My pup was in a bit of a scuffle today :(

[OrchidLass]

Out with my 5 month old lab pup today and met a new dog. Man with him marched on ahead and the dog didn't follow him but turned towards my lad and went for him. I yanked him away and roared at the other dog which made him back off but it was horrible. My pup was a bit shaken and his throat was all wet where the dog tried to bite him and I yelled at the owner like a fishwife to come and control his bloody dog. I was scared for my boy I tell ya. :(

Did the man not call his dog or get him and put him on the lead?

No, he just stood there! I'm not an experienced dog owner and I feel a bit upset about it now. Silly I know but I love my boy to bits and I'd be heartbroken if anything happened to him.

What a horrible man, no wonder his dog is aggressive.
Since having my 2 year-old little 5 kilo dog, I have met only 3 aggressive dogs who were kept on the lead and away from other dogs. All the others are lovely natured dogs.
That man is a bad example of a dog owner as his dog must have gone for others not just yours.

Many dog owners walk their dogs at the same time of day and in the same place, so avoid this in future. I am so sorry this happened.

Your poor pup.

Sadly these are irresponsible dog owners out there. If I see a dog I don't know approaching I call my dog to me and she stays right by my side until we have passed the other dog and owner.

If you walk your dog at the same time each day you will soon learn which dogs socialise nicely with each other and which don't,you also hear if any dogs have gone for others and what they look like.

I am lucky to have a nice community of dog owners near me and the majority are responsible and have nice dogs.

there was nothing you could do in this situation i know but i would strongly recommend doggy friends. dogs you see regularly who they get to know and enjoy meeting.

it's just easier than having the worry of new dogs. i tend to keep mine close until i've had a chance to make a decision on the other person.

just so sad when this kind of thing happens especially when you've got such a young dog. it would have badly affected my five month old. my older one got bitten and she's bounced back well, thank God.

What pootle says is true, if you walk in a regular area, you will meet the same people and dogs - and eventually end up walking with some of them, which is great for a young dogs confidence.

unfortunately these things do happen - maybe the other owner was shocked? I am not sure - sometimes you can't just understand what goes through other dog owners minds....the things i have had said to me, when the other persons dog has acted agressively is unbelievable......it doesn't happen often, but it does happen.

Just one piece of advice from me:-

Like you I was a first time dog owner when my 5ish month old lab boy was attacked by a spaniel. I then avoided this particular spaniel, and spaniels in general as I didn't really know any. Big mistake. He now has a problem with most spaniels.

If I could go back in time I would have subsequently socialised him like crazy with (this particular type of) spaniels so he wouldn't live in fear of them. His fear of them, unfortunately, comes out in aggression towards them now as an adult, and is a pain in the arse as I have to watch him constantly if I am walking him in an area where there are a lot of dogs around.

Thanks for the advice folks, just been out again and saw the same dog from a distance but lad didn't notice him.

Bowlers mine is a 5 month lab and the dog who went for him is a spaniel!

Poor you and him. It,s horrible isn't it?

My dog has been aggressive with spaniels since he was bitten, so I've been on both sides now. I keep him verrrrry close to me, but off lead, and luckily his recall is superb so haven't had trouble for a while now. He comes back immediately I call him. Horrible when it happens though.

Good luck with your boy.

Thank you, he's lovely. :)

My spaniel hates labs. I have no idea why. He never wants to make friends or play with them. I have to beat a hasty retreat if one approaches. Perhaps Labs and spaniels have a nemesis deal going on?