Protecting small dogs on walks

ktj1891

ktj1891

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Is there any way to do it? Today one of our dogs got attacked by two Staffies. This is the third dog attack we have had on our dogs the other 2 were on our Parson Russell by a Staffies and another occasion by a Labrador- both times she's was injured.

Luckily and miraculously today our yorkie came away unscathed I don't know how. We also have 2 chihuahuas that are even smaller than her. Our two older ones are generally scared of big dogs now because of their experiences but the last thing I want now is for the chihuahuas to be scared.

I am genuinely really scared to walk them now and don't know where to go from here to ensure their safety. I generally walk them with someone else at home so we have 2 dogs between us handle.

Any suggestions?
 
I'm glad your dog is okay. Were the Staffies on leads or running around loose? I can't tell you how angry I would be if the owner of these Staffies was being irresponsible and letting them run loose, even in an area where they're allowed to be off lead. Staffies get bad press often enough, not always justified, but this incident clearly isn't doing the breed any favours. I love Staffies, always have and always will, but not only do I make sure my dogs enjoy their walks, I also always ensure they are under control and I never have my Staffie off lead. This is mainly because I'm aware that the general public don't want a Staffie running up to their dog to say hello. Plus he's a tennis ball thief.

Is there maybe a nice big park near you where all dogs must be kept on leads? When walking there, you could decide which other dogs to meet and greet.

I've in the past successfully maintained a 'safety bubble' around me and my dogs by keeping my own dogs on a very short lead and immediately to the left or behind me, and blocking a stalking dog's approach to mine with an aggressive stance, right arm giving them the 'stop' sign and in an authoritive and 'crazy woman' tone of voice telling them 'no', but it's not easily done if there are two dogs on the attack.
 
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npage123 said:
I'm glad your dog is okay. Were the Staffies on leads or running around loose? I can't tell you how angry I would be if the owner of these Staffies was being irresponsible and letting them run loose, even in an area where they're allowed to be off lead. Staffies get bad press often enough, not always justified, but this incident clearly isn't doing the breed any favours. I love Staffies, always have and always will, but not only do I make sure my dogs enjoy their walks, I also always ensure they are under control and I never have my Staffie off lead. This is mainly because I'm aware that the general public don't want a Staffie running up to their dog to say hello. Plus he's a tennis ball thief.

Is there maybe a nice big park near you where all dogs must be kept on leads? When walking there, you could decide which other dogs to meet and greet.

I've in the past successfully maintained a 'safety bubble' around me and my dogs by keeping my own dogs on a very short lead and immediately to the left or behind me, and blocking a stalking dog's approach to mine with an aggressive stance, right arm giving them the 'stop' sign and in an authoritive and 'crazy woman' tone of voice telling them 'no', but it's not easily done if there are two dogs on the attack.
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It's a big country park that we took them too for the first time. Lots of families there today with dogs and having picnics. The owners were sat on grass I guess having picnic or whatever and there Staffies were off lead- I think one didn't have a collar on. I agree all Staffies should always be on lead and all known aggressive dogs should be muzzled. To me it's not fair on the general public that don't know the dog personally that's running towards them especially with powerful breed dogs like Staffies, Rottweilers, German shepherds etc. it's making my dogs more and more nervous of big dogs which doesn't help the situation as when dogs come
To greet them they are nervous and then it just sets off an atmosphere which I guess the dogs are picking up on and then attacking them. One of the people that work at the park came over as it was reported and she checked we were all okay and luckily they were she then took the owners of the Staffies off to the side to talk to them on their own so not sure what happened there! Ruined what was supposed to be a nice walk with our doggies!
 
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Im glad your dogs are ok, incidents like this make me so angry regardless of the breed of dog who has attacked your dog. I would say carry a big stick and dont be afraid to use it either, failing that my small breed bitch a Lancashire Heeler has 2 bodyguards in my 2 Dobes. They love other dogs but will defend me or my little dog, other dogs and owners tend to give us a wide berth and we dont seem to attract attacks. Can you find a nice big breed dog to walk with so your dogs can get confidence from them and their presence would also keep other dogs away.

