Mildly Annoyed

[Yonjuro]

I must say that most of my experiences at our fenced in dog park and the cafe have been truly wonderful - i get so so much enjoyment from meeting other owners and dogs and wouldn't have some of the friends I have today if I completely avoided such places.

I agree there will always be the odd knucklehead that may spoil an outing - but I won't allow this to dictate our lives nor ruin our times out in public together :)

Each negative experience gives me the opportunity to learn more about behaviour, I guess I am lucky that Ronin is for the most part very good. Dogs won't pick on him.

Slightly off topic, but there is a large intact GSD that frequents our park. I love GSDs by the way. He seems to have been getting more aggressive since visiting a daycare or a week with a live in trainer (sorry can't remember which it was). This dog has been getting too full on with Tigger (greyhound) of late and Tigger has been a bit afraid. This caused Tiggers owner and I some concern as we were worried that things may escalate due to the bond they have.

Last week it started again, and Tigger was unhappy, so Ronin trots up, calm as you like and stands between the GSD and Tigger. The GSD postures but Ronin was unfazed and he is not small either and then luckily for everyone the GSD walked away. This also happened in a chase and again Ronin sensed Tiggers' worry and took off like lightening and when they stopped he again moved between them in a very calm manner and nothing escalated. However I am always there with lead in my hand ready to intervene if it looks likely to escalate. We also move our dogs to a different area so they can relax together. Sometimes if we see a dog come in that we think may be a problem, we will just leave.

I will say that we mostly have our meet-ups in the morning during the week as we both work from home and there are very few others dogs there :)

[Yonjuro]

As an owner of two JRTs I am sorry for you and annoyed at owners of any dog that approaches another dog without checking with the owner first. I have one JRT that ignores most dogs or drops behind me if he feels threatened, the other is a rescue I am training not to be reactive. We know most of the dogs in our area and I will cross the road or take a wide berth of some of the larger dogs but I still smile and wave or at least acknowledge the dog owners and they tend to appreciate that I am removing my reactive dog from their dog rather than them having to deal with her snapping and carrying on. I haven't taken her to dog park yet because she is still too unpredictable.

I'm going a bit OT, but I know Yonjuro won't mind :D

Mumsie your post interested me because of my experience with a tiny little rescue dog of mine, Myrtie.

Because of her extreme reactivity, I decided join a dog training club simply to try the "flooding" method. Well, she didn't bat an eyelid. We walked into this large park where the training was held, dogs everywhere, all sorts and all sizes and I honestly expected Myrtie to either die of fright or start a stampede. Neither. Her insouciance was amazing, almost embarrassing LOL.

I also found the same when I took her to a dog park. I was waiting for my Pink Slip so decided to walk to the nearby dog park. I chatted for a while through the fence while Myrtie ignored all the other dogs and just sniffed around. When I finally bit the bullet and went inside -- same thing. She totally ignored all the other dogs and just sniffed around to her heart's content.

Sadly, I didn't get the chance to do much dog training with her as she died of Pulmonary Hypertension in the middle of last year.

I always believed that Myrtie's reactivity was caused through fright and, because she was a brave little thing, her attitude was: I'm going to get you before you get me. And it didn't matter the size of the dog. Despite this, she was the best little dog at home, full of vip and vim and lots of personality.

Oh DDD, that is lovely and sad at the same time due to the passing last year and thank you for sharing your story.

I have met some little dogs that fit exactly like you describe at the fenced in dog park and have always had great experiences with dogs with this attitude. When a little one gives the "p1ss off" to an obnoxious bigger dog coming into their space (mine included on occasion) there seems to be a level of respect that comes from it. However when someone has a small and very afraid dog that yelps and runs away in terror - this can be dangerous, and I watch the first bit of interaction to see what might happen and often put the lead on just in case. Tiggers owner and I will often smile at each other and say "hmmm, might be time to leave while still on a positive note" :)

[Mumsie]

As an owner of two JRTs I am sorry for you and annoyed at owners of any dog that approaches another dog without checking with the owner first. I have one JRT that ignores most dogs or drops behind me if he feels threatened, the other is a rescue I am training not to be reactive. We know most of the dogs in our area and I will cross the road or take a wide berth of some of the larger dogs but I still smile and wave or at least acknowledge the dog owners and they tend to appreciate that I am removing my reactive dog from their dog rather than them having to deal with her snapping and carrying on. I haven't taken her to dog park yet because she is still too unpredictable.

