (still goes on all over the world) where dogs were just left free to roam at will, but it is interesting that these dogs rartely fought with each other, or if they did it was all sorted who was the dominant dog around.  I ahve also noticed that the dogs belonging to the homeless are the most chilled out and obedient ones I have ever seen anywhere where dogs congregate.

Yes of course it can be annoying to have an over exuberant ill mannered (usually young and socilally inexpereinced) dog bound iover to you or your dogs, but your well socialised dog should be quite capable of sending it about it's business wityhout bloodshed, just enough swearing or posturing for it to get the message.

So realy I am for people socialisinbg their dogs much more with their own kind.  If they are shy or nervous then this needs to be handled in controlled situations for that dogs good, it is never too late, and I get such joy from watching my freinds Golden Retriever who up to 4 years of age hated other dogs, but with sensible exposure, including takeing her to the Park off lead when she was ready for it has turned her into the social butterfly she became.

Sadly she ruptured her cruciate ligament a couple of years ago when playing with a Springer pup, as she just never grew up after her early spay and thinks she is 6 months old.

When she was still iffy about other dogs, a shouted warning to dogs owners to not let them bound over was all it took, no rancour on my part, after all I had the dog with the problem, same walking the male dobermann (a breed known for male to male issues).  Though in the latter case it makes mnore sense to avoid high dog density walking areas or times.

I must be one of the above people, because if someone gave me a filthy look and swore at me for no reason i'd bite em. :D

That backs up my theory - thank you! ;)

I find it incredibly strange that anyone would have a problem with the idea that if a dog is not trustworthy around other dogs -  do not walk it in situations where it is most likely to be tested and where you (the owner) does  not have control of the environment.   For example, in popular dog-walking spots where there a lots of dogs, off lead and on lead, dogs and dog owners of different temperaments and social skills.   Isn't this just responsible dog ownership and common sense?

I virtually had to stop walking my very sociable little Cairn in my local common because there are so many owners who did not give a darn how their dogs behave.   There was one Sharpei who repeatedly singled my dog out and acted very aggressively and even when I screamed at the owner to call her dog off, she looked at me like I was mad. Than there was the owner of the always off lead neutered lab who persistently would get on top of my very puzzled (spayed) Cairn and hump away.  The owner thought it was funny.   Then the two offlead GSDs who out of the blue went charging after my terrified Cairn for no reason, but fortunately were called away by their owner (who kept them off lead).  Then the Staffie cross who was very boisterous, to the point where she scared my normally unflappable pooch and I was afraid she'd injure her unintentionally - putting my Cairn on lead only increased the risk of injury.  The owner never once called his dog off.  I tried switching the time of day I went to the common - but it was always the same.  Between needing to be on guard every moment, not to mention having to scrape other dog's poop off my shoes after nearly each visit (irresponsible owners again), I gave up.

My dog is such a dog lover that I ended up getting another dog for companionship for her.  Dogs need to interact with other dogs.   It's a shame that in most areas there are so few public places where it's safe to do so. 

Stacey

Just back from my family visit and I have to say Huskygirl that the rudeness was not justified but you do have some valid points.

In support of the nervous aggresive dog

I would like to add - put yourself if the leashed, nervous dogs position.  You are walking in a reasonably well populated area with or without dogs enjoying the sunshine and a stranger catches up with you and starts to talk.  You have been bothered by strangers before, perhaps hurt - the stranger gets closer to you invading your personal space and you start to get more nervous and may demonstrate nervous aggression to try and make the other person back off.

Now dogs are not people but certain survival traits seem to be common to both species.  I personally always call my dogs to be close when passing by other dogs or people where the path is narrow; this is just common courtesy as mentioned by a previous poster.  If they are running around in a open space generally they can get out of danger by just out running any perusing dog.  If I have them on lead and they are approached by an aggressive dog, the boy will show submissive behaviour, the bitch by contrast has been attacked so often she will often snap without warning at a dog which is getting to close and forcing her into a situation she does not like.

