Puppy was attacked.

[EmmaGellerGreen]

Our 8 month old cocker spaniel was attacked by another dog earlier today. It had done it to other dogs twice earlier and the owner kept letting it off its lead again. Other dogs have had little goes at him before but not nearly as badly and he's just run back to me. But today, he was snarling back which was quite unpleasant to see and terribly out of character for him. He's fine and happily carried on playing with my friend's dog afterwards. Should I be concerned that he fought back a bit or happy that he stood up for himself! It's both confusing, upsetting and makes me angry that it happened. He is very unconcerned!

Whilst it is distressing to see both your own puppy being attacked and also to hear him snarl, growl or snap back, please remember that this is entirely normal dog behaviour. The dog attacked him and he responded with a very vocal "if you carry on with that, I will feel like I have to bite you to defend myself". That actually seems like a very reasonable and sensible reaction to me.

That he seemed unconcerned straight afterwards is a good sign. Take your cue from him and carry on with your day.

If anything, just try and make a note of the breed/colour/size of the attacking dog and seek out friendlier versions for him to meet to make sure he doesn't develop a bit of an aversion to them.

Other than that, don't worry. He did nothing worse than a teenage human telling an irritating adult to sod off. Not pleasant to watch and not particularly polite but also not indicative that you have a serial killer in the making :)

Thank you, that sounds very sensible advice.

Very sensible advice from missbattenburg. Also consider reporting the offending dog to the dog warden as it's not acceptable and the next dog it attacks could be seriously injured, or worse.

Thank you

Definitely echo the initial advice my puppy was attacked twice, once at 4 months and once and 9 months. I took it worse than the dog and as a result eventually lost all trust in other dogs and owners.

The result ? I avoided other dogs as much as possible and as a result of MY issue my dog has now become nervous around other dogs and every walk is a struggle. I knew in my heart of hearts that my actions were probably likely to make things worse but I couldn't help myself in my desire to keep my pup safe but in the long run I have done him a massive disservice.

Sorry to hear that baby. Have you tried working with a trainer to help? Thank you for your advice.

Poor puppy, dogs that attack other dogs need to be reported to the council dog warden. Just because some people think this is 'normal' behaviour does not make it right or lawful.

Thanks Emma. Yes have been referred to a behaviourist by my vet and been working with her and a local dog walker who also specialises in behaviour since September. Progress is slow but just about visible for my dog. I still have a long way to go !!!

Dogs fight and snarl and bite and bark. All of those are part of their natural behaviours. None of that is wrong or unlawful because applying human morals to canine behaviour is bonkers and because dogs are not subject to human law.

Owners are subject to law and having a dog out of control is unlawful. It is also, imo, morally wrong. A lead or good recall on the part of the other dog/owner would have prevented all this from happening. OP can decide whether or not to report that as she sees fit. However, she didn't ask about what to about the other owner. She asked how to come to terms with the behaviours, and her post suggested she was especially concerned about how her own dog reacted.

I believe her dog reacted normally and so said so to reassure her that, based on her description, this instance alone is not indicative that she will end up with a reactive or aggressive dog.

Thank you. We are walking with a group of friendly dogs today so hopefully he will be his usual calm and cheery self. Thank you for the help.