Reminds of the time I was walking my Kuvasz on a well-used trail. Kuvasz are "guardian" dogs and my boy was protective of his flock (me). A woman and man were accessing the trail from a road/parking area with three dogs: two leashed, one not leashed. My boy was 95 lbs and smaller than all three, who were likely 120-150 lbs each.
When they saw us, the people quickly tried to contain the unleashed fellow, BUT there was no way he was going to listen as he ran up to challenge my boy. I did not let go of the leash ... instead I stood strong with him and we both challenged the charging dog, who thought better of his actions and stopped. He didn't retreat, but he didn't attack. And then he stood still long enough for the owners to get him leashed.
The owners then told me one of the leashed dogs was a female in heat (which is why they had her leashed), the other leashed dog was a young male who wasn't yet trained (which is why he was leashed), and the unleashed boy was not neutered and was the "leader" of that pack. Usually, they said, he was very good off-leash, but they hadn't anticipated his defensiveness of his "girl".
It was interesting watching their panic and their pathetic attempts to hold back three dogs that large. It was also interesting when they told me they were very concerned that my boy might not be neutered and might try to take advantage of their girl ... I think they were more focused on defending then controlling!
Those owners made numerous bad decisions that day.
Wait, wait, wait, Pops. *I* was ONLY reporting what happened on another list. Not my opinion, nor my dogs! Just saying it turned into a Brouhaha over the owner not having complete control over her PB (which already have a reputation y'know!), etc.
I HAVE heard the leash thing before, but that wouldn't have applied in your situation as there were THREE dogs approaching, not just one-on-one. I was only referring to a single-dog encounter. Some people on that other list HAVE said they've 'dropped the leash' before to avoid having to get bitten separating dogs. I personally have never tried it. I guess I've been lucky -- in all the years of owning dogs, I have NEVER had to break up a fight. Probably just jinxed myself right there!!!
AZPops wrote:
AZPops wrote: I’ve been contemplating about giving my opinion to your conclusion, and decided why not.
My $0.02; Dog is not leashed or contained, the owner is at fault, period....(Thanks Sue, I stand corrected...LOL)
Pops
PS It’s my opinion that if you own a dog that is aggressive or will have the tendency to run toward another dog (friendly or not), it is your responsibility (obligation) to contain it. This is for the dogs safety as well as anyone in the vicinity.
I guess it wouldn't occur to me about dropping the leashes.... when my "pack" is being approached by a loose dog, I put them in "sit-stay" at my side - looking at ME. Because yes, 3 leashed dogs out of control WOULD be a handful....
Granted - they might not be "quiet" - the Aussies whining to go play with the new friend - and the Cattle Dog with full hackles up and growling his scariest noises....
And it's a liability thing - I want my dogs looking 100% under control - so *if* they do damage to a loose and stupid (I'm tellin' ya - the Cattle Dog does NOT look "playful"!) dog, I stand a chance of winning a court battle....
happybooker1 wrote: Probably just jinxed myself right there!!!
I've learned Never to say Never...LOL
Seriously, I hope it doesn't happen to you or anyone for that matter. It's no fun that's for sure.
As far as dropping the leash, I wouldn't even think of doing that. Harlee would most asuredly get hurt and Calvin, well Calvin is Calvin is all I have to say...LOL
Pops
Captain: Pops
Ist Mate: Harlee "Vicious Attack Dog" only if you try to move her when she's sleeping...
Trouble Maker: CALVIN
