Sick Of Wankers

[megan_]

You are lucky you have such a dog. I have one friendly but very respectful dog - so easy to walk. I also have one that HATES having dogs in her face. Unfortunately, it is my experience that most owners don't have any control over their dogs (and the dogs in this thread were out of control - if your dog doesn't ignore a dog and walk on when you say so then it isn't well controlled).

I avoid walking within "striking" distance of strange dogs because I've had the "don't worry he's friendly" thing happen to me SOOOO many times as their dog tries to jump on my dog's head. Most owners don't seem to be particularly skilled at reading body language and think their dog is just sniffing the ground when it is avoiding confrontation etc.

Not all dogs like to have lots of "friends" and the word socialisation is often misused when it comes to dogs. It doesn't mean meeting and greeting every dog they see, it means learning to be comfortable and relaxed around other dogs.

Lucy has a few well behaved, well trained friends who she sees on a weekly basis. She lives with a dog that is respectful of her space. These dogs weren't really strangers to her as she was introduced to them very slowly in a very controlled manner, with a trainer present. She is a happy little camper living like this. Her idea of hell would be a dog park.

Until you have owned a reactive dog you just don't realise how bloody hard other dog owners make it. I used to think most dog owners were fine, but not any more. Lucy could live a much more rich, fulfilled life if dog owners would just obey the law and, out of common courtesy, give her a little space if I ask for it. Apparently that is too much to ask for.

[megan_]

PS. I'm curious! I don't let Dory race up to other dogs. What you do is fine by me. But if someone balled me out because Dory wasn't walking military next to me when I dared walk past them, I'd be pretty pissed and annoyed. If your dogs that bad with others or people are that scared. Cross the road. That's what I do.

Who are you responding to? On it's own that post doesnt make sense.

I think the OP? The other dog lunged at the OP's dog so I think the other dog had an issue!

[SchnauzerMax]

There's no way I would have kept approaching if the other person showed no sign of wanting to reign in the dog. As it is, I cross the street whenever someone is approaching. If you pass on the same side of the road, you have to expect the dogs to investigate each other, unless the other dog is very clearly extremely well trained. I would expect no less than a face to face greeting if I stayed on the path with another dog approaching. If you don't want that to happen, avoid it by crossing the road or going onto the grass or picking up the dog etc.

I agree it *shouldn't* be this way. But it is, so you deal with it.

Good advice fuzzy82 - it shouldn't have to be, but you have to use common sense when it comes to your dog's safety.

Sometimes common sense and avoidance don't work because of the stupidity of the other dog owner. Today I was walking all three of mine, all on lead and perfectly under control, and we had stopped to talk to a good friend and her kids (the kids would not continue to walk home until they got a pat :D ). I saw a guy approaching us with his heeler X on lead, so I moved over and put all the dogs on a drop. Well he diverted and continued to walk straight for us intent on letting his dog meet and greet mine I asked him if he could keep his distance and my friend stepped in front of the still dropped and calm dogs. Thankfully he diverted again and passed at a distance. I mean who the hell is stupid enough to allow their dog to greet three random large dogs at once

Later that day I took each of them, one at a time, to the local market and they got to play with a gorgeous brindle staffy X, a kelpie X and a SWF with no drama or trouble

Do you think he approached you because your three were calm and perfectly behaved?

If he was looking to socialize his dog then your three would have appeared to be perfect (to him) even though it was far from that for you.

[raz]

PS. I'm curious! I don't let Dory race up to other dogs. What you do is fine by me. But if someone balled me out because Dory wasn't walking military next to me when I dared walk past them, I'd be pretty pissed and annoyed. If your dogs that bad with others or people are that scared. Cross the road. That's what I do.

Who are you responding to? On it's own that post doesnt make sense.

I think the OP? The other dog lunged at the OP's dog so I think the other dog had an issue!

