Good or not sucha good idea

[Billy's Joey]

Today we had both dogs down by Lake Chicago ( AKA Michigan ) And we had 2 situations .

The first , a group of people had a _ _ it Bull That really needed training..... along with the owners . I had moved Joey to my right side to insure there was PLENTY of room for both dogs to pass each other with no problem.( Something we were shown in Manners And Etiquette 1 not something everyone knows ) I know that Joey would NEVER be the one to start anything with any other dog . My trainer would also be the first to stand behind my statement . Well The _ _ it Bull owner never had their dog change sides ( from their left closest to us to their right for more distance ) and their I guess you could call it a dog started barking at us as we moved pass and although Joey never made a sound they claimed he was being aggressive . After hearing their statement of their dog's tail was wagging meant he wanted to play . My wife felt compelled to tell them that Joey had already been through classes and is no where near aggressive and that their dog could use some . I explained that a wagging tail DOSE NOT always mean they are looking for play time .( also shown in Manners and Etiquette 1) We moved on .

Now the second situation . This is where my qustion really comes in . While out on a walk dose it bother anyone else but me, for people to call your dog over to them ? That is just something gets under my skin ! But then you have the " smarter people " These are people who ask first . That is not so bothersome to me . Because it gives me the choice to let you pet him or not. But when out for " just a walk " To get the dog out of the house and stretching out a bit . And someone asks dose he bite ? Is it the wrong reply to say yes he might . ? Just to be left to our walk ? For as crowded as it can be down there it still can be an enjoyable place to walk . But I feel as if I let one person pet Joey we would be there all day with everyone petting him and never getting a walk in . After today I have decided to look for a less crowded place to walk .

Dose anyone have any input as to how to handle something like that ?

[bliss7373]

Well, I'm sorry that you had some bad experiences.

Regarding the other dog - I honestly think that we, as responsible owners, just have to get used to owners who aren't as in control of their dogs as we are. It's unfortunate, but you're not going to educate everyone you see. If I see another dog coming down the sidewalk or on a path, I cross the street or move well off to the side and put my dog in a sit-stay. I don't care what side of the person the dog is on, it is up to me to make sure there is plenty of distance.

As far as the petting goes, you should be flattered that so many people show interest in your girl, but I understand your frustration. I would NEVER tell people that my dog would bite - after all, we're supposed to be presenting a good image t the public - but I might say, very politely "No, she's very well behaved but we're training right now and don't have time to visit. Thank you!"

Honestly, I do try to avoid places that are that crowded. They are good, occasionally, for practicing obedience under distraction. But the hassle just isn't worth it,most of the time.

[Wilson1]

"While out on a walk dose it bother anyone else but me, for people to call your dog over to them ?"

This happens to me all the time, and I HATE it! People talk and whistle at my dog to get him to pay attention to them. It mostly bothers me because it works on Wilson- He's a total mush. I don't say anything to these people but I use it as an opportunity to try to get Wilson to pay attention to me. I go for walks in alot of public places because the same old neighborhood gets quite boring- not because I particularly enjoy the people. I don't like people petting him because he gets overly excited and mouthy (something we're still working on), so when people asK I just say "I'd rather not" - although bliss's statement is much more polite and presents a better image of our breed. I'll use that from now on. ( can you tell I'm not much of a people person?)

I find alot of dumb people and dog owners that have no clue about etiquette, however I'm very good at ignoring them and focusing on what my dog is doing- not theirs. Just this morning I was walking on a trail and this guy passed me with a spastic barking cocker spaniel practically dragging him to get to me and Wilson. I kept Wilson on my right and was successful in preventing any lungeing. I totally won, and I feel great after encounters like that!

By the way, I don't agree with the term --it bull. They're great dogs. Although --it owner is perfectly appropriate.

