Rottweiler nearly attacked my guide dog

afterglow

Hi all

I am writing here in an effort to know that I am justifyed thinking how I do after an experience I just had this evening.
I free run my guide dog once a week. This is a time when the dog is off the lead, and allowed to just be a dog. Run, pick up sticks, just do general doggy things, you know sniffing etc which would not normally be allowed while working due to the very important/vital nature of the work.
While we were out this evening, we were approached by a rottweiler. She was barking/bearing her teeth at my guide dog. (my mum told me this as she was free running my dog with me, she is always there just as a pair of eyes) My dog, just backed away, and also stood between me and the dog. I am so shaken up by the whole experience, our working partnership could have been over all because of a stupid irresponsible owner who had a dog that I'm nearly sure from reading these forums is on the RB list am I right, and who didn't care about the consequences for me and my dog.
When he eventually came over I was crying because I was so scared for my dog and what could have happened. He said the dog only wanted to play but even though I couldn't see I could tell that the growls this dog were emitting were not play growls or anything of the sort?
How does anyone keep these dogs as pets, and with 2 young children two, I would also be scared for those children, and now am scared to free run my dog again.
Please can anyone at least reassure me that I am not wrong for being shaken up and angry and annoyed at this person for nearly ending my guide dog's career and our working partnership together.
Thank you

miller50841

afterglow wrote: »

Hi all

I am writing here in an effort to know that I am justifyed thinking how I do after an experience I just had this evening.
I free run my guide dog once a week. This is a time when the dog is off the lead, and allowed to just be a dog. Run, pick up sticks, just do general doggy things, you know sniffing etc which would not normally be allowed while working due to the very important/vital nature of the work.
While we were out this evening, we were approached by a rottweiler. She was barking/bearing her teeth at my guide dog. (my mum told me this as she was free running my dog with me, she is always there just as a pair of eyes) My dog, just backed away, and also stood between me and the dog. I am so shaken up by the whole experience, our working partnership could have been over all because of a stupid irresponsible owner who had a dog that I'm nearly sure from reading these forums is on the RB list am I right, and who didn't care about the consequences for me and my dog.
When he eventually came over I was crying because I was so scared for my dog and what could have happened. He said the dog only wanted to play but even though I couldn't see I could tell that the growls this dog were emitting were not play growls or anything of the sort?
How does anyone keep these dogs as pets, and with 2 young children two, I would also be scared for those children, and now am scared to free run my dog again.
Please can anyone at least reassure me that I am not wrong for being shaken up and angry and annoyed at this person for nearly ending my guide dog's career and our working partnership together.
Thank you

Very sorry to hear your experience and try not to look into it too muc.

Best thing to do is try and get the dog to the parks that have the areas to put the dogs in.

I believe the other dog owner should have a mussel on that dog if its that bad.
I have to labs that just hate the site of other dogs so the way I do things are because of this they are never let off the lead and I keep control of them at all times.

If you feel like you have said here another option would be to report it to the Council or Dog warden and I understand you may not be able to video such an experience but get whoever may be with you to do so discreetly.

fathead82

Try not to worry about what could have happened,the main thing is that ye are all ok.
There is a chance that the rottweiler was only trying to play,when my dogs play with each other,it sounds like they are killing each other with all the barking & growling.If he wanted to attack your dog,he would have & he wouldnt have wasted time putting on a show first.
Rottweilers are on the RB list & should be on a lead & muzzled when in public so if you wanted,you could report it.
Also,remember that your dog still has his/her instincts & will know how to try keep out of trouble when under attack.

Mech1

<snip>

That is not helpful.
Please keep comments on-topic.
Do not reply to this edit on-thread.
Thanks,
DBB

Whispered

Yes they are on the RB list and legally must be muzzled and on lead. However, they are still dogs and also deserve time to, as you say, do doggy things. I own two RB dogs too and make an effort to get them some offlead time because I think it's very important for them and their socialisation. If you have a bunch of dogs who are not used to interacting with others, you are creating a danger. However, I do make sure they do not approach other dogs without permission and I absolutely think every dog, RB or not, should be under control at all times. It does not sound like this other dog was. I'm sorry you had a frightening experience.