Still doesnt make sense. The OP is the one who balled out the other owners dog for lunging. His dog was well behaved. It was the other dog who wasnt.

Dory said if her dog wasnt walking 'military style' she'd be pretty pissed off about an owner balling her out. It's not about having dogs as robots when in public. It's about them being bloody well behaved and not lunging at other dogs.

[Dory the Doted One]

I've had reactive dogs, I've had dogs attacked. I fully understand where everyone is coming from and the desire to vent when one comes across such situations.

Despite my own experiences I still let Dory be sociable on walk under certain conditions. But only because she's so good and I'm watching what goes on. And only if its ok with the other dog/owner.

Previous dogs I've owned have been DA. I respected others and crossed the road or kept my dogs focus firmly on me. I didn't get shitty. I got out of the way cos MY dog was the problem.

[Dory the Doted One]

PS. I'm curious! I don't let Dory race up to other dogs. What you do is fine by me. But if someone balled me out because Dory wasn't walking military next to me when I dared walk past them, I'd be pretty pissed and annoyed. If your dogs that bad with others or people are that scared. Cross the road. That's what I do.

Who are you responding to? On it's own that post doesnt make sense.

Wasn't responding to a particular person because I have no problem with others points if view. It's a general discussion.

[megan_]

I've had reactive dogs, I've had dogs attacked. I fully understand where everyone is coming from and the desire to vent when one comes across such situations.

Despite my own experiences I still let Dory be sociable on walk under certain conditions. But only because she's so good and I'm watching what goes on. And only if its ok with the other dog/owner.

Previous dogs I've owned have been DA. I respected others and crossed the road or kept my dogs focus firmly on me. I didn't get shitty. I got out of the way cos MY dog was the problem.

My DA dog is perfectly under control. I still cross the road because other dogs aren't, but it isn't always possible due to cars. I think you're assuming that DA dogs are lunging, snarly etc and that isn't the case. Mine walk next to me and look to me when they need direction.

[Rebanne]

How do you guys socialize your dogs?

why do they have to socilaize with strange dogs?

the only other dogs mine even see are the ones at dog shows, the occasional greyhound at the slipping track or my daughter's dog. I avoid other dogs when out walking like the plague.

Any new dog is going to be 'stranger' to your dog before they meet. Even if they are known to you. But I get what you mean.

My question was a genuine one, not a bitchy, nit pick.

Dory's very socialable, she loves meeting new dogs. She's also not over the top and happy to have a quick sniff then move on. I see so many paranoid owners walking their dogs. They almost flinch every time they see another dog. It's quite sad. Dogs need a social life too. I feel like I need to carry a sign that says, "Yes. She's friendly. Yes, they can say Hello. " not just so Dory can continue her socialization, but so other dogs can actually get some.

How else can they learn?

Not all dogs on walks are uncontrolled monsters. Trust me. Around where I live it's too far the other way.

Dogs need a social life? They are dogs. All mine need to do is walk past other dogs without acting like a dick, and they do.

ETA mine are not DA so don't assume every owner that likes to keep their dogs away from others have dogs with problems. I just want to keep mine that way. And I am very aware of how things would go down if my dogs did react to another's rudeness. Not very well and not in my dogs favour.

Edited March 24, 2013 by Rebanne

[Aidan3]

Dogs don't need a social life, but some very much enjoy it.

[Dory the Doted One]

I've had reactive dogs, I've had dogs attacked. I fully understand where everyone is coming from and the desire to vent when one comes across such situations.

Despite my own experiences I still let Dory be sociable on walk under certain conditions. But only because she's so good and I'm watching what goes on. And only if its ok with the other dog/owner.

Previous dogs I've owned have been DA. I respected others and crossed the road or kept my dogs focus firmly on me. I didn't get shitty. I got out of the way cos MY dog was the problem.

