I have recently seen an elderly man walking his dog but Hattie skulks along trying to avoid him and has a very low grumble as he approaches which is not like her at all, I have been treating them both to show her there is nothing to be fearful of and all has been good. Today we met them again, Hattie skulked and had a little grumble, dog approached me for a treat, but today the owner let his dog near Hattie and he bit her on the face without any warning nothing serious, she hid behind me and seemed scared, I treated her for her very good behaviour. No apology for his dogs behaviour but I am guessing he is old school as the dog was on a chain choke collar and chain lead I asked him what breed he is, Rottweiller x Labrador x Weimeraner from the Dogs Trust. Obviously Hattie knew best not to feel comfortable around this dog, so should I continue to treat when we meet or walk past and make my excuses? Thanks xx
Re: Does Hattie Know Best? [quote author=charlie link=topic=9298.msg133543#msg133543 date=1420046909] Do you think dogs know instinctively to avoid certain dogs? x [/quote] Definitely. There are several dogs Harley avoids and it has proven to be the right decision.
Re: Does Hattie Know Best? YES. A lad came a courting my teenage daughter. Alice, my scruffy black mongrel who loved everybody sat on the floor in front of him, watching him intently and emitting a low growl. Didn't know she even knew how to growl. Turns out lad was messing about with drugs. A few years goes by, he's grown up and cleaned up his act, Alice is his mate. Dogs are instinctive and smart.
Re: Does Hattie Know Best? Absolutely! I also wonder if a well socialised dog is also more "in tune" to those subtle signals. Benson never seems to arouse those types of dogs, whereas Casper does tend to pick them!
Re: Does Hattie Know Best? That dog would've been giving Hattie the eye from over the street, and possibly giving off scents that we humans are oblivious to. Hattie would've read those signs. So it's not 'instinct' but communication skills. I'd keep right away!
Re: Does Hattie Know Best? [quote author=bbrown link=topic=9298.msg133570#msg133570 date=1420055916] I'd trust Hattie any day of the week, she's smart [/quote] Aww thank you Barbara x