The noises dogs make can be frightening. Some dogs are more vocal than others and some sound ferocious. Honestly, the noises they were making mean very little without the rest of the picture.

The rottweiler didn't nearly attack, what you describe is a normal part of canine interaction. You said when the owner "eventually" came over, I assume the other dog had time to attack had that been its intention?

You claim the dog nearly ruined your working relationship, you question why anybody would own one of those dogs, you now fear for the owners children. Nothing happened. People love these dogs just as you love yours. Would you like people to have such opinions on your dog?

You are not wrong for being shaken up, of course not. You can't help how you feel. I do think though that the situation doesn't warrant such fear or such an extreme reaction as claiming, twice, that the dog and owner nearly ended your dogs career.

Toulouse

Again, try not to worry about what didn't happen. If you are concerned then report the dog and owner to the warden.

Rottweilers, in the hands of responsible owners, make fantastic family pets so I don't think you should run them down because of an isolated incident.

afterglow

Whispered wrote: »

Yes they are on the RB list and legally must be muzzled and on lead. However, they are still dogs and also deserve time to, as you say, do doggy things. I own two RB dogs too and make an effort to get them some offlead time because I think it's very important for them and their socialisation. If you have a bunch of dogs who are not used to interacting with others, you are creating a danger. However, I do make sure they do not approach other dogs without permission and I absolutely think every dog, RB or not, should be under control at all times. It does not sound like this other dog was. I'm sorry you had a frightening experience.

The noises dogs make can be frightening. Some dogs are more vocal than others and some sound ferocious. Honestly, the noises they were making mean very little without the rest of the picture.

The rottweiler didn't nearly attack, what you describe is a normal part of canine interaction. You said when the owner "eventually" came over, I assume the other dog had time to attack had that been its intention?

You claim the dog nearly ruined your working relationship, you question why anybody would own one of those dogs, you now fear for the owners children. Nothing happened. People love these dogs just as you love yours. Would you like people to have such opinions on your dog?

You are not wrong for being shaken up, of course not. You can't help how you feel. I do think though that the situation doesn't warrant such fear or such an extreme reaction as claiming, twice, that the dog and owner nearly ended your dogs career.

Hi Whispered

I was told that the dog was snappping and bearing it's teeth at my dog.
I could tell my dog was not interacting with this dog in the way he has with some friendly dogs in the past. I am not making more out of this than it is. Imagine having a dog be your eyes for a second and you may understand how scary it is to think that were they attacked it could be the end of the dog's career.
Not angry with you but I was hoping for a little more empathy.

Toulouse

Have you reported the incident?

Whispered

afterglow wrote: »

I am not making more out of this than it is.

You asked the question, if you'd prefer just people to empathise and say how terribly sorry another dog growled at your dog let me know and I will stop posting in your thread.

Your dog is fine and thankfully his career has not ended. It is not your job to fear for the dog owners children or question why anybody would want to keep one of those dogs. Frankly, as an RB owner that is insulting.

As I said, what you described is normal dog/ dog interaction. I see this all the time. You said when the owner "eventually" came over, I assume the other dog had time to attack had that been its intention - is that right? Or did the owner come up immediately and this prevented an attack?

Mr.Fred

Whispered wrote: »

The rottweiler didn't nearly attack, what you describe is a normal part of canine interaction.

I wouldn't have thought any dog bearing it's teeth was being playful.

if you let your dogs off the lead when in a public area you should be sure your dog is no danger to anyone.

You mention you let your own RB dogs off the lead in public. I would hope you still have them muzzled.

Your post will more than likely be echoed by every RB owner who reads this but regardless the laws are there as RB dogs are considered dangerous and owners who dis regard this should be severely fined.

Glad to hear all turned out alright OP as you say it may well have ended differently as for the smart arse and his bus comment. I wouldn't give him the time of day.

