My Dog Is Not Agressive Some Advice Please

[mrs tornsocks]

Imagine a Great Dane barreling up to your Lab full pelt with hackles up ;) gives you an idea of what the other owner may be feeling. Labs do tend to play very physically and do tend to get in other dogs faces when greeting. I avoid Labs as my dogs don't like that style of play. Mine will sniff and then go on their way and don't seek other dogs out to play or wrestle and don't like it when another dog continually gets in their face.

Just on the weekend, my lab and I arrived at the off leash park. He got rushed at and bailed up by TWO larger dogs - a ridgy and what I think was an Irish Wolfhound - both at least 3cm bigger than my boy (who is not a big lab). He immediately submitted and 20 secs later they were all playing - unlike pretty much every small dog and poodly-type we meet who when Archie (politely) goes up to, instantly turn aggressive, barking and growling.

Oh, um, ooops, sorry !! I think I just made a massive generalisation. Sorry about that folks !

[AmandaJ]

Brenda Aloff has a very good book on canine body language - you would be surprised at what dominant posturing actually looks like. It's not just how your dog behaves either but also how the others react. The book is well worth looking at.

[Kavik]

Imagine a Great Dane barreling up to your Lab full pelt with hackles up ;) gives you an idea of what the other owner may be feeling. Labs do tend to play very physically and do tend to get in other dogs faces when greeting. I avoid Labs as my dogs don't like that style of play. Mine will sniff and then go on their way and don't seek other dogs out to play or wrestle and don't like it when another dog continually gets in their face.

Just on the weekend, my lab and I arrived at the off leash park. He got rushed at and bailed up by TWO larger dogs - a ridgy and what I think was an Irish Wolfhound - both at least 3cm bigger than my boy (who is not a big lab). He immediately submitted and 20 secs later they were all playing - unlike pretty much every small dog and poodly-type we meet who when Archie (politely) goes up to, instantly turn aggressive, barking and growling.

Oh, um, ooops, sorry !! I think I just made a massive generalisation. Sorry about that folks !

All I meant is that it can be scary and intimidating for anyone if a dog much larger than yours comes running up to your dog quickly. I have nothing against Labs, it is just that their physical play style does not suit my dogs so I don't go near them to invite trouble. My dogs stay near me and mind their own business and will greet other dogs calmly and move on.

[Clyde]

I just spoke to the council as well and I don't have anything to worry about in an off leash park as she has not actually done anything.

ummm i guess thanks!

Hmmm that's interesting - check your council website. If the woman is as upset as she comes across in your OP I'd suggest you watch your back and cover all bases (infact I'd be staying out of the park unless it's empty). This is what it says on my council website

Using off-leash areas

To ensure off-leash areas are safe and enjoyable for everyone, please consider other users.

Keep your dog in sight

Your dog must be under control by voice

Pick up and dispose of all waste correctly

Do not let your dog rush at or harass other dogs and people

Keep your dog on a lead until it is inside the fenced area and put it back on a lead before leaving

I reported a Lab which rushed me once in a park. I had my dogs on leash and the Lab barreled towards us and TBH scared the cr@p out of me. The owner refused to collect his dog saying 'he's friendly' but all he was, was out of control. It resulted in him getting a $500 fine!

I think Labs are getting a bit of raw deal as they are so popular. Joe Public loves them as family dogs and assumes that everyone else loves their bouncy dogs too. Most Labs I've come across have not been well trained and are more than the owner can handle. I've met only a small few Labs who are well trained and these dogs are owned by very dog savvy people. I think their popularity by non dog savvy people is doing no favours to the breed. A well trained Lab is one of the most gorgeous dogs there are, but they seem to be far and few between these days which is why I've been put off them in a general sense.

Edited December 20, 2010 by Clyde

[wuffles]

I generally don't mind when my dogs get rushed at by other dogs in off leash areas, as long as the body language is friendly. Mine are ok with it (but mine aren't small dogs so I understand where people are coming from). Both of mine also love labs and their physical play style. So at least there are some of us out there ;)

[raz]

I wish I had reported a twit in the local dog park for thinking it was funny his dogs were threatening one of mine - ohh look they're just saying hello. Jumping at my dog and ripping his beard off was not saying hello. Mongrel! It was the last time I used the park.