Now I would not class any of my dogs as aggressive but clearly they have the weapons to defend themselves if need be.  It is therefore sensible to ask people to keep their dogs away from dogs on leads because the dogs on leads are being kept away from them.  It just seems pure logic to me.  They owner who says its okay he isn't aggressive when their dog comes over to mine is always met with 'neither are mine but they don't like other dogs jumping all over them'.  The warning has been issued, if they choose to ignore it they are the irresponsible ones.

I think everyone commenting is ABSOLUETLY right and justified and to be commended on pulling me up for rudeness.
hands up completely... (and the irony is not lost on me, my tail is firmly between my legs let me assure you.)

appologies all. :(

By way of explanation (and by NO means way of excusing myself)
I had allowed myself to become too 'on the defensive' (hey teacher teach thyself!!) I know Iknow...!!!!

As new to this web site I had read at length other topics and postings before posting mine. and so I guess I was hugely dissapointed at Brainless's inital post off iffy dogs should walk elsewhere.... this was because... I had read Brainless's postings on other topics which had  been well presented, insightful and most most helpful, invaluable to alot of people in most of the other cases i read. and so was reeling slightly from her initial very off cuff remark (as i percieved it.. I realise!) with no constructive input.

But I think as we witness here, perception (regardless if your canine or human!) can colour our judgements and actions sometimes to the detriment.
a classic example would be the lady trying to throw the North south divide remark my way (I'm actually a Liverpuddlian too!! PMSL!... and boyyyyyyyy do I miss Sayers cheese and onion pasties!!!!!! the south just dont make em' that good... ooooooh and their glazed donuts mmmmm.. droooool!!)
Work brought me to the south and I like it here... but love of it and all things 'Northern' will eventually take me back to the north I hope ;) I miss it dearly.

So hands up from me, trust me, to upset anyone was not an ulterior intention of mine.
Most definately Brainless; I was a bit 'terrier with a rag' on your initial comment and hope that you'll accept apologies where appologies are most definately required. x

before I forget, I must make comment on the postings who have mentioned Kicking other dogs.
Now Im not gonna follow the croud here hopefully and pick up my pitchfork and flaming torch and run with the rest of the villagers to go 'burn the witch'
as im presuming (or hoping!) Em like me was being tongue in cheek.

But I would like to say from my experience as a vetrinary surgeon I have come home on too many occassions and sat at my kitchen table my Boys loving head reassuringly on my lap... and cried silently but rib shudderingly into my cup of tea... after having witnessed yet another needless death of an animal that had been kicked (or any other kind of physical abuse)
yep: Im blatantly using the emotional tug here.
But believe me if you end your working days feeling you've hugged too many heartbroken owners... and the one that gets me everytime is the owners other dog sitting in the waiting area head cocked to the side wondering why his buddy isnt coming back out of my door.............

so Kicking an animal.... No, please dont.
I had a wonderful cantakerous old lady bring a dog into me once and she took great delight in showing me a water pistol she'd bought to combat this problem of  how to deter strange dogs bounding all over her nervy girl.

another poster earlier had what i think to be one of the best comments on this subject abnd indeed this whole discussion.... she said she threw a training disc to the other dog to deflect its interest in steam rollering hers.
QUITE BRILLIANT!
and definately the type of posting needed as far into the future people with problems will read this topic and be seeking help and tips not examples of slanging matches (...still holding my hands up!!)
ok ok.... not every hint or tip will work in every situation.
But I have found that throwing my ball in an opposite direction helps me slow down a charging oncoming dog, till owners and dogs can calmly asses the situation.

My initial point still stands tho' Im still frustrated that Im solely taking responsability in those instances. as many others have said here.... its frustrating to have consideration for others when its not forthcoming from them also.

With very Best wishes and appologies xxxx

a post script on the kicking other dogs topic raised by Em:

because Im not sure how people will run with this (hopefully not in the wrong direction!)

I do understand that as an owner we'd all be desperate to protect our dog at all costs... but I'd like to say ends dont always justify means.

(as a result of kicks) Internal heamoraghing,and or damage can cause many more complications and and in most cases be much more likely to be fatal than the lascerations or skin lesions caused by Bites.

see the absolutely tragic and unesc. case of the Essex police force dog that died as a result of (handlers????!!!) kick.

