Unleashed small dogs

[pyratemom]

Just this morning on the way back from the post office Raina and I ran into a lady with a small dog off leash. She carries her extendo lead in her hand like that actually means something. I told her two years ago when her dog ran up to Pyrate that if she ever saw me with my other dog (Raina) that she should make sure that she handled her dog and it did not approach me. Raina does not take kindly to small barky dogs running around loose. Pyrate was a saint and would not hurt even a small dog but Raina is different - whole different attitude (prey drive etc.) So today the lady saw me coming down the street and ran after her dog (dumb) instead of calling it. It ran in the street narrowly being missed by a pick up truck turning the corner. Luckily she grabbed it after that and Raina didn't get near it. I witnessed this all from down the street. Note- Raina remained calm the whole time (Yay!)I would do anything to protect my dog(s) but this lady doesn't seem to get it. Never would my dog be off lead, out of control, next to a busy street.

[Kyleigh]

Lillie ... you said it perfectly!

There are many dogs in my neighbourhood, and without fail it's always the little ones that come running up to Kyleigh and I.

It took a lot of training, and teaching Ky to focus on me, not the other dog, but now Ky just looks from me to the yappy dog and back to me, and I swear there's an eye roll ...

I did the same thing ... put her in a sit, stood in front of her, and prevented the other dog from getting near her. All in a CALM manner. I didn't scream, yell, or flail around. Once the dog started to leave, Kyleigh and I would proceed to walk again. If the dog came back I'd face it and say LEAVE and point to the house. By this time the owner is usually out, all apologetic (yeah, whatever, it's NOT the first time fluffy has left the front step) ... and we just continue walking.

Bigger dogs - I've only encountered a couple of them, and while they've been off leash running up to us, none of them were barking / charging, etc. They were just big galoots coming up to say hi. I was still wary and kept my eye on them, but had no issues ... and Kyleigh wasn't frightened and didn't react.

[starburst]

Thanks the great advice, I will get some of her favorite treats out and work on distracting her next time.
She is very driven by her snacks so it should be just fine.

Lillie nailed it, I am trying to avoid her being reactive by staying calm myself.
I just wish people realized the danger they are putting their small dogs in by having them running around loose all over the place.

Also I just wanted to add that while I don't generally care what people think, I run a licensed daycare from my home and everybody in this little town knows everybody.
Me telling people off would hurt my business lol

[bigd3077]

Little dogs are the worst. The only ones that bark at my dog as well. She is good though and usually ignores them.

[Mrs.P]

There are three little dogs that are ALWAYS out running near their homes collarless and unsupervised. Very dangerous for them! I've talked to my neighbor who has a very nice Bernese and experienced the same problem and she has call AC numerous times -but no resolution. Fortunately, they are not aggressive and honestly I think they just want attention although I ignore them.

But what I do with Enzo is before we approach the area where they are I do a quick obedience session sit, down, sit, stand, down, look-at-me ect basic commands he has down so his attention is on me already before we enter little dog area. And as we begin to walk I ask for eye contact and feed feed feed as we walk through the little dog. I think this works for us because Enzo is always hungry before walks and the little dogs aren't aggressive or barking at him. I will also do this before we approach a home where there are "yard dogs" at the fence that bark at everything. Good luck! I just feel bad for these little guys since it seems their owners don't worry about their well-being during the day. :/


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[codmaster]

Originally Posted by starburst

Oh, I did tell them all of the above but I mean, what do I do physically to stop the small dog from getting at my dog short of kicking it ?

Punch it?

Seriously, the little dogs can be a large problem - I surely wouldn't let my dog get bit by some lunatic dog!

Esp. with a puppy - stay between your dog and the other dog. And if it seems like you can't block them - kick away. Protect your baby!

BTW short swift kicks are a lot more effective than long punt like kicks!

[Wild Wolf]

Originally Posted by arycrest

I'd rather be known as the mean old neighbor lady than have any loose dog harassing my dog ... my first allegiance is to protecting my dog.

[Zisso]

I used to always have troubles with little dogs too.

Where I live now every one has a dog, and they are often in the back of trucks laying down out of sight till we walk by, then they pop up out of nowhere barking their fools heads off. Due to not knowing they are there is startles me and that travles down the leash. There are enough off leash dog here, that I do not walk in the neighborhood. That would be a recipe for disaster!

[Ageizm]

I too have experienced the little terror's charging my boy, I just charge straight towards the little dogs, and they turn and run when they see me coming straight for them lol. As far as big dogs I've only had one charge at us, and I did the same thing I did to the little dog, he didn't run but stopped dead in his tracks and focused on me, at which point so do I. Then I proceeded with my walk while keeping a firm "don't you dare" look on the big dog. I never use my voice on other people's animals as don't expect them to acknowledge it anyway.

I'm not afraid of dogs though and can remain calm while it's happening, so I don't know how others might handle a larger charging dog, as most I assume might panic, but the little ones? Just stomp right towards them, and they'll scatter, then keep it moving.

The little dog's in my hood haven't charged since.

Oh and Barack just wags his tail during all of these encounters and struts off with me... he knows he's with the "biggest dog" of'em all!

[Lilie]

Originally Posted by codmaster

BTW short swift kicks are a lot more effective than long punt like kicks!

I find the little dog flip very effective. Taking your foot, hooking them underneath and giving a little fling with your foot, will set them sailing. With some dogs, after they've lost their footing, will flee.

Personally, I would rather kick their owner for allowing their dogs to run amuck. But sadly, it's against the law.