Irresponsible Owners

[GSD Woman]

My friend's first Tibetan Mastiff was often attacked usually by Akitas and we put that down to the fact that her tail curled over her back.

I would put it down to Akitas being Akitas. Unless very well trained and controlled can be aggressive towards other dogs. A pair of them tore up a cat on her own stoop. Cat ended up dying. I remember crying then and I'm tearing up now.

One time when I was walking Freddie and Rudy Freddie suddenly disappeared. This is so not typical of her. She is usually totally tuned in to her tennis ball. She had gone up to a big pit bull sitting next his owner on a log in the woods. She did come back when called. The man did tell me his dog was fine as long as the other dog didn't act dominant. Since Freddie is so not challenging all was well. Then another man came walking down the path coming towards us. He had some trouble getting his dogs back on lead but managed it. They were freaking out trying to get to my dogs, now on lead and on a sit stay, and the pit bull.

 

[skinnydipper]

Of course they don't, I didn't say that. But allowing a dog to bounce off the end of a harness is hardly conducive to reactivity

Neither is using a collar, with the added risk of a dog backing out of a flat collar in the blink of an eye.

Using a collar that tightens and causes pain/discomfort will increase reactivity. The dog who is already fearful (reactivity is usually fear based) would then associate seeing another dog with pain.

 

[LittleBlackMule]

My turn to post here as what I saw today absolutely took the biscuit..

Picture the scene, a quiet beach along the south coast with various people and families dotted about sitting enjoying the sun, some with dogs sitting with them or mooching nearby.
All very peaceful and civilised.

Suddenly the peace is shattered by the arrival of a couple with five off lead dogs, two springers, two lurchers and an enormous black thing that could have been part Dane. The dogs are hurtling maniacally all over the beach and through the sea, crashing through people sitting on the beach and accosting every other dog trying to mind their own business.

Not once did the owners attempt to regain any semblance of control, one lady sitting reading was jumped on and knocked over by the Dane and looked absolutely terrified as its owners walked past ignoring it, and when one family with a small child was leaped all over by both the springers and the Dane who were all soaking wet, the man actually laughed.

Needless to say they also completely ignored the copious amounts of crap their dogs were depositing as they careered around.

Thankfully they didn’t get close to me as my two were already grumbling ominously, otherwise there would have been a violent reaction and not just from my dogs..

 

[some show]

A brilliant rescue I follow just had this happen to them today.

You can see how hard the staff are having to hang on to these powerful dogs in the photos, with a white-knuckle grip.

Lisa is amazing with dogs and Greyhound Gap have helped all sorts besides sighthounds over the years (including humans) with great common sense and a sense of humour, and are struggling at the moment just like all rescues are. Apparently this man and woman just grabbed their SIX completely out of control dogs and buggered off without apologising/checking for damage. Oh, and the dogs have got badly cropped ears too, of course. Badly let down by their owners.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Awful! I hope the police will actually bloody do something about it. Surely the DDA covers incidents like this (i.e., dangerously out of control). They need to start taking dog on dog attacks more seriously because inevitably humans will get caught up in it one way or another and these great big dogs can do a lot of damage in not a lot of time.

 

[some show]

Awful! I hope the police will actually bloody do something about it. Surely the DDA covers incidents like this (i.e., dangerously out of control). They need to start taking dog on dog attacks more seriously because inevitably humans will get caught up in it one way or another and these great big dogs can do a lot of damage in not a lot of time.

I agree. I think Lisa's hopeful they will because it's happened on private land (the kennels) and also they were walking these dogs off-lead on farm land too. They got photos of the couple's car with clear number plate so they can be tracked down. A couple of the kennels staff have got minor injuries and one of the dogs also redirected in its frustration and drew a bit of blood on her adult son's neck as he was helping - luckily it seemed to employ some bite inhibition, but these were definitely dangerously out of control dogs.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I agree. I think Lisa's hopeful they will because it's happened on private land (the kennels) and also they were walking these dogs off-lead on farm land too. They got photos of the couple's car with clear number plate so they can be tracked down. A couple of the kennels staff have got minor injuries and one of the dogs also redirected in its frustration and drew a bit of blood on her adult son's neck as he was helping - luckily it seemed to employ some bite inhibition, but these were definitely dangerously out of control dogs.

