What if my dog attacked dodgy guy today?

I was just down at the community shopping centre with hubby and daughter, and the dog. I stayed outside with Duncan with hubby took the baby inside.

Now my pup is a 14month old bosterious wee boy who has to say hello to everyone, every single person. A guy came up to me, dressed in blue overalls on a stinking hot day, and he looked scruffy and really really wired, like he was on something.

He just walked straight on up and tried to pat Duncan. I immediately got nervous, from the way he came across and because people should not touch my dog without my permission. Duncan sunk back and got low. Not agressive like, nor submissive though. The guy tried to keep playing with the dog, while started to get far to close with me, stroking my arm etc. Duncan got behind me, and growled long and low until the guy went away. The guy only went away, because someone I knew came towards us.
As I said, normally the pup loves everyone, too much.

I started heading over towards the supermarket to get myself around people for the security. We are bound to see someone we know, its a close knit safe place generally, and I'd rather handle a bouncy dog then a spooky guy.

Now by then I had met up with hubby, who manages the local preschool. A four year old bounds up to him. I prepare myself and expect him to either a) growl because of what just happened or b) jump up and get too excited, because thats what he does, but he surprised us all with a C). He sat down, and wagged like mad while the kids gave him a scratch. I wonder if the guy subdued him a bit. Maybe he's starting to learn!

This got me thinking.

My dog either didn't trust the guy either or picked up on my fear nad became very unhappy. He slunk back and let out the long low growl, it took the guy a wee bit to get the message.

Nobody else would have seen the guy do anything wrong technically, despite how uncomfortable he made me feel. His touch was all the gentle brushing kind. If Duncan was backed anymore into the corner, and knew how I was feeling, who's to say he wouldn't have bitten him?

And then, who's at fault? Automatically the dog? He was on a lead, and not being respected. Me, for not telling him to bugger off out of fear of what he might do or how he would react? And then would the dog have been put down? Or the guy, for approching the dog? Would they see that this was not the dogs nature, and he was provoked?

Its a small community, and he only walked away because someone I knew drove in, saw me looking scared and parked up infront of us to provide me with an out.
edited: to include a photo, but then I decided it was a crappy one of me but a cool one of the dog, so I deleted it.

Edited by Flake

dogs def pick up on fear - I remember going for an unusually late walk one night after dog training with a GF and her dog - both collies (diff types) around the waterfront where we lived - they were off lead s usual and we were walking FAST (it was late!!!) - the dogs headed back at one point to us...literally rounded us up like sheep and took a point each around us...we were freaked out and then some guy came walking towards us (juut on a walk!!) said hello and kept on....dogs didnt "release" us until guy was well gone and they they ran off again playing....I recall it vividly to this day as have never had her do it again (altho I dont walk at nite anymore either!!!)...they pick up on fears, and also on surounds...possibly the guy was someone the dog didnt like either....

so long as you have him under control let his instincts roll....he will learn to protect you and hubby and kid!!! Mine often pushes Ella around a little - and often if we have told her not to go onto deck the dogs WILL NOT let her outside! tee hee!

Oh what i have missed out on being away! Hope you are doing okay now and no more encounters with creepy men!

Im not much help with the law and who would be at fault. I know what it SHOULD be but its probably not. Im sure Duncan was just picking up on your fear, and not doing those actions at innappropriate times.

Dogs definitly pick up on your fear or scared feeling as well as they pick up on bad vibes from people. i have grown up with dogs, when i was 12, a guy came for xmas dinner with his wife. our dog went ballistic and refused to let him inside, she has never had any trouble with people before. we had to lock her away in a room. 2 weeks later it turns out the guy was abusing his wife up and she finally had enough and left him!

i think your dog was warning you and the guy, i dont think the dog would attack if he is well behaved and trained, just show his disapproval

I never let my kids touch a dog without asking the owner first..even the ones I know.

IMO all dangerous dogs should have a muzzle on them when in public.

The owner is responsible for safety & if their dog attacks someone for what ever reason it is the dog that usually get put down so prevention is the best I think.

Animals are unpredictable & people are not always sensible.

HUNTD wrote: What do you deem as a dangerous dog? What does a dangerous dog look like? All dogs have teeth and can inflict damage, its all depending on training whether they put them to use. A dog that is not socialized properly around humans and other dogs shouldnt be out in public. Yes the owners are responsible but generally speaking people who havent taken the time to train and socialise their dogs arent going to bother putting on a muzzle, let alone have their dog on a lead. So yes its up to the owners but also owners are not always sensible too! Good on you for getting your kids to ask, i always love it when people ask to pat my dogs.

so why do you have a problem with what I said.

It is an open forum I am allowed my option, & you have agreed whit what I said anyway

I agree with you too Jazzy! I wish other parents were as sensible, but in this case the guy would have been in his thirties.

Hunted knows alot of my pup, he's a miniature poodle, no bigger than the knee, very well socialised, very responsive and great with everyone usually. He is always on a lead, as we ourselves were attacked by a pitbull off a leash and so that was a lesson I quickly learned firsthand. He is not what anyone would call a dangerous dog, and I'm not about to muzzle him after this incident. It was an adult male that approached us who did seem high from what I could tell, so there was only so much I could say without putting myself at risk.

I was not in the wrong whatsoever, and the dog had been backed into a corner by this fella. If he was bitten, it was because of his own idiocy. There was no way we were at fault in this situation. As it was, it was a good solid 5mins of deep growling. For the record, I also asked repeatedly that he left the dog alone. He ignored it. I wasn't foing to get forceful.

I followed it up, and in this situation you can go to court and get an injunction. I would still 100% trust him around others, I had one person see that I was being harassed and prominent members of our community can vouch for him and his nature.

Still, food for thought.

Edited by Flake

Both of these are "dangerous" dogs.
The fluffy one's a killer

The big one is my snuggle bear.

What constitues a dangerous dog by law is any one of the 4 banned breeds and/or a dog that has been "tagged" by the local council as being menacing in some way.

I don't think Flakes Mini Poodle makes the cut