Whispered

Mr.Fred wrote: »

I wouldn't have thought any dog bearing it's teeth was being playful.

if you let your dogs off the lead when in a public area you should be sure your dog is no danger to anyone.

You mention you let your own RB dogs off the lead in public. I would hope you still have them muzzled.

I didn't say it was playful, I said it was normal.

No I don't have them muzzled when I let them offlead. Ever. And yes I'm sure they are not a danger to anyone.

Like I said in my first post, dogs should be kept under control at all times and it doesn't sound like that one was.

EDITED: They are permitted to be offlead in private property, which is what I usually do. If we can't do that then we generally walk 7km to a secluded area to allow them have a swim and run about.

FURTHER EDIT: Not commenting on this particular incident, but dogs very often bare teeth when playing.

afterglow

Whispered wrote: »

You asked the question, if you'd prefer just people to empathise and say how terribly sorry another dog growled at your dog let me know and I will stop posting in your thread.

Your dog is fine and thankfully his career has not ended. It is not your job to fear for the dog owners children or question why anybody would want to keep one of those dogs. Frankly, as an RB owner that is insulting.

As I said, what you described is normal dog/ dog interaction. I see this all the time. You said when the owner "eventually" came over, I assume the other dog had time to attack had that been its intention - is that right? Or did the owner come up immediately and this prevented an attack?

Whispered

I realise now that I should not have posted this thread. I neither insulted you nor your dog. You are obviously a responsible owner, and all I was trying to put across was that as a blind person with a guide dog that this was scary and ask did people think I was justifyed being nervous of the rottweiler in this situation.
Again, I did not mean to cause offense or insult you at all which I don't think I did to be honest so don't know why your taking my thread in this light. Again, was obviously a mistake to post here and I will know better in future

Whispered

afterglow wrote: »

Again, I did not mean to cause offense or insult you at all which I don't think I did to be honest so don't know why your taking my thread in this light

You can't see how questioning someone owning an rottie at all, or questioning his ability to care for his children because he owns an RB dog, is insulting to all RB or indeed large dog owners?

You asked if you were justified, I tried to shed more light on how it is not such a big deal as it might seem to someone not used to other dogs and you asked for more empathy. You still haven't answered a question that I asked twice. You seem to just want people to agree with you. In which case: Poor you.

miller50841

Afterglow there is always one or I find on the internet there are the keyboard warriors as we would like to call them of which there are plenty:rolleyes:.

You are well in your right to start this thread and voice your anger, opinion or just anything that comes to mind.

I do feel for you and could not imagine what it must be like for you but it's the real world and there is always someone that will try and put you down. It's sad but feel happy that you are above such person's.

Please don't let that bad experience put you off bringing your best friend out for some fun time and I applaud you for doing such.

Maybe try somewhere where other dogs are not around for when you let the dog off and let him interact with other dogs on a long lead so he understands the difference of the working lead and the play one, just an idea.

Best of luck to you and your furry friend.;)

tk123

I think posts like this are tough to call because unless you're there to see the interaction it's hard to decide what was going on with the dogs then there's the fact that some people are more experienced with dog on dog interaction and will be a better judge of what's happening between two dogs or will interpret it differently. I know somebody who has a dog who does exactly what you described - gets in other dogs faces barking, showing his teeth and basically being an obnoxious pain in the ass when he wants to play - honesty I live 5 mins from the park and can hear him barking in my house sometimes he's that loud!

It can be very scary but I wouldn't dwell on it or let it get to you - it happens all the time with dogs of different shapes and sizes - would you be as worried if a different breed had done the same thing? I had a dog barking at snapping at my guy today and then the owners gave out to me because I didn't stop and they were afraid it was going to follow us out of the park - I was supposed to stand there letting it shout the odds at my guy because they couldn't recall it! I had told my guy I was going to give him his dinner just before we had met this dog so he wasn't stopping for anything!