Im glad someone responsible took the owners aside and lets hope they take the advice they were given.
 
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Dobiegirl said:
Im glad your dogs are ok, incidents like this make me so angry regardless of the breed of dog who has attacked your dog. I would say carry a big stick and dont be afraid to use it either, failing that my small breed bitch a Lancashire Heeler has 2 bodyguards in my 2 Dobes. They love other dogs but will defend me or my little dog, other dogs and owners tend to give us a wide berth and we dont seem to attract attacks. Can you find a nice big breed dog to walk with so your dogs can get confidence from them and their presence would also keep other dogs away.

Im glad someone responsible took the owners aside and lets hope they take the advice they were given.
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My friend has a staffy x and a boxer but we live about 5 miles apart. They have been on a number of walks with our parsons and yorkie and get on fine but she's a bit reluctant to introduce the staffy to our chihuahuas because she's so boisterous. We do has extremely sma chihuahuas about 1.6kg so even a step on them from a big dog would hurt. Our yorkie is only about 2.2kg so 3 very small dogs! Would be worth a go though and see how they go!
 
What a nightmare..I'm glad that your tinies were ok. I actually bought one of these...
http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Dazer-II-Ultrasonic-Deterrent/dp/B000IBRI2Y
I carry it on my bum bag,in a phone holder...it has worked on two occasions and loose dogs have turned back from us when it is pointed at them. it is an ultrasound deterrent...I'm not sure if it would work on two determined dogs set out to attack,but it does give me a bit of courage.
when I walk in an offlead area,my hub comes with me and we do take a walking stick as my st poodle was viciously attacked by a rottie when he was just ten months old.It has also altered my dog,making him wary of offlead males when they come too close for his comfort.I try to be calm,as your uncertainty does go down the lead.
 
That is so sad but I think you will just have to pick your chis up when a big dog approaches. It isn't ideal, and won't help their socialisation, but is better than the alternative.
At least you could let them meet dogs you know are friendly in a natural way.
 
This is something that really annoys me, my Kerry blue has been attacked twice now both times by loose bull mastiffs, she now hates bigger dogs and has become aggressive to strange dogs she doesn't know. I don't enjoy our walks at all and very rarely take her to our local field and woods unless I'm with my oh as peop,e just seem to think its ok to allow their dogs to run up to mine while they're oblivious walking along on the other side of the park. I know your not really meant to but on two occasions I've picked my dog up (she's medium sized so not small) to avoid an aggressive dog coming full pelt at us.
 
Stories like this always make a me a little sad, as the owner of a large GSD. I often have people see him, pick up their little dog and run the other way, he wouldn't say boo to a goose and is more than likely to run away when their dog yips at him. Because I know he's harmless I let him amble along as far or as near to me as he likes (he doesn't like to go out of sight anyway) and I often get dirty looks from people for not having my "blood thirsty, dangerous, killer" muzzled and attached to me by chains. He gets chased and attacked fairly often, especially by spaniels and Labradors but I don't go around giving every owner of these dirty looks.

I wish people took more responsibility for their dogs, especially ones that already have a bad reputation as it tends to be us responsible owners that bare the brunt of the ill will.

I'm glad both you and your dogs are ok OP, I wish I could lend you my boy as a bodyguard but he'd be worse than useless!
 
There is a local story about a woman with a pug puppy that was out walking - a loose GSD ran up to it, picked it up, scragged it til it went limp, then proudly carried it off to his owner, who grabbed the puppy and ran off. The owner of the pug as far as I know hasn't seen any of them again since, left desperately upset by the loss of her puppy. And the owner of the GSD who ran off with the "evidence" will probably get away with it ?
 
I think this is a problem for all dog owners - not just those with small dogs.

I have a Great Dane and a Dane x Doberman. Both very large dogs, 75kg and 65kg respectively. My younger dog, the pure Dane, has been attacked on numerous occasions by loose dogs - always smaller than him.