I'm going a bit OT, but I know Yonjuro won't mind :D

Mumsie your post interested me because of my experience with a tiny little rescue dog of mine, Myrtie.

Because of her extreme reactivity, I decided join a dog training club simply to try the "flooding" method. Well, she didn't bat an eyelid. We walked into this large park where the training was held, dogs everywhere, all sorts and all sizes and I honestly expected Myrtie to either die of fright or start a stampede. Neither. Her insouciance was amazing, almost embarrassing LOL.

I also found the same when I took her to a dog park. I was waiting for my Pink Slip so decided to walk to the nearby dog park. I chatted for a while through the fence while Myrtie ignored all the other dogs and just sniffed around. When I finally bit the bullet and went inside -- same thing. She totally ignored all the other dogs and just sniffed around to her heart's content.

Sadly, I didn't get the chance to do much dog training with her as she died of Pulmonary Hypertension in the middle of last year.

I always believed that Myrtie's reactivity was caused through fright and, because she was a brave little thing, her attitude was: I'm going to get you before you get me. And it didn't matter the size of the dog. Despite this, she was the best little dog at home, full of vip and vim and lots of personality.

Had to smile at your use of the word "vim" brings back fond memories, from memory it was a powder cleaner for the bath. Our rescue JRT is just turning 2 and she has been with us for nearly 10 months, she received no training for the first 12 months, just let run on a farm, she was well cared for just not socialized. She has been timid, grown in confidence and now becoming over confident and her recall is not reliable at present. Currently I ask her to "stop, settle down" when we see other dogs, this can be either not pulling on the lead or running in circles, I affirm non reaction with pats and "good girl" cooing. She is at least stopping to look if I call her when she is off leash and starting to return nearby but not totally back to me. The word "stop" is also optional with her, but she is so darn cute I can't stay cross for long when she is naughty.

[BarbedWire]

Just curious as to why large dog owners feel they need to point out that their dog could eat a smaller dog if it wanted to.

[Yonjuro]

Just curious as to why large dog owners feel they need to point out that their dog could eat a smaller dog if it wanted to.

If you are referring to my comment that said 'crush' (not eat) then it was merely used as an example of how dangerous it could potentially be for a small dog to jump on a big dogs face. Dangerous for both parties.

FWIW, My previous and much loved and missed dog was a miniature Schnauzer. My parents dog that passed away last week was a Mini Schnauzer too and prior to that a Maltese Terrier - so I have great affection for small dogs :)

[YippeeGirl]

I don't think a lot of owners of small dogs realise how quickly and easily their dog could be injured or killed by a larger dog. Unless you have seen two dogs really get stuck into it, an actual fight with the serious intention to do harm, is absolutely terrifying.

When I was younger, I witnessed an off-lead rottie pick up one of our cats, and with only a couple of shakes, break her spine. I imagine it if was a small dog instead of a cat, the result would not have been much different.

I am always cautious when it comes to big dogs mixing with smaller dogs simply for that reason. I know all it takes is one bite.

[BarbedWire]

Just curious as to why large dog owners feel they need to point out that their dog could eat a smaller dog if it wanted to.

If you are referring to my comment that said 'crush' (not eat) then it was merely used as an example of how dangerous it could potentially be for a small dog to jump on a big dogs face. Dangerous for both parties.

FWIW, My previous and much loved and missed dog was a miniature Schnauzer. My parents dog that passed away last week was a Mini Schnauzer too and prior to that a Maltese Terrier - so I have great affection for small dogs :)

Was not referring to any particular posters in this thread :)

[RedFeather]

My friend's maltese x shi-tzu tried to take on an 18 week old Border Collie x on the weekend. It was funny, but pretty sad to see such a badly socialised snappy little dog. It bit me, actually. I realise it was overwhelmed because there were a lot of new people around, but that's why we socialise dogs and teach bite inhibition, isn't it? sigh. If Jasper was fully grown and muscled, he could seriously hurt little Fred. Even Fred's owner admits she has 'little dog syndrome'.

[Yonjuro]

Just curious as to why large dog owners feel they need to point out that their dog could eat a smaller dog if it wanted to.

