Hi all, looking for a bit of advice about Jura. Jura is now 10 months old, and came out of season 2 weeks ago. Recently (once at the end of December, a month before she came into season) and twice since coming out of season she has become reactive towards other dogs who have approached her. The majority of times she is absolutely fine. She tends not to approach dogs, and certainly I don't encourage her to, but I do walk her at a National Trust property a few times a week to help with her socialisation and have done since she was 3 months old, and many dogs there do approach her. Most she greets very calmly and then walks on nicely. She has never been a problem to recall away from dogs. She also attends two group dog training classes a week. Today a young male dog ran up to her very playfully and started jumping all over her. She was off lead, but in a heel position next to me. Initially she ignored it and continued to walk by my side. Anyway the dog again ran at her from behind and jumped at her, trying to engage her in play, and she reacted very strongly giving it a real verbal warning. The owner of the dog then got very upset with me about my aggressive dog that wasn't on a lead. I stated that Jura was not aggressive and if she could recall her dog, we could all get on our way, but I did put Jura on a lead at this point. Unfortunately the woman did not put her dog on a lead, and as we walked away it again came running up, got under my feet and got its paw stood on, which at least sent it back to its owner, but did make me feel terrible! I'm sorry this is so longwinded but today's incident has really upset me, as her reaction to dogs she doesn't want to engage with seems to be escalating recently. She does have "dog friends" that she is more than happy to play with but I'm concerned by this stronger reaction to other dogs that are more persistent in their attempts to engage with her. Could it be linked to her season? Or am I the one who is over reacting, and is this "normal" dog behaviour? Jura is our first dog, so would really appreciate some advice on this. Thanks
Jura gave only a verbal warning after the dog jumped on her for the second time? I think she showed remarkable restraint. How is the other dog supposed to know he's behaving rudely if Jura doesn't tell him? At 10 months Jura is becoming more confident and able to stand up and say, Hey, I don't like that, bugger off. I think she handled it very well. I would not have put her on leash knowing there was a rude, poorly behaved dog around. I would leave my dog off leash so he is free to display unencumbered body language and not feel trapped by the leash. One on leash and one off sets up misread and constricted body language and can make things worse. The other owner is an idiot. Her dog is behaving normally too, it's just too bad he hasn't learned proper greeting manners.
Hey, don't blame Jura for saying 'NO' to a rude dog!!! She was completely within her rights - and bitches routinely put male dogs in their place if they get too 'friendly', especially after a season has ended. And I agree with Snowshoe - the other owner has no idea of what consists of good doggy etiquette, and neither does her dog.
Keep the faith, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a verbal warning Sam is 100% subservient , never heard him growl , whereas Miss Millie ( older terrier ) will also give verbals out if other dogs get right into her face . There is a saying, never punish a growl
Good for Jura! Willow will do the same. She will tolerate a little bit of push-and-shove (like Jura, she's not really interested in other dogs), but when the other dog crosses the line, she will have a very firm "word", which is generally a single snarly-snap (this after all the normal body language warnings). It doesn't involve contact and it doesn't escalate past that. If I have her on lead and other dogs approach, I tend to let her off lead, if it's safe to do so, because she is so good at managing these situations by herself and the lead can add extra tension and make it difficult for them to demonstrate the correct body language to one another. If only Shadow learnt lessons in doggy etiquette from his sister ...
Thank you. I really appreciate the replies. I knew it was a perfectly natural response from her to put the dog in its place, but I stupidly let the owner of the other dog undermine my confidence. In future the lead will not go on. Jura thanks you too for reassuring her silly mum!
Hattie is a very placid dog and can put up with a lot but she will put dogs in their place if they get too much for her which is perfectly natural. My OH had an incident last weekend with Charlie our rescue dog, he went out with a group of 5 dogs who had all had a lovely 40 minute off lead walk, when it came to all dogs back on lead one owner didn't comply and David hadn't noticed, this dog came charging up behind Charlie bashing into him which startled him, Charlie lunged at him barking, teeth on show which we have never seen him do before and he is 5 years old. It was the other owners fault as Charlie and all other dogs were on lead so this caused tension. Still upsetting though so I do understand and the owner didn't take responsibility I do believe people expect dogs to behave perfectly these days, but they do need to sort things out for themselves to a degree so long as it doesn't escalate. I've never met a perfect dog so don't worry and don't be worried about telling owners either x
Nothing to add except Jura was perfectly correct in her manners, just a shame the other dog has no manners - just like his owner.
Harley has done this before too, especially if she ignores them and they won't go away. I know how you feel because the first time this ever happened to me and the owner told me I had an aggressive dog I was really upset. Jura didn't do anything wrong
Ok hopefully posting the photos from flickr has worked and below should be some updated photos of Jura. im
Jura is not aggressive so do not be upset. The other dog was rude, she just said 'behave' in dog language. Why should dogs have to put up with other dogs all over them, would we be the same, I don't think we would and would tell the other person to behave!
I think it depends on how strong her response was, really. I don't think there is any difference in what I expect from a bitch or from a dog, and I would be worried and alarmed if my own dog reacted disproportionately to a young, annoying dog. I'd expect him to avoid the dog, then growl, and then bark. I wouldn't be alarmed if, as a last resort, he air snapped (but he never has). I think the only difference between what I'd expect of a bitch compared to a dog is a faster warning if a dog had his nose up her bum. Even then, I would expect an escalation in warnings. If you are at all worried, perhaps you can ask the trainer in the classes that you go to? They have observed your dog around other dogs presumably, and could perhaps put your mind at rest, or steer you in the right direction for help if necessary.
