I'm hoping someone can offer some advice. There is a small/medium size white dog in our village who seems to have taken a dislike to Monty. For the last few months it's been straining at it's lead whenever we are in the vicinity, and barking. Last week Monty was on lead in the playing field and the white dog ran over barking and was jumping all over Monty & mouthing at him. It didn't look like play...I was scared as it looked like it was trying to hurt Monty. Monty didn't know what to do...Monty is very friendly and boisterous, and he pinned his ears back and his eyes were wide...he looked scared. The white dog ignored owners recall so this went on until it's owner walked across the field to us and managed to grab his dog. Since then we see the white dog every day or so...it still barks at Monty and if we're in the park Monty spends ages looking all around him and gets a bit jumpy (not jumping up...nervous jumpy). I'm getting Monty to look at me when white dog is near and treating him for that. We can't avoid the white dog as we live in the same village. The owner said he'd put his dog on lead when he sees us in future. Is there anything else I should be doing...I don't want Monty to become nervous around other dogs or be scared of going for a walk. Many thanks.
Oh poor Monty, how stressful for you both. It's a difficult one trying to help him adjust to this when the other dog is still around him, isn't it. It's a bit outside of my experience, so I'm going to ask Pippa for her thoughts, and come back to you. Sending hugs to you and Monty! ~Sammie x
What a difficult situation, and how horrid for you and for Monty. There are various strategies you can use, walking at different times of day, and using different routes to reduce coming into contact with the other dog is one approach. Scattering treats on the ground when the other dog approaches can work, but it all depends on the dog. Often the best outcome is to engage the other dog owner in conversation and come to an agreement between you. They are probably as stressed about it as you are. If things don’t improve you may be able to report the owner for having an out of control dog. In the UK that can be done through your local council dog warden or the police. They will usually have a chat with the owner and hopefully be able to encourage them to keep their dog under control. Feeding Monty to help him feel better about the situation may work if there are no further attacks. But preventing those will be the best outcome for you both.
Thank you both for the advice. The owner walks around wearing headphones & doesn't seem keen to talk, but I'll see if I can get his attention. I can't think why white dog has taken such a dislike to a dog who just wants to be friends with everyone!
From the way you are describing it, I wouldn't worry about it. If the owner of the other dog will keep his dog on lead, you will be fine. The same applies to you - don't let your dog run off to the other dog. Small dogs are just nippy and they rarely hurt other dogs.