I am minded of the fact that there are other situations where the offending dog is not biting but intent on the kill where you would be tempted to Kick as last resort.

I witnessed one such in my proffessional life, when I had to attend a travellers site with the police in a dangerous dogs case.
The travellers dog was a Lurcher and a working dog not a pet as was being used for hare coursing.
This dog had got loose onto a recreational area.. coursed a poor miniture yorkie and as hunting dogs do went straight for the neck and broke it.
now this was a dreadful case to judge in their defence the owner had teatherd the dog, kids had let it off.

But my point is you can even in extreme cases like this intervene with minimum damage to all.
A particular Professor I had whilst I was training to become a vet used to advocate lifting the hind legs of the attacking dog (as high as you can)
and I have tried this, so this is why I feel I can pass on this particular tip.
(I was seperating a Ridge back!!!!!!!! not for the faint hearted let me tell you!!!!) Jaws like a vice.

there are many other techinques and its good to familiarise your self with as many as possible as many different types of scenarios can crop up and what works in one situation may not work in another.

hope this helps xx

I have never met a veterinary surgeon that could not spell haemorrhage, laceration or even professional, interesting use of capitals too ;).  Your notes must make interesting reading :)

very much so!!!
I think Ive been a child of the spell check generation..lost with out it!!
same with phone numbers now... as they're all stored in mobile phones address book I can never remember a number!

Or veterinary.

Id like to clarify that kicking another dog is not my FIRST instinct!

However when a dog owner is standing, watching, whilst you hold a hefty staffy cross up, trying to get it out of range of a pair of collie snapping jaws, diong NOTHING but smirking, and the collies are connecting with both your dogs legs and your own wrists, KICKING IS IN!

I favour the tail and scruff backwards drag, but this is DAMN hard to do when there is one of you and two dogs. It is a method i have used well, where grabbing a back leg or two didnt work (difficult if its a dog thats been docked though!!!)

There are many techniques you can use to keep loose dogs intent on scrapping with, or forcing their attentions upon your own dog, and kicking is not massively effective anyway, but when you have your hands full with your own dog, tell me, what ARE you supposed to do, stand there and let your dog get attacked?

Em

a Lurcher and a working dog not a pet as was being used for hare coursing.

Please do not think that just because a dog is a coursing or working dog, then its not a pet!!!!! wE HAVE COURSING DOGS BUT THEY ARE ALSO MUCH LOVED PETS :)

Thing is....

My goal is to train my dog to walk past other dogs WITHOUT giving that 'stressed pissed off dog' body language, and loose dogs approaching him, irrespective of whether they leave or stay and fight, increase his desire to show that body language.

So wehter your dog is friendly or not, if it approaches mine and gets close enough for him to have to display that body language, tahts just set my training back  a looooooong way.

Zoe... in an ideal world, yes we would all take our dogs somewhere with no other dogs and sort their problems. But unless we want to live with and manage those problems rather than CURE them, we actually do NEED to be able to walk them on lead, in peace.

Which is where the common courtesy comes into play!

My dog is horrible off lead and not much better on, because of other inconsiderate dog owners allowing their dogs to attack him. Thanks to them i now have to deal with the rest of the world thinking that because THEIR dog is friendly they arent causing any problems.

Wow, thats real nice isnt it, Rockys problems are caused by other people.... the fact im struggling to solve those problems are also caused by, other people.

Just a tiny little bit of consideration goes a helluva long way, and trust me, the dog that comes up to me after we have gone forward several steps, and sets us back 10 steps has an owner who is going to get a right earful, and deservedly so im afraid.

Offlead dogs are fine, its OUT OF CONTROL offlead dogs i have a problem with, and out of control means if its not by yours side walking to heel as you pass us!

Em

I have 2 Rhodesians and my now 3 yr old boy is walked both on and off lead in the appropriate places, he has never been an aggressive dog towards other dogs and the 3 times hes got into a fight he was on a lead, the other dogs were off lead, luckily the fights didnt do any severe damage just scratches cuts and bruises. Just like some people dont like certain people they meet my dog is the same, wether he senses there tendancy for play or agression i do not know, usually he will stand upright and look when he sees a dog and slowly edge forwards waiting to see what the other dog does, if the other dog and owner are on lead i immediately call him off which he obeys happily, in cases where a dog is off lead an walking very close with someone on seeing my dog and pays no interest i will again call him off successfully, theres also the time when hes off lead and he sees another dog off lead they both spot each other and run towards each other, that is when i put my trust in the other person and dont recall my dog, dont get me wrong if the other person was yelling there dog back desperately in a panic i would try and call him off but then thats when theres that 2% he will go whatever i say, most times i can get him to stop with a loud STOP but not always. He mostly goes up with good intention i believe, he is quite happy to play if the other dog is too but if the other dog starts something he will back it up. He then has made his own canine desicion about this dog. My point is you never know, i do try and read the situation accordingly but i dont know this person or there dog and i presume as there in a public place with an off lead dog and letting them wander freely to come to my dog and not recalling them i have put my trust and my dogs welfare in there hands and them likewise. That is down to chance, i love my dogs to pieces and would protect them with all my heart, they are well trained and obedient 95% of the time, its other dogs and owners that decide what happens the other 3% of the time and my dogs own will to choose himself the other 2%. I try to do what i believe is best in the situation but even then you dont know. I know one thing for sure...if i was walking my dog on lead and an unruly agressive dog ran up and attacked my dog i would kick it too, i would also drop his lead and let my dog choose his option, whether to choose flight or fight, only he when up against another of his kind in an agressive manner can choose what it is he feels best. Of course i would try and stop it if a fight broke out but i wouldnt risk getting my arm chewed off in the process.
Hope it makes sense, just wanted to add my 50 cents worth, you may agree with me or not but this is my experience and opinion and i would always try and do the right thing by all parties but my main concern is the welfar of my own dog.
Jodi......sorry it was long LOL

Hi all i am saying this,(with my tin hat on) as an owner of a dog who will bound up to others. In my defense if i see a dog on a lead or walking closely by its owner then i will call merlin back, if he runs in the direction of these animals i will call him back. There is the odd occassion, depending on his mood, when the little devil will ignore me and just go. Although this is rare, it does sometimes happen, especially if my oh is with us. So as an owner of a dog who sometimes does this i would have to say that i would be very upset if an owner harmed him. He is still a pup, and as i said these occassions are rare but they have occured and when they do i shout that he is friendly, not because i think this behaiviour is acceptable, but to reassure the owner that he is not coming to attack. I dont feel that i am bad mannered, i do agree that on these occassion my boy is being bad mannered, but it does happen. 95% of the time his recall is perfect. Parts of this thread have made me feel like i should keep him on a lead at all times just incase he decides to ignore me. What would you advise me?

The trouble is, the more a dog is on a lead, the more excited it's likely to become when it's given some freedom. The best behaved dogs I've seen (like Brainless' experiences) are the ones belonging to homeless people. They're invariably off the lead, and have been from Day 1, but they're sticking with their owner ...

As the owner of a rescued bitch who really is not keen on other dogs, I am amazed by the amount of people, who even when they see that my bitch is not happy and is on a leash and after being told I am sorry please can you call your dog back, mine does not like other dogs, say to me oooo but benji/bobby/suzie just wants to say hello!.............get damn grip people if I tell you she does not like other dogs keep away, she does not want to say hello, she would rather you left her alone.........she will not start a problem but if they persist then by christopher she wants to finish it!

I do no see why I should walk my dog away from public areas because she does not like other dogs?.........why should we be ostrasized (sp) because other people do not listen or do not bother.......I think NOT!..

I have been jumped on, pushed over and covered in mud whilst walking thru the town park wih my hubby and Sky because I go infront of them if a loose dog comes bounding over...only for the owner to say ooooohh he really is just friendly and wants to say hello......I hva to say on one particular occasion after picking myself up out of a muddy puddle I lost the plot totally and told the owner what a F***** A**** I thought they were and how dare they allow their dog mug me like that........their reply "he is really friendly you know......"