I think the problem is owners who have no control. My dogs don't wear leads when out walking. I do carry leads, but I can't remember the last time I used them. This is because my dogs are both excellent with re call. It's taken a hell of a lot of work, but they are now dogs that I am proud to own. Whenever I see another walker, regardless of whether they have dogs with them or not, I move to the side, call my dogs to me and they are made to sit and wait until the person has passed. It's astonishing how many people let their dogs rush up to mine without asking.

If people have no control, they should have their dogs on a lead. I don't agree that all Staffies should be on a lead. Staffies are lovely dogs, as are Rotties, Dobes, German Shepherds and all the other breeds which have a bad name - bad people make bad dogs, it is not inherently built in.

I'm so glad your dog is ok - poor thing. I know how stressful I find it, and my dog is big enough to eat most who attack him in one bite if he wanted to.
 
ktj1891 said:
all Staffies should always be on lead
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Very unfair and silly comment - what about all the Staffies who aren't dog-aggressive?

There is rarely a time that ours is on a lead out walking, because she is just so ridiculously easy to call back (nothing we have trained - she has always been a bit of a worrier and likes to be close).

She will completely avoid all other dogs and scoot away from them if they bother her - I can't count the number of them who have pestered and pestered her over the years while all she's wanted to do is walk with us on her own!

ANY dog, whether it's a small fluffy thing, a Lab, a Rottie or a Dachshund should be on a lead if it's aggressive. Don't tar all dogs within a breed with the same brush - just do the responsible thing if you have an aggressive dog.
 
I don't mean to tar but what I am saying is all big dogs will be intimidating to owners of dogs that's come running over to you. I don't know that dog and as far as I am aware he could be aggressive. That's what I mean when all big dogs should be on a lead around others unless as others have stated they are exceptional well behaved and recall immediately when asked. As others have said when I walk my dogs I don't want other dogs running up to mine with no control especially Staffies, Germans shepherds etc as you just don't know the dogs and out of my dogs over them they are definitely the more powerful ones. Surely that's just respect and responsibility of a dog owner. Sorry that's how I feel as I'm getting more and more scared of my dogs around big dogs this this being the third attaxk on my dogs.
 
FYI my parson has been attacked by a Staffies and Labrador on previous occasion and had to go to vet so in sorry that I feel this way but I think that's it's responsible to have big dogs on a lead whilst passing smaller one. I think it's a given regardless of the size of the dog of its aggressive it should be on a lead and muzzled.
 
I do put my big dogs on leads if I see other dogs, people see my Dobes and are nervous because of their size and reputation but mine are pussycats with other dogs and are not that interested in them. A nervous owner makes a nervous dog IMO so rather than give anyone a fright I put mine on leads.
 
Dobiegirl said:
I do put my big dogs on leads if I see other dogs, people see my Dobes and are nervous because of their size and reputation but mine are pussycats with other dogs and are not that interested in them. A nervous owner makes a nervous dog IMO so rather than give anyone a fright I put mine on leads.
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Which I think is a good idea and good of you to do. No one is saying big dogs are bad its just from my point of view when walking 4 small dogs any big dog that comes over to me can be potentially dangerous because i don't know the dog, equally so can a small dog but they are going to do less damage than a big dog. If people let their dogs off and can control them (which in theory only dogs that are under control should be off lead) then yes its fine, if i could say to an owner please can you call your dog back I wouldn't have such a issue but sadly majority of people think its okay to let their dogs off because ' they know their fine' or 'their only playing' etc etc.One bite from a big dog would kill any of my 4 immediately which I am still in disbelief how our poor Yorkie is okay- however she does have bruising she has been yelping jumping off things today!
 
Just to show i'm not stereotyping certain breeds of dogs this is me with my best friends staffie x and her boxer, both a trust. Also, German Shepherds are my favorite breed of dog and hope to own one in the future. However, even my friend wont introduce her staffie to my chihuahuas not because we think she would attack them but purely where she is so boisterous if she banged into them she would cause serious damage. I also find that big dogs tend to paw at my dogs and the owners let them do it! So my poor puppies get boofed over their heads with paws. The small Chihuahuas do tend to jump up at big dogs faces to say hello because they are so small they cant reach otherwise- however, i do discourage it as i know a lot of dogs probably don't think it, i don't however, make excuses for them doing it i.e. being small, i stop them.