Another thing I'd say is that knowing people who puppy walk guide dogs - the pups are socialised and exposed to different situations to make them bombproof - your dog blanked the other dog so obviously wasn't phased by it's barking.

EDITED to add.. Don't forget there are plenty of GSD guide dogs too who are trusted with adults and children alike and are technically RB dogs..

afterglow

It worries me that was all I said. not saying the man owning the dog means he cannot care for his children, and at NO oint did I insult all RB dog owners at all. I do not want people to agree with me, simply to understand, that's all. If that dog came over to my dog and was so agressive unprovoked, I would just worry what might happen one day to the children, or even the owner.

muddypaws

afterglow wrote: »

How does anyone keep these dogs as pets, and with 2 young children two, I would also be scared for those children, and now am scared to free run my dog again.

OP, I think its this part of your post that has caused offence. 'these dogs', implying that all rotties are a danger, and that they are a particular danger to children. My brother used to have a rottie, and his kids grew up with him no problem. The dog would make noises which could very easily be mistaken for growls, but it was just him talking. When I first met him (they took him on as an 8 month old pup) I thought he was growling, but as I got to know him I realised that wasn't the case at all.

Of course you should be able to exercise your dog without fear, and yes, rotties are on the RB list, so shouldn't be off lead in a public place. I'm sorry that you have had a scarey experience with one rottweiler, but would hope that you would not allow this one experience to make you fear all rottweilers, or indeed prevent your dog from having some free time.

muddypaws

afterglow wrote: »

It worries me that was all I said. not saying the man owning the dog means he cannot care for his children, and at NO oint did I insult all RB dog owners at all. I do not want people to agree with me, simply to understand, that's all. If that dog came over to my dog and was so agressive unprovoked, I would just worry what might happen one day to the children, or even the owner.

I wasn't there, so I don't know how aggressive the dog was, but I would imagine that if the dog actually was aggressive, then she wouldn't have simply stood there, she would have attacked your dog.

As a matter of interest, how did your dog react to the rottie, did he/she bark, growl back? play bow? stand perfectly still? I think a lot of time, we humans should see how our dogs react, as they generally understand another dog's body language better than we do

Whispered

afterglow wrote: »

It worries me that was all I said. not saying the man owning the dog means he cannot care for his children, and at NO oint did I insult all RB dog owners at all. I do not want people to agree with me, simply to understand, that's all. If that dog came over to my dog and was so agressive unprovoked, I would just worry what might happen one day to the children, or even the owner.

As I said, I understand your fear an tried to explain that growling and barking does not mean this dog was going to attack. Honestly, it doesn't. It is a normal way for some dogs to go on. It's not nice and shouldn't have happened, but it does not mean you can't bring your dog out for offlead play.

If this dog is a nuisance report it. If you contact the warden and let them know that there is an RB dog being exercised without muzzle and lead and give them the location, they might keep an eye on the area.

If the dog WAS indeed being aggressive to your dog, it is no indication that it would be aggressive to people as they are two totally different things so you don't need to worry about that.

inocybe

You let your dog off to do doggy things, and he had a fairly normal doggy encounter. The breed isn't important, it could have been any dog that growled. I'm sure it's scary when your dog is so important to you as a working dog, but it really doesn't sound like anything to worry too much about. A growl can mean 'i'm uncomfortable, stay away', your dog understood and backed up. Good communication.

afterglow

muddypaws wrote: »

I wasn't there, so I don't know how aggressive the dog was, but I would imagine that if the dog actually was aggressive, then she wouldn't have simply stood there, she would have attacked your dog.

As a matter of interest, how did your dog react to the rottie, did he/she bark, growl back? play bow? stand perfectly still? I think a lot of time, we humans should see how our dogs react, as they generally understand another dog's body language better than we do

Hi Muddypaws

Firstly, I do apologise if I offended anyone. I have said on more than one occasion that this was not my intention.
my mum said that my dog just kept backing up, like away from the dog.
He did not make any vocalisations. Barks growls or otherwise.

lrushe

OP I think your use of the word 'attacked' is misleading as there was no actual contact made, at best I would say your dog may have been threatened. If a 5-7 stone Rottweiler were to have attacked your dog, well let's just say there would have been a v.different outcome for your dog.
If you feel for sure you were in danger then report the dog to the authorities.
I would for your own peace of mind make sure I was sure of the facts first though as otherwise you could be taking a beloved family member from people who love him/her.
I own a Rottweiler, I allow her off leash however I always slip her back on the lead when approaching people & their dogs, not because she's dangerous but because she can be a bit like a bull in a china shop when meeting other dogs which panics alot of people as there is alot of bias out there against the breed. She is also v.vocal when playing & v.teethy (is that a word??), I've enclosed a picture of her play with my Chihuahua, I realise you can't see them but maybe you could show them to the person who was with you as a contrast on what they saw.
Lastly I have a 16 month old son who my Rottie would lay her life down for, I have absolutely now concerns for his safety around him.

fathead82

its understandable that someone who does not own or know a rottweiler would be cautious around them,the media paints such a bad picture of them.
Now imaging being blind & knowing a rottweiler is barking at your dog. I understand where you are coming from OP & I cant imaging how scary it must have been.
Theres no need to worry about the dogs owner or his children,most of the guard dog breeds are very loyal & protective of their family.I used to own a german shepherd & she wouldnt even let the family play fight without getting between us to break it up.

afterglow

lrushe wrote: »

OP I think your use of the word 'attacked' is misleading as there was no actual contact made, at best I would say your dog may have been threatened. If a 5-7 stone Rottweiler were to have attacked your dog, well let's just say there would have been a v.different outcome for your dog.
If you feel for sure you were in danger then report the dog to the authorities.
I would for your own peace of mind make sure I was sure of the facts first though as otherwise you could be taking a beloved family member from people who love him/her.
I own a Rottweiler, I allow her off leash however I always slip her back on the lead when approaching people & their dogs, not because she's dangerous but because she can be a bit like a bull in a china shop when meeting other dogs which panics alot of people as there is alot of bias out there against the breed. She is also v.vocal when playing & v.teethy (is that a word??), I've enclosed a picture of her play with my Chihuahua, I realise you can't see them but maybe you could show them to the person who was with you as a contrast on what they saw.
Lastly I have a 16 month old son who my Rottie would lay her life down for, I have absolutely now concerns for his safety around him.

Hi there

My mum said the dog spotted mine and then took off over towards it and that's when the stuff that happened started.
I am not at all questioning your ability to look after your child at all because you chose to have one of these dogs as a pet. What happened scared me that was all.

aaakev

Mr.Fred wrote: »

I wouldn't have thought any dog bearing it's teeth was being playful.

if you let your dogs off the lead when in a public area you should be sure your dog is no danger to anyone.

You mention you let your own RB dogs off the lead in public. I would hope you still have them muzzled.

Your post will more than likely be echoed by every RB owner who reads this but regardless the laws are there as RB dogs are considered dangerous and owners who dis regard this should be severely fined.

Glad to hear all turned out alright OP as you say it may well have ended differently as for the smart arse and his bus comment. I wouldn't give him the time of day.

The RB list is a joke and was quite obviously thought up by someone in the "i dont like the look of that" frame of mind...

Rotties are not a dangerous dog, they are very gentle dogs, the worst thing thwy will do is knock you over trying to play! Now obviously in the wrong hands they could be dangerous but that goes for ANY bread of dog. You are infact more likely to be attacked and bitten by a small dog like a Chihuahua or a shi tzu!

Out old German Shepard was one of thw most playful and gentel sogs we ever had, my now 5 yr old son used to wrestle with him and they used to curl up on the floor and go to sleep all the time, he was 3 or 4 then. People used to cross the road when we were out walking and thw annount of looks i got from people whos own dogs would be barking or snapping while my lad would have the thounge hangin out happy as anything would supprise you.

afterglow

fathead82 wrote: »

its understandable that someone who does not own or know a rottweiler would be cautious around them,the media paints such a bad picture of them.
Now imaging being blind & knowing a rottweiler is barking at your dog. I understand where you are coming from OP & I cant imaging how scary it must have been.
Theres no need to worry about the dogs owner or his children,most of the guard dog breeds are very loyal & protective of their family.I used to own a german shepherd & she wouldnt even let the family play fight without getting between us to break it up.

Wow
That's good to know about the GSD.
Thank you for your empathy anyway, it means a lot. I don't mean to paint a picture of woe is me I'm blind etc but yes it was very scary indeed.
Thanks again for the reply

lrushe

afterglow wrote: »

Hi there

My mum said the dog spotted mine and then took off over towards it and that's when the stuff that happened started.
I am not at all questioning your ability to look after your child at all because you chose to have one of these dogs as a pet. What happened scared me that was all.

And everyone has a right to feel how they feel. What bothers me is if you were to take it any further & this dogs was only being a dog & not actually aggressive but paid a high price because you were scared.
Can I ask would you have been as scared if your mum told you the dogs was a collie or a lab?

Whispered

I would imagine you're more shook up than your dog is. Was your dog ok after? How did the other dogs owner react?

A lot of people own dogs and let them run riot. It's not fair on responsible owners when they can't walk their dogs without fear of being charged at by other dogs. Unfortunately, when a breed like a rottie, or staffie (my dogs) is involved it causes more of an outcry. Personally, I particularly hate to see RB dogs running riot because it gives all of them, and by extension us owners, a bad name.

OP, does the fact a lot of posters have said that growling and barking does not mean the dog was about to attack make you feel any better?

You never let us know, how long did it take for the owner to get to you? Also, do you know if he had to drag his dog away or how his dog reacted when put back on lead?

De Bellem

<snip>

afterglow

Whispered wrote: »

I would imagine you're more shook up than your dog is. Was your dog ok after? How did the other dogs owner react?

A lot of people own dogs and let them run riot. It's not fair on responsible owners when they can't walk their dogs without fear of being charged at by other dogs. Unfortunately, when a breed like a rottie, or staffie (my dogs) is involved it causes more of an outcry. Personally, I particularly hate to see RB dogs running riot because it gives all of them, and by extension us owners, a bad name.

OP, does the fact a lot of posters have said that growling and barking does not mean the dog was about to attack make you feel any better?

You never let us know, how long did it take for the owner to get to you? Also, do you know if he had to drag his dog away or how his dog reacted when put back on lead?

Whispered

maybe 30 seconds to a minute for the owner to come but it seemed like forever

my mum said the dog was still growling when the owner put her on lead and was taking her away.
As my dog would not be used to this kind of interaction with other dogs, as no guide dogs really would, then no, it does not make me any less nervous that people have said that growls do not necessarily mean attacks.

And just quicly to answer question from another post about would I have been as scared if it were another breed, yes absolutely I would have, but in particular I know my dog has played with some labs before when free running and no problem but if a lab did growl at him yes I would be scared as I was today.

And one last point,
Someone said that they trust adult german shepherds as guides.
This is true in some of the american schools they do, but to my knowledge, very few, if any, pure german shepherds are used by europian guide dog schools.

Whispered

afterglow wrote: »

maybe 30 seconds to a minute for the owner to come but it seemed like forever

Certainly a long time when you're scared and definitely long enough for the other dog to attack had it wanted to.

afterglow wrote: »

As my dog would not be used to this kind of interaction with other dogs, as no guide dogs really would, then no, it does not make me any less nervous that people have said that growls do not necessarily mean attacks.

Oh that's a pity, I would have hoped that your fear of a dog being poised to attack because it was growling might have been, even slightly relieved, by people advising you that it is very unlikely that the dog was actually attacking just because it was growling.

EDIT: during training, your dog would have been exposed to many situations. I would be very surprised if this was the first time he was faced with a less than friendly dog. Either way, it's a testament to your dog and his training that he handled the situation calmly and didn't freak out.