[QuietDaze]

If your dog will bite, then you should tell people. Kane is sometimey so if someone asks me if he'll bite I tell them yup, just like any other dog. If they STILL want to pet him then I simply tell them not to pet him on top of his head. Other than when I was trying to get him used to be touched by strangers, I've never been a big fan of allowing people to pet my dog.

I could be the poster girl for not wanting to be bothered when I am out and about so of course I don't think anything is wrong with it. You just have to perfect a polite but curt greeting for those catching your eye and keep it moving. In fact, that's Kane's signal to stop sniffing at other ppl or dogs and come along.

There's all kinds of dog owners out there who aren't going to be as polite as you when passing. I just ignore them and focus on Kane.

[hast]

I often roller blade on a track in town with my girl. The track is set up so rollerbladers does the loop to the right, so Mandy is on the outside with me closest to other exercisers. You wouldn't believe the number of times I've been tripped by dogs on flexi leads who has wrapped around my legs in order to get to Mandy. I start telling her to leave it as soon as the other dog is close enough for her to start looking and she's very good about it... Thank goodness! She's much better than I am with the owners as I'm crawling on the ground getting back up on the rollerblades again.

[SABELLESMOM]

Well, you've had some negative experiences. Smile. Chin up. Be prepared. They won't be your last.

It helps to remember, for me at least, That I am not responsible for the "other" person or their dog. I focus on myself and my own dog's behavior. I consider it the single most responsible thing one can accomplish. We can all hope others will educate their dogs, but we can't force them to do it.

I see nothing wrong with having a few responses on the tip of my tongue. I might even suggest, "You know, I found Doggy B. Goode's obedience class VERY helpful! They have classes on ____day evening at __:00 pm. and __:30 on ___days."

If someone calls my dog? I simply say, "Please,don't call him. He's in training." Or "I prefer my shoulder IN it's socket, thank you."

Does the dog bite? * my personal favorite said with a huge grin* "Well, he never has. Tell me, do you taste like kibble?" or...

"Why do you ask? Were you planning on antagonizing him?" or...

"Oh please! (1 idiot asks EVERY time!) Why would you think I'd KEEP an dog who bit, much less bring him out in public?" Or...

"Why? Do I look like a drug dealer?" or "Does he look hungry?"

"No." and keep on walking!

[Noelle]

Originally Posted by bliss7373

I would NEVER tell people that my dog would bite - after all, we're supposed to be presenting a good image t the public - but I might say, very politely "No, she's very well behaved but we're training right now and don't have time to visit. Thank you!"

I ALWAYS tell people that my dog may bite, for similar reasons that QuietDaze mentioned. Quinn just doesn't like to be handled by strangers. If I force him, he will take it, but why should I. I don't let random strangers pet my kids and don't like strangers trying to touch me ... I give my dogs the same courtesy.

I present the image of the dog I have in front of me, not the idealized version that he may not be. "IF" I am asked if the dog bites, I tell people that "he is not aggressive, but does not like to be pet by strangers, but thanks for asking first." That will stop most, and the few that persist or attempt to pet him without asking I say, "He may bite, please leave him alone."

[bliss7373]

I certainly didn't mean to suggest that someone who has a dog who is not comfortable being petted lie about it or put the dog into a bad situation. I would hope we all agree that safety is priority one.

But I do think there are better ways to handle things than: "Does your dog bite?" "Yes, he does." Noelle's explanation that the dog is not aggressive but does not liked to be petted by strangers is one good approach. When I have a new foster, I never let strangers pet the dog. I simply say "I'm fostering him and don't know him very well yet, maybe some other time, thanks!" Ten seconds of explanation can make a big difference in someone's point of view - otherwise, the person may be left with the impression that the dog seems fine but is prone to explode without provocation.

I've rarely had someone persist in asking to pet my dogs once I've said no. Maybe I live in a very polite community, though!