I just wish I could feel more safe walking them and owners could see from other dog owners point of view that their dogs shouldn't be running up to them with no control or recall! Maybe I will just carry a stick with me when walking in future (like my Grandad ALWAYS used to when walking his dog) for some extra protection.


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and just to show how small my dogs are and why i find it intimidating havent big dogs coming towards me off lead. (plus one cat)

FDA5EEED-2B6D-4C4D-BB05-F9D37BA5515C_zpsmqcpwqvu.jpg
 
selinas spirit said:
Are small dogs put on the lead though, my big dog has been chased by small dogs.
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Yes mine are kept on lead until no dogs are around. The two others chase after dogs in the field at the back of our house as I think they feel it's their space so we don't let them off anymore. Anywhere else we let the parson off if there isn't many dogs around and she is fine but none of our others are let off as too small.
 
I'm sorry your dog had a scare and I hope he recovers soon.

We have a Chihuahua near us that is a very aggressive dog. The owners always keep him on the lead but he launches at our big dogs (or any come to that) and it has caused one of our big dogs to be quite concerned when he is on a lead as he feels trapped. He feels much happier if he is walking loose.

We also have a Staffie and I do let him off the lead in some areas as he is the sweetest little dog and does not attack other dogs, but if dogs smaller than him are around and start to run at him, then I put him on he lead (he isn't interested in dogs- he prefers his humans), as I am well aware that many people misunderstand Staffies and if I'm enjoying a walk with him I don't want to be bothered having to educate them and spoil our walk, sometimes its easier to just avoid any potential issues.

One thing I do know from dog behaviourists is that a dog easily picks up the anxiety its owner transmits and that can make the issues worse. We can give signs off even when we don't think we are.

It would be understandable if you did feel anxious given what has happened, but its worth focussing on some techniques . I've been in this situation myself after my big dog was bitten twice by another dog, when he was on a lead walking by my side. It made him react aggressively to other dogs for a while as he felt he needed to protect us and I had to learn coping techniques for us both while he got over the situation- which he did.
 
My dog was attacked (a very small papillon) and often gets intimidated by big dogs being rough with her. I keep her on a long lead, and tend to avoid all other dogs now and if a dog is charging at her, I will pick her up. Sad, but I need to keep her safe. She isn't aggressive at all, but I can't risk another attack like the one that could have killed her.
 
NinjaPony said:
My dog was attacked (a very small papillon) and often gets intimidated by big dogs being rough with her. I keep her on a long lead, and tend to avoid all other dogs now and if a dog is charging at her, I will pick her up. Sad, but I need to keep her safe. She isn't aggressive at all, but I can't risk another attack like the one that could have killed her.
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My thoughts exactly. Previous I haven't been worried but now I am because it has happened to many times. Aurely for everyone safety, comfort and understanding it's not hard to call your dog back and put him on a lead to pass others.
 
I get this problem too........ I am sick to the back teeth of stoopid ignorant people who let their badly mannered dogs come bounding up to my two when we are out and think that's perfectly OK. What really riles me is when they know damn well their dog is a problem but they just let it off the lead and then walk on ahead, meanwhile their dog is being a dratted nuisance to everyone else's and they're blissfully unaware.

You could try getting a "My Dog Needs Space" tabard; try here www.yellowdog.co.uk - this isn't foolproof however and you'll always get some nitwit who'll still let their dog be a nuisance in spite of you wearing a big yellow tabard with "my dog needs space" clearly written on it!! OR they'll ask daft question like "why does your dog need space"; whilst still letting their dog show its teeth at yours! Truly unbelievable and SO damned rude. Gosh, sorry, am getting ranty!!

