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Original poster

Close encounter with an XL bully.. Well that has put the wind up me.

136 replies

DanianaBanana · 12/10/2023 21:07

Every few months I go for a root touch up and trim with a really nice stylist who works from home. He and his husband have one of those XL bully dogs.

When I first started going he asked if I was OK with dogs and I said of course, I love them (bare in mind this was before all the news coverage of attacks). The dog would greet me as I came in and I'd give him a fuss. He'd jump up which was a bit much as he's huge but he was always really friendly.

After a few times I noticed every time I went "Fido" was in his crate and "John" said he thought it best as he'd been snapping at other dogs on walks and being a bit iffy. He took him to the vet to rule out anything health related.

I was there yesterday getting my hair done, John's DH must have left Fido loose after a walk as when we came out of the salon room he was in the hallway infront and came over to say hello.

He was happily wagging his tail and jumped up. I think this was where I messed up.

Given his height we were pretty much face to face and I couldn't help but notice how striking his eyes were so I was remarking what beautiful eyes he had whilst staring him straight in them.

His temperament shifted. I can't articulate it very well but but he stiffened up, his ears went back and the excitement switched to what I'd call an intense stare. I felt really nervous.

John clocked the change straight away and dragged him down by the collar and quickly shut him in the kitchen telling him "no, I don't trust you mate"

My legs were like jelly walking back to the car and I felt quite shaken up for a couple of hours after about what a close call it could have been.

I'm wondering if my fear is justified or whether you think perhaps I've let the recent news coverage colour my view too much?

Also, for anybody that knows about dog behaviour - do you think my hunch is right and that the dog would have been unsettled by the eye contact? In hindsight I'm sure I read somewhere that you shouldn't do that.

Regular poster but NC incase people think I'm being a total wimp.

OP posts:
WarmLightsAtNight · 12/10/2023 22:29

You're not overreacting I would have been very frightened

Ellie1015 · 12/10/2023 22:30

I wouldnt be comfortable going back. I would find hair appointment stressful.

If I really wanted that hairdresser I might ask if willing to come to my house and pay a bit extra. For basic trim/tidy up I would jusy go elsewhere.

ToBeOrNotToBee · 12/10/2023 22:31

Never, ever stare a dog in the eyes. That is how other dogs challenge each other.

What you felt was the dog rising to the challenge.

It's telling that the owner felt it and doesn't trust his dog. The dog is a disaster waiting to happen.

LoveArcane · 12/10/2023 22:31

Unfortunately ‘John’ is experiencing what many of these ‘aww he’s been raised right and is lovely’ XL bully owners will after they have reached a certain age.

Around 2/3 they are at full maturity, and their personality can shift very quickly. I’ve seen it happen.

Doesn’t matter how cute or well behaved they have been until then. Doesn’t matter that they have been raised with love.

That terrible irresponsible breeding comes to the forefront around then I’m afraid.

( wouldn’t go back.

RunningFromInsanity · 12/10/2023 22:34

Stamp your foot and growl to indicate to the dog to be submissive
for the love of god do not do this. That could trigger the dog to attack. Slowly backing up, keeping side on to the dog, without eye contact. Then try and get something, a table/chair etc between you and the dog.

Yes, you shouldn’t make eye contact with a dog, but most well adjusted dogs wouldn’t act like that. They wouldn’t usually drop eye contact themselves.

MaybeYouRanWithWolves · 12/10/2023 22:34

Don't go back to the house. Tell them why. Owners of these dogs need to understand that most people don't want to be anywhere near them. If it affects his business, that's his fault for keeping an animal like that.

On MN, people will always explain dog aggression to make it the victim's fault. The person must have startled the dog, or - heaven forbid - looked at it. But in the same breath will argue that we should never blame the breed, only the owner. So on the one hand we have to accept that dogs are incredibly fragile and anxious with numerous triggers that will provoke an attack (on a thread where a six year old had his face torn apart by a school therapy dog someone said the kid probably 'surprised' the dog) but also the suggestion that in that case then maybe people shouldn't own dogs with the size and strength to kill grown adults easily is met with horror and whataboutery about vicious chihuahuas.

If this dog had decided you looking at it was cause for it to maul you to death, that's what would have happened. The owners wouldn't have been able to stop it. These dogs are unstoppable. You'd be yet another headline.