My DA dog is perfectly under control. I still cross the road because other dogs aren't, but it isn't always possible due to cars. I think you're assuming that DA dogs are lunging, snarly etc and that isn't the case. Mine walk next to me and look to me when they need direction.

I'm not making that assumption at all. I'm aware that's not always the case because my own DA dogs were kept under firm control.

If I had a DA dog, couldn't cross the road and the approaching dog was not under control I would ask the owner to wait.

That said. I would've crossed the road long before when it was possible (eg busy roads), because if I have a DA dog I'm always watching ahead of me.

Yep. I've been caught unawares too. Then I body block till I can get the hell out of there. That's been a rare occasion.

[raz]

Despite my own experiences I still let Dory be sociable on walk under certain conditions. But only because she's so good and I'm watching what goes on. And only if its ok with the other dog/owner.

Well that's totally different to what happened to the OP.

As a result of what happened to my poor old dog I now walk them wearing metal lined hiking boots and a metal pole. I used to hate it on here when posters said they would kick a dog in the head but I've changed my mind after our experience. I'm not going to put up with some dumb dog owner letting it's DA dog attack mine, see him in hospital and have to carry him outside to toilet because he's too frightened to go outside after being freaking mauled. If that had been my tiny pug who was attacked she would be dead!!! Keep your 'How do you socialise your dog if you dont let them meet strange dogs on walks' to yourself thanks.

[Rottshowgirl]

OMG RSG was Kira OK?

Kira injury toll: ear puncture, cut lip, gash on paw, bit of blood all over (probably not all hers)

3 year old daughter injury toll: tears, shock, some nightmares & a fear of taking her doggy for a walk in case 'scary doggies come back'

Kira was over it pretty much next day once she calmed down, no scars or anything, but Edie still (few months down track) regularly mentions scary doggies biting Kira

As the topic title says.....

[Dory the Doted One]

How do you guys socialize your dogs?

why do they have to socilaize with strange dogs?

the only other dogs mine even see are the ones at dog shows, the occasional greyhound at the slipping track or my daughter's dog. I avoid other dogs when out walking like the plague.

Any new dog is going to be 'stranger' to your dog before they meet. Even if they are known to you. But I get what you mean.

My question was a genuine one, not a bitchy, nit pick.

Dory's very socialable, she loves meeting new dogs. She's also not over the top and happy to have a quick sniff then move on. I see so many paranoid owners walking their dogs. They almost flinch every time they see another dog. It's quite sad. Dogs need a social life too. I feel like I need to carry a sign that says, "Yes. She's friendly. Yes, they can say Hello. " not just so Dory can continue her socialization, but so other dogs can actually get some.

How else can they learn?

Not all dogs on walks are uncontrolled monsters. Trust me. Around where I live it's too far the other way.

Dogs need a social life? They are dogs. All mine need to do is walk past other dogs without acting like a dick, and they do.

ETA mine are not DA so don't assume every owner that likes to keep their dogs away from others have dogs with problems. I just want to keep mine that way. And I am very aware of how things would go down if my dogs did react to another's rudeness. Not very well and not in my dogs favour.

Don't we tell people to SOCIALISE there dogs? I assumed (incorrectly it would seem), that that would include other dogs. (Unless your dog obviously doesn't enjoy it then it, then no it wouldn't).

[raz]

Don't we tell people to SOCIALISE there dogs? I assumed (incorrectly it would seem), that that would include other dogs. (Unless your dog obviously doesn't enjoy it then it, then no it wouldn't).

Where does Socialising Dogs mean they have to meet every random stranger's dog while out walking? Dont impose your idea of socialising dogs on every stranger you meet in the street.

[Rebanne]

How do you guys socialize your dogs?

why do they have to socilaize with strange dogs?

the only other dogs mine even see are the ones at dog shows, the occasional greyhound at the slipping track or my daughter's dog. I avoid other dogs when out walking like the plague.

Any new dog is going to be 'stranger' to your dog before they meet. Even if they are known to you. But I get what you mean.

