What do you do if you encounter a leashless dog while walking your dog?

[Tsk Tsk]

This morning I was taking my dog (Labrador Retriever) out for his morning duties and somehow my neighbors German Shepard got out (hopped the fence or something) and wandered into our backyard. I was crazy lucky as my husband was just pulling his car out of the garage and was directly between us and the neighbors dog.

I calmly walked my dog over and got into my husbands car until he could return the neighbors dog to their backyard but I was completely shaken afterwards. I know to not run in situations like this but I have no idea what would have gone down if that car hadn't been between us. What are you supposed to do to avoid conflict between the animals?

I don't think I would have been worried had it been just me but having my dog there kind of changed things.

[kutter]

It is hard to say what you should do without knowing a little more, specifically, do the dogs know one another and get along, if that is the case, you might have gotten knocked down while they played but that is about it. If they do not know one another or they do not get along, with two medium large dogs could be very problematic. I think you reacted in about the best way possible, animals pick up on anxiety far better than humans, by simply walking away you did a good job of defusing the situation.

Most dogs will react to an Alpha personality, so if the Shepard was not trained as a guard/police dog, then it may, and I stress may, be possible to control the situation through voice and body stance. This is however a risky proposition with a dog you do not know.

Even if dogs know one another though is no guarantee of peace, we have 7 dogs and every once in a while two of them decide they want to work something out. The males seem to go at it just a little and walk away, the females, for reasons I still do not understand entirely send one another to the vet if we do not intervene.

[AnticorRifling]

I'd pet it.

[Wrathbringer]

This morning I was taking my dog (Labrador Retriever) out for his morning duties and somehow my neighbors German Shepard got out (hopped the fence or something) and wandered into our backyard. I was crazy lucky as my husband was just pulling his car out of the garage and was directly between us and the neighbors dog.

I calmly walked my dog over and got into my husbands car until he could return the neighbors dog to their backyard but I was completely shaken afterwards. I know to not run in situations like this but I have no idea what would have gone down if that car hadn't been between us. What are you supposed to do to avoid conflict between the animals?

I don't think I would have been worried had it been just me but having my dog there kind of changed things.

Especially with a dog like that, I'd have no qualms about killing it and it would be the irresponsible owner's fault it got shot. They'll likely be more responsible with their next animal.

[Tenlaar]

Why does it seem like you think that the very fact that another dog was existing in the same general area as you is such a big deal? You didn't say he was in any way doing anything aggressive, just that he was there.

And really, Wrathbringer? Your neighbor's dog gets out of their yard and your first instinct is shoot it? What is wrong with you guys, do you think every dog is secretly plotting ways to tear your throat out?

[Wrathbringer]

Why does it seem like you think that the very fact that another dog was existing in the same general area as you is such a big deal? You didn't say he was in any way doing anything aggressive, just that he was there.

And really, Wrathbringer? Your neighbor's dog gets out of their yard and your first instinct is shoot it? What is wrong with you guys, do you think every dog is secretly plotting ways to tear your throat out?

The lady said it was on her property and she was scared. She'd be well within her rights imo.

[Tenlaar]

Being scared for no reason is not a reason in and of itself for an extreme reaction.

[Wrathbringer]

Being scared for no reason is not a reason in and of itself for an extreme reaction.

You're right. The smart thing to do is roll the dice with the life and limb of yourself and the animal you're owning responsibly in order to give the irresponsible owner a pass to be irresponsible again in the future.

[AnticorRifling]

I'd still pet it.

[Parkbandit]

I'd pet it.

Yea, this. I might have been lucky my entire life, but I haven't come across too many dogs that aren't normally friendly.. especially a pet of someone I know.

And you know if a pet feels threatened or doesn't look friendly.. then just leave the pet in an area where he can't hurt anyone or himself and contact the owner.

[Parkbandit]

You're right. The smart thing to do is roll the dice with the life and limb of yourself and the animal you're owning responsibly in order to give the irresponsible owner a pass to be irresponsible again in the future.