Loubelle70 · 12/10/2023 22:34

I wouldnt go back ever. I would ask hairdresser to come to my house instead? But no dog and tell him its made you quite frightened. Honesty

dothehokeycokey · 12/10/2023 22:35

This petrifies me op

I have dogs and have grown up with them but I'm seeing more and more bull breeds around and they are clearly in charge whether on a lead or not.

They are lethal in the wrong untrained hands.

I would also not be going back to that hairdresser and I would be texting him and telling him exactly why.

Allthegoodnamesarechosen · 12/10/2023 22:37

You have had a lucky escape. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way again

Missingmyusername · 12/10/2023 22:42

Never stare a dog in the eyes…. Is that an old wives tale? It’s a challenge?! I don’t know… I stare at my Lab 🤣he just thumps his tail.
No dog should ever put his paws on you and jump up imo, I do not wish to be face to face with someone’s random dog. I’ve walked dogs as a volunteer at a rescue, including XL bullies never had an issue.

Missingmyusername · 12/10/2023 22:44

I imagine ‘Fido’ is pissed of being crated all too 🙄🤦🏼‍♀️

Not to take away from your experience, no I wouldn’t go there again.

Mischance · 12/10/2023 22:47

Find another hairdresser.

Original poster
DanianaBanana · 12/10/2023 22:47

I agree that "Fido" should have been trained not to jump up at people. That's what set the wheels in motion to begin with, him jumping up. If he knew not to do that he would have had a relaxed fuss, nobody gets scared and the dog doesn't challenged.

That being said I've definitely learned an important lesson about dog behaviour and what not to do in that moment.

I haven't seen the thread about the school support dog and the six year old child, does anybody have a link? My almost 6 year old is at a special needs school and they have a support dog that comes in. That doesn't bare thinking about 😔

OP posts:
lochmaree · 12/10/2023 22:50

MaybeYouRanWithWolves · 12/10/2023 22:34

Don't go back to the house. Tell them why. Owners of these dogs need to understand that most people don't want to be anywhere near them. If it affects his business, that's his fault for keeping an animal like that.

On MN, people will always explain dog aggression to make it the victim's fault. The person must have startled the dog, or - heaven forbid - looked at it. But in the same breath will argue that we should never blame the breed, only the owner. So on the one hand we have to accept that dogs are incredibly fragile and anxious with numerous triggers that will provoke an attack (on a thread where a six year old had his face torn apart by a school therapy dog someone said the kid probably 'surprised' the dog) but also the suggestion that in that case then maybe people shouldn't own dogs with the size and strength to kill grown adults easily is met with horror and whataboutery about vicious chihuahuas.

If this dog had decided you looking at it was cause for it to maul you to death, that's what would have happened. The owners wouldn't have been able to stop it. These dogs are unstoppable. You'd be yet another headline.

this all over. the dog jumped up and looked into your eyes! First it shouldn't have been loose, then second it shouldn't have jumped up, then thirdly it had a suspect reaction in addition to previous incidents.

ToBeOrNotToBee · 12/10/2023 22:51

Missingmyusername · 12/10/2023 22:42

Never stare a dog in the eyes…. Is that an old wives tale? It’s a challenge?! I don’t know… I stare at my Lab 🤣he just thumps his tail.
No dog should ever put his paws on you and jump up imo, I do not wish to be face to face with someone’s random dog. I’ve walked dogs as a volunteer at a rescue, including XL bullies never had an issue.

It's basic dog behaviour.
Eye staring. Tense body and stiff tail. Snarl. Growl. Then attack.

Eye staring is the first escalation.

You should know this if you're that involved in dogs.

2023shady · 12/10/2023 22:52

I wouldn't go back and would say why
My hairdresser has a Rottweiler in the salon but she is a big dope he's had since a puppy and will be happily crated
She likes to snore away on my feet mostly or people watch out the window

Pallisers · 12/10/2023 22:54

AlwaysPrettyOnTheInside · 12/10/2023 21:54

You challenged the dog in its own home.

Don't make eye contact, look at their nose or between their eyes.

That goes for any dog, not just larger ones.

the dog jumped up at her. A lot of people don't know about looking directly at a dog in the eyes. And in this case it wasn't the OP getting down to the dog's level - he jumped up at her (NOT trained properly)

And you could look at my cavalier in the eyes all you'd like and he'd just think it was a love fest. And if he went for you, you'd be able to take him down. So if your experience is with dogs like this, no you won't realise that when an XL Bully jumps on you you should avert your gaze or you are in danger.

