Aggressive off lead dogs - wwyd?

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

That would be carnage in my case. I’m very careful to avoid bouncy untrained off lead dogs. Rottweilers (don’t kill me, PaS!) are one of the few breeds that worry me-Akita’s are another.

It's Rottweiler owners that worry me tbh. Ours is never off lead when off our property, except in a secure dog field.
We were at Bramham one year with our 2 who would be 3 or 4 yrs old and an idiotic woman approached us, with her Rott, asking if she could talk to our dogs, saying that hers was funny about other dogs but fine with Rottweilers. The bloody thing got between its owner and our dogs and went for our reactive one. Who reacted! Sister fortunately reacted just as quickly and hauled her away, although one of her leads broke and we had to buy another one asap. Stupid woman didn't even apologise and actually I was left speechless, that anyone could be so idiotic! Fortunately our Rott didn't take against all other dogs after that but has remained her usual dog-neutral self, even now when she has 'her' pups with her.

 

[maisie06]

Long time reader, first time poster here...

I regularly walk my dogs on a public footpath through some fields. On Monday, I passed by a dog walker I haven’t seen before who was walking 4 Rottweilers. To cut a long story short, they were all off lead and the person walking them had no control over them. Cut to four growling Rottweilers in the faces of my two (on lead) small dogs. Apparently it was my fault that this happened due to not giving the person walking them enough time to get them back on their leads...Needless to say I was rather threatened by the whole thing.

I was about to go down this path again today when another walker advised me to go a different route due to these same four Rottweilers having just threatened her and her dog.

While these dogs haven’t yet bitten another dog, It’s not very pleasant to encounter four aggressive dogs with poor recall off lead. Does anyone know of anything that could be done about this? I doubt the dog warden would be interested because they haven’t actually done anything apart from growl at other dogs/owners. That said, they don’t appear to be under control and two of them seem to have had some sort of makeshift muzzles on.

Thank you! (Sorry for the essay!)

If I am going where I'm likely to meet off lead agressive dogs - lots of badlly controlled bully breeds where I live I carry a can of hairspray and wear my steel toe caps....

 

[fiwen30]

My granny carried a stout, knobbly, blackthorn walking stick when out with the dogs. She was sprightly as a fawn, but that stick still got used a fair few times.

 

[Moobli]

Four growling Rotts with a lackadaisical owner would worry me enough to avoid that route for the foreseeable future and definitely report to the dog warden. DDA legislation makes it an offence if a person is worried or afraid (the term is 'reasonable apprehension') that a dog may bite them so I’d use that to press home the seriousness to the dog warden.

An attack by four large breed dogs like that just does not bear thinking about.

 

[MrsMozartleto]

I have two Rotties. I stopped walking them together when they grew strong enough for me not to be able to physically hold them both back at the same time. I now walk one with a GSD, who responds to voice at the drop of a hat, and one with the JRT, who is small enough to be hoiked if the need should arise.

My Rotties are pretty well trained, but I won't have them out together, unless D is with me, or off-lead unless I'm very sure of our surroundings. They've never shown aggression, but they're big, powerful, and protective. The potential for something to go wrong just isn't worth the risk.

Interestingly they like to play chase with the horses, from the other side of the fence. Titch will often get them going on purpose then stop dead and eat.

Sorry, I digressed. OP I hope you find a satisfactory and safe conclusion.

 

[Ranyhyn]

Yeah this is one situation where I wouldn't be prepared to risk myself, or my dog. Report them, and walk somewhere else.

I feel with a big dog you have a huge responsibility to make everyone else feel safer not less safe around it. I rarely let my large male GSD off in public and he's hugely sociable and friendly but a) he's too dangerous if he does go off and b) he frightens some people and dogs just because of his breed.

We were approached by a tiny patterdale puppy by mutual agreement the other day while out canicrossing and they had a lovely meeting. But it should always be by mutual agreement, you dont force your dog on anyone else. Espescially if they are a humungadog.

 

[CouldItBe]

German Shepard’s are the ones I avoid at all costs. My terriers have been attacked by a German Shepard twice. Both times mine were on lead and trotting along quietly by my side. My sister has a 8 month old Portuguese Water Dog who is huge and very well trained, but she is extremely bouncy and can upset some people so my sis is very careful with her. I walk my lot away from everyone if possible, just not worth the trouble with mixing with others, I do the boys on one walk and the girls on another, so a group of 3 and a pair

 

[GSD Woman]

I thought of this thread on Sunday when my 2 GSDs were charged by 2 off lead Goldens with the owner nowhere in sight. It ended without bloodshed but it could have gone very badly.

 

[yhanni]

There's some spray on Amazon that's extremely effective & very pungent - called K9. It smells strongly of cloves but apart from being expensive, it does no lasting harm. Certainly stops the EBT in her tracks if she goes for the mastiff - we usually just have to show her the can and she stops. Its small enough to have in a pocket and I wouldn't hesitate to use it on a dog … or a person, if it came down to it!

 

[Adele2003]

Aren't rottweilers and other certain breeds supposed to wear muzzles out in public by law ?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Aren't rottweilers and other certain breeds supposed to wear muzzles out in public by law ?

Not in UK

 

[Michen]

In Ireland. Frankly they should. The posts where owners have to be worried they can’t physically restrain their dogs, as if they would need to, make me really concerned tbh.

If you know that you may need to physically restrain your dog for the safety of others, what happens if you trip/fall etc. I think any dog where you don’t feel comfortable and completely sure that it will not be aggressive should be muzzled.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Whip/stick and pair of heavy boots or chain lead. I’ve done some damage to dogs attacking my dogs before. I’m not above kicking and stomping someones dog to protect mine. Dont give a rats ass who disapproves.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

In Ireland. Frankly they should. The posts where owners have to be worried they can’t physically restrain their dogs, as if they would need to, make me really concerned tbh.

If you know that you may need to physically restrain your dog for the safety of others, what happens if you trip/fall etc. I think any dog where you don’t feel comfortable and completely sure that it will not be aggressive should be muzzled.

I don't think anyone has said that they can't physically restrain their dog, have they? Several people have said that they don't walk more than one Rottweiler at the same time but that is to ensure that they can physically control the dog if they need to do so. Of course if the dog is well trained, it is unlikely that owner will need to physically restrain it, especially if other people control their dogs too. It always amazes me how many people are prepared to allow their small dogs to approach onlead Rottweilers, with complete abandon.

 

[Michen]

I don't think anyone has said that they can't physically restrain their dog, have they? Several people have said that they don't walk more than one Rottweiler at the same time but that is to ensure that they can physically control the dog if they need to do so. Of course if the dog is well trained, it is unlikely that owner will need to physically restrain it, especially if other people control their dogs too. It always amazes me how many people are prepared to allow their small dogs to approach onlead Rottweilers, with complete abandon.

That's what I mean, if you are reliant on the NEED to physically restrain a dog (whether it's one dog or two), you are worried that the dog may need restraining for the safety of others surely? Otherwise you wouldn't be worried about a potential situation.

What happens if for some reason you become unable to restrain that one dog? You can't bank on being able to restrain it all the time.. like I said. What if you trip, fall, whatever. IMO if you own a dog that you feel could pose a threat to anyone full stop, it should be muzzled. Or trained.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

But nobody has said that their dog poses a threat to anyone, all the Rottweilers that have been mentioned on here *are* trained. You probably noticed that I said ours is dog-neutral. That is as a result of a carefully designed socialisation programme that started at 12 weeks.
It makes me very cross that the owners of small dogs seem to think that their small dog can do as it likes but the big dogs should be trained to ignore them. IMO *all* dogs should be trained.

 

[Michen]

Of course all dogs should be trained. That's a given. Look at the terrier that attacked the seal in London then bit a person trying to get it off the seal.

But what has been mentioned is the need to be able to physically restrain a dog, to prevent a potential problem. That has been mentioned. At the risk of repeating myself, if you had a dog sound in tempermant, why would this be a concern? It wouldn't.

I know it's unlikely but things happen. Lets say you tripped and fell over and dropped the lead and someone came to help you. If you can't trust that your dog in that situation won't do anything to hurt another person, or dog, it should be muzzled.

That's just my opinion. And it goes for any breed.

 

[Adele2003]

I think ALL dogs small and large should be muzzled in public.

 

[tallyho!]

I've written to my MP on several occasions because of witnessing of sheep worrying, chasing horses, chasing deer, children and general aggressiveness around our way. It's gotten so much worse during lockdone - more dogs no training. This is a national issue now. My own TRAINED dog was complained against only because he growled at a pup that came towards him as he lay.

That poor seal.

It has to be done. Licences. It's the only way.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Of course all dogs should be trained. That's a given. Look at the terrier that attacked the seal in London then bit a person trying to get it off the seal.

But what has been mentioned is the need to be able to physically restrain a dog, to prevent a potential problem. That has been mentioned. At the risk of repeating myself, if you had a dog sound in tempermant, why would this be a concern? It wouldn't.

I know it's unlikely but things happen. Lets say you tripped and fell over and dropped the lead and someone came to help you. If you can't trust that your dog in that situation won't do anything to hurt another person, or dog, it should be muzzled.

That's just my opinion. And it goes for any breed.

As I can trust my dogs, there is no problem. I thought you meant big dogs attacking small ones, as that was the theme of the thread. I can trust mine not to do that either. Although I know plenty of snappy little dogs, should they be muzzled too?

 

[Michen]

As I can trust my dogs, there is no problem. I thought you meant big dogs attacking small ones, as that was the theme of the thread. I can trust mine not to do that either. Although I know plenty of snappy little dogs, should they be muzzled too?

I mean people having dogs that they feel they need to be able to physical restrain because there is a risk if they aren’t.

And yes as I’ve said I think any snappy dog which could bite a person or dog should be muzzled. I am simply repeating myself here.

 

[AmyMay]

I think ALL dogs small and large should be muzzled in public.

Yeah, cos this clearly needs muzzling......

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

View attachment 68419
Yeah, cos this clearly needs muzzling......

Worst bite I’ve ever had was a small dog. Stitches and glue to close large wounds in my hand.

Any dog can bite, some small dogs are worse than big ones for aggressive tendencies and can start the fights, so I can understand the sentiment of all dogs muzzled, I wouldn’t have liked to have muzzled my very cute, very friendly CKCs or my soppy big Gordon setters but if it was the rules I’d have done it.

 

[meleeka]

Of course all dogs should be trained. That's a given. Look at the terrier that attacked the seal in London then bit a person trying to get it off the seal.

But what has been mentioned is the need to be able to physically restrain a dog, to prevent a potential problem. That has been mentioned. At the risk of repeating myself, if you had a dog sound in tempermant, why would this be a concern? It wouldn't.

I know it's unlikely but things happen. Lets say you tripped and fell over and dropped the lead and someone came to help you. If you can't trust that your dog in that situation won't do anything to hurt another person, or dog, it should be muzzled.

That's just my opinion. And it goes for any breed.

I wouldn’t be certain any dog that was petrified by an out of control dog wouldn’t retaliate. When they are on a lead and unable to run away, they are much more likely to use attack as the best form of defence. You obviously can’t pick a Rottie up to get it safe from trouble. Even one that’s dog neutral will defend itself if it has to. Why should a well trained dog be muzzled, just so the out of control one doesn’t get hurt? The answer is surely for the out of control dog to be controlled? Having to physically hold your dog back does not mean it’s out of control, just that it’s been pushed so far it feels it needs to defend itself. I think dogs off lead is a far bigger problem than dogs not muzzled.

 

[Michen]

I wouldn’t be certain any dog that was petrified by an out of control dog wouldn’t retaliate. When they are on a lead and unable to run away, they are much more likely to use attack as the best form of defence. You obviously can’t pick a Rottie up to get it safe from trouble. Even one that’s dog neutral will defend itself if it has to. Why should a well trained dog be muzzled, just so the out of control one doesn’t get hurt? The answer is surely for the out of control dog to be controlled? Having to physically hold your dog back does not mean it’s out of control, just that it’s been pushed so far it feels it needs to defend itself. I think dogs off lead is a far bigger problem than dogs not muzzled.

I agree, my post is referring to if the dog has to be physically restrained because there is a potential that it may not behave under normal circumstances if not (ie got loose or whatnot).

That said, loose dogs are a fact of life. If you walk in public you are bound to encounter them. If you know that one coming up to yours, even in a friendly manner, will provoke your dog to bite then yes- I do think think steps should be taken. It’s immensely frustrating that other owners can cause such havoc for the responsible ones but ultimately if someone gets bitten whilst trying to their loose dog away from your angry on the lead dog, who is liable? Genuine question as I don’t know.

This thread is interesting as seems to suggest in some cases the owner of the dog on the lead would be liable even though it was an out of control dog that provoked it.in others not. So who knows!
https://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/topic/346571-dog-on-lead-bit-another-dog-not-on-a-lead/

 

[Michen]

And here. Mastiff on lead kills dog off lead that ran up to it. Owners arrested.

I am not convinced a person could physically stop a large breed dog in this situation anyway.

https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/n...mastiff-type-dog/?action=complain&cid=8473932

 

[paddy555]

If you know that one coming up to yours, even in a friendly manner, will provoke your dog to bite then yes- I do think think steps should be taken. /

I agree steps should be taken. The owner of the loose dog should get it leaded so that it doesn't come up to mine in the first place. That way problem solved. Not everyone wants loose dogs coming up to them or to their leaded dogs.
As for biting then all dogs have the capacity to bite just as all horses have the capacity to kick.

 

[cbmcts]

I'll stick my head above the paraquat here. First things first, the OP should be reporting the muppet who has 4 dogs of any breed that they can't control, that is totally unacceptable. I have a rottie who is incredibly strong - he's only 47 kgs. but while he is not dog or people aggressive (he would be muzzled in public if he was) when he has a tantrum I do worry that I could lose hold. As a result, he is on two leads, a head collar and a harness. The head collar lead which is also attached to his collar is attached to me by a walking belt and he actually walks nicely on the lead attached to his harness. The reason he is attached to me is that if I was to slip or fall, he cannot get loose.

As a deaf, abused rescue with suspected brain damage he must not get loose as you can't call him back and if he was having a panic he would run blind and the consequences of that are too high - into the road or if someone tried to grab him, I wouldn't want to take the chance that he'd snap. He'd certainly go through them for a short cut and by virtue of his breed alone, people would be terrified. So I make sure he isn't loose, it's not rocket science to achieve that! I would love another dog and am actively looking for one but it will have to be small(er) and very easy on a lead/ trained sufficiently to be off lead as I could not physically cope with another strong dog safely at the moment. So I have only one dog currently. In the past I've walked 3 rotties at a time but only once they were trained reliably enough that I could control them at all times.

I know a lot of rottie owners and the great majority of them are very aware that they have a large breed that can scare people and worse case scenario, do a lot of damage. They are responsible, love their breed, train them well so keep their dogs and other people safe. They are even less impressed by irresponsible owners than most of you are because they don't want to be tarred with the same brush.

I regularly see dog walkers with all breeds of dog totally out of control. Many of them are large enough to do a similar amount of damage as a Rottweiler/GSD/mastiff/large bullbreeds/insert current 'DevilDog' breed but you don't hear the demands for them to muzzled/kept on lead at all times. Pointers/Labs/Retrievers/Malamutes/Huskies are often a similar weight and/or height to a rottie and this year alone I have seen each and every one of these breeds square up to other dogs and on occasion people but they don't attract the vitriol that other breeds do? IME if there is going to be a nasty fight, a male staffie type will usually be involved but they're nanny dogs you know so it's ok...

By virtue of being on HHO, we all handle/have handled much larger animals(horses!) and should know that keeping an animal under control is not a matter of strength alone. We'd be stuffed if it was - it's all about training and technique. I'm happy to be held responsible for my animals but refuse to be the brain for the brainless dog walkers who cannot control their dogs and let them charge up to mine. If they want to play, mine will happily do so but the size differential may not work for them... If they are looking for aggro, mine won't start a fight but I couldn't guarantee that he won't carry it on. I do everything in my power and take all reasonable steps to make sure that it wouldn't get to this stage but I can't control other people or their dogs! They are not my responsibility after all.

 

[GSD Woman]

I think ALL dogs small and large should be muzzled in public.

I don't know if you are just a dog hater or a troll.

 

[Adele2003]

View attachment 68419
Yeah, cos this clearly needs muzzling......

Yes they do, dogs are dogs they are ANIMALS your small doggy could go to a large doggy and cause war it can happen between any dog. your small dog has teeth can bite adult or child cause injury or scars dont underestimate a animal with teeth