I would have far more trouble killing an innocent dog than I would a burglar in my house.

[Wrathbringer]

I'd still pet it.

I'd still shoot it and dump it on the neighbor's porch.

[Tsk Tsk]

You'd recommend approaching it and petting it and letting my dog get near it? I honestly wasn't afraid for my safety so much as I was worried about my dog defending our property and them duking it out.

[Sorcasaurus]

I'd still pet it.
I'll second this.

You handled a situation that made you uncomfortable well.

Have you never met your dog or neighbor before?

[Sorcasaurus]

You'd recommend approaching it and petting it and letting my dog get near it? I honestly wasn't afraid for my safety so much as I was worried about my dog defending our property and them duking it out.

The only thing I would check would be if my dog was on a leash or not. The presence of a leash drastically changes the dynamic between dogs, as they get overly defensive feeling they are at a disadvantage. If the other dog was not visibly tense/nervous/agitated I'd simply take the leash of my dog.

Does your dog have any experience with other dogs or animals on your property?

[Tsk Tsk]

I'll second this.

You handled a situation that made you uncomfortable well.

Have you never met your dog or neighbor before?

No, they don't walk them and they just always stay in the fenced backyard. They don't seem to be around people a lot other than their owners when they go out to feed them/give them water. My dogs only interaction with them is when I let him run along the fence back and forth with them in which the German shepherds have always responded by trying to bite him through the fence.

[Tenlaar]

You'd recommend approaching it and petting it and letting my dog get near it? I honestly wasn't afraid for my safety so much as I was worried about my dog defending our property and them duking it out.

I'd recommend not assuming that any animal that comes near you has an intent to harm. And yes, I absolutely would recommend that both you and your dog become friendly with your neighbors' animals so that you don't have to live your life in fear of a dog slipping out of their yard for a few minutes.

[Sorcasaurus]

No, they don't walk them and they just always stay in the fenced backyard. They don't seem to be around people a lot other than their owners when they go out to feed them/give them water. My dogs only interaction with them is when I let him run along the fence back and forth with them in which the German shepherds have always responded by trying to bite him through the fence.


This is the most helpful bit of info. If the animal has a history of aggression towards your dog, you likely made the right choice.

It may be worth doing an introduction with your neighbors. It could greatly help your peace of mind, and lessen a potential liability for them. Dogs are very influenced by the situation, are they leashed, are they on what they consider "their" property etc. Creating a neutral introduction may change the dynamic and establish a familiarity that would reduce (possibly eliminate) any aggression.

[AnticorRifling]

You'd recommend approaching it and petting it and letting my dog get near it? I honestly wasn't afraid for my safety so much as I was worried about my dog defending our property and them duking it out.

Yup.

[GS4-Seomanthe]

My father worked for the postal service and they were given Halt (http://www.amazon.com/Halt-Dog-Repellent-1-5-oz/dp/B000E4Q7BS)spray for aggressive dogs.

[SHAFT]

Especially with a dog like that, I'd have no qualms about killing it and it would be the irresponsible owner's fault it got shot. They'll likely be more responsible with their next animal.

Damn you're hardcore. Sawwed off shotgun hand on the pump? You is diabolical!

[Wrathbringer]

Damn you're hardcore. Sawwed off shotgun hand on the pump? You is diabolical!

Buckshot: The original halt spray.

[Warriorbird]

Damn you're hardcore. Sawwed off shotgun hand on the pump? You is diabolical!

Wrathbringer IS rap music.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCYy8jpp7R8

[Taernath]

Command voice and knife hand. Bam, problem solved.

[Ltlprprincess]

I have a shepard/rott mix at home and a coon hound. The mutt, for the most, is extremely friendly and easy going... and well, a pushover... with people. However, there have been more than one occasion when he's gotten in the same area as another dog and his defense system goes into overdrive. Big, small... could tear his neck out (wolf-hybrid), he's like that with every dog except the coon hound. We've gotten to the point of having to take preventative measures to keep him away from other dogs because of this aggression. The coon hound is an asshole... not aggressive... just an asshole, so we've had no issues with him and other, outside dogs. Unfortunately, you can't really judge a dog by the way they act with people. You did a good thing with keeping them separate, because you just never know.