I just saw the post of the neck injuries. Superficial thank goodness but could have been so, so much worse.

 

[some show]

I just can't imagine how terrifying it would be if you came across them out on a walk. Greyhounds especially have such thin skin, I dread something like this happening to me when I'm walking mine - just being totally helpless. I could let him go but I don't think he'd know where to run, or if he even would run.

 

[AmyMay]

I just can't imagine how terrifying it would be if you came across them out on a walk. Greyhounds especially have such thin skin, I dread something like this happening to me when I'm walking mine - just being totally helpless. I could let him go but I don't think he'd know where to run, or if he even would run.

Please update us on any police action or update generally. What an awful, terrifying incident!

 

[MurphysMinder]

How terrifying, hope the police take it seriously. Greyhound gap are a great charity , they came over to Shropshire to help catch a stray lurcher a while back . They also sometimes have cake stalls at agility shows with superb cakes !

 

[Titchy Pony]

That is bloody terrifying! I wouldn't want one of those's teeth anywhere near my neck! I can't believe (well I can) they just left. I hope the dogs are seized and they get an ownership ban and a hefty fine.

 

[CorvusCorax]

It's a pity that there wasn't time to quickly pop the offending dogs into kennels and the police called before they were returned to the owners, but I understand these things happen in the heat of the moment ...

 

[YorksG]

It also looks as if there was no collar on the dog that the chap was hanging onto, making matters even more difficult!

 

[some show]

Yeah, no collars on the dogs and I think they're at full capacity anyway so no spare kennels, plus they only have three or four staff members, some of whom were trying to get their own dogs out of harm's way - plus heat of the moment, as you said! Terrible situation to be in.

 

[Nasicus]

I was driving home a couple days ago, nearly home, when I saw a lady walking a dog up the road. Nothing exciting, just a leggy looking labrador cross thing. And then I saw, coming around the corner, a gigantic mastiff/bully/big blocked headed dog type being walked by a middle aged bloke.
It sounds terrible and judgemental, but I thought 'that dogs going to go for that lab.', so I slowed down a smidge and kept an eye in my rear view mirror.
I then saw the lab skitter out into the road as the BBHD rounded the corner and absolutely LAUNCHED itself at that poor lab, mouth wide open. The guy holding it could barely keep hold of it, it pulled him to the ground onto his side and he rolled over and was basically sat on the floor trying to hold back this massive dog by the lead (attached to a harness of course).
The lady with the leggy lab bit a hasty exit, and I turned the car around and caught up with her to ask if she was okay, thankfully she and dog were but all she could say was 'That's a BIG dog!'.
Idiot with the BBHD walked off now clutching to the lead attached to the back and the chest clip of the harness, still barely able to keep the dog under control.

Absolutely terrifying, that's not the first incident I've seen with BBHD's around here, and their numbers only seem to be increasing. It's to the point where I'm genuinely nervous and worried to take my small fluffy 5kg dog out, even just for a walk around the pavement. Some people think I'm being judgemental and over the top, but all it takes is one bite or grab and shake from a big dog like that and she's dead, and I just don't trust the kind of people that have these dogs to properly train, socialize and contain them.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

A brilliant rescue I follow just had this happen to them today.

You can see how hard the staff are having to hang on to these powerful dogs in the photos, with a white-knuckle grip.

Lisa is amazing with dogs and Greyhound Gap have helped all sorts besides sighthounds over the years (including humans) with great common sense and a sense of humour, and are struggling at the moment just like all rescues are. Apparently this man and woman just grabbed their SIX completely out of control dogs and buggered off without apologising/checking for damage. Oh, and the dogs have got badly cropped ears too, of course. Badly let down by their owners.