My question was a genuine one, not a bitchy, nit pick.

Dory's very socialable, she loves meeting new dogs. She's also not over the top and happy to have a quick sniff then move on. I see so many paranoid owners walking their dogs. They almost flinch every time they see another dog. It's quite sad. Dogs need a social life too. I feel like I need to carry a sign that says, "Yes. She's friendly. Yes, they can say Hello. " not just so Dory can continue her socialization, but so other dogs can actually get some.

How else can they learn?

Not all dogs on walks are uncontrolled monsters. Trust me. Around where I live it's too far the other way.

Dogs need a social life? They are dogs. All mine need to do is walk past other dogs without acting like a dick, and they do.

ETA mine are not DA so don't assume every owner that likes to keep their dogs away from others have dogs with problems. I just want to keep mine that way. And I am very aware of how things would go down if my dogs did react to another's rudeness. Not very well and not in my dogs favour.

Don't we tell people to SOCIALISE there dogs? I assumed (incorrectly it would seem), that that would include other dogs. (Unless your dog obviously doesn't enjoy it then it, then no it wouldn't).

naw I'm not big on making my dogs meet others. Get them out and about, learn to behave when other dogs are about, see what the big wide world is all about, yes.

[WExtremeG]

Don't we tell people to SOCIALISE there dogs? I assumed (incorrectly it would seem), that that would include other dogs. (Unless your dog obviously doesn't enjoy it then it, then no it wouldn't).

Where does Socialising Dogs mean they have to meet every random stranger's dog while out walking? Dont impose your idea of socialising dogs on every stranger you meet in the street.

Exactly.

[Dory the Doted One]

Don't we tell people to SOCIALISE there dogs? I assumed (incorrectly it would seem), that that would include other dogs. (Unless your dog obviously doesn't enjoy it then it, then no it wouldn't).

Where does Socialising Dogs mean they have to meet every random stranger's dog while out walking? Dont impose your idea of socialising dogs on every stranger you meet in the street.

Where did I say that? Where did I do that?

I said I had no problem with what others do. I asked what others did. I said what I do. I said if it was you (not you in particular, just a general you) had the problem dog get out the way and don't abuse others.

Where did I say, do as I do?

[Guest Clover]

How do you guys socialize your dogs?

Uh they don't. The only time the see other dogs is when they go to visit their friends who they have known for years. Other than that they don't meet other dogs.

Eta: all bar one of mine have been socialised in a controlled manner at dog club, flyball with friends dogs etc. my youngest I got at 6 months who had been chucked in the backyard and left there by her previous owner. I an take her pretty much anywhere now but she still has issue with other dogs she does not know. I will not put her in a position where she is not happy so we avoid strange dogs like the plague ( does not help that she was attacked at Xmas by an escapee brindle mutt, that I thought was going to kill her).

Edited March 25, 2013 by Clover

[raz]

Don't we tell people to SOCIALISE there dogs? I assumed (incorrectly it would seem), that that would include other dogs. (Unless your dog obviously doesn't enjoy it then it, then no it wouldn't).

Where does Socialising Dogs mean they have to meet every random stranger's dog while out walking? Dont impose your idea of socialising dogs on every stranger you meet in the street.

Where did I say that? Where did I do that?

I said I had no problem with what others do. I asked what others did. I said what I do. I said if it was you (not you in particular, just a general you) had the problem dog get out the way and don't abuse others.

Where did I say, do as I do?

you did when you said you let your dog have a sniff and accused so many dog owners of being paranoid. Not every dog owner wants randoms coming upto them when out walking, and you know, we have all seen it enough on this forum where people get abused for walking across the road to avoid a dog that doesnt look particularly dog friendly. Famous last words-my dog wouldnt hurt another dog CHOMP

[Guest Clover]

Raz and rottshowgirl how terrifying for you and your poor dogs . It is my worst nightmare.