[Deacons mom]

For me it is usually kids that want to pet him,He always raises his head when they go for it which scares themhe use to be more mouthy when they did this but has gotten much better and usually licks. I too usually say we are training and not today, Mainly cause i just dont want to be bothered and will ususally move aside when people approach or stop and have him sit and stay. He almost always ignors anyone passing any how and keeps walking. I think he is interested in the walk and doesnt want to be bothered either. He gets so much attention he doesnt care if anyone else wants to pet him. Spoiled little rottie!!!

[Billy's Joey]

I never expected this big of a reply ! THANK YOU to everyone who has taken the time to help me with this one ! Although it seems a split out come I am apt to try everything I have read so far . I honestly thought someone might scold me pretty good for the way I handled my experience . And no one has done that ,only good thoughts and ideas to try .

If I could only handle company as well as I handled the walk I would have it made ! Joey is NOT at all aggressive.... unless provoked !

(EX:)
My DUMB brother came over just before "feeding time at the zoo " ( I call it that because we have 3 cats and another dog along with Joey ) He only met Joey a couple times before and decided to test the waters with him . You CAN NOT imagine the shock I had to hear growling after I turned my back to feed the cats , KNOWING I have tought Joey better then to have any type of food aggression I thought it to be odd . I turned back around to find out what was causing it . I couldn't blame Joey at all ! Before I could say anything Joey bit the crap out of my brother ! After all this I RE -explained to my brother that Joey is NOT like any of the other dogs I have owned DO NOT tease him in any way YOU won't like it ! My brother in turn took that as the first time I told him NOT TO , he went ahead and teased the dog anyway . I could NOT understand why I was standing there explaining to a 37 year old man that, putting your head in the dogs food bowl and growling at him while he is trying to eat is considered teasing the dog !

[Carol Burke]

Originally Posted by Billy's Joey

If I could only handle company as well as I handled the walk I would have it made ! Joey is NOT at all aggressive.... unless provoked !

(EX:)
My DUMB brother came over just before "feeding time at the zoo " ( I call it that because we have 3 cats and another dog along with Joey ) He only met Joey a couple times before and decided to test the waters with him . You CAN NOT imagine the shock I had to hear growling after I turned my back to feed the cats , KNOWING I have tought Joey better then to have any type of food aggression I thought it to be odd . I turned back around to find out what was causing it . I couldn't blame Joey at all ! Before I could say anything Joey bit the crap out of my brother ! After all this I RE -explained to my brother that Joey is NOT like any of the other dogs I have owned DO NOT tease him in any way YOU won't like it ! My brother in turn took that as the first time I told him NOT TO , he went ahead and teased the dog anyway . I could NOT understand why I was standing there explaining to a 37 year old man that, putting your head in the dogs food bowl and growling at him while he is trying to eat is considered teasing the dog !

Your brother is lucky he didn't end up at the emergency room having stiches and your dog picked up by animal control. I know we can't choose our relatives, but I would keep that idiot away from my dogs.

[jlaack]

Joey is NOT at all aggressive.... unless provoked !

If this is the case than you would be smart to well avoid dogs without manners, whose owners cannot control them. Since you know your dog is reactive to other dogs in certain contexts you should err on the side of caution in situations where you dog may not be a good ambassador. You cannot control other people's dogs, but knowing this about your dog combined with the situation in your original post with the pitbull, a responsible owner (yourself) would have done more preventative medicine than placing your dog on your other side and then expecting that another owner would automatically do the same??

I also do not appreciate it when strangers call out to my dog. That being said, my dogs typically ignore such things; they have been socialized to chaos, so yelling, calling, whistles may get a momentary glance but then the event is over. If it persists, I can utter one word to redirect their attention back on me. If this is really problematic for you, then you need a lot more obedience training with your dog.

I couldn't blame Joey at all ! Before I could say anything Joey bit the crap out of my brother ! After all this I RE -explained to my brother that Joey is NOT like any of the other dogs I have owned DO NOT tease him in any way YOU won't like it ! My brother in turn took that as the first time I told him NOT TO , he went ahead and teased the dog anyway . I could NOT understand why I was standing there explaining to a 37 year old man that, putting your head in the dogs food bowl and growling at him while he is trying to eat is considered teasing the dog !

