Can I just...

[Annette4]

AAARRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!

I know this has been done to death on here but I'm really upset today.

Jack has a grumble at bigger dogs if he's on the lead and they're loose. Only if they come too close and rightly so IMO. I'm trying desperately to curb this and he's soooo much better. He's fine off the lead and ok if they're a bit bouncy his hackles go up but he just stays clear.

So why do people think it's ok for their loose dogs to run up to him (one from one direction and two from another) while he's on a lead then tell me I should muzzle him because he growled and snapped

YOUR sodding Labrador tried to jump on his fecking head with no warning, I'd smack a person who did that to me so why is it ok in the dog world?!?!

We've just been set back ten paces.....a week before his behavioural assessment and I don't know anyone with a nice calm dog who could help put us on the right track

I'm so sick of it. I make an effort to make sure my dog is well socialised and polite. I make an effort to put my dog on a lead when we're approaching one on a lead and if I can't get to him in time I tell him to leave and he ignores them. Why should my dog get labelled vicious because someone else can't control their dog

 

[FestiveSpirit]

I totally sympathise - I remember Talisker snapping at a golden retriever which tried to (lets put this delicately) mount him.... silly old bat who owned the retriever said 'oh well my dog NEVER snaps'

Poor Jack

 

[MurphysMinder]

Totally agree with you. There is nothing worse than trying to teach a dog to be non confrontional with others when idiots let their dogs charge up to them. I wish I knew what the answer was but as it has been happening to me for years I don't think there is one

 

[CorvusCorax]

I concur. I've had a yellow lab and a retriever come galloping up full-on barking during the week while their owners just walked on, even though I asked them to call their dog, waved at them and turned my back on the approaching dog.
At the last minute they (dogs) both seemed to read the body language and ran off again.

Bless B, he was excellent both times (well, a bit prancy

) but I know what you mean, a while back it would have set us back weeks

Don't worry, you WILL get there x

 

[Annette4]

Thank you....I just don't know what to do anymore. It's not just me that walks him but mum and I are on the same page about how we deal with this but she's not as quick to spot the warning signs and unfortunately her best friend has a very poorly socialised 'westie' who she enjoys walking with so there's only so much I can do. Then again when we meet polite people and their dogs he's fine but was can't drive him 10 minuets up the road when there's a park 2 steps away for the sake of ignorant people.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Is there any sort of high-value grub he goes mad for?
Any vocalising he really responds to?
Basically anything that would get his attention, while the other dog is miles away?
So even if the other dog is being an arse, at least you already have his attention?

(Sorry, I've become adept at spotting annoying dogs and the slightest signs of 'will you fook off outta my face' vibes

)

I know it is hard when the other dog is on top of you and to remain calm.

 

[Annette4]

Some of the biscuits from his dinner come on every walk...mum's getting better at spotting the early signs and it's coming....but later on he grumbled at a dog that just came near him but wasn't interested.

Going to start tomorrow with a clean slate and hope it was a momentary lapse.

There's nothing for it though....I'm going to have to get another dog to help him

 

[CorvusCorax]

Sack the biccies and use something super yum, chicken or cheese or frankfurters. He won't go as mad for the biscuits because he knows he will get them at least once a day anyway.

Go get Millie!!!!!