Evening everyone, I'm posting this while still in a bit of shock.
I've just got back from a walk with my dog, a one-year-old Akita Inu. I was walking him around my housing estate, which has plenty of green space. My dog was, of course, on his lead. Then I saw another dog (a Spitz, weighing about 22 lbs I'd say) charging at us aggressively, and obviously it wasn't on a lead. In the blink of an eye, mine fought back and, given the weight difference, I was absolutely terrified when I heard the Spitz yelping in my dog's mouth. The Spitz's owner arrived after the dust had settled—it was a child, who was just as frightened (at least as much as I was) by what had just happened. The Spitz didn't seem to have any serious injuries, but I was really shaken. The child's father then turned up and explained that most of the dogs in the estate are let off their leads.
The question I'm asking myself is, who is at fault:
-Walking a dog off-lead?
-Not muzzling a dog (even if it's not a restricted breed)?
If, god forbid, the Spitz had been hurt, would it be my fault? I suspect so, but what am I risking? And what would happen to my dog?!
Thanks in advance.
Translated from French
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Well, he’s making a false statement. He’s the one taking the risk... especially as there’s a witness... the guy is in the wrong and he knows it. Don’t let him get away with it! I reckon he’s the one who’ll be in trouble...
Well, I suppose I should go and see him, but I don't see why he wouldn't do it. Does he have to provide a formal witness statement?
Edit: No, I got the wrong end of the stick. I was just saying that there’s actually a witness who could confirm that I always keep my dog on a lead.
Anyone who doesn't keep their Akita on a lead would just be reckless... He’s just trying to pull a fast one on me and I’m worried for both myself and my dog...
Following up on this—I’ve just spent an hour online with the other dog’s owner. He’s insisting that I’m in the wrong and that I didn’t have my dog under control because his dog has several bite marks. Yeah, right. If he reports it to the police, I’m going to be in... a bit of a spot.
Aside from that, he’s reported the incident to his insurance to claim on his public liability. It is his insurance that’s supposed to cover it, isn’t it? And the biggest issue is... he’s claimed that my dog wasn’t on a lead, which is a complete lie, and I have a witness! Could I get into trouble because of his false statement??!
Your dog reacted to the aggression, which is only natural for him. He felt threatened and, on top of that, he was at a disadvantage because he was on a lead. Regardless of the size of the other dog, being on a lead makes a huge difference. You probably tensed up, as I imagine you saw the other dog coming and realised he wasn't exactly looking to make friends... Subconsciously, you likely tried to pull your dog back before he could react, which only made your lad even more on edge. You've got nothing to blame yourself for; neither you nor your dog are in the wrong.
However, you’ll need to be mindful of your own behaviour now too: try not to get tense every time you pass another dog, and don't stop him from saying hello if the owner says their dog is sociable and friendly. Sometimes dogs just don't click, just like us humans, but you don't want your pup to be deprived of having any mates! (When introducing two dogs on leads, don't keep the leads tight as it can make them feel stressed; just keep them loose and let them get on with it).
And finally... he reacted because he felt threatened, but it might also be down to "resource guarding"—and in this case, the resource is you! With all that combined, he felt he had to react. But don't scold him for it... it was a natural reflex for him and he wouldn't understand why he was being told off.
I totally agree with Miss Kibble. Your poor dog shouldn't have to suffer when he was only acting in self-defence. And the owner of that rug has got some nerve, trying to pin the blame on you!
Hi there,
So now you’re using a muzzle and you’re worried about other dogs...
Your dog is only a year old; you’re likely to pass your own anxiety onto him without even meaning to.
You should definitely try some group training classes to put your mind at rest and see for yourself that he hasn't actually become aggressive towards every dog he meets.
It’ll give you more confidence, and your dog will pick up on that.
You could even give agility a go—I did it in a group class myself.
Everything is on your side here. It’s a real shame about their dog, but sometimes that’s just the price people pay when they don't keep their dog on a lead. You’ve got nothing to blame yourself for and you won't have to pay a penny, and neither will your insurance.
Usually, it's included as part of your third-party liability cover and there’s no extra charge, but it’s best to check with them when you’re taking out the policy to avoid any nasty surprises ;)
For restricted breeds, however, you sometimes have to pay a bit more...
That’s a really interesting point you’ve made.
I’m asking regarding the insurance side of things. Is that part of your home insurance? Do we need to declare to our insurers that we have a dog? And do you have to pay anything extra for it?
