Neighbourhood Bully
Last July, Saigo (at 6 months) was attacked by a neighbour's dog who was off-leash. This dog came at Saigo from across the street, knocked him over, took his throat into his mouth and proceeded to rip into him. We had to kick the mutt off of Saigo. When the owner came to get his dog, the dog lunged at Saigo for the second time. This is the only time he's been attacked like this.
Since then, Saigo has the biggest hate-on for this dog. What initially started as defensive warning barks has now turned into full on leash-pulling. Yesterday, he pulled me halfway down the street trying to get at this dog. He definately hasn't forgotten the incident and his aggression towards this dog is scaring me. I can also see that he is actively trying to pursue this dog, likely with the intention of fighting or hurting him, so that also scares me too.
The strange thing is, Saigo is the most affectionate dog there is. He never humps anyone at the dog park. When two dogs fight, Saigo will get in between them and stop the fight. The other day, there was a big dog who attacked a smaller dog and Saigo went over to the smaller dog and started licking the area where it got bit. You guys also know about the baby rabbits he found in the backyard and how he licked them to keep them warm. Countless people have commented on Saigo's amazing personality, affectionate nature and marvel that he is still intact.
I'm not sure what to do about this dog and/or Saigo's behaviour. They live a few houses down and it's impossible not to run into them, and we turn around once we see each other but not before Saigo starts going nuts. Suggestions welcomed!! Thanks in advance
Since then, Saigo has the biggest hate-on for this dog. What initially started as defensive warning barks has now turned into full on leash-pulling. Yesterday, he pulled me halfway down the street trying to get at this dog. He definately hasn't forgotten the incident and his aggression towards this dog is scaring me. I can also see that he is actively trying to pursue this dog, likely with the intention of fighting or hurting him, so that also scares me too.
The strange thing is, Saigo is the most affectionate dog there is. He never humps anyone at the dog park. When two dogs fight, Saigo will get in between them and stop the fight. The other day, there was a big dog who attacked a smaller dog and Saigo went over to the smaller dog and started licking the area where it got bit. You guys also know about the baby rabbits he found in the backyard and how he licked them to keep them warm. Countless people have commented on Saigo's amazing personality, affectionate nature and marvel that he is still intact.
I'm not sure what to do about this dog and/or Saigo's behaviour. They live a few houses down and it's impossible not to run into them, and we turn around once we see each other but not before Saigo starts going nuts. Suggestions welcomed!! Thanks in advance
Comments
That's my only suggestion if the other owner isn't cooperative. Did the other owner even apologize and stop letting their dog run off leash?
Irresponsible people like this don't deserve to have a dog, and yeah you might feel bad about the dog being taken away but you also have to consider the safety of yourself, Saigo, and the others that this dog might eventually attack.
I've had issues at dog park Saya was attacked by lab mix and owner acted like it was Saya's fault. She did nothing to get her dog off mine. Luckily I was next to her so I got the dog off of saya before it got too bad.
Next visit mom asked if anyone know about this lady and sure enough she has a big reputation for her dogs causing fights. I mean come on one thing for a dog to be a bit rough or excited, but starting fights constantly she should been reported.
I stopped going as Saya was acting more and more reactive to dogs even well behaved ones.
If you have anymore report this and like Calia said maybe go ask some other dog owners who are nearby if they had any issues with walking by there. If anything you'd be helping them by warning of the dog being like this. I dunno I'm so glad to be in country without tons of off leash dogs who have no dog manners. one dog is off leash, but he is friendly and doesn't cause trouble.
I only have one neighbor with an aggressive rat terrier who they let loose all the time luckily in winter I'm free to enjoy the yard without it as they are old and migrate for winter. each year I hope they move down south for permanent..
Bring an airhorn or hiking pole with you on your next walk so you have at least something by which to help protect you and Saigo from unwanted visitors.
http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-TM-Walking-Trekking/dp/B007YT854S/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1389206887&sr=1-1
Jesse
There definately are leash laws however we chose against reporting him and warned that if we saw that dog off leash again we would report. Because they're our neighbour, we didn't want to have any bad blood, especially that they live so close. Since then, they've purchased a non-retractable 6' lead as we advised them to do.
I'm more concerned about Saigo's behaviour towards the dog. Is there anything we can do to change it? I don't want to be known as the person with the crazy attack dog.
As for Saigo, just the smell of that dog makes him upset, especially if it's fresh scent and he knows he's nearby. Saigo will pull towards his direction growling and barking. Saigo always knows when the other dog is around. The other dog isn't as aware of Saigo as Saigo is aware of him.
It's almost like Saigo wants revenge now that he's bigger and can kick his ass.
The worst part is that it isn't even Saigo's fault...the other dog started the whole mess.
Haha yep, the other dog is a jerk but ultimately it's the owners fault. I realize that I have to coexist with these idiots, so I just try to deal with it as best as I can.