[Clyde]

The Northern Beaches Ranger was terrific! I was hesitant reporting it as I had my Rotti with me and thought she would assume he was the instigator. The Rotti only started getting antsy when the Lab kept barreling my swf who started screaming in fright which got the Lab more excited and my Rotti more protective. The Lab owner then yelled at me that Rotties should be banned and my dog should be muzzled, my dogs didn't touch the Lab at all! The Ranger came straight out,the Lab crashed in to her and she couldn't get him off so it only confirmed to her that my dogs were under control and the Lab was not.

TBH I would not have bothered reporting it if the owner was not such a a-hole about it.

Edited December 20, 2010 by Clyde

[raz]

My local ranger is really good too, Clyde. Very approachable.

[poodlefan]

Mason2009

Not all labs are evil creatures risen from the depths of hell.

Despite the reactions of some Lab owners here, I don't think anyone suggested they were. Retaliatory generalisations about small dogs or folk who don't appreciate Labs really isn't helping (not that you did that Mason).

As I said originally, a Lab under effective control is fine. Some of the others ;)

Edited December 20, 2010 by poodlefan

[corvus]

Lots of different people use dog parks and consideration for those users goes both ways. I do my best to keep my dogs from intimidating other dogs at the park. It doesn't matter that they are friendly and non-aggressive. Some dogs just see big black giant or little tank and get anxious. It is not fair on them to feel anxious in the park.

Conversely, I am tolerant of dogs rushing up to us. I have carefully socialised my boys so that they know what a friendly rush looks like and are not bothered by it, which helps a lot. There is no need for me to kick or scream. It would not help the situation if I did. My dogs are used to me being relaxed. I don't want to fly off the handle in front of them and possibly scare them myself. It is really not that hard to get along with other dog park users. Just yesterday someone's Great Dane puppy got too boisterous with my little Vallhund and he had a go at her. The GD's owners put her back on leash and apologised, I put my Vallhund back on leash and apologised, explaining that he was a bit intimidated by her size and that I understood it was difficult to manage a dog that was so big but still a puppy. My Vallhund recovered immediately and there was no indication of a lasting effect. Everyone was happy. It's just not that hard! I have never needed to shout, but you can bet that if anyone ever shouted at me I would apologise profusely and take measures to MAKE SURE my dog never bothered that person again. It doesn't matter what the rules are or whether my dogs are breaking them or not. It is just not fair for my dogs to have a negative impact on people or dogs I am sharing the park with.

[RallyValley]

Just quoting this again cause it's a brilliant article. ;)

Can someone put up a link to "He only wants to say hi!' It's an excellent article and probably gets the point across much better than we can.

http://flyingdogpress.com/content/view/42/97/

[Guest Willow]

Lots of different people use dog parks and consideration for those users goes both ways. I do my best to keep my dogs from intimidating other dogs at the park. It doesn't matter that they are friendly and non-aggressive. Some dogs just see big black giant or little tank and get anxious. It is not fair on them to feel anxious in the park.

Conversely, I am tolerant of dogs rushing up to us. I have carefully socialised my boys so that they know what a friendly rush looks like and are not bothered by it, which helps a lot. There is no need for me to kick or scream. It would not help the situation if I did. My dogs are used to me being relaxed. I don't want to fly off the handle in front of them and possibly scare them myself. It is really not that hard to get along with other dog park users. Just yesterday someone's Great Dane puppy got too boisterous with my little Vallhund and he had a go at her. The GD's owners put her back on leash and apologised, I put my Vallhund back on leash and apologised, explaining that he was a bit intimidated by her size and that I understood it was difficult to manage a dog that was so big but still a puppy. My Vallhund recovered immediately and there was no indication of a lasting effect. Everyone was happy. It's just not that hard! I have never needed to shout, but you can bet that if anyone ever shouted at me I would apologise profusely and take measures to MAKE SURE my dog never bothered that person again. It doesn't matter what the rules are or whether my dogs are breaking them or not. It is just not fair for my dogs to have a negative impact on people or dogs I am sharing the park with.

It depends on the circumstances a lot though Corvus.....picture this

Me, 9 months pregnant, walking Staffy & SWF on lead on soft sand

Very large entire male bull breed BARRELS up from nowehere....Owners happily oblivious, splashing in the sea. My dogs dislike larger dogs, and disklike this approach

Owner refused to get his dog who was posturing & carrying on.....

My safety was at risk

My unborn babies safety was at risk

My small dogs safety was at risk

Two large male bull breeds fighting....BOTH dogs at risk

I asked the owners nicely to call the dog back & they dismissed me with a "Bleh, they'll be fine" attitude

so hell yeah, the owners copped a mouthful and I was prepared to do what was necessary to protect the lives in my hands.

You are really lucky, you have two very happy go lucky dogs that you have done a wonderful job with, which are acredit to you, but not all of s have those dogs....polite doesn't always work on idiots. I'm tolerant to a point, but when I've asked them nicely to keep their dog near them & away from mine, and have been dismissed.

Polite only works with other polite people.

[Staranais]

Just quoting this again cause it's a brilliant article. ;)

Can someone put up a link to "He only wants to say hi!' It's an excellent article and probably gets the point across much better than we can.

http://flyingdogpress.com/content/view/42/97/

Yup, it's awesome, please read it.

In answer to your question

a) Yes, I expect she could report your dog for rushing at her dog, and you could get in trouble with the council.

b) I don't know if it's aggressive, but it is rude - bad canine manners. When we're at the local (multi-use bike/jogger/dog) dog park & we encounter another dog/bike/jogger, I call my dog back to heel & move off the path so the other dog can pass. Most other people around here do the same - it's only polite. I suggest you do this as well when you encounter another dog. Then you can release your dog to go see the other dog if the other handler says it's OK.

I can see why the owner of a small dog feels very worried when they are charged by an unknown larger dog. I don't particularly like my big dog being charged by other big dogs. The owner of the poodles sounds like she wasn't very polite to you, so I can understand why the encounter upset you, but I think what she was actually saying was fair enough.

[mrs tornsocks]

I just spoke to the council as well and I don't have anything to worry about in an off leash park as she has not actually done anything.

ummm i guess thanks!

Hmmm that's interesting - check your council website. If the woman is as upset as she comes across in your OP I'd suggest you watch your back and cover all bases (infact I'd be staying out of the park unless it's empty). This is what it says on my council website

Using off-leash areas

To ensure off-leash areas are safe and enjoyable for everyone, please consider other users.

Keep your dog in sight

Your dog must be under control by voice

Pick up and dispose of all waste correctly

Do not let your dog rush at or harass other dogs and people

Keep your dog on a lead until it is inside the fenced area and put it back on a lead before leaving

I reported a Lab which rushed me once in a park. I had my dogs on leash and the Lab barreled towards us and TBH scared the cr@p out of me. The owner refused to collect his dog saying 'he's friendly' but all he was, was out of control. It resulted in him getting a $500 fine!

I think Labs are getting a bit of raw deal as they are so popular. Joe Public loves them as family dogs and assumes that everyone else loves their bouncy dogs too. Most Labs I've come across have not been well trained and are more than the owner can handle. I've met only a small few Labs who are well trained and these dogs are owned by very dog savvy people. I think their popularity by non dog savvy people is doing no favours to the breed. A well trained Lab is one of the most gorgeous dogs there are, but they seem to be far and few between these days which is why I've been put off them in a general sense.

Since it's mostly dog-savvy people who use this purebred forum, you'd assume that the majority here who own labs have taken the time to train them properly. That's why the generalisations re lab behaviour are so irritating. Those who have put alot of effort into the breed get swept up with the others who haven't bothered. But guess what ?? The people that haven't bothered clearly aren't reading this forum !!

Let's look at it another way.

I have been put off staffies. I see and hear many generalisations about staffies, in fact I live within 2kms of Blacktown pound, where staffy and staffy crosses are in every second pen - and although I see aggressive tattoo-ed men walking aggressive staffies at our off leash reguarly (and yes, we have been bailed up by them), and signs with 'staffy pups for sale' scrawled on cardboard hanging up outside semi-derelict houses, I would never generalise about staffies here on DOL. That's because I know the staffy people who choose to spend their time on DOL are almost always people who care for and train their dogs properly - so I would never risk offending those responsible owners with generalisations about their chosen breed.

PS. I would never generalise about humans who live in Blacktown or its interstate equivalents either ;)

Edited December 20, 2010 by mrs tornsocks

[mrs tornsocks]

Lots of different people use dog parks and consideration for those users goes both ways. I do my best to keep my dogs from intimidating other dogs at the park. It doesn't matter that they are friendly and non-aggressive. Some dogs just see big black giant or little tank and get anxious. It is not fair on them to feel anxious in the park.

Conversely, I am tolerant of dogs rushing up to us. I have carefully socialised my boys so that they know what a friendly rush looks like and are not bothered by it, which helps a lot. There is no need for me to kick or scream. It would not help the situation if I did. My dogs are used to me being relaxed. I don't want to fly off the handle in front of them and possibly scare them myself. It is really not that hard to get along with other dog park users. Just yesterday someone's Great Dane puppy got too boisterous with my little Vallhund and he had a go at her. The GD's owners put her back on leash and apologised, I put my Vallhund back on leash and apologised, explaining that he was a bit intimidated by her size and that I understood it was difficult to manage a dog that was so big but still a puppy. My Vallhund recovered immediately and there was no indication of a lasting effect. Everyone was happy. It's just not that hard! I have never needed to shout, but you can bet that if anyone ever shouted at me I would apologise profusely and take measures to MAKE SURE my dog never bothered that person again. It doesn't matter what the rules are or whether my dogs are breaking them or not. It is just not fair for my dogs to have a negative impact on people or dogs I am sharing the park with.

;)

[Hairy Maclary]

I imagine that like every other breed out there, it depends on the owners. That's definitely been my experience with Labs.

[Clyde]

I just spoke to the council as well and I don't have anything to worry about in an off leash park as she has not actually done anything.

ummm i guess thanks!

Hmmm that's interesting - check your council website. If the woman is as upset as she comes across in your OP I'd suggest you watch your back and cover all bases (infact I'd be staying out of the park unless it's empty). This is what it says on my council website

Using off-leash areas

To ensure off-leash areas are safe and enjoyable for everyone, please consider other users.

Keep your dog in sight

Your dog must be under control by voice

Pick up and dispose of all waste correctly

Do not let your dog rush at or harass other dogs and people

Keep your dog on a lead until it is inside the fenced area and put it back on a lead before leaving

I reported a Lab which rushed me once in a park. I had my dogs on leash and the Lab barreled towards us and TBH scared the cr@p out of me. The owner refused to collect his dog saying 'he's friendly' but all he was, was out of control. It resulted in him getting a $500 fine!

I think Labs are getting a bit of raw deal as they are so popular. Joe Public loves them as family dogs and assumes that everyone else loves their bouncy dogs too. Most Labs I've come across have not been well trained and are more than the owner can handle. I've met only a small few Labs who are well trained and these dogs are owned by very dog savvy people. I think their popularity by non dog savvy people is doing no favours to the breed. A well trained Lab is one of the most gorgeous dogs there are, but they seem to be far and few between these days which is why I've been put off them in a general sense.

Since it's mostly dog-savvy people who use this purebred forum, you'd assume that the majority here who own labs have taken the time to train them properly. That's why the generalisations re lab behaviour are so irritating. Those who have put alot of effort into the breed get swept up with the others who haven't bothered. But guess what ?? The people that haven't bothered clearly aren't reading this forum !!

Let's look at it another way.

I have been put off staffies. I see and hear many generalisations about staffies, in fact I live within 2kms of Blacktown pound, where staffy and staffy crosses are in every second pen - and although I see aggressive tattoo-ed men walking aggressive staffies at our off leash reguarly (and yes, we have been bailed up by them), and signs with 'staffy pups for sale' scrawled on cardboard hanging up outside semi-derelict houses, I would never generalise about staffies here on DOL. That's because I know the staffy people who choose to spend their time on DOL are almost always people who care for and train their dogs properly - so I would never risk offending those responsible owners with generalisations about their chosen breed.

