We were attacked and my dog ended up hurting the attacker....

[Bruce Lanthier]

Threads like these help ALL of us to be better prepared. That's one of the reasons this forum is such a great place.

[rottmommie]

in defense of those who think they have made a mistake by owning two dogs.
get over it, and quit punishing yourselves.
I have a siberian huskie that is about 90 pounds, and the rottie is also
around 90. I weigh about 120. hell no, I cant walk them together!!! (that is if i want to be walking tomorrow)! walk the dogs separately, give them each a little quality time, and they will never really care!!!! YOu will be safe, the little pip dogs in the neighborhood will be safe, and everyone will be happy....quit kicking yourself!

[k&s]

This whole situation is why I try to never let off-lead/ not under owner control dogs come running up to one of my dogs (who is always on lead when we walk on the road). What has worked for me so far is to yell, as soon as I see the dog alerting and coming toward us "ACKKK! GO HOME". Usualy this works to send the dog running back.

Husband thinks I should not do this when dog is still on its own property and running toward us, so not I yell very loudly "LEAVE IT!". Thus, the owner might think I am yelling at my own dog, it has the effect of my own dog ignoring the other dog (leave it command), and the other dog sees human yelling in harsh tone and is likely to turn or at least stop coming.

Sounds like you are doing a good job with your dogs.

[DianaC]

Traci

While I totally agree with you it's amazing how closed mouthed people can be when you attempt to get their name or address. Some get down right nasty and walk off. I just hope the next time it happens to me that I can get the info to report that person. If everyone acted more responsibly the park would be a great place for everyone.

[ March 10, 2001: Message edited by: DianaC ]

[DianaC]

Originally posted by Echowe:
Unfortunately I don't have anyone else who could walk my dogs with me.

That certainly makes it hard then but I'd still be tempted to walk them separately just for safety sake. The only time we now walk our 3 dogs together is when there are 2 or more of us around. I no longer have a Rotti but we have 2 Westies and a Border Collie and they can be a handful. The little Westies think everyone and every dog is friendly so we really have to watch for approaching dogs. Good luck with your Trainer.

[jmorgan]

if you really want to know how to "prevent" this problem in the future, don't walk your dog. i apologize for being a smart-&%*&^, but that is the only pure solution. moreover, i will take whatever action is necessary to protect my dog. this scenario has happend more than once with me and twice against a pair of unleashed dogs. i'm glad i had my collapsable baton. and no i'm not advocating breaking the law for a concealed weapon but it's been tried and proven. and no i don't live in beruit. some people don't recognize the leash law for whatever reason. i get frustrated with owners more because these unleashed animals run into traffic and when its too late they then understand why it should have been leashed.

[ March 11, 2001: Message edited by: jmorgan ]

[DianaC]

Originally posted by jmorgan:
i get frustrated with owners more because these unleashed animals run into traffic and when its too late they then understand why it should have been leashed.]

I once had to go out onto the road to rescue 2 dogs that had strayed onto the main road and some idiotic moron honked his horn at them, luckily the other drivers acted responsibly and I was able to get them off the road and back to their owner who came running over to me.

[RottnKid1]

DianaC,

You're right. Unfortunately, you often have to resort to scouring the neighborhood in order to find out who a dog belongs to. Even then, you won't necessarily get too far unless you have pictures or some other type of proof that the dog is owned by a particular person :( .

[Echowe]

Tayler was her normal self when we met with the trainer. There were other dogs there and since she wasn't 'threaten', she was very well behaved. I went over her obedient with other dogs' present and she listened just fine. Trainer suggested a few things I could try for a more realiable 'leave it' and 'down'. I guess there is no way I can 're-creat' the situation again so I would know if Tayler would listen for sure. My main lesson is to be more alert. It is important for me to recognize the 'danger' and stop it before it gets too far. I will not let any strange dogs come near us again. Sometimes we have to learn things the hard way.

[WorkinDogz]

I'm glad you're committed to Tayler's training Echowe :)

Please be careful that you don't inadvertantly "cue" the dog INTO firing off though!

I would correct the dog if she even GLANCED in another dogs' direction...BEFORE she kicked into dog-aggressive mode.

I can make my dogs look at ANY situation with suspicion and concern by the way I handle them. The "white knuckle" approach (seeing another dog coming; and acting as if my dog already was in aggressive mode...grabbing the collar or pulling her away with "uh oh...there's a DOG" handler-fear...not of the dog; but that YOUR dog *might* aggress...)

Be alert and read your dogs' body language YES....*cueing* your dog into aggression by handling is a no-no and something to be concious of.

You'll do fine...read your dog; just don't read INTO situations and mishandle her.

BEST of luck and don't worry....you have your head on straight. :)