Owner Struggling To Control Large Dog

[Mosaic]

Here's a dilemma. In the local streets and park a small woman often walks a very large puppy over which she has minimal control. I don't know what breed it is but it looks like a large rottweiler and it's still only a puppy. It leaps up at other pedestrians and is very curious about pushchairs. It has jumped up on me - I'm not afraid of dogs and simply stood still. This appeared to irritate the owner and she had a right go at me about being unpleasant 'to her doggy'. If we meet by chance she continues to make snotty remarks - I don't know her from Adam, other than the fact that she lives somewhere nearby and walks this puppy. I'm curious as to how others would react to this, and whether I'm over-reacting in thinking about the potential danger as this dog grows and realises its position in the pack.

[wolf63]

Having owned a very large and powerful dog who was stubborn and pulled on the lead I would say that she has to do something now.

We knew nothing about dog training and it was pretty obvious. Our dog was very good natured (unless you were on a moped or motorbike) and nothing happened but he was so much stronger than me. Back in 1980 I was about 16 when we got him.

Do you have a dog warden or community police person who can have a tactful word with her?

[woofgang]

I'd be talking to your local dog warden. It sounds like this woman's stupidity is likely to cause an accident and the dog will pay the ultimate penalty.
BTW "Pack theory" and "dominance" as it relates to domestic dogs has long been disproved. The accident won't happen because the dog "realises its position in the pack", it will happen because it hasn't learned how to behave around fragile humans.

[Retrochic]

I hate this sort of 'you must love my doggy as much as I do'. If it jumps up at you again I would shout 'get down' and if the owner goes off on one I would say if you can't control that dog I will report you (to who I don't know it just sounds good)

[woofgang]

Retrochic, if you shouted at my dogs they would think you wanted to play which wouldn't be helpful. Stand still and ignore is more effective and safer, to make it even more effective turn your back on the dog.

[Retrochic]

Then your dogs aren't well trained. Every dog should respond to a stern 'Down!' and dogs can understand form the tone of your voice if you want to play or not. personally I'd clonk it with my walking stick

[Mosaic]

.....now then you two - heel!
But thanks for all your views. Food for thought.

[Cloverjo]

I agree, retrochic. I was once having a quiet walk alone on the beach when 3 large dogs jumped up at me putting their paws on my shoulders. I just stood still while the owner laughed and said "they won't hurt you!" Why do some owners think this is ok?
Mosaic, it doesn't sound like you can do anything about this woman and dog yourself. Speak to the community police officer or park warden.

[woofgang]

I don't think its ok at all for dogs to jump all over strangers and I don't allow it. They don't need to respond to a stern "down" because it never arises and by the way, to my dogs and many others, down means "lie down" so you haven't even got the command word right.
With many dogs who haven't been taught how to behave, sternness of voice will worry them. Jumping up is rooted in puppy appeasement behaviour so if you scare the dog by your "stern tone" you are just as likely to stimulate it to more jumping as you are to make its stop.
I do agree that its totally unacceptable for owners to let their animals of any description annoy others and that includes the owners of free ranging cats and the parents of screaming children.

[Jonathan-Joe]

Something like this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWMVkNo6WOo

[murraymints]

I would be having strong words with her ..if she can't control her animals in public..keep them at home !!

[chaptazbru2]

Agree with you woof.