PS. I would never generalise about humans who live in Blacktown or its interstate equivalents either

I actually posted what I did above to make it clear that it's the owners not the breed so I am not sure what you mean by your post. I have no problem with people generalising about my chosen breeds as I am very aware of their shortfalls, I don't get offended by it at all. Each to their own with breeds. I know Dogmad on here doesn't like 'staffies' at all, infact she wasn't even keen on coming on to my property as I have a Rotti. I simply locked him up and accepted that not everybody has to like my breeds and I respected her reservations. People often have negative experiences with certain breeds which can deeply affect people. Maybe I don't get sensitive as I've always had nervous rescue SWF's so can see both sides of the coin, I don't know - maybe I'm just thick skinned ;)

[jacqui835]

Lots of different people use dog parks and consideration for those users goes both ways. I do my best to keep my dogs from intimidating other dogs at the park. It doesn't matter that they are friendly and non-aggressive. Some dogs just see big black giant or little tank and get anxious. It is not fair on them to feel anxious in the park.

Conversely, I am tolerant of dogs rushing up to us. I have carefully socialised my boys so that they know what a friendly rush looks like and are not bothered by it, which helps a lot. There is no need for me to kick or scream. It would not help the situation if I did. My dogs are used to me being relaxed. I don't want to fly off the handle in front of them and possibly scare them myself. It is really not that hard to get along with other dog park users. Just yesterday someone's Great Dane puppy got too boisterous with my little Vallhund and he had a go at her. The GD's owners put her back on leash and apologised, I put my Vallhund back on leash and apologised, explaining that he was a bit intimidated by her size and that I understood it was difficult to manage a dog that was so big but still a puppy. My Vallhund recovered immediately and there was no indication of a lasting effect. Everyone was happy. It's just not that hard! I have never needed to shout, but you can bet that if anyone ever shouted at me I would apologise profusely and take measures to MAKE SURE my dog never bothered that person again. It doesn't matter what the rules are or whether my dogs are breaking them or not. It is just not fair for my dogs to have a negative impact on people or dogs I am sharing the park with.

;)

My dog too can distinguish between over-exuberance and aggressive rushes, but that said, whilst both he and I respond differently it is obvious that a dog rushing towards him under any circumstances is enough to put him on guard. He looks a bit thrown back, and often his hackles rise a little and is very 'stiff'. I just prefer to avoid these uncomfortable moments so as to reduce the risk of any unfortunate incidents, and yeah, it's not fair to make other dogs anxious because an anxious dog is one that is more likely to lash out.

[JulesP]

One of my dogs couldn't care less about dogs rushing up, one has personal space issues and the other is a little bit timid. The offlead place I have been going to is actually a path by a river not a park. It is quite hard to give people space in that circumstance. All of my dogs loveeee people and I usually spend the walk yelling at them to leave people alone. Unfortunately it is not just dog loving folks that go there. I actually think it is rather insane that it is an offlead area. Apart from walking your dog offlead at heel it is virtually impossible to respect people's space.

[poodlefan]

I actually posted what I did above to make it clear that it's the owners not the breed so I am not sure what you mean by your post. I have no problem with people generalising about my chosen breeds as I am very aware of their shortfalls, I don't get offended by it at all. Each to their own with breeds. I know Dogmad on here doesn't like 'staffies' at all, infact she wasn't even keen on coming on to my property as I have a Rotti. I simply locked him up and accepted that not everybody has to like my breeds and I respected her reservations. People often have negative experiences with certain breeds which can deeply affect people. Maybe I don't get sensitive as I've always had nervous rescue SWF's so can see both sides of the coin, I don't know - maybe I'm just thick skinned

Or maybe you can acknowledge that we don't all like the same characteristics in the same dogs and that people not liking your dogs isn't a personal insult.

This forum has had its share of poodle bashing over the years. I accept that the breed can have issues, especially with certain kinds of owners. The rest I shrug off.

A well bred, well trained poodle is generally a nice dog to to have around. No doubt we can say the same about all breeds.

Popularity and stereotyping don't do any breed a favour. Positive stereotyping can be the worst of all.

Edited December 20, 2010 by poodlefan