This is so ridiculous. People with dogs they can't control letting them interact with people who have no specialist training in dealing with these dogs.

Don't go back OP.

RingALingADingDong · 12/10/2023 22:56

Don't go back. This dog has weighed you up now. I love big dogs and have always had dogs. Tell him why
You don't forget to contain your dog who has displayed aggressive behaviour if you are a responsible owner
Your safety comes first and its not worth the risk

Q2C4 · 12/10/2023 22:57

AlwaysPrettyOnTheInside · 12/10/2023 21:54

You challenged the dog in its own home.

Don't make eye contact, look at their nose or between their eyes.

That goes for any dog, not just larger ones.

The dog jumped up at OP, not the other way around....

echt · 12/10/2023 23:03

BlueYonder57 · 12/10/2023 21:36

Nah- totally unreasonable of you. Apparently MN is now totally in favour of encouraging dogs to attack children, so you have no chance...
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4918596-to-have-treated-children-with-letting-dog-out?page=1

Inflammatory nonsense.

MN is not the posters, it's an internet site, and the policy makers are MNHQ.

HTH

Loubelle70 · 12/10/2023 23:09

The dog should be trained. Im strict, trained to the hilt

Original poster
DanianaBanana · 12/10/2023 23:09

Yes I've decided not to go back, I just wouldn't feel at ease after today.

When I got there the dog (and DH) were nowhere to be seen so I figured it had been taken for a walk as you can see the crate in the living room from the entrance hall.

About 40 minutes into my appointment I heard the front door open and close and Immediately thought to myself 'please don't leave the dog out, i really hope the dog isn’t left out' and thats despite there never being a problem with me and the dog before.

OP posts:
TheCosyRain · 12/10/2023 23:13

As a previous poster said, most well adjusted dogs won’t respond in this way. A relative of mine had the biggest German Shepard you’ve ever seen but he was such a big baby. If he ever caught eye contact with you he would look away and be very submissive. But dogs like this one will see it as a challenge and respond negatively.

Danja2010 · 12/10/2023 23:18

DanianaBanana · 12/10/2023 21:07

Every few months I go for a root touch up and trim with a really nice stylist who works from home. He and his husband have one of those XL bully dogs.

When I first started going he asked if I was OK with dogs and I said of course, I love them (bare in mind this was before all the news coverage of attacks). The dog would greet me as I came in and I'd give him a fuss. He'd jump up which was a bit much as he's huge but he was always really friendly.

After a few times I noticed every time I went "Fido" was in his crate and "John" said he thought it best as he'd been snapping at other dogs on walks and being a bit iffy. He took him to the vet to rule out anything health related.

I was there yesterday getting my hair done, John's DH must have left Fido loose after a walk as when we came out of the salon room he was in the hallway infront and came over to say hello.

He was happily wagging his tail and jumped up. I think this was where I messed up.

Given his height we were pretty much face to face and I couldn't help but notice how striking his eyes were so I was remarking what beautiful eyes he had whilst staring him straight in them.

His temperament shifted. I can't articulate it very well but but he stiffened up, his ears went back and the excitement switched to what I'd call an intense stare. I felt really nervous.

John clocked the change straight away and dragged him down by the collar and quickly shut him in the kitchen telling him "no, I don't trust you mate"

My legs were like jelly walking back to the car and I felt quite shaken up for a couple of hours after about what a close call it could have been.

I'm wondering if my fear is justified or whether you think perhaps I've let the recent news coverage colour my view too much?

Also, for anybody that knows about dog behaviour - do you think my hunch is right and that the dog would have been unsettled by the eye contact? In hindsight I'm sure I read somewhere that you shouldn't do that.

Regular poster but NC incase people think I'm being a total wimp.

It is a BIG no no to stare any dog in the eyes. It’s an act of aggression. He was reacting to this. I wish more people new correct behavior around animals.

YellowBrickRoadWithPotholes · 12/10/2023 23:28

No responsible owner lets their dog, especially a big dog, jump up on people. If he did that to a child he’d knock them flat. (I have a big dog and the very first thing we were taught when he was a puppy was to train him out of this). This alone would worry me and everything else you’ve said would have me running a mile. And sounds like John is also afraid of his dog.