We were on our daily walk last night, leash controlled, when we were attacked by two bullies that come out of nowhere. They come right up on us, started to growl, show teeth, and my dog just stood his ground, stood in-between us, and let them know that he was not intimidated until they starting jumping on him. He turned around and starting growling at them, one backed away, the other would not leave us alone. The owner finally (slowly) strolled down the street and could not catch them. We starting walking back home so I could call the cops (what a joke) when they ran up on us again. This time they tried to bite us. I stood in-between them and us, to try to control them, but they were not having it. I looked for the owner and HE WAS WALKING THE OPPOSITE WAY BACK HOME. He left me to fend for ourselves!!! I tried to go into one of the areas homes fenced in yards, but could not get in (gate locked.) About 15 minutes later, I seen a girl running down the street calling the dogs, so I decided to put an end to it and grabbed the dogs by their collars and fur and held tightly. I was mad by then, and gave her my "Detroit" attitude. She said sorry, and I said you are lucky no one was hurt, but I am calling animal control. She said I was a MEAN LADY!!! I said these dogs are yours and his responsibility and the guy left me alone with his dogs to control!!!

Through all of this I am amazed that my shy/fearful dog held his ground, listened to me, and did not back down. He wanted to play when we got home, so hopefully this did not set him back (he did not want to go for a walk when he first come home.)

Did I do the right thing and let him defend us? What should I have done differently? (This is not the first time this has happened to me, my beloved Aussie (RIP) was aggressive to other dogs and I learned how to deal with her behavior and used what I learned in this situation.)

I remember the first time I heard my shy dog, Libby (now at Rainbow Bridge) growl. We were out walking with my then roommate and her godchildren. Libby worshiped one of the godkids, Samuel, a six year old with deep emotional hurts. Anyway, coming toward us was the neighborhood bully--a dalmatian with as much attitude as his owner. Libby stepped forward and over--not, mind you to stand in front of me but rather to stand in front of Samuel--and gave the deepest from the gut growl I've ever heard...and the first growl of any kind she had ever given. I stood open-mouthed. After the Dal and his owner wisely chose to cross the street, I praised Libby for standing her ground and protecting HER BOY. She seemed to grow that day.

Personally, I think you did well.

Through all of this I am amazed that my shy/fearful dog held his ground, listened to me, and did not back down.

what exactly did you tell your dog to do?

I have 2 dog aggressive dogs and they are small - I have been in that situation and its so scary. My puppy at the moment is a scared dog meaning the wind blows funny and she is scared. I am not coddling her and slowly she is coming over some issues (vaccum etc)

You were lucky- had it been me I dont think I would have been so lucky- I am always at a risk because of the irresponsible dog owners EVERYWHERE here- I do drive to more public places to walk my group but I like I said we run into strays all the time - if i had called animal conrol they would have done nothing, I hate it here..........

Originally Posted by 4paws-up

what exactly did you tell your dog to do?
..........

What I was taught (this is with big dogs) was to lean your leg into the direction you want the dogs to go to and make sure that the leash is up over their heads so the brain has time to calm down. It worked for the other dogs also I just kept using my legs to get them away from us, had to keep doing that until things were under control.

Thanks- good grief its so sad that we have to worry about such stuff makes my blood boil