Unusual interraction or am I crazy?

[Shaolin]

Had Finn out today for a walk around the lake. We were sitting quietly when an owner came up with their dog. I couldn't tell what the dog was, but it doesn't matter as Finn is well socialized and outside of one specific dog, he gets along with everyone. Well, that dog puffed up and hit the end of his leash like a bullet to the point it startled me. Finn jumped up and held his tail up and hackles up, but wasn't making any noise. I gave him a quick tug on his leash and he turned and sat facing me as I didn't want a staring contest and make things worse.

The other dog seemed to be very DA. The poor owner was being dragged by this dog. I got up, and Finn wouldn't allow me on his left side to the point of "herding" me by leaning against me. His hackles and tail were still sky high, but he was looking back and forth between me and the other dog, or his eyes were straight forward, not looking at anything. He continued to move forward the entire time with no prompting by me and never seemed unsure or nervous, but I've never seen him act like this before.

Before we could get completely out of range, the dog charged towards us again. Finn let loose one good bark/growl combo, but he didn't back off. If anything, he stood his ground. I gave his collar a good tug and he immediately turned around and continued walking, never looking back.

So...did I do everything okay? Is there something I need to worry about when it comes to Finn? Should he have kept walking or was standing his ground acceptable considering he continued on moving the minute he was "asked" with no questions.

[Lauri & The Gang]

Sounds like both you and Finn did perfect.

Finn reacted but listened to your corrections/instructions. He tried to keep himself between you and the other dog (the perceived threat) and gave a warning bark when the dog threatened but again, he listened to you immediately.

ETA: If that had been Mauser and I, Mauser would have gone off on the dog and it would have taken alot of physical force on my part to get him back in check. We are working on his reactivity but it's hard when you can't find people willing to let you use their dogs as 'testers' - especially when it's a 'big, bad German Shepherd'.

[Shaolin]

Originally Posted by Lauri & The Gang

Sounds like both you and Finn did perfect.

Finn reacted but listened to your corrections/instructions. He tried to keep himself between you and the other dog (the perceived threat) and gave a warning bark when the dog threatened but again, he listened to you immediately.

ETA: If that had been Mauser and I, Mauser would have gone off on the dog and it would have taken alot of physical force on my part to get him back in check. We are working on his reactivity but it's hard when you can't find people willing to let you use their dogs as 'testers' - especially when it's a 'big, bad German Shepherd'.

Thank you! I'm never sure as to what I'm supposed to do. I figured as long as he was listening to me, he was okay. I live in fear of the day when Finn barks/growls at another dog and he's classified as a vicious dog because of it, but I wanted to make sure. I will admit, his manners aren't the best, especially when he sees a friendly dog; the friendlier the dog, the more he wants to get over to it, so he'll walk to the end of the leash and kind of do a happy whimper with a waggy tail, but we're working on that as well.

If you lived near me, I'd be more than happy to be your tester! We had the same issue; Finn wasn't really dog socialized until he was about a year or two old because we weren't allowed in puppy classes and our friends were leery of a GSD, but once we got him out there, he was fine. I hope you and Mauser find some willing people to help you.

[Gretchen]

I'm glad you did not panic and freeze. Walking away and keeping your distance is always best. I think Finn's reaction was normal, good of him to heel with you when prompted.

[Shaolin]

Originally Posted by Gretchen

I'm glad you did not panic and freeze. Walking away and keeping your distance is always best. I think Finn's reaction was normal, good of him to heel with you when prompted.

That was years of walking into homes with not-so-happy dogs and just having to move past them kicking in. As I said, I can't even fathom what the dog was; was different shades of red/tan, built like a Rottie, but with the thick Mastiff head, but was thick and muscular like a drugged up Pit Bull you sometimes see online. I'm sure it was a Summa Dog, but either way, I'm sure it would've made very quick work of me or Finn if it came down to it. I also didn't want to freak Finn out; we've encountered some not happy dogs before, but this was the worst. I just wanted it to be a neutral experience; not good, but not bad, so it didn't leave any lasting impressions on him.

[Phoebes]

I dont have anything productive to say except I hope you gave Finn extra pets and hugs! That sounds fantastic! He totally protected you, and I think your reaction to move along when you prompted sounds perfect to me. He obeyed, no grudges against this dog and your queues to keep going indicate a lot of confidence which Finn perceives better than we would.