Intact meets intact

[ChrisC]

What should I do when Max (12 mos, intact) meets up with an off leash intact male?? When we go out running he is on a leash but sometimes encounter an intact off leash male. I don't worry so much about Max but the other dog, who knows! Max is not allowed to posture and responds right away if he trys to sneek something in and gets a correction. But some of these dogs don't know about that rule! I know they can read our fear, etc through the leash, so I want to be clear on what to do. Max has been attacked on more than one occasion when he was younger and I don't want to go through it again. We have been doing a lot of training and he behaves very well with other intact males now. I have been stearnly saying "No" hoping the other male at least knows that, and pulling Max away and telling him "come along" to try to flee the situation. Luckly the owners have been close by and caught up with their dog before anything happens. But what about a stray? Max seems to think most dogs are his buddies and I don't want to change that.

[luvarott]

There are a few parks around where I live that are supposed to be on leash parks......but whenever I have taken my dogs there some yahoos have their semi-trained dogs running around off leash. If they rush my 2 adult Rotts........not a good thing OK? We've managed these encounters by me commanding the other dog to OFF/NO and telling my dogs the same thing....plus a well timed boot to a particularly persistent little terrier that was determined to get eaten http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/smile.gif, reaction of the owner was angry as all get out....I asked for his name so I could report him....he left in a huff...
My dogs won't start anything, but most other dogs when pushed around to be investigated by 200 pounds of curious Rott will bite......to which my guys won't back off...And who do you think would get blamed?? The Rotts right??

I just don't take my dogs to those parks anymore..only to parks where leash laws are respected and enforced. I have friends who take their dogs, but they carry pepper spray and are quick to use it.
Perhaps that might work for you?? Max is still quite young....some males don't start challenging until quite a bit older and you want to try to keep his sweet ways intact. One bad experience with another dog may influence him negatively....

[ChrisC]

This is happening outside a dog park. Just running on the street or the beach. Max is still a baby but is starting to come into his own. I know my day is coming when a not so nice unleashed boy will challenge my Max and he will not want to back down. So far I can control it with him. Most times though you are right the rott will win or even if it doesn't get that far it will be his fault http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/frown.gif I like the idea of pepper spray, I think I will get some. Hope I never have to use it!!

[Judi W]

OK, I'll weigh in on this as I have much experience in the area. Unless the incoming dog is actually attacking... and by that I mean "biting" not just making contact with posture and noise.....

First, if the dog is not in contact yet, I step forward and tell the dog to go home in my big voice. If that fails, I hold absolutely still so that I do not trigger a fight myself. The dogs will sniff, usually with some posturing and this might last for what seems an eternity, but hold still. Dragging your dog away can seem like fleeing to the incoming loose dog and this can actually trigger the dog to attack so, not a good idea. Allow your dog enough leash to turn and return the sniffing. No way you can drag your dog away faster than that dog can chase you. After what seems like a lifetime, the sniffing will get completed, you will see changes in the activity, and you can go on your way, albeit you might be going on your way with two dogs instead of just your own.

If the owner is about, I yell "come get your dog" which when they see it is messing with a Rottweiler, they usually hurry up and do. Very few other dogs want to actually get into a fight with a Rottweiler themselves. Sometimes they just are accustomed to charging out at everyone and find themselves with a Rottweiler!

Example: Quite late one night I was out with two Rottweilers on leash and a SharPei from the neighborhood came charging out. Now I had seen this dog attack other dogs in the 'hood on several occasions. My first reaction was "oh s***" but I stayed with the program. He charged in and stuck his nose up my bitch's rear for a loooong time. I could see from her face that he was nearing the time where it was becoming rude, and obviously, doggy social rules kicked in and he realized it himself and transferred his sniff to my male. Took one good sniff, came to his senses, indicated to us all that he had an important appointment elsewhere and headed for home. This type of thing is the way it goes if you will be patient. The sniff and posture time is dictated by dog social rules and does not allot itself to human timing so you must be patient.

If I am biking when this happens, I make sure to stop, and get off my bike quickly. Don't want to be dumped, but follow the same rules.

Once the dogs have contact with one another, do not yell as that can start a fight with your dog joining in on your aggression. You can use the word "easy" in a quiet calming voice if you choose. Hostility breeds hostility. Even if you hear some noise from the dogs, you want to use calming sounds. Dogs that run at large are usually quite good at trying to dominate their territory without actual blood flowing or none of them would live long.

This takes patience and confidence. Most fights with loose dogs occur because the handler panics.

[JROD]

Maybe I'm being naive, but when we meet up w/ a loose dog on our walks/runs, I do the ole' meet n' greet. I put Mingo in a sit/stay, and I pet the other dog. Then I let them sniff and then we go about our way. It's always worked, no confrontations yet (and my dog is not too crazy about other males). Just try to stay calm and let your pup know that it's ok, he's safe and you're safe.

[Judi W]

JROD, excellent technique. Fights usually happen when the handler gets hostile and their dog joins in the fray.

[luvarott]

If you are only walking one dog it may well work just fine for you to allow the rogue dog to sniff at yours....In my case I am walking 2 adult Rotts...if "rogue" dog decides to turn aggressive during the sniffing procedure (more than likely because of fear from the intimidation of having 2 big dogs sniffing back with enthusiasm) then I am in deep doodoo http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/smile.gif There is no way I will be able to get my 2 out of a fight if one starts....

No,I do not recommend letting your dog meet and greet strange dogs unless the owner is present and/or you know the temperament of the dog (in which case it isn't a "strange" dog). My dogs have to trust me that I will not let Joe Rude Dog bother them.
Of course don't panic yourself and use a clear commanding tone to all dogs.....

[Carol Burke]

JudiW, Excellent advice. Hostility breeds hostility.

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Carol
Darrlburg Rottweilers