Encounter With A Loose Dog- Not Sure I Handled It Right

[lar07]

Originally Posted by pets4life

Hey i have a question why would you walk your dogs that close to a fence with an aggressive dog though? were you looking to get in a fight or something? trying to get your dogs into a fence fight? i dont get your logic? i dont care if its public property why not just avoid the situation keep walking and keep your dogs away from the fence give the dog some respect since it is that dogs territory you are passing?? I walk by dogs like that all the time i dont let my dog fence fight and get close to a fence where an aggressive dog is barking at us all icare about is passing im not there to pick fights with strangers. Sounds like you are looking for trouble.

I was walking my dogs on a path between houses in a neighborhood where people walk their dogs, take their children on walks, etc..all the time on this path. This dog came from the yard (I didn't see it at first) and began to lunge through the fence and attempted to bite one of my dogs before I reacted fast enough. And we did keep walking. Thanks for your wonderful insight though.

[pets4life]

what is with all these people kicking dogs? i dont know what german shepherds you guys own but german shepherds adult ones are alpha dogs and can handle themselves much better than most dogs or maybe i am just lucky or something but if i were to get attacked its not my dog that would be worrying about, feels like people are treating them like mini poodles or something.

[Germanshepherdlova]

Originally Posted by pets4life

what is with all these people kicking dogs? i dont know what german shepherds you guys own but german shepherds adult ones are alpha dogs and can handle themselves much better than most dogs or maybe i am just lucky or something but if i were to get attacked its not my dog that would be worrying about, feels like people are treating them like mini poodles or something.

I have never kicked a dog but would not hesitate to do so if I had to. Do I think my dog could hold his own in a fight? Most certainly. However, I don't like fights. I don't want my dog to get bit nor do I want my dog to injure another dog. Thus far, when a stray has approached us it has worked for me to say very firmly -get out of here, and my dogs are of course growling at the approaching dog-so far the dog turns around and leaves. Except for once when Brutus was a puppy-but that's a long story.

[Dainerra]

the main reason I do it is that the so many little dogs are the ones who charge us on walks. Where do you think the court of public opinion would put the blame if my dog reacted and seriously hurt or killed a small dog? Yup. My dog would get the blame.

[Blake]

Originally Posted by pets4life

what is with all these people kicking dogs? i dont know what german shepherds you guys own but german shepherds adult ones are alpha dogs and can handle themselves much better than most dogs or maybe i am just lucky or something but if i were to get attacked its not my dog that would be worrying about, feels like people are treating them like mini poodles or something.

I don't know about my GSD if he can handle a fight with a Siberian Husky. 2 years ago I was training my GSD in front of my property, then this neighbor's mange-infested male Siberian Husky tried to approach us growling with teeth baring. I had to tug the leash of my GSD to restrain him as he is ready for battle, but I'm not. I fear for my GSD's safety, as well as acquiring the mange. Fortunately my Dad saw the dog approaching and in an instant grabbed the water hose and fired at the dog. Since then I never walked my dog without a baton in my hand.

TS, I think next time you either kick the attacking dog really hard if it comes down to it and let its owner call the police. If kicking didn't work, grab the 2 hind legs and throw it far.

[KZoppa]

you handled the situation as best you could. I've been known to kick dogs when they get within range. Thats why i always wear closed toe shoes when i take Shasta out. Shasta is just so darn friendly that she wouldnt know how to fight if it became necessary. She just hits the ground screaming and confused as to why she didnt make a new friend.

Zena on the other hand.... my old girl could win anything thrown at her. Right nasty piece of work she could be sometimes. Good dog, but glad she was on my side!

[Scarlettsmom]

Originally Posted by pets4life

what is with all these people kicking dogs? i dont know what german shepherds you guys own but german shepherds adult ones are alpha dogs and can handle themselves much better than most dogs or maybe i am just lucky or something but if i were to get attacked its not my dog that would be worrying about, feels like people are treating them like mini poodles or something.

I would not subject my dog to being attacked. If I had the power to stop it, I would. Wouldn't you? Besides, a little pomeranian is a different threat than a full grown Weimeraner (OMG, How DO you spell that??) No, I will do what I must. I also carry a metal extendable baton on walks in unfamiliar neighborhoods. I can use that on man OR beast.