[Silvean]

I fall back on the fetal position pretty often. It's useful at home and in the workplace.

6632

[Ltlprprincess]

I fall back on the fetal position pretty often. It's useful at home and in the workplace.

6632

I never took you for a fetaler.

[AnticorRifling]

Just show the dog a screenshot of Wrathbringer's posts, he's so hardcore it'll stop the dog.

http://d2tq98mqfjyz2l.cloudfront.net/image_cache/1323062570885261.png

[Wrathbringer]

Just show the dog a screenshot of Wrathbringer's posts, he's so hardcore it'll stop the dog.

http://d2tq98mqfjyz2l.cloudfront.net/image_cache/1323062570885261.png

You've obviously never lost a loved one to a dog attack due to some idiot's irresponsibility. Keep recommending that people take their dog over to pet German Shepards who have demonstrated aggressive behavior instead of moderating, genius.

[Latrinsorm]

German Shepards who have demonstrated aggressive behavior instead of moderatingWait... I thought we had weiner dogs moderating this forum?

[Taernath]

Wait... I thought we had weiner dogs moderating this forum?

The weiner dogs are clearly allied with the Krauthounds.

[Wrathbringer]

Wait... I thought we had a weiner moderating this forum?

We do.

[AnticorRifling]

You've obviously never lost a loved one to a dog attack due to some idiot's irresponsibility. Keep recommending that people take their dog over to pet German Shepards who have demonstrated aggressive behavior instead of moderating, genius.

Nope. I've also successfully rescued several aggressive animals with zero issues.

Keep being a titty baby.

[AnticorRifling]

Wait... I thought we had weiner dogs moderating this forum?

We do.

[Wrathbringer]

Nope. I've also successfully rescued several aggressive animals with zero issues.

Keep being a titty baby.

I know you think that's relevant, wise and noble, but it is none of those.

[AnticorRifling]

I know you think that's relevant, wise and noble, but it is none of those.

A loose dog != open fire. I know you think it makes you sound cool and like a hero and a bad ass but it does none of those.

[Methais]

We do.

https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/6103712512/h63AE49AC

[Wrathbringer]

A loose dog != open fire. I know you think it makes you sound cool and like a hero and a bad ass but it does none of those.

I know you're busy cleaning up all the piles of crap from aggressive dogs around your Indianapolis home, but you should probably read threads before posting. Makes you seem stupid when you haven't and you attempt to simplify as you did here. You're not stupid, are you?

[Taernath]

I know you think that's relevant, wise and noble, but it is none of those.

Coming from someone who just said they'd shoot a dog just because it's off its leash then dump it on the owner's porch, that's kinda ironic.

[Androidpk]

Nope. I've also successfully rescued several aggressive animals with zero issues.

Anticor's technique for subduing aggressive animals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrmTqDJd8iA

[Wrathbringer]

Coming from someone who just said they'd shoot a dog just because it's off its leash then dump it on the owner's porch, that's kinda ironic.

That's not why I said I'd do it. Nice try. You're illiterate or stupid. Which is it?

[Tisket]

My neighbors have three of those little dogs that look like dust mops. One day recently, apparently in their hustle and bustle to leave for work, they left the front door cracked open. So, being opportunistic little dust mops, the three made a break for it. I was driving home from some errands and had my dogs in the car with me when I spotted the runaways with no humans anywhere to be seen. They aren't particularly friendly little dogs and my dogs, while very friendly generally, would not have reacted well to three strange dogs appearing in "their" car so I stopped, got out, and took my dogs leashes with me in an attempt to snare the truants and walk them home. They kept barking at me and would only let me get about twenty feet away from them before skipping farther away. We continued this dance for a little while until I realized that I could, using this technique, herd them toward the neighbors gate. I'm pretty sure my dogs were laughing at me the whole way but, it worked like a charm! Got them to run in the gate barking the whole way. I then realized that the front door was wide open and, not wanting to just walk inside, I called out but nobody responded so I called 911 because, well, it looked like something was wrong, I mean who leaves their door wide open? It turns out, they left through the garage door and just assumed the front door was latched.