If you are referring to my comment that said 'crush' (not eat) then it was merely used as an example of how dangerous it could potentially be for a small dog to jump on a big dogs face. Dangerous for both parties.

FWIW, My previous and much loved and missed dog was a miniature Schnauzer. My parents dog that passed away last week was a Mini Schnauzer too and prior to that a Maltese Terrier - so I have great affection for small dogs :)

Was not referring to any particular posters in this thread :)

Cheers Sars :)

Actually it is quite ironic that last week a lady at the off-lead park with a small cross said to Tiggers owner and I, that our dogs could easily eat hers I don't know if she was just joking or half serious? Either way I couldn't help myself and reassured her smiling that both had already had their breakfast. She was carrying her dog in her arms , so we were both very friendly and explained that dogs may be inquisitive and want to jump up if she is carrying it and suggested she either put it on the ground or maybe it wasn't a good idea. Anyway there was no dramas our boys basically ignored it. She was pleased at the outcome, but an almost frantic owner bringing in a very nervous dog just doesn't make much sense to me?

Kind of off topic, but I always feel sad when a new person comes in with a petrified dog saying - well they have to learn to socialise I have seen a husky puppy pissing itself in fear, and seen a dobe, foaming at the mouth cowering. For these reasons I pick and choose my times carefully. I have gently suggested that I didn't think this environment would be positive under the circumstances to the extreme cases, but it is difficult when faced with the 'they have to learn' or righteous responses. Eventually they all go or I go as I can't stand to see a very unhappy and frightened dog, but I wonder what damage has been done to the poor pups in the process ??? :(

[Dory the Doted One]

I am always cautious when it comes to big dogs mixing with smaller dogs simply for that reason. I know all it takes is one bite.

Willow is 44kg of Wuss. She'd rather play with the little dogs than the big dogs. I'd be more worried about her squishing them as she rolls over for them.

I've also had one of my bigger dogs injured pretty badly (we are talking plenty of stitches) by a much smaller dog.

Then there was the dog that had it's face ripped to pieces by a rabbit.

I get that a bigger dog has more strength behind it, but only if it has the inclination. And not all of them do...hence the three examples above.

[BarbedWire]

I think it's something people say without really thinking about it. When I had a big dog small dog owners would tell their dogs to be careful because mine might have theirs for dinner. As others have said mine was more likely to squish their dog with a front paw thrown out as an offer of friendship. If I met a big dog owner who said it I would probably give their dog a wide berth though. It would depend how it was said I guess. Just wonder why we say it.

[Yonjuro]

Yeah good points Dory , I mainly get worried about the tripping over of a small dog or it getting hurt in a game of chase. I watched in horror on Sunday morning a few dogs playing chase, with a Whippet in the lead. A kelpie cross and Ronin were coming second. The kelpie x clipped the whipped and it did a full on somersault on the ground. Thankfully it wasn't hurt and I am also it wasn't mine that caused the stack... but it easily could have been him, but he seems to have an awesome ability to jump clear over most dogs and turn very quickly to avoid collision.

[Yonjuro]

I think it's something people say without really thinking about it. When I had a big dog small dog owners would tell their dogs to be careful because mine might have theirs for dinner. As others have said mine was more likely to squish their dog with a front paw thrown out as an offer of friendship. If I met a big dog owner who said it I would probably give their dog a wide berth though. It would depend how it was said I guess. Just wonder why we say it.

I agree 100% with your comments Sars. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt and try and make a friendly joke, but if someone is making a macho comment/joke about their big tough dog, then it is probably an indication that they should be avoided.

Edited March 3, 2015 by Yonjuro

[cavNrott]

Just curious as to why large dog owners feel they need to point out that their dog could eat a smaller dog if it wanted to.

Because it's a fact. Owners of small dogs need to know they're placing their dogs in danger and that it's neither 'cute' or 'feisty' when their small dog challenges a large dog.

Not all dog owners are as savvy as folk on here. Some owners are not only uneducated but have no interest in being educated and learning to read dogs body language.

My Rottweilers lived with Cavaliers and were good with small dogs but

not all big dogs will tolerate the unwanted attention of small dogs, especially the yappy ones.