I've got to the stage where my weapons of war are stuff like.......... a Fairy Liquid bottle with some "fairy" still in the bottom - fill with water to about three-quarters and tuck in pocket. Fire at any miscreant that approaches. Also a pot of ordinary white pepper which slips nicely into the pocket - to be used as necessary!!! Or there is a dog training aerosol thing which you can get which is basically compressed air which makes a "shoosh" noise, you should get them at any petshop/outlet.

But basically OP, I think you should inform the Dog Warden as they are the ones with the legislative power and the clout to tackle this TBH.
 
ktj1891 said:
I don't mean to tar but what I am saying is all big dogs will be intimidating to owners of dogs that's come running over to you. I don't know that dog and as far as I am aware he could be aggressive. That's what I mean when all big dogs should be on a lead around others unless as others have stated they are exceptional well behaved and recall immediately when asked. As others have said when I walk my dogs I don't want other dogs running up to mine with no control especially Staffies, Germans shepherds etc as you just don't know the dogs and out of my dogs over them they are definitely the more powerful ones. Surely that's just respect and responsibility of a dog owner. Sorry that's how I feel as I'm getting more and more scared of my dogs around big dogs this this being the third attaxk on my dogs.
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I'm certainly not intimidated, nor is my small dog.

But I understand your concerns given your experiences.
 
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my dog was thrown about by a large dog she was on a lead and the dog grabbed her and threw her around whilst I kicked the horrible thing to get off her. I carry a large walking stick and if a dog comes up I put the stick between her and the dog. I will not risk her being killed or injured for the sake of some idiot saying he just wants to play. Not with my dog thanks. They havent got the brains they were born without half of them.

Bad breeding also produces bad dogs not just the owners, thats why we are overrun with the things in kennels. Why would you breed from a snappy dog or agressive dog that doesnt like children. Dont people bother to look at the parents of these dogs before they buy them? No that would be too simple.
 
Im glad some people feel the same as me. My dogs are just to tiny to take chances with and assume the dog is 'well behaved' or not going to attack them.
 
I now keep my border collie on the lead most of the time.

She is not an agressive dog but she isn't friendly either - she is a trained working dog and has spent most of her life on a farm with little contact with other dogs. She has never harmed anyone or any other dog but she does get noisy when she sees people. When I take her out now if we are going at a time when I know others are going to be out and about she goes on her extend lead - even though she has perfect recall and the 'here' command brings her to sit at my feet - this is because of the amount of dogs that we meet off lead who's owners just let them come running over normally with the comment 'oh he/she is OK with other dogs' - well mine isn't - they make her nervous and I can't say hand on heart that she wouldn't bite them if they carried on harrassing her - after all she is trained to 'go in' at sheep if they are getting out of hand.

I also have to say that the majority of the dogs that are loose are smaller dogs - westie's, JRT's etc - in the area where we are the majority of bigger dogs are on leads. It's not possible for me to pick up a distressed border when some little dog is jumping in her face and upsetting her.

It's not just the larger dogs that have irresponsible owners. Any dog can be a nightmare if it's owners don't care.
 
madlady said:
It's not just the larger dogs that have irresponsible owners. Any dog can be a nightmare if it's owners don't care.
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I agree with this completely small dogs that are not under control can be just as bad hence ours are always on leads now unless no one is around however, bigger dogs purely on physicality or their breed can do a lot more damage. I generally find with my small dogs that other small dogs receive/get on with them better and I am more relaxed although I know this isn't something that is always the case. I am generally relaxed with all dogs as well if they come across as friendly, relaxed, obedient or older dogs. However, having had some very near misses with bigger dogs running over out of control, completely unknown personality I am very much aware or potential problems. I really feel I should carry a stick with me but I am unsure as to what react it may trigger with dogs, if all dogs saw it as a warning and backed off I would quite happily carry one with me all the time however, if a dog saw it as a threat and reacted negatively towards me or my dogs it would have completely the opposite affect of its purpose... My brother took them for a walk around the field that backs onto our garden the day after the incident and again a staffy was off lead and ran over to our dogs whilst an owner was chasing after him... doesn't inspire much hope!
 
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