Yesterday I was in the vets for my eldests annual jabs (he is an entire ckcs 1yr 3 mnths), when we went to pay at reception there was another dog with their owner, I heard someone say something about "not liking other dogs" then all of a sudden her dog started lunging and growling at my boy. At first my boy backed away then to my disbelief he started having a go back......this was a big shock to me as this dog was massive!

Is it normal for them to have a go back...I have no issues with his temperament as he is a real softie

I think if I was challenged I'd defend myself, and I'm a real softie too! ;-)

I totally agree with you, i'm not dissapointed with him just curious as to whether he would have backed down if I hadn't been there or whether he would really defend himself...perhaps he doesn't know he is a cavalier lol

Happened to me, in the vets office with a Maltese and my Pin.

I dont think any dog would back down, if challenged/threatened/etc whether you are there or not. 

> I dont think any dog would back down, if challenged/threatened/etc whether you are there or not. 

I remember years ago, our cross-breed bitch, my dad had taken her for a walk and met 3 Rotties, all of which were on-lead but barking at her, she turned around and ran home!!!! I think she was smart rather than a coward ;)

Two of my girls were once on a walk a couple of dobies run out at full pelt.  One gave a feeble bark the other hid behind my husbands leg.  Luckily he shouted down and they both knew the command. 

My boy is really good natured but I think he would go if a strange dog had a go at him.  My mini on the other hand is big and brave as long as she is on a lead :)

Yes, my Cavalier Henry will have a go back if he think someone is challenging him. I even heard Ellie growl once when a dog wouldn't stop sniffing at her (she wasn't in season!) and its owner wouldn't take it away!

I think he gave the rest of the clients in the vets a good laugh ;-)

Its funny because although he isn't timid he has never been really bold and in fact when we meet other dogs he often lays down and submits to them (already covered in a previous post) so I never imagined he would be so brave bless him. I did tell the lady who owned the other dog not to worry as I have been there and its horrible when everyone looks at you in disgust when your dog is the aggressive one.

also remember dogs have three skills available to them when threatened, flight, fight or freeze.  He couldnt take flight being on a lead so took the next option - dont blame him.

Yes I see what you mean...I think I forget that they live their lives in a much more simple way than us ;-)

Nellie also has small dog syndrome - size of dog is not an issue, it all depends on whether she thinks she can take charge of them!

She used to be dreadful in the vets waiting room, barking and making a nuisance of herself, so I used to wait outside in the car park to be called.  The vet came out to fetch us on one occasion, and as we went in we passed another dog laying quietly by its owners chair - Nellie launched herself at the poor thing, utterly unprovoked, yelling her head off and gnashing her teeth.  As I dragged her away by the scruff I saw that she was attacking a GUIDE DOG.

How embarrassed was I.

:)

I am sorry Suzie72 but I did have a chuckle at your post, I bet you wanted the ground to swallow you up!! :-)

> I remember years ago, our cross-breed bitch, my dad had taken her for a walk and met 3 Rotties, all of which were on-lead but barking at her, she turned around and ran home!!!! I think she was smart rather than a coward

i shamefully admit my mastiff hid behind me once when, wiat for it,  a cav started having a go. this thing came up to his ankle. mortifying. it was a proper scooby doo style run away and hide.

my little girl who's only about 16inch in height and about 15kg was quite the brave one,  One night when walking we came across our neighbours 2 white GSD 's who are completely out of control and are the size of donkeys as I had my older bull terrier on the lead [he can be a fighter] and she was running free, I was so shocked when they both charged her full on she went back at them and even leapt up at ones throat . After she gave them what for they backed away... I'm glad to say !!