That's my dog story, which has nothing to do with being afraid of a loose dog. It's also probably the longest paragraph I've ever written. You are welcome.

[Taernath]

That's not why I said I'd do it. Nice try. You're illiterate or stupid. Which is it?

You're backpedaling or a sociopath. Which is it?

The entire string of replies I was responding to were within the first 10 posts of the thread, it's not like there was a lot of stuff to wade through and get confused over.

[Tenlaar]

That's not why I said I'd do it. Nice try. You're illiterate or stupid. Which is it?

Yeah, this is what you said when the ENTIRE story you had gotten so far was "I saw a dog."


Especially with a dog like that, I'd have no qualms about killing it and it would be the irresponsible owner's fault it got shot. They'll likely be more responsible with their next animal.

[Wrathbringer]

Yeah, this is what you said when the ENTIRE story you had gotten so far was "I saw a dog."

Wrong. Why didn't you quote the op or my express reasoning in my second post? Because it doesn't fit your fictional narrative.

[Atlanteax]

I'd recommend not assuming that any animal that comes near you has an intent to harm. And yes, I absolutely would recommend that both you and your dog become friendly with your neighbors' animals so that you don't have to live your life in fear of a dog slipping out of their yard for a few minutes.

This, and ensure that your dog is dog-friendly with *other* dogs (not your neighbor's if arranging that sort of time is problematic).

If you are afraid of random unleashed dogs while walking your dog, you are doing a disservice to your dog (and yourself),

Now if you were being cautious because it was a german shepherd (or pitbull or whatever, of a neighbor that basically ignores their dog(s) from what you described), that is understandable. But if an unleashed little beagle or dachshund wanders up to you and your dog, and you're afraid, then sheesh ... you are not a dog person.

[Wrathbringer]

You're backpedaling or a sociopath. Which is it?

The entire string of replies I was responding to were within the first 10 posts of the thread, it's not like there was a lot of stuff to wade through and get confused over.

See my second post. Oh you already did, as it's in the first ten, yet you're confused... or stupid.

[Taernath]

See my second post. Oh you already did, as it's in the first ten, yet you're confused... or stupid.


The lady said it was on her property and she was scared. She'd be well within her rights imo.

Sociopathy confirmed. Thanks for playing.

[Atlanteax]

Especially with a dog like that, I'd have no qualms about killing it and it would be the irresponsible owner's fault it got shot. They'll likely be more responsible with their next animal.


Coming from someone who just said they'd shoot a dog just because it's off its leash then dump it on the owner's porch, that's kinda ironic.


That's not why I said I'd do it. Nice try. You're illiterate or stupid. Which is it?

You did say that...

[Allereli]

No, they don't walk them and they just always stay in the fenced backyard. They don't seem to be around people a lot other than their owners when they go out to feed them/give them water. My dogs only interaction with them is when I let him run along the fence back and forth with them in which the German shepherds have always responded by trying to bite him through the fence.

this fence?

http://i.imgur.com/o60O0sP.jpg

[Wrathbringer]

Sociopathy confirmed. Thanks for playing.

Apparently sociopathy is within the law, if that's sociopathy. Thanks for gaying.

[Taernath]

Apparently sociopathy is within the law, if that's sociopathy. Thanks for gaying.

Let it all out buddy, I'm here for you.

Also, are you 12?

[Wrathbringer]

You did say that...

Are you all impaired? It was on her property and she was frightened. She's within her rights to kill it if she wants. It's in my second post...

[RSR]

I'd still shoot it and dump it on the neighbor's porch.

Looks exactly like what you said. Backpedal some more though.

