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Original poster

Aggressive/Reactive dogs

39 replies

Stellaris22 · 21/06/2025 19:48

I own a friendly/sociable dog with good recall. I put her on a lead when I see an on lead dog and ask permission before interaction.

I understand it isn’t easy owning a reactive dog. If you know your dog will bite why isn’t it muzzled? XL bullies are muzzled for safety reasons. Responsibility works both ways. I don’t let my dog approach on lead dogs. Please protect other dogs from your dog you know will bite.

OP posts:
Onleemoi · 21/06/2025 20:55

If off lead dogs have reliable recall they won’t be approaching other dogs so what’s the problem?

Wolfiefan · 21/06/2025 20:54

Reactivity doesn’t mean it will bite.
If owners know their dog will go up to a dog on a lead they shouldn’t let theirs off.

Original poster
Stellaris22 · 21/06/2025 20:46

My dog is under control. My point is about responsibility. All dogs should be on lead unless they have reliable recall. Sadly there are owners who aren’t responsible .

If you know your dog is likely to bite it needs to be muzzled. Same as XL bullies.

OP posts:
Onleemoi · 21/06/2025 20:11

Stellaris22 · 21/06/2025 20:07

I have a basset, she’s on lead in woodlands as her recall disappears. She’s put on a lead the second I see an on lead dog.

Responsibility works both ways. I control my dog. A dog likely to bite needs to be muzzled.

It doesn’t if off lead dogs aren’t near it. Keep your dog under control at all times, not just when it’s convenient for you.

tumblingdowntherabbithole · 21/06/2025 20:09

Stellaris22 · 21/06/2025 20:04

My dog won’t approach yours, no. But plenty of people talk about dogs approaching their on lead reactive dogs.

Other dogs shouldn’t approach on lead dogs. But. If you know your dog is reactive and will bite, the responsible things is to muzzle.

The responsible thing is not to let your dog run up to an on-lead dog (not you specifically, the general "you").

My dog has never bitten but I know people who don't muzzle because they don't want their dog to be left defenceless.

Original poster
Stellaris22 · 21/06/2025 20:07

I have a basset, she’s on lead in woodlands as her recall disappears. She’s put on a lead the second I see an on lead dog.

Responsibility works both ways. I control my dog. A dog likely to bite needs to be muzzled.

OP posts:
Ponoka7 · 21/06/2025 20:04

A lot of dogs feel insecure on a lead, when a unleashed dog approaches, so the majority of dogs, in theory, would need to be muzzled.
I could manage my rescue GS, there wasn't a need for a muzzle, just keep within distance of your dog. Are you the poster from the other day? Just because my dog didn't like some other dogs, it didn't make him a danger to children. He always gave a warning to another dog. How is your dog around horses/farm animals/wildlife?

Original poster
Stellaris22 · 21/06/2025 20:04

My dog won’t approach yours, no. But plenty of people talk about dogs approaching their on lead reactive dogs.

Other dogs shouldn’t approach on lead dogs. But. If you know your dog is reactive and will bite, the responsible things is to muzzle.

OP posts:
hididdlyho · 21/06/2025 19:59

Reactive doesn't always mean they'll bite at the slightest provocation. I had a big greyhound who didn't like other dogs being in his space. He would be quick to bark to warn off another dog who got too close to him, but in the 10 years I had him, I never saw him attempt to bite another dog. I did muzzle him as a precaution as 'friendly' dog owners would let their dogs approach him, despite their dogs having no recall, when I asked them to get their dog to back off.

WhiteNoiseBlur · 21/06/2025 19:57

I have always said this. If your dog is aggressive and likely to bite/attack any dog it comes too close to, surely you should muzzle it? Why take the risk?

LoughboroughBex · 21/06/2025 19:55

tumblingdowntherabbithole · 21/06/2025 19:53

How is the on-lead dog a bite risk if you keep your dog away?

And yes, this!

LoughboroughBex · 21/06/2025 19:55

Reactive doesn’t necessarily equal bite.

tumblingdowntherabbithole · 21/06/2025 19:53

How is the on-lead dog a bite risk if you keep your dog away?

Onleemoi · 21/06/2025 19:51

Why do they need to if you keep your dog away from them?