I don't blame Joey either, I blame you. As his owner it is your job to prevent situations like this from ever happening. YOU owe it to your dog to be in control. And if that means you feed your dog in his kennel then that is what you do. If feeding times are such a zoo than your dog should likely be kennel fed anyhow lest a cat comes too close and receives a bite or worse.

Your posts are very scary to me. You are not realizing the responsibilty for your dog and his behaviors is yours--not someone elses. You and your dog need Manners & Etiquette 2, 3, etc. If your trainer doesn't see a problem with your dog acting in the manners described above then you need a new trainer.

[jlaack]

I hope your uncle has since stopped breeding Rottweilers since they obviously carry severe health problems. Perhaps he'll help with the cost of surgeries since he bred so irresponsibly?

OK I was not going to reply to this or the last post I seen from you . Given the fact that you think it is ok for someone to stick their head in a dogs food bowl while it is eatting ! Any MORON that would try something like that should get everything they have coming !!!!! Even if it means the dog bites because it feels threatened ! The same would go for any one who puts their arm in a moving saw I would not only tell you that you got what you had coming , I would NOT feel sorry for you and you HAD BETTER expect me to laugh at your sorry butt for doing something that ignorant!!!!

As for my Uncle breeding Rotties ? First you have NO clue that his dogs are in PERFECT health them selves ! And have the BEST manners in that whole county ! Matter of fact for the amount of Rotties I have had the honor of being around ( and that means countless amounts ) His dogs have been the best by far ! Having traveled not only the U.S. but also over seas as well , I have met Rotties in multiple COUNTRIES to include Germany ! His may not be the best in the world but they put up a fair shake ! Are they of show class ? NO , were their parents of a show line YES ! but at the same time I nor other people with common sence see no problems with breeding companion dogs as he is doing ! I think the world of people who take the time to breed these dogs and DO NOT charge a small fortune for them , so those of us who make less then 500,000 a year can have a dog of this caliber . Case in point , My friend who got her Rottie at the same time I got mine, paid 2500 for her dog , I got mine at MY special family rate . I pled with my friend to let me bring a dog home for her instead of spending that kind of money . But she could not live with out Maxie . Her dog that came from a total differant line just had surgery for a genetic elbow problem . I just happen to be the one who wound up with the one puppy with genetic health issues out of my uncle's three litters . And she wound up with a puppy who also has genetic health issues ? I fail to see the differance in either breeder .Except the price tag . It is unfortunate but Rotties seem to have the most genetic health issues , reguardless of the breeder . Why would EITHER breeder be responisble for genetics let alone the cost of surgery ????? Although people with a genetic stupid gene seem to be fine to breed now aint they ?

Billyjoel since you brought this up another thread, I thought I would bring it back here where it fits with the other information you have posted. While I do not condone antagonizing dogs while they are eating it is YOU the owner who is repsonbile for your dog even in the presence of 'idiots'. There are plenty of them in the world along with children who I dare say wouldn't know any better. This is where being a responsible owner comes in. If you see a problem or a potential problem than you step in and prevent it rather than justifying it after the fact. This scenario for my dogs would be an unacceptable reason to bite, period. It is people like you whom do not see a problem with it that make it so difficult to own this breed.

As far as your comments that the genetic problems of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are prevelant in the breed regardless of the breeder is a bunch of crap. This is more an issue with irresponsible BYB's than people who perform the appropriate health testing and carefully breed their animals. Oh and yeah, I really believe his dogs have the best manners of dogs in the whole country, that's why the offsrping bite when bothered while eating. Yup sounds like the best behaved dogs in the country to me...

Please educate yourself and read full posts here; we don't need another headline Rottweiler case in this state because of an irresponsible and clueless owner.