Wow. I really didn't know what to expect when I posted. Thank you to everyone who replied ! You have certainly given me a lot to think about.
I don't know if a post mortem was done, I think probably not, sowill never know if there could have been a physical cause.
The lad who was walking him was 19 rather than a child, but v slightly built and yes if he needed a haltie to walk him then he was probably not top dog. I never thought about it that way because there had never been an issue before....
Can I please say my biggest hanks to Poohbears mom. It's good to know that the way I find myself reacting doesn't mean I am completely mad (not unless its both of us
) Your idea about going to a training class is a really good one. maybe not right now but sooner rather than later. Might even take Dylan with me after I am comfortable around other dogs again. The comment about growls being bites without teeth hit home. Mainly because he knows better than to do anything more than swear quietly to himself I hadn't ever thought it was a prolbem - he is NOT the pack leader in the family and he knows it. We have had him neutered since all this happened - our vet seemed convinced that it will stop aggression, not so much from him as directed AT him as he wil no longer give off the 'male, what you going to do about it' smell. BTW his 'half collie' ruff probaby saved his life. Lots of nasty puncture wounds but no serious damage and now his fur is growing back in you would hardly know anything had happened. The other half of him is Jack Russell - full size collie body on short stumpy legs, he looks like he was designed by a cartoonist but somebody had to love him
Anyway, thanks again. I won't be going on any walks long or otherwise for a little while, but I have loads to go over in my mind, and I may start to believe that it wasn't anything I did.
All I will ask is that you make sure you have complete control over the dogs that you love. If you're not the leader of their pack they may decide that somebody needs to be in charge and it may as well be him/her. That is one helluva lot of dog to debate rules with once they choose a course of action that may cost them their lives.
Okay, will take my strange shaped dog and my strange shaped arm and leave you in peace now. THANK YOU