[Wrathbringer]

Let it all out buddy, I'm here for you.

Also, are you 12?

I am.

[Wrathbringer]

Looks exactly like what you said. Backpedal some more though.

Wow, you're all retarded. But I knew that.

[Atlanteax]

Wrathbringer's meltdown is presently underway.

[Wrathbringer]

Wrathbringer's meltdown is presently underway.

It's... what I do.

[Atlanteax]

No, they don't walk them and they just always stay in the fenced backyard. They don't seem to be around people a lot other than their owners when they go out to feed them/give them water. My dogs only interaction with them is when I let him run along the fence back and forth with them in which the German shepherds have always responded by trying to bite him through the fence.

My aunt had a neighbor with 2 dogs chained to a dog house in their backyard. The dogs, for the most part, are ignored by the owners, who occasionally dump pizza in a box out there. My aunt goes over there now and then to feed the dogs, citing that they look starved at times.

Unfortunately, when she called animal control (to lodge a protest at the ill treatment), they indicated that the dogs look fine (due to my aunt helping feed them). Lose-lose situation basically (as she would have to not feed/intervene for a period of time for the dogs to be considered malnourished/abused).

Is a sad life for those dogs, and your neighbor's dogs. Underwhelming owners like them should not be having dogs as pets. Get a cat if the figurative you are just going to ignore or otherwise be negligent.

[Tisket]

I'd shoot a dog if it was attacking me, my kids or someone else, and there was zero chance I'd hit any people. Not so much if it was attacking my dogs. As much as I love them, my animals stand a better chance of surviving a dog fight than they would a stray shot.

[SHAFT]

Wrathbringer's meltdown is presently underway.

Wrathbringer is so nasty, he called in a bomb threat to the special Olympics!

[Wrathbringer]

Wrathbringer is so nasty, he called in a bomb threat to the special Olympics!

Seems counter productive. If you call first, they'll just leave.

[Tenlaar]

Is a sad life for those dogs, and your neighbor's dogs.

Unsupported parallel given the information presented. Tsk Tsk clearly stated that the owners do care for the dogs, the dogs just stay outside.

[Methais]

My aunt had a neighbor with 2 dogs chained to a dog house in their backyard. The dogs, for the most part, are ignored by the owners, who occasionally dump pizza in a box out there. My aunt goes over there now and then to feed the dogs, citing that they look starved at times.

Unfortunately, when she called animal control (to lodge a protest at the ill treatment), they indicated that the dogs look fine (due to my aunt helping feed them). Lose-lose situation basically (as she would have to not feed/intervene for a period of time for the dogs to be considered malnourished/abused).

Is a sad life for those dogs, and your neighbor's dogs. Underwhelming owners like them should not be having dogs as pets. Get a cat if the figurative you are just going to ignore or otherwise be negligent.

Have Wrathbringer go over and shoot them to put them out of their misery.

[Wrathbringer]

Have Wrathbringer go over and shoot them to put them out of their misery.

It won't be free.

[Methais]

It won't be free.

You can have the dogs' pizza.

[Wrathbringer]

You can have the dogs' pizza.

I was taking that anyway.

[Methais]

I was taking that anyway.

But this time it will come with extra cheese, as long as you provide advance notice.

[Atlanteax]

Unsupported parallel given the information presented. Tsk Tsk clearly stated that the owners do care for the dogs, the dogs just stay outside.

Ummm, did you read what Tsk Tsk posted?

1) dogs do not get walked
2) dogs just stay in backyard
3) only interaction is when owners feed/water them

That is not a quality life for a dog.

[Wrathbringer]

But this time it will come with extra cheese, as long as you provide advance notice.

I don't provide advanced notice of my shootings. Again, counter productive.

[Tenlaar]

That is not a quality life for a dog.

Look at the picture above. It's a big yard. Unsupported conclusion given the evidence presented.

[Atlanteax]

Look at the picture above. It's a big yard. Unsupported conclusion given the evidence presented.

...

Apparently on its own merits, fresh air = quality life for a dog on its own in your book.

