Blackdiamond73

What about the other dog's behaviour convinced you that it would welcome your dog "saying hello"? When the other dog started growling, that should have been the sign for you to call your dog away. No way should you have let it approach. Your dog ran to and engaged the other dog. You shouldn't have let that happen. You've got a Rottie? How big was the other dog? The other dog was a black lab & size wise - pretty close, if that's what you are inferring. As I said, once I realised the other dog wasn't welcoming I ran after my dog & called it. Bear in mind its an off lead park, so dogs do approach other dogs.

I had a guy absolutely lay into my dog this morning with at least 10 good kicks to my dog’s ribs. What should I have done? And what should I do if I see them again, obviously avoidance is key? Both dogs were off lead at an off lead dog park. His dog starts snarling & growling at first sight, probably 20m. My dog is in front of me & my dog trots over to say hello. At this stage the owner is carrying on, yelling & screaming. Then once my dog realizes that the other dog is being aggressive, my dog runs towards other dog & a scuffle breaks out. I immediately run over to try & separate the dogs by trying get in between them & to grab my dog’s collar. Neither dog had latched on & it was all growling & rumbling. Whilst I’m focusing on the dogs & trying to separate the 2 by trying to get hold of my dogs collar, the other guy is screaming & swearing hysterically. Then I see out the corner of my eye, the guy furiously kicking my dog as I have hold of my dogs neck. This made me so angry that I turned & pushed the guy & threatened to hit him, if he ever kicked my dog like that again. By now it’s all over, as I was then able to pull my dog away & separate them. I agree that if a dog latches on to either another dog or a human & that you are firstly unsuccessful at separating them; that perhaps a kick may be required. But to launch in straight away with the boot & especially when I am in the middle of it trying to get hold of my dog, that I find this reaction 'way' over the top & quite dangerous. Any advice is appreciated.

I don’t think that anyone is disputing the level of harm potentially caused, relating to size of dog? Forgive me if I am wrong, but I think people are asking if manners/training/behavior should be consistent for all dogs, regardless of size? Who says they're not allowed to react? They shouldn't have to tolerate aggression from any dog. However, when was the last time you saw a large breed dog confronted by another dog that weighed more than 10 times what it did? No dog should be forced to defend itself but the frequency that larger breeds feel the need to may be less than for small dogs. I personally believe that if every dog owner took responsibity for the control and safety of their dogs, we'd have a lot fewer of the "small dog vs big dog" threads we see here. They're all dogs and sometimes people need to remember that. I think PF has hit the nail on the head. Sometimes a simple thing like a playful wayward paw from a big dog can really hurt a small dog. Big dog owners (and small dog owners too) quite often can't understand this, and the fact that 'he's just playing' doesn't really make any difference. However, it is up tot he small dog owner to protect their dog from situations like this too, which is why my dog only plays with dogs I know, because he already has fear issues mainly resulting from being hurt by big dogs playing with him (thank you puppy school). That said I do think small dogs get away with a lot more and I don't necessarily think they should. All dogs should have manners.

Great post Grumpette. I agree with your comments & can definitely sympathise with your experiences, re poorly behaved dogs/owners. I just wish I have the right words to express my anger & frustration when these instances occur? Instead, I tend to keep quiet, whilst magic ‘four letter words’ run feverishly through my head. Any tips on how to other address dog owners at times like these? Something witty & clever, rather than just blurting expletives, I believe would be more effective? cheers

Very timely topic. I have been way too accommodating of accepting other poorly behaved dogs, who insist on lunging, barking & staring down my dog. It is getting beyond ridiculous & today & rang the council to complain. I asked one lady politely, if she could please keep her dog on a short lead whilst we passed, only to be told “there’s nothing I can do” – delivered with a filthy glare! She has no problem (thinks its cute & funny I’m sure) with her small breed rushing at me & my dog aggressively, as she lets the lead extend fully. I am on a bicycle with my male rottie jogging beside me. This has been every day for past 2 weeks & my dog is also starting to lose patience. I think I need to deal with the dog before he does. Can anyone suggest appropriate action for me? I am a dog lover & do not want to cause the dog any harm & realise it is not the dogs fault. I am also pretty easy going, but it is getting too much.