My dog attacked a dog that wasn't on a lead.

R
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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.

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    • Tania28
    Tania28 Icon representing the flag French
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    That's true!
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    You know, Angéline, I think the reaction time when a dog comes charging at yours... it just wouldn't be enough to get the muzzle on him, unfortunately. And that brings me to another question!! Imagine the same situation, but my dog is on a lead and wearing a muzzle, and another dog charges mine and bites him!! How is my dog supposed to defend himself, and what should I be doing at the end of the lead!! How do you stop the attack, and how are you meant to react in a case like that!!
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    It's a real shame, but the best thing to do is to get a muzzle and then, just in case an off-lead dog comes over, you can just pop it on him.
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    R
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    I don't see why you'd need to muzzle a dog that’s snapped in response to being provoked, especially if the owner has them under control (on a lead, reliable recall, etc.)

    Outside of that context, is the dog aggressive of their own accord?

    Towards other dogs?

    Towards people?

    He’s never the first to start on another dog, but he always gives as good as he gets... With people, though, he’s a total angel!!

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Fair point :)

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    Tania28
    Tania28 Icon representing the flag French
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    No worries, that’s what we’re all here for, isn’t it? To chat and share advice.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    LMAO my cousin's massive St Bernard, I can't even hold onto him! Honestly, when he sees a bird in the distance (we never walk him in town, obviously), well... you're better off just letting go. Luckily he's as gentle as a lamb!

    ANYWAY, total OFF-TOPIC.

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    Tania28
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    Don't worry, mine drag me along too!
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    Célineo
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    I disagree. People will just think, "Oh look, he’s wearing a muzzle, he must be a dangerous dog," even though he isn’t!

    But who cares what people think? That’s nothing compared to the risk of an accident!

    If you're worried about the image, you can get coloured muzzles... a blue one already looks less aggressive, and there are others that look like costumes, with dinosaur snouts, duck bills, or even silly faces... As ridiculous as it might seem, it keeps other dogs safe, and in turn keeps your own dog safe too (just imagine if someone tried to step in during an incident... or if the other dog got a nasty bite). Plus, you can help break that "aggressive dog" stigma by choosing the right kind of muzzle.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Well, round my way it must be a bit like it is for Junlo; my parents' St Bernard is still only a pup and ever so fluffy, well... loads of people want to stroke him... plus... I'm really struggling to walk him (he pulls...)

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