In my book, *(positive & consistent) interaction* is the decisive measure in the quality of life for a dog.

[Ltlprprincess]

...

Apparently on its own merits, fresh air = quality life for a dog on its own in your book.

In my book, *(positive & consistent) interaction* is the decisive measure in the quality of life for a dog.

I hate to be that person, but are you the type to fully mourn a dead pet, ie, cry for weeks, have a urn with their ashes, etc?

[Taernath]

Look at the picture above. It's a big yard. Unsupported conclusion given the evidence presented.

We don't even know if that's the yard in question yet.

[Tenlaar]

Apparently on its own merits, fresh air = quality life for a dog on its own in your book.

No, in my book you have no clue about the situation and yet have no qualms about declaring that these people are animal abusers.

Also, in my book, animals have lived in the wild FOR-FUCKING-EVER. So no, I do not automatically assume that being an outside dog in a big back yard means that a dog has poor "quality of life".

[Astray]

I've been attacked while walking my dog, blamed for it too. But normally I'm friendly towards them unless they are acting aggressively or look a little mangy.

[Atlanteax]

No, in my book you have no clue about the situation and yet have no qualms about declaring that these people are animal abusers.

Also, in my book, animals have lived in the wild FOR-FUCKING-EVER. So no, I do not automatically assume that being an outside dog in a big back yard means that a dog has poor "quality of life".

Okay, so apparently you ignore your pets (if you have any) 24/7, and are in denial of your own negligence.

[Atlanteax]

I hate to be that person, but are you the type to fully mourn a dead pet, ie, cry for weeks, have a urn with their ashes, etc?

I hate to be that person, but are you the type that kicks dogs while they are sleeping?

[Ker_Thwap]

My dog is a ninja. She was a shelter dog, and never learned to deal with other animals. I've tried to train her, I've had the "specialist" at the kennel try to acclimate her to other animals. Nope! She'll walk jauntily right up to any other animal, wagging her little tail and bite them in the neck, until I pry her little jaws off. (Save your advice, I've probably tried it.)

So, I run into a lot of trouble on the hiking trails where every asshole in the world lets their dog run free, because their dog is just the sweetest, well behaved, obedient, and well trained pet in the damned world. My basic strategy is to restrain my properly leashed dog, then kind of dance around on one foot while fending the stupid asshole's dog off with my other foot. Then the other owner says "Don't worry, my pet is fucking precious!" Then the other owner calls their dog, who promptly proves that their dog isn't even remotely trained. Eventually, I have to tell the person to physically come and get their damned dog, and put it on a leash like the trail rules state.

I hate people.

[Tenlaar]

Okay, so apparently you ignore your pets (if you have any) 24/7, and are in denial of your own negligence.

Not even close to correct. You sure are good at judging people without having any actual information whatsoever about what you are judging them for.

[Drew]

Call this guy: http://vimeo.com/28473448

[subzero]

The lady said it was on her property and she was scared. She'd be well within her rights imo.

You can't just blast things and say you were scared. You actually need a legit reason for fear. I don't think baseless paranoia works.

[Ltlprprincess]

I hate to be that person, but are you the type that kicks dogs while they are sleeping?

Cute, but no. I'm just not a bleeding heart for animals.

[Methais]

The Republicans nearly won the last two elections.

BUT I HEARD IT WAS A LANDSLIDE!!!!!!11

[Warriorbird]

In all seriousness you did the right thing. In a leash situation it's best to get somebody to run interference.

[Methais]

I found a reenactment of what happens when Wrathbringer encounters a barking dog:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n1cQUOqxsI

[Latrinsorm]

Yo Methais I'm really happy for you and Imma let you finish but Last Crusade is on right now and it's the best Indy film of all time. OF ALL TIME.

[Methais]

Yo Methais I'm really happy for you and Imma let you finish but Last Crusade is on right now and it's the best Indy film of all time. OF ALL TIME.

But I was already finished.

[Latrinsorm]

Good then.