Edited March 3, 2015 by cavNrott

[Loving my Oldies]

My friend's maltese x shi-tzu tried to take on an 18 week old Border Collie x on the weekend. It was funny, but pretty sad to see such a badly socialised snappy little dog. It bit me, actually. I realise it was overwhelmed because there were a lot of new people around, but that's why we socialise dogs and teach bite inhibition, isn't it? sigh. If Jasper was fully grown and muscled, he could seriously hurt little Fred. Even Fred's owner admits she has 'little dog syndrome'.

That makes me so angry ...... for the little dog. In the hands of someone who didn't put stupid labels on dogs and cared a bit more, Fred would probably be fine. Poor little dog is destined to have a very unsettled life.

[Salukifan]

My friend's maltese x shi-tzu tried to take on an 18 week old Border Collie x on the weekend. It was funny, but pretty sad to see such a badly socialised snappy little dog. It bit me, actually. I realise it was overwhelmed because there were a lot of new people around, but that's why we socialise dogs and teach bite inhibition, isn't it? sigh. If Jasper was fully grown and muscled, he could seriously hurt little Fred. Even Fred's owner admits she has 'little dog syndrome'.

You don't "socialise" any dog to get them put up with larger pups that overwhelm them.

The saddest thing here is that the little dog's owner failed to step in before the dog had to become snappy.

I don't find anything remotely funny about it.

Edited March 3, 2015 by Haredown Whippets

[Loving my Oldies]

My friend's maltese x shi-tzu tried to take on an 18 week old Border Collie x on the weekend. It was funny, but pretty sad to see such a badly socialised snappy little dog. It bit me, actually. I realise it was overwhelmed because there were a lot of new people around, but that's why we socialise dogs and teach bite inhibition, isn't it? sigh. If Jasper was fully grown and muscled, he could seriously hurt little Fred. Even Fred's owner admits she has 'little dog syndrome'.

You don't "socialise" any dog to get them put up with larger pups that overwhelm them.

The saddest thing here is that the little dog's owner failed to step in before the dog had to become snappy.

I don't find anything remotely funny about it.

:mad I missed the "It was funny," bit. And now i am angrier and sadder than ever for that little dog. As Haredown Whippets says: they is nothing remotely funny about it. That dog will end up a nervous wreck barking at a leaf blowing and probably be a nightmare to walk so never taken out. And whose fault will that be?

[Yonjuro]

Yeah, I think this is the main point of the thread - It is not funny when a little dog gets snappy to a big dog.

It is not cool for any dog to be snappy to any dog regardless of the size.

Edited March 4, 2015 by Yonjuro

[Stressmagnet]

I'm probably going to get flamed but...

I took Ernie to the local cafe and while Miss 12 and I were enjoying our cake and coffee, I bought him a sausage roll. (Yeah I know but it's not a regular thing). He finished it in two bites and was lying quietly at my feet practicing his big boy behaviour when this woman with a fluffy sat down at the next table and proceeded to let her dog get in Ernie's face and climb all over him. He actually got up and moved as far away as his leash would allow.

I too, asked the woman why she was letting her dog pester mine. Her answer 'he's a lab and I know he won't hurt her'. I asked her to keep her dog by her side. Her answer 'it's a public place'. (Yeah but Ernie was there first and the cafe had at least 6 empty tables).

So when fluffy came over again and actually started to try and HANG OFF ERNIE'S JOWLS, I scooped it up and dumped it in her lap with the comment - 'look after your dog or i will'. Lady moved tables to get away from crazy lady with vicious labrador.

[oakway]

I'm probably going to get flamed but...

I took Ernie to the local cafe and while Miss 12 and I were enjoying our cake and coffee, I bought him a sausage roll. (Yeah I know but it's not a regular thing). He finished it in two bites and was lying quietly at my feet practicing his big boy behaviour when this woman with a fluffy sat down at the next table and proceeded to let her dog get in Ernie's face and climb all over him. He actually got up and moved as far away as his leash would allow.

I too, asked the woman why she was letting her dog pester mine. Her answer 'he's a lab and I know he won't hurt her'. I asked her to keep her dog by her side. Her answer 'it's a public place'. (Yeah but Ernie was there first and the cafe had at least 6 empty tables).

So when fluffy came over again and actually started to try and HANG OFF ERNIE'S JOWLS, I scooped it up and dumped it in her lap with the comment - 'look after your dog or i will'. Lady moved tables to get away from crazy lady with vicious labrador.

: :thumbsup:thumbsup: