To think that this wasn't 'playing' and to ask how best to respond?

[PFDog]

I met an aquintance whilst dog walking today. She has a German Shepherd and I have a lab. It's only the second time we've met walking but on both occasions her dog has gone for mine, growling aggressively and pinning him down, causing mine to yelp and cry :(

This afternoon I received a fb message from her apologising for her dog's behaviour and explaining that he was playing but maybe my dog just found it a little aggressive. Also that her dog hasn't played with another dog recently which was presumably a reason for how he behaved.

Now I'm not confrontational but I get fucking pissed off with people who try to make out that their aggressive dog "isn't usually like that" and when they know damn well what they're capable of, they don't put them on the lead when they see another dog approaching.

So firstly, am I over reacting? And secondly, would something like this sound ok...

Thank you for your message. I'm afraid I don't actually agree that your dog was just playing. He was clearly being aggressive and dominant towards DDog and it's not the first time this has happened. I really don't like seeing DDog going through an experience like that and would appreciate it if you put your dog on the lead if we meet again. Thank you.

Thoughts would be appreciated.

You are not over-reacting.

My sister's dog nipped my son right in front of my eyes whilst I looked on, and she claimed that "he must have done something". He had not.

I was gratified the vet thought the same when he insisted in said dog wearing a muzzle next time. Needless to say, she blamed the vet.

There is no getting common sense into some people over their dogs.

I think the fact she Pm'd you means she knows it was a bit more than just play. I would respond with "yes I think his 'play' is too aggressive for other dogs maybe he would be better off on the lead as other walkers might not be very understanding and it would be a shame to have to avoid you on our walks"

Thank you. itis that's a much friendlier version of mine, thanks!

I think your version is fine.

What you've written is great, but what itiswhat's written is better if you're trying to avoid her getting the hump with you.

Presumably you're still going to see her out walking, much better to avoid anything that could make either of you feel uncomfortable when that happens.

Agree as well, that it's good she messaged you and must know she was out of order letting her dog off the lead.

Your version is what I would like to say OP! But I do think if I was likely to see her a lot I would want to try and settle it in a friendly way first. If she doesn't take on board what you say then I think my response would be a bit more harsh.

I really do think the fact she messaged you means in her heart she knows that her dogs behaviour isn't seen by others as just playful.

I've just sent this:

Thank you for your message. I'm afraid I really didn't see it as playing, neither did DDog and I'm fairly sure other dog owners wouldn't have either. It's not the first time it's happened when we've met you at and I know I'd feel nervous if we bump into you on a walk again. Maybe to save any worry it might be better to have him on the lead when you meet other dogs?

How do you think she'll take it PFDog?

She is cheeky trying to pass it off as playing.

I'll have a tenner on her posting a passive aggressive facebook status saying some people shouldn't take things so seriously betcha

Don't let the fact that she is a friend stop you from doing what you would do if it was a random dog that had attacked yours twice. I'd report. She knows she has a problem and may even already be on a warning.

YANBU. Would she allow her dog. to act like that with someone she didn't already know? People who can't control their dogs really peeve me. Perhaps it isn't very well socialised if it doesn't get to "play with other dogs" much. Hope your lab is ok.

Dying for an update! YANBU.

Good for you OP - that needed saying

Absolutely op.

Thanks for all the reassurance. She replied agreeing that keeping him on the lead is the best option. She said he hasn't always been like this and she finds it hard to find places to let him off for proper exercise.

I hope she can get it sorted out. She has a fair bit on her plate with a large dog and two small children to deal with on a daily basis. I know that doesn't excuse a lack of control but I think she probably feels a little overwhelmed with things at times.