| Re: Dog attacks ...
I live in a country town in Australia where commonly owned dogs are kelpies, border collies and cattle dogs and their crosses, staffies and Rotties.
I was out walking my Border collie when a large uneutered Rottweiller walking on the otherside of the road being walked in a body harness rather than a collar broke his lead and came aggressively towards my dog, snarling.
I stood totally still at first but he was going after my dog and I thought he was going to kill her. Fortunately she was much faster and was running for her life, I managed to scale someones backyard fence and my BC being very athletic, managed to leap over the fence with me.
It was very very scary.
All the time the owner was saying he wont hurt you. Yeah sure, the dog was growling and pouncing and was completely out of control. The owner didnt apologise just eventually grabbed his dog and ran off. A similar incident occurred on the local beach with another un neutered male except the owner managed to regain control. A friend of mine had her toy poodle killed by one in similar circumstances.
Ever since then I most certainly crossed roads when I saw one coming if I was walking one of my dogs. Rotties were a breed I was very wary of.
My interest in Rotties came about when my partner got one and we joined the local dog club. There are 2 breeders there and I learnt more about the breed and saw what terrific dogs they could be if properly bred, handled and trained. Our Rottie is a lovely good natured animal and part of our doggy family of a BC and ACD with no problems. We exercise, train, make sure our fences are secure and always supervise any kids that visit even with our child loving border collie.
Trouble is, out on the streets and beach it is hard to know what you are dealing with. There are also a few backyard breeders in town.
How do ecucate people about responsible ownership of any dog. Our rescues always seem to be overflowing with dogs.
I dont know what the answer is. There are 2 very aggressive Jack Russells on our local beach and I do a big circle around them too. But I am not afraid that they would kill my dogs.  |