I look forward to the day when i can move out into the middle of nowwhere and can lead a like that is not plagued by ignorant and stupid people!. But this will thru choice not becuase some one does not want a dog with any problems in their area!

Mind you, it should always be remembered that it's the negative experiences that you remember the most and generally they are in the minority.

JG the point about homeless people is really good one, hadn't thought of that before.  It reminded me of seeing a guy who I used to see around town who looked like a new age traveller.  He was walking thru supermarket car park with his pup and it took a glancing blow from a car.  The driver shouted as you can imagine but the guy carried on walking and dog picked itself up and followed.  I bet that dog grew up traffic savvy - if not killed first!

My dog is better off lead than on. Only ran off home twice when a pup due to being chased by dogs but since then you can't 'lose' her.  On lead she is a nightmare pulls like a train yet the same route off lead she trotts just in front (still working on heel)

Yep.. and fortunately i have somewhere i can walk where i can usually predict to NOT meet other dogs most of the time... and my dog goes off lead a lot!

Fortunatley for me, i have got him fairly fixated on a squeaky ball.... its NOT foolproof though, and not everyone can do this with their dog!

Em

OOh ER Cor Blimey! This is quite a discussion.
I let  my Jack Russell Cross and Staffy Cross (not considered a friendly breed due to negative press) run off their leads when the park is empty.  As soon as I see another dog, they are back on their leads no matter what.  This is out of respect for the other dog/s and owner/s.  As well as I don't know how my two will react?  Can we really ever know how our animal is going to react if it faces another dog or person?  I love my two with all my heart but know that they have both had rough lives (got them from a dogs home) and I have also read that if a dog has been attacked by say a Poodle (not that unlikely thank you!), and a few days, weeks or months later the dog see's lots of other breeds, if it then see's a Poodle, the dog will remember the original attack by the original Poodle, hence, hate the Poodle breed specifically!
I get increasingly fed up with owners who don't put their dog back on the lead and then don't clean up their dog's mess!  It give other dog owners a bad name!

Hi
Like a few other folk on this discussion we have been on both sides of the coin. However I dont think it is fair to have several or more dogs running free when you meet someone else with a single dog.  I never walk more than 3 of ours at a time.  If I see anyone in the distance with a dog no matter the size, I put two of them on leash.  I just dont deem it fair to have 3 dogs rush up to one dog no matter how friendly.  Several times we have had folk thank us for leashing two dogs especially folk with smaller dogs.  I know mine are friendly but how does everyone else.

I would not let mine rush up to any leashed dog - we have had a fear aggressive dog ourselves in the past so know what it is like.  Ours was brilliant with all our other Labs and my uncles dogs but any outside the home that he did not know, he hated the sight of them.  We gave him a home after his  owner could not cope but he was honest in the fact that he told us that the dog had been attacked when younger and it had left him very fear aggressive.  Our lad lived to a ripe old age and we broke our hearts when he finally went to the rainbow bridge but he was never 100 per cent with other dogs outside his home. 

At one time I used to periodically "meet" up with another dog owner - no matter how I varied my times. She would open her car boot and 7 highly hysterical screaming dogs of various shapes and sizes would leap out and as a "pack" would go for the nearest dog or person.  Now, it was okay the owner saying "Oh, they are fine, just excited" but is this fair on other walkers with or without dogs to have this pack racing up to you.  I dont think so.  I didnt appreciate it.  If I saw her in the distance I would turn and go the other way as once free of the car, she had absolutely no control over them whatsoever.

I think reading a post like "Huskygirls" is good and I wish her every success in rehabilitating her young dog who is after all not that old and hopefully get a lot better.

NB  - Yes Yolanda - it bugs me too.  I always go out with my batch of plastic bags but often see folk letting their dogs poo and then walking off as if they didnt even notice!

Neeva

WOW!! WHAT A LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG post.I missed all of this while away!!:)

Well done Brainless on good sense and good manners.Husky Gal,you are trying too hard to get your point over - WHY?????? or just attempting to earn your "15 minutes of fame!" - someone said we all deserve 15minutes!!

Anastasia

Oh for goodness sake, Husky Gal apologised already there really wasnt any need to try and stir it all up again! :rolleyes: