Dog to dog aggression while camping

[campn4walleye]

We just completed 4 wonderful days at a county CG on a very nice fishing lake.

The moment we arrived, we noticed a family with a pit bull running loose. I asked them to put it on a leash as we have dogs too and our weim doesn't always like other dogs and is protective of our cavalier. (There is a leash rule) but it seems it is not enforced. The camp host lets his little pom run free.

Anyhow, we got set up and the pit bull's owner comes over and says he's sorry he doesn't have a leash or tie out line. In truth, the dog doesn't even have a collar! I'm annoyed, but was civil, and warned him to keep it out of our site.

Naturally, they let their 4 y/o come over with the dog. Immediately, our dog rushed the dog and there was a quick fight. The guy didn't even know it happened until he heard us yell.

What would you do? Our dog is so quiet and sweet, unless a dog comes into his area without being properly introduced. If they had met in passing, he would have been fine.

How in the world can an owner maintain responsibility for the dog without a collar and leash?

Okay, I'm done venting. Thanks for listening.

[toedtoes]

Joeshmoe - I don't see it that way at all. Why should one person be allowed to let their dog roam into others' "territories"? My campsite belongs to me. I paid for it. I don't want your dog in my campsite. The campground rules state the dogs must be on a leash or confined. Keep your dog out of other people's campsites unless they give you permission.

I don't want to clean up after your dog. I'm cleaning up after two of my own. I have had people let their dogs go in my site when I step away and leave it for me to clean up. Keep your dog out of my site.

I don't want your dog trying to steal our food - whether it's mine or my dogs' food. I don't want to have to chase your dog away because I and/or my dogs are eating. Keep your dog out of my site.

I don't want your dog peeing on my belongings (or my dog - I had one do that while the owner laughed. It's not funny). I don't want to have to hose down my chairs or cooler or tent or tires, etc. Keep your dog out of my site.

It doesn't matter why I don't want your dog in my campsite. It's my right not to have your dog there. And if your dog is roaming around uncontrolled, then YOU are responsible for whatever happens to your dog. You had the ability to prevent the problem by simply following the rules. You chose to ignore the rules - you are responsible for the consequences of that choice.

[joeshmoe]

campn4walleye wrote:
We just completed 4 wonderful days at a county CG on a very nice fishing lake.

The moment we arrived, we noticed a family with a pit bull running loose. I asked them to put it on a leash as we have dogs too and our weim doesn't always like other dogs and is protective of our cavalier. (There is a leash rule) but it seems it is not enforced. The camp host lets his little pom run free.

Anyhow, we got set up and the pit bull's owner comes over and says he's sorry he doesn't have a leash or tie out line. In truth, the dog doesn't even have a collar! I'm annoyed, but was civil, and warned him to keep it out of our site.

Naturally, they let their 4 y/o come over with the dog. Immediately, our dog rushed the dog and there was a quick fight. The guy didn't even know it happened until he heard us yell.

What would you do? Our dog is so quiet and sweet, unless a dog comes into his area without being properly introduced. If they had met in passing, he would have been fine.

How in the world can an owner maintain responsibility for the dog without a collar and leash?

Okay, I'm done venting. Thanks for listening.

So...let me understand...the other dog comes over to your camp (albeit, off-leash and against the rules, fine) in a non-aggressive manner, your dog sees the other dog and goes into defense mode. But it's the other dogs' (owner) fault?

Just an observation, and I see this REGULARLY at our local, off-leash dog beach and even my own front yard where my dog cannot run free because of aggressive passersby, but I think you're irritated that you have keep your dog leashed and are unable to control its initial behavior, less he gets aggressive. Not because of the leash rules, but because you have no other choice. Just sayin' maybe work on getting the dog not so defensive every time another loose dog comes around. Not dismissing the pit owners responsibility to leash his dog, but as you have described it, the other dog did nothing except come into your camp. Essentially, you told the owner to leash his dog because you haven't fully socialized yours.

Did you ever make an attempt to make amends about it? Or did you just act as if they weren't there and just grumbled about it? It sounds like the guy was reasonable to talk to?

[Gunner45]

toedtoes wrote:

xteacher wrote:
I've had big and small dogs over the years (currently have small dogs). I am usually one of the few campers in any campground who expects my small dogs not to charge and yap at other dogs; no, I don't want to stop and "let our dogs play". When we were at a campground last mnonth, a clueless lady with a yorkie walked her dog frequently on a flexi-leash (PLEASE don't get me started on that topic...), and she let the dog come well onto our site every time, peeing on a nearby bush - argghhhh!

When I see those flexi-leashes, I want to wrap them around the owner's neck. They are absolutely worthless to maintain control of a dog.

Retractable leashes are the subject of my daughter's fair educational poster for 4-H this year. NO Retractable Leashes 🙂

Between the lack of control, teaching the dog to PULL on the leash and if your dog bolts and you drop it it's now bouncing along the ground chasing your dog, they are the horrible.


~ Dori ~

[Oaklevel]

toedtoes wrote:
Oaklevel - yes, flexi-leash is the same as a retractable leash. While it may appear to give you more control, try using it to remove your dog from a bad situation. If the dog is in control, then it's fairly easy to retract the leash and get the dog within the 1 ft minimum. However, if the dog is no longer in control then all you've got is a thin rope. In addition, those flexi-leads let the dog get too far away from their owner in a normal setting. It is very hard to reel in a dog from 28 feet as another dog is attacking it. Much easier to maneuver the dog when it is only up to 6 ft away. A good 6 ft leather lead is still the BEST way to walk your dog.

Pawz4me - I had a rescue corgi mix once. She had been severely abused and would "freak out" at some very simple things (like food bowls, etc.). I was taking her for a quick training session at the local Petsmart (off hours, few people, lots of scents and interesting things). I opened the shell of the truck to bring her out and a woman appeared out of nowhere, rushed in and grabbed the dog around it's neck and started snuggling with it. I told her to stop immediately and when she did, she was all upset wanting to know why she couldn't pet my dog. I explained to her that she was extremely lucky the dog didn't rip her neck out for being an idiot. She wanted to know why the dog wasn't muzzled if she was so dangerous - I said "because you didn't wait for me to muzzle her, did you."

Thanks.... The retractable leash (Never heard them called Flexi until now that I realize that it is a brand name issue). I have seen owners with them all the way out. Its like any tool it needs to be used properly. I personally feel I can control our dog (Boxer) easier with the retractable than a 6'. (Have used both over the years)I am always clear as to who & what are around & she is reeled into about one foot if dogs or people are coming close. But also if a dog that appears to be somewhat aggressive is walking near she will sit down & watch it til it has gone by. I also keep her in a harness so it is harder for her to escape & hold onto if need be. Boxers are clowns & can decide to show of at crazy times. 🙂

[toedtoes]

Oaklevel - yes, flexi-leash is the same as a retractable leash. While it may appear to give you more control, try using it to remove your dog from a bad situation. If the dog is in control, then it's fairly easy to retract the leash and get the dog within the 1 ft minimum. However, if the dog is no longer in control then all you've got is a thin rope. In addition, those flexi-leads let the dog get too far away from their owner in a normal setting. It is very hard to reel in a dog from 28 feet as another dog is attacking it. Much easier to maneuver the dog when it is only up to 6 ft away. A good 6 ft leather lead is still the BEST way to walk your dog.

Pawz4me - I had a rescue corgi mix once. She had been severely abused and would "freak out" at some very simple things (like food bowls, etc.). I was taking her for a quick training session at the local Petsmart (off hours, few people, lots of scents and interesting things). I opened the shell of the truck to bring her out and a woman appeared out of nowhere, rushed in and grabbed the dog around it's neck and started snuggling with it. I told her to stop immediately and when she did, she was all upset wanting to know why she couldn't pet my dog. I explained to her that she was extremely lucky the dog didn't rip her neck out for being an idiot. She wanted to know why the dog wasn't muzzled if she was so dangerous - I said "because you didn't wait for me to muzzle her, did you."

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

BCSnob wrote:



The lack of dog education in our society is astounding.




And people wonder why we are reluctant to promote our dog events to the general public.

Part of your problem is "pretty dogs". I spent 14+ years, protecting Ike the Aussie, from the general public. He was pretty, soft, and not aggressive-acting; so people were attracted to him like moths to the proverbial flame...groan. He'd see the lady cooing "OOOH! What a pretty dog" and he'd give me the pained look that said "please don't let her touch me?" - so I'd step between dog-mauler and dog and say "he just doesn't like strangers". When the TRUTH of the matter was that if the dog-mauler would just shut up and sit down; Ike would willingly walk over and gently introduce himself. And gladly be petted - even mauled. But he needed a proper introduction, first.

Of course, Jack the Cattle Dog - the dog who never met a mauler he didn't love??...LOL!... nobody paid any attention to him, because he was "scary-looking"

TV commercials are filled with BCs because they take direction so well 😉 Because one is so adorable/playful/loving in a commercial - they must ALL be that way, right?? Never mind that they are athletes about to enter a competition....

[Pawz4me]

The scariest encounter I ever had was years ago, walking into Petsmart with my Brittany. Someone came up from behind us, bent over and literally grabbed my Britt around his body in a hug while he was in mid-stride. It scared me and the dog. Thankfully he was (is) well trained and socialized and was raised around kids. He was startled but didn't snap. The person who did it was a young man with Down Syndrome. His parent (caregiver?) immediately warned him not to ever do that again.

Overall, though, the group of people I find most difficult to deal with are the ones who watch Cesar Milan or that lady on TV (Victoria something or other) and thus think they know dogs. They're usually prime examples of a little knowledge being a very dangerous thing.

[BCSnob]

At outdoor dog events attended by the public the issue is having a location where the competing dogs can be house (where the dogs have proper ventilation) and the public is excluded. This is possible at some venues but at others the public feels they can freely walk through the camping/parking area for the competitors.

[Go_Dogs]

"The lack of dog education in our society is astounding'

I agree, however, many people have had no exposure to dogs, other than Disney cartoons. I never trust strangers to have any sense around my dogs. That's why it's so important to socialize your dogs until they are as bullet,(translation-idiot human) proof as possible. Then I still watch everyone like a hawk. I have no problem physically blocking someone that's getting getting too close to my campsite. At my regular campgrounds-I purposely reserve the out-of-the way campsites. I trust MY dogs, but they do not need the stress of some child/dog/human invading their space.

[BCSnob]

picture these scenes

Proud parents watching and smiling as their toddler walks with outstretched hands towards a strange dog crated in a vehicle. Meanwhile the dog is backing up in its crate. The toddler came within inches of the crate before I could make the parents aware of the meaning behind the dog's reaction.

Unattended pre-teens at a dog event climbing into vehicles that are not theirs (without permission) and reaching through the wires of the crates to touch the dogs.



The lack of dog education in our society is astounding.




And people wonder why we are reluctant to promote our dog events to the general public.

[Go_Dogs]

"The wild thing is when a person does not ask & puts their face in front of our Boxers mouth & has them lick them. " Oh we miss ours" they will say....but thats for another post."

We travel with a pit bull and an English Mastiff. People will practically trample the pit bull to get to the mastiff because, they 'used to know someone that had one'. I would think that if you 'used to know' ANY dog-you wouldn't try to hug a strange dog.

And yes, the ever present brace of yorkies on 30 feet of flexi leash- The sights of summer!

[Oaklevel]

toedtoes wrote:

xteacher wrote:
I've had big and small dogs over the years (currently have small dogs). I am usually one of the few campers in any campground who expects my small dogs not to charge and yap at other dogs; no, I don't want to stop and "let our dogs play". When we were at a campground last mnonth, a clueless lady with a yorkie walked her dog frequently on a flexi-leash (PLEASE don't get me started on that topic...), and she let the dog come well onto our site every time, peeing on a nearby bush - argghhhh!

When I see those flexi-leashes, I want to wrap them around the owner's neck. They are absolutely worthless to maintain control of a dog.

What is a flexi-leash???? Are you talking about retractable leashes????


Sorry I think I figured it out. Never heard them called Flexi-leashes. Like Kleenex & tissues. Flexi. is the brand name & retractable leash is what it is ?? is that correct??

If so I like using a retractable leash with our Boxers it gives me better control. I retract it to within a foot or so when someone or another dog is near & let her have about 6 feet or so when no one is around if she needs it. Gives a better handle to holds onto. She usually walks on my left side at my side. When my son walks her it drives him crazy.... he says Dad I can sure tell you are left handed. 🙂

[Oaklevel]

toedtoes wrote:

Deb and Ed M wrote:

Billinwoodland wrote:
If you have a lap dog, it would not survive an attack from a pit.

And going back to Mark's great post - this is where the SMART little-dog owner would make sure their pet is well-socialized around big dogs and wouldn't run snarling up to something that could break its neck in an instant!

As well as not letting the little dog get within reach of a big dog without having first been assured by the big dog owner that it is OK to do so.

It's frustrating to have people not hold back their dog unless and until I tell them it's OK to do so. As owner of 2 big dogs, I want to be able to: 1) make sure my grip on my dogs is secure and capable of controlling them if something happens; 2) separate my dogs out so they aren't both right in the face/butt of the visiting dog; and 3) be able to say "no, I don't want my dogs getting close to your dog".

X2 But the bad thing is the owners that don't control their dogs & assume all dogs & owners are fine with anyone & thing being in their space.

The wild thing is when a person does not ask & puts their face in front of our Boxers mouth & has them lick them. " Oh we miss ours" they will say....but thats for another post.

[2Ambros]

Unruly dogs are so annoying! I would probably mention it to the cg mgr and move sites.

[toedtoes]

Deb and Ed M wrote:

Billinwoodland wrote:
If you have a lap dog, it would not survive an attack from a pit.

And going back to Mark's great post - this is where the SMART little-dog owner would make sure their pet is well-socialized around big dogs and wouldn't run snarling up to something that could break its neck in an instant!

As well as not letting the little dog get within reach of a big dog without having first been assured by the big dog owner that it is OK to do so.

It's frustrating to have people not hold back their dog unless and until I tell them it's OK to do so. As owner of 2 big dogs, I want to be able to: 1) make sure my grip on my dogs is secure and capable of controlling them if something happens; 2) separate my dogs out so they aren't both right in the face/butt of the visiting dog; and 3) be able to say "no, I don't want my dogs getting close to your dog".