PLEASE hike responsibly and leash your dog.
My dog has been attacked on a hike twice by dog owners who leave their dogs off leash and did not have an emergency recall. Because of this of my dog has developed fear aggression.
I encountered a person this morning at Gold Creek Pond with an unleashed dog and I yelled "not friendly, please get your dog" and she replied, " well mine is!"
I watched probably a dozen videos on what to do when dogs are off leash and today I did everything from throwing treats at them, putting myself in-between the two dogs, and spraying the dog with a pet corrector. I brought bear spray for times like these as a last resort but honestly I don't want it to escalate and I just don't know what to do.
I told her she needs to leash her dog and at the very least, needs an emergency recall, but she kept saying "what?" as she was walking off. I'm torn because I know it's not my dogs fault for being attacked, but I might have to keep him inside for good.
Comments
I’m sorry you had a bad encounter today. That’s the worst feeling when you’re just out trying to enjoy nature. Someone gave me the tip of using your backpack as a shield. I was thinking it might help to talk to your vet. Maybe they have some ideas to help your dog.
Posted by:
hikingwithlittledogs on Feb 02, 2023 07:07 PM
Sorry to hear about this encounter. Did the pet corrector spray turn the unleashed dog away. Asking as I have a precious pup starting his hiking journeys and want to prevent such situations. ~Ellen
Posted by:
Jasper & the Girl Scouts on Feb 03, 2023 06:00 AM
I’ve been in this situation too many times and I know how frustrating and scary it is. You’re right it isn’t your dog’s fault at all, people just suck and don’t care about their dogs’ safety or the safety of other dogs at all. I’d encourage you to keep getting your dog out though. My dog is scared of other dogs after being attacked by off leash dogs too so what I do is get up early and go to less popular trails with only one trailhead. I’ll only hike if I’m the first one there so I can leave a note at the trailhead asking people that come behind me to please have control of their dog and not let it charge up to mine, even if it’s friendly. I warn them that I will protect my dog. I haven’t had an incident since I started doing that! I carry bear mace but have used it on two big off leash German Shepards who kept charging even after being maced, so I carry my gun on every hike and walk now too in case that ever happens again. People need to learn some common sense and control their dogs, it’s horrible. No one wants to watch their dog get torn apart or get killed trying to break up a dog fight.
Posted by:
Allison..may on Feb 03, 2023 10:49 AM
I’m so sorry this happened. I have had similar experiences even being yelled at that my leashed dog is the problem. I read reports & try to stay away from trails that report a lot of dogs. I like the note advice Alison..may posted. I hope this doesn’t stop you & your pup from adventures. :(
Posted by:
ellieoutside on Feb 12, 2023 07:29 AM
Similar scenario with my dog. She's amazing and loves people but not other dogs :( and while it's awesome that other dogs are/can be friendly towards canines, that shouldn't be the golden ticket that lets that dog off leash. The approach of a "friendly" dog can turn into a detrimental situation, like it did for the OP.
PSA, please leash your pups! <3
Posted by:
blueskies216 on Apr 17, 2023 09:57 AM