That’s horrific. Multiple bullys? They clearly ought not to have even one, let alone multiples. I hope the police take action. That volunteer is having to hold that thing really hard

 

[GSD Woman]

Absolutely terrifying, that's not the first incident I've seen with BBHD's around here, and their numbers only seem to be increasing. It's to the point where I'm genuinely nervous and worried to take my small fluffy 5kg dog out, even just for a walk around the pavement. Some people think I'm being judgemental and over the top, but all it takes is one bite or grab and shake from a big dog like that and she's dead, and I just don't trust the kind of people that have these dogs to properly train, socialize and contain them.

I wish more small dog owners realized that. Too many think it's "cute" when their small dogs sound off at my GSDs. One paw swipe and the small dog is badly injured or dead.

If I had a small dog I would be so worried.

 

[splashgirl45]

I have 2 small very friendly terriers and I always put them on the lead if I see dogs I don’t know, especially big ones..I don’t remember ever being worried years ago as there didn’t seem to be so many dogs out of control and mostly the owners were dog savvy which I don’t think is the case now..

 

[MurphysMinder]

I have 2 small (7kg) dogs who are used to GSDs so have no fear of big dogs . There is one idiot round here who has an aggressive dog and he walks on the footpath next to my field with dog off lead . If I’ve got the dogs in the field I always keep a wary eye to make sure he isn’t around as it could easily jump the style.

 

[splashgirl45]

I have 2 small (7kg) dogs who are used to GSDs so have no fear of big dogs . There is one idiot round here who has an aggressive dog and he walks on the footpath next to my field with dog off lead . If I’ve got the dogs in the field I always keep a wary eye to make sure he isn’t around as it could easily jump the style.

That’s the trouble with my little ones, they have no fear of big dogs because they have met quite a few of my friends big dogs who are gentle with them. Mine are 6.4 and 8 kg so similar to yours

 

[CorvusCorax]

Just seen a dog shelter advertise a 75 kilo Ovcharka for rehoming after it was surrendered to a dog pound.

"Dislikes : Other dogs, seeing other dogs, being anywhere in the vicinity of other dogs.
She cannot share a home with any other dog, cannot be able to see neighboring dog/no nearby roads/lanes where other people walk their dogs.
Ideally her new home should be in a very private secluded area with no/very little traffic/visitors."

 

[EventingMum]

I had to take our youngest dog a JRT to the vet this afternoon as he has a sore ear. We arrived and sat in the waiting room with Hobson who is 20 months old sitting quietly on Mr EM's lap. The next thing I saw was a vet scooping up the practice cat and shutting him away, moments later a huge, overweight dog launched into the waiting room puffing and snorting eventually followed, at the end of a very long lead, by his owner. He immediately dived at Mr EM and Hobson - his head was the same size as Hobson's - but fortunately, Mr EM stood up and held a quaking Hobson out of the way. Once the owner caught up with the dog she uttered the immortal words "Oh, don't worry, he just wants to play" We explained that Hobson would be intimidated by his size and might be defensive so it wasn't a good idea. I moved seats and spoke to the dog, who was in fairness, friendly but in the next few minutes took several more dives at Hobson again almost pulling the owner off her seat. She was an older, very large lady and I don't think she was capable of stopping him if anything untoward happened and if she does actually walk him it's an accident waiting to happen. The vet also mentioned that the cat had to be shut away when he visits as he launches at it, again supposedly wanting to play. Fortunately, Hobson recovered quickly but initially, I think he thought a fire-breathing dragon was coming for him! I'm sure the dog is much loved but either he or his owner could be injured if he continues like this

 

[CorvusCorax]

My dogs can be dicks in a small waiting area - I either wait and go to the car when I am called or they call me in the car park?!

 

[stangs]

Just seen a dog shelter advertise a 75 kilo Ovcharka for rehoming after it was surrendered to a dog pound.

"Dislikes : Other dogs, seeing other dogs, being anywhere in the vicinity of other dogs.
She cannot share a home with any other dog, cannot be able to see neighboring dog/no nearby roads/lanes where other people walk their dogs.
Ideally her new home should be in a very private secluded area with no/very little traffic/visitors."

Ovcharka looking for the sort of home she should have had in the first place, being an Ovcharka, except some idiot thought she’d fit right in in the UK.

 

[stangs]

If we’re doing irresponsible rescues, there’s a Kangal currently up for adoption with a bite history. Specifically, he bit the first set of people that tried to rehome him as well as an experienced fosterer. Rescue’s clearly trying their best for him but also making posts saying he only bites when stressed and that he’s fine as long as he’s left alone and not stressed out.

Somehow I can’t envision him getting adopted anytime soon.

 

[skinnydipper]

Just seen a dog shelter advertise a 75 kilo Ovcharka for rehoming after it was surrendered to a dog pound.

"Dislikes : Other dogs, seeing other dogs, being anywhere in the vicinity of other dogs.
She cannot share a home with any other dog, cannot be able to see neighboring dog/no nearby roads/lanes where other people walk their dogs.
Ideally her new home should be in a very private secluded area with no/very little traffic/visitors."

All in all ideal family pet then

That's a helluva responsibility to pass on to someone.

It's one breed if I see I get out of dodge pdq.

 

[AmyMay]

I had to take our youngest dog a JRT to the vet this afternoon as he has a sore ear. We arrived and sat in the waiting room with Hobson who is 20 months old sitting quietly on Mr EM's lap. The next thing I saw was a vet scooping up the practice cat and shutting him away, moments later a huge, overweight dog launched into the waiting room puffing and snorting eventually followed, at the end of a very long lead, by his owner. He immediately dived at Mr EM and Hobson - his head was the same size as Hobson's - but fortunately, Mr EM stood up and held a quaking Hobson out of the way. Once the owner caught up with the dog she uttered the immortal words "Oh, don't worry, he just wants to play" We explained that Hobson would be intimidated by his size and might be defensive so it wasn't a good idea. I moved seats and spoke to the dog, who was in fairness, friendly but in the next few minutes took several more dives at Hobson again almost pulling the owner off her seat. She was an older, very large lady and I don't think she was capable of stopping him if anything untoward happened and if she does actually walk him it's an accident waiting to happen. The vet also mentioned that the cat had to be shut away when he visits as he launches at it, again supposedly wanting to play. Fortunately, Hobson recovered quickly but initially, I think he thought a fire-breathing dragon was coming for him! I'm sure the dog is much loved but either he or his owner could be injured if he continues like this

What’s with everyone explaining things politely? Why not tell her to ‘real the bl@@dy thing in and keep it away from your dog’?

I had similar the other week. Young lab dragging its owner left right and centre. Who then proceeded to tell it ‘ok you can say hello’ (to my dogs who were sitting next to me out of the way).

‘No it can’t. F off’ was my response. Plain speaking works best….

Enough with the politeness

 

[EventingMum]

What’s with everyone explaining things politely? Why not tell her to ‘real the bl@@dy thing in and keep it away from your dog’?

I had similar the other week. Young lab dragging its owner left right and centre. Who then proceeded to tell it ‘ok you can say hello’ (to my dogs who were sitting next to me out of the way).

‘No it can’t. F off’ was my response. Plain speaking works best….

Enough with the politeness

You're right, I just didn't fancy being struck off my wonderful vet's list as they have a two and a half year waiting list to register with them. They are a super family of dad and two daughters, the only independent vets in the area and they do out of hours cover, with all the other practices requiring you to do a 30 mile drive for any emergencies at night.

 

[AmyMay]

You're right, I just didn't fancy being struck off my wonderful vet's list as they have a two and a half year waiting list to register with them. They are a super family of dad and two daughters, the only independent vets in the area and they do out of hours cover, with all the other practices requiring you to do a 30 mile drive for any emergencies at night.

Surely they wouldn’t strike you off for telling someone to keep control of their dog?

 

[EventingMum]

Surely they wouldn’t strike you off for telling someone to keep control of their dog?

No, but perhaps if I swore at her which I could have been tempted to do! Mr EM did say quite politely that Hobson would be intimidated and may react defensively.