What would you have done in this situation?

[Bentley]

So I was walking my lot today in the park with and met a couple of friends who own a Dobie and a Weimeraner. Great fun and lots of play until we came across a couple of cyclists. I stuck mine on the lead because Franky looked interested and I didn't want him to lead them on a chase after the bikes. The weimeraner's owner however wasn't quick enough and it took of after the bikes and was tugging at the legs of one of the riders jeans until he shook him off. (Huge prey response from the weimeraner). The riders didn't come back but after we separated I bumped into them on the way home and one of them asked me if I had seen what happened. Because I like both the weimeraner and his boss I said I didn't see anything as I was looking after my dogs, sorry etc. What would you have done in this case?

 

[CeeCee]

I have to say, I probably would have done the same thing and made sure to ask if anyone was injured. I would also let me friend know about the encounter...just so they know and are hopefully faster on the leash going forward.

 

[joshuagough]

Appologized for the poor handling of the other dog. If there was a issue they wanted to take action against they would have come back after the little situation.

Situations like this cause issues for pet owners that properly handle their dogs, the park ban's dogs and starts all kind of rules that make it unapealing for dog owners.

 

[DennasMom]

Hard to say... I'm not good at thinking on my feet, so I probably would have said something off the top of my head, like - yeah, I saw it, the owner was really sorry - and ask if they were ok. I think if the bicyclists know there are good dog people out there, looking out for them, it makes it better in the long run...

I'm not sure what I would have done if I were the bicyclist. Probably the same thing - get loose and keep moving. 'Cause at that point, if you stop, with prey drive in full force, I'd be concerned about getting jumped on and knocked over.

What's the best reaction for the bicyclist at that point? (not that I get out and ride much anymore...)

 

[Bailey's Mom]

Friends are friends....still, we each bear the burden of containing our precious animals. I probably would have said, yes, I saw, but I can't help you other than tell you the owner was devastated, and they said it would never happen again. If their pants had been damaged, I 'd offer to pay for a new pair on my friend's behalf.

My grand-puppy is very threatening...high prey drive...it takes me being on high alert every second to contain her. Hell's Bells, she lurched at an eight year-old-girl a few days ago. The girl saw a pretty dog and started coming towards her, I said, "She's not friendly." The girl kept walking. Thank God, and good instruction from Ruthcatrin on the Forum, I had her on two leashes, a short on on her flat collar and the long one on her prong collar. I was able to contain her. Funny, the girl had the presence to ask why I had two leashes. All the better to protect you, my dear....all the better to protect you.

Some dogs are what they are. To love them you have to protect them from themselves and the public. Help your friend know this.

 

[musicdeb]

The main reason I do not like going places with lots of dogs off leash...some of the owners are irresponsible down owners.

 

[Bean]

We had a female doberman hunt us down while running once. We knew to stop and stand still until the owner put her back on the leash and we could continue our run. But not before letting the owner know how irresponsible she was, kindly of course (not to mention the owner gave US hell for running in the park to begin with)

Had we not stopped we would have had some patches to sew onto our pants. She was ready to tear into us. Poor handling on the owners part. If it were a child running, I don't think it would have ended as well.

 

[Bailey's Mom]

They gave you hell? Boy, balls as big as church bells. Obviously you weren't jogging through a dog park, so where did she get off telling you off. I'm afraid my speech would have been blue. Good for you to keep it so calm.

 

[Robtouw]

I was routinely chased by two danes every day as I rode my bicycle with a friend at about age 11. They scared the crap out of us, but they tugged at your clothes without biting. Because of this experience, when in any public area my pets are never off lead. I try to think of the strangers perspective even though I know my boys well.

I think I would not have admitted the dog grabbed the person but I would have apologized for my friends over eager pup. I would have asked the person to forgive her and would offer to replace torn items. I use the word forgive purposely, it usually kind of guilts the person into being a bit more lenient. I've found that your language and attitude in these situations really makes a difference. In these situations, I usually ask my friend to leash just to make me more comfortable. Once upon a time, I was too worried about fighting with friends, but as I age I find I speak out more.