Aggressive encounter in the park today - YorkieTalk.com Forums

BabyChance · 06-04-2015, 12:41 PM

I've gone over this a few times in my head and decided to write it out and see what you folks think...
We have a neighbor we've known for 15 years; both she and her husband are retired police, as my partner is...
When we had our first Yorkie (RIP), they had a Great Pyrenees (also deceased), who, in spite of the size difference got along famously.
Now they have adopted a female Pit, who seems like a nice enough dog, though 'Jane' has had more success training her than her husband has.
When our 10 month old Yorkie, Chip, was just learning to walk on the leash, 'Ruby' came over, sniffed him and tried to pick him up...all normal...but we understood that Ruby was much bigger and probably not a good playmate.
Today, on our daily walk, we ran into Jane and Ruby...specifically, we were walking on the path and Ruby ran through a stream to get to us.
Jane had to control her, finally getting her under control with the electronic collar (!) but Ruby still wanted my little guy...I ended up having to pick him up away from her and calming him down.
He's no wimp- he's been in obedience and advanced training since 4 months of age...he's the youngest and smallest in his class, and I don't want him to turn aggressive out of fear...
On the other hand- this woman is letting her Pit go unleashed on the dog walking path...and I'm not going to take a chance that one day, she'll get ahold of my little guy...he's 6 pounds at 10 months old and it wouldnt take much-with his trusting nature ...what to do? He LOVES that walk...people do let their dogs go unleashed, but this is the first time we've ever run into an issue...most the dogs are well trained...figures it has to be a neighbor right?
What would YOU do?

capt_noonie · 06-04-2015, 01:14 PM

I would anonymously report her that you saw her dog running out unleashed. A pit or any large dog off leash is nerve wracking to see. Of course the owner will say the dog is trained or the dog is friendly. I'm not going to take that chance.

Even if the dog is friendly, the pure size difference can cause harm to your yorkie even if it's not intentional.

Also, the fact that she uses a shock collar on her dog proves she does NOT have her under control.

tphan74 · 06-04-2015, 01:33 PM

^This. I would call animal control and they will give her a $175 fine for not having a leash/lead on her dog. If she continues to walk her dog without a leash she could lose her dog. That's irresponsible for her to walk an aggressive pit bull or any dog for that matter without a leash. You'd figure she'd know better than that from being in law enforcement.

MissSunni · 06-04-2015, 02:25 PM

Of all breeds to be off leash in a public area, I can't beleive someone would risk it with a Pit Bull. I personally don't have anything against the dogs individually if I know the owners, but historically they are responsible for more attacks then any other breed, followed by Rotties. I don't even trust my little tiny dogs off leash in public..I dont know how they would react to a small child that may come up suddenly and startle them. My initial response would be..my babies would never hurt anyone. I'm pretty sure thats what every irresponsible dog owner who walks a dog off leash in a non-specified area thinks too, until the worst happens. I agree that I would report to the Animal Control officer. Maybe a warning would be all it takes to end the problem.

PS, there was just a story yesterday about a Pit Bull mauling a small child in her own home. Owners previously thought the dog wouldn't hurt anyone. The dog snapped and severely injured a 3 yr old little girl.

dinkster · 06-04-2015, 02:28 PM

Is it possible to just tell your neighbor that you can't possibly walk your dog there when hers is unleashed? I don't know if I could do it, but I like the idea of just telling her diplomatically.
But then again someone who walks a huge dog unleashed might not be real sensible.

Britster · 06-04-2015, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I would anonymously report her that you saw her dog running out unleashed. A pit or any large dog off leash is nerve wracking to see. Of course the owner will say the dog is trained or the dog is friendly. I'm not going to take that chance.

Even if the dog is friendly, the pure size difference can cause harm to your yorkie even if it's not intentional.

Also, the fact that she uses a shock collar on her dog proves she does NOT have her under control.

matese · 06-05-2015, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I would anonymously report her that you saw her dog running out unleashed. A pit or any large dog off leash is nerve wracking to see. Of course the owner will say the dog is trained or the dog is friendly. I'm not going to take that chance.

Even if the dog is friendly, the pure size difference can cause harm to your yorkie even if it's not intentional.

Also, the fact that she uses a shock collar on her dog proves she does NOT have her under control.

Cherie6446 · 06-05-2015, 06:45 AM

Since this is a neighbor you have known for 15 years I would just have a chat with them explaining that your yorkie is just too small to be in contact with the Pit and if she would kindly leash her on the walks. Is there a dog park nearby? This is where a Pit can be off leash safely.

gemy · 06-05-2015, 04:15 PM

Shock collar? Good grief this is a young dog I think? THat would be an option of very last resort. She does not have this dog under control if she has to use that collar - and this dog should never be off leash or only under the most controlled of circumstances!

I definitely would discuss this with my neighbour in a firm but friendly way. That is if you have a good relationship together.

Otherwise report anonomously

JadeD · 06-06-2015, 04:31 AM

If you are not comfortable asking them to keep their dog on a leash then I would definitely report them. That dog is dangerous even if it would not hurt anyone.

Last weekend I had the puppies and Teek (3 Yorkies) in MY backyard and Teek had on a leash but I had laid it on the ground as I do in my own backyard all the time and I watch him. The puppies were off leash and playing in the middle of the backyard (I do not have a fence). My husband was gardening about 20 feet from us and I was right where the puppies were and keeping an eye on Teek as well who just meanders around the yard.

I look up and there on the other side of our small pond is a huge pit bull in my backyard. I scooped up the puppies in my arms quickly and yelled for my husband to get that dog out of our yard. He turns around and looks at me and says 'What dog?" I point at the pit and say "That dog." I walk over to where Teek is and pick up his leash and quickly take the dogs into the house. My husband followed the pit and eventually grabbed him in the parking lot next to our house and we called the police. That dog should not have been on my property. They had reports all morning of the pit being loose. They took the dog with us. Stupid lady at the apartments wanted us to take it home and tie it up in our yard until the owners could be found and I looked at the police office and said that the dog was not going to be on my property. He was friendly enough and didn't mind my husband grabbing his collar, but you never know what he might have done to the puppies, he was in intact male and I would not trust him as far as I could throw him. It was very scary for me. I don't think any of the yorkies ever saw him at all. I rushed them into the house so quickly. The police took the dog to the station with them. They borrowed our leash that we put on the dog so my husband could control him better and when they brought it back later that day the owner had called to see if anyone had reported seeing it. The dog was nearly 5 miles from home. I was just fearful because the dog could have hurt one of the puppies so easily. I do not let the puppies run around in our front yard, as the road is nearby. In the backyard though I watch them very closely and usually make sure there is at least 1 other person out there with me so if they run in opposite directions we can each go after a puppy. Biggest complaint about that day though was the lady in the apartments who tried to take over the situation and boss us around about the pit bull. She would not go near the dog but wanted us to take it home and keep it until the owners could be found.

I know that lots of pits are friendly, but then there are lots who the owners said were friendly that killed someone or another dog too. Just wasn't taking any chances with that dog on my property and I hope the poster on here does something about that pit. If it needed a shock collar then the lady does not have control of her dog. I would worry for my Yorkie as well.

MarkFromSea · 06-06-2015, 09:50 AM

Long term neighbor, friends, a friendly chat about it and maybe a phone call or text right before you head out for walks to arrange your route or timing.... Cops are pretty tight about valid concerns and will understand. Then it'll give you all something to laugh about at this summer's BBQs. It's a valid concern and also a good conversation piece as long as no one gets hurt. The behind one's back approach will backfire at some point, these are not strangers, closer to frat brothers(retired cops). They have a pit bull! They will understand!

Oddsock · 06-06-2015, 11:04 PM

What you do depends on how well you know them. Are they the sort to get easily offended? If not have a chat about leashing their dog, as even accidentally it could hurt or kill a little dog.
Even if their dog is friendly, big dogs can seriously hurt a small dog. If you have trouble with face to face discussion perhaps try putting a friendly worded note through their door. If they want their dog to run around in a large area, they should at the least use a long line, but it would be best to at least have the dog respond to recall first. We use a long line on Pip as when she gets a scent or sees another dog, she occasionally goes deaf. (though she's pretty obedient) If they care for the safety of their dog and others, they should at the least agree to the long line.

They sound like they need help with training advice, could you get together for drinks or something and discuss dogs. Do you know any decent trainers you could recommend. They may be asking for trouble using a e-collar, with a pitbull. If they build up resentment rather than a fair bond with their dog.

If they take offence easily or are the 'always know better' type, then report them anonymously.

Hope you resolve this issue. It's an accident waiting to happen. Any large dog that's out of control could be dangerous to the frail, young and old. It's not even about it being a pitbull.

06-04-2015, 12:41 PM	#1
BabyChance Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Massapequa, NY Posts: 48	Aggressive encounter in the park today I've gone over this a few times in my head and decided to write it out and see what you folks think... We have a neighbor we've known for 15 years; both she and her husband are retired police, as my partner is... When we had our first Yorkie (RIP), they had a Great Pyrenees (also deceased), who, in spite of the size difference got along famously. Now they have adopted a female Pit, who seems like a nice enough dog, though 'Jane' has had more success training her than her husband has. When our 10 month old Yorkie, Chip, was just learning to walk on the leash, 'Ruby' came over, sniffed him and tried to pick him up...all normal...but we understood that Ruby was much bigger and probably not a good playmate. Today, on our daily walk, we ran into Jane and Ruby...specifically, we were walking on the path and Ruby ran through a stream to get to us. Jane had to control her, finally getting her under control with the electronic collar (!) but Ruby still wanted my little guy...I ended up having to pick him up away from her and calming him down. He's no wimp- he's been in obedience and advanced training since 4 months of age...he's the youngest and smallest in his class, and I don't want him to turn aggressive out of fear... On the other hand- this woman is letting her Pit go unleashed on the dog walking path...and I'm not going to take a chance that one day, she'll get ahold of my little guy...he's 6 pounds at 10 months old and it wouldnt take much-with his trusting nature ...what to do? He LOVES that walk...people do let their dogs go unleashed, but this is the first time we've ever run into an issue...most the dogs are well trained...figures it has to be a neighbor right? What would YOU do? __________________ Kathy, Chance( RIP) and Chip!

06-04-2015, 01:14 PM	#2
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	I would anonymously report her that you saw her dog running out unleashed. A pit or any large dog off leash is nerve wracking to see. Of course the owner will say the dog is trained or the dog is friendly. I'm not going to take that chance. Even if the dog is friendly, the pure size difference can cause harm to your yorkie even if it's not intentional. Also, the fact that she uses a shock collar on her dog proves she does NOT have her under control. __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

06-05-2015, 06:45 AM	#8
Cherie6446 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: SoCA Posts: 1,895	Since this is a neighbor you have known for 15 years I would just have a chat with them explaining that your yorkie is just too small to be in contact with the Pit and if she would kindly leash her on the walks. Is there a dog park nearby? This is where a Pit can be off leash safely. __________________ RIP my darling little Gina

06-05-2015, 04:15 PM	#9
gemy YT 2000 Club Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Huntsville,Ont,Canaada Posts: 12,335 Blog Entries: 2	Shock collar? Good grief this is a young dog I think? THat would be an option of very last resort. She does not have this dog under control if she has to use that collar - and this dog should never be off leash or only under the most controlled of circumstances! I definitely would discuss this with my neighbour in a firm but friendly way. That is if you have a good relationship together. Otherwise report anonomously __________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018

06-06-2015, 04:31 AM	#10
JadeD YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: NC Posts: 1,201 Blog Entries: 1	If you are not comfortable asking them to keep their dog on a leash then I would definitely report them. That dog is dangerous even if it would not hurt anyone. Last weekend I had the puppies and Teek (3 Yorkies) in MY backyard and Teek had on a leash but I had laid it on the ground as I do in my own backyard all the time and I watch him. The puppies were off leash and playing in the middle of the backyard (I do not have a fence). My husband was gardening about 20 feet from us and I was right where the puppies were and keeping an eye on Teek as well who just meanders around the yard. I look up and there on the other side of our small pond is a huge pit bull in my backyard. I scooped up the puppies in my arms quickly and yelled for my husband to get that dog out of our yard. He turns around and looks at me and says 'What dog?" I point at the pit and say "That dog." I walk over to where Teek is and pick up his leash and quickly take the dogs into the house. My husband followed the pit and eventually grabbed him in the parking lot next to our house and we called the police. That dog should not have been on my property. They had reports all morning of the pit being loose. They took the dog with us. Stupid lady at the apartments wanted us to take it home and tie it up in our yard until the owners could be found and I looked at the police office and said that the dog was not going to be on my property. He was friendly enough and didn't mind my husband grabbing his collar, but you never know what he might have done to the puppies, he was in intact male and I would not trust him as far as I could throw him. It was very scary for me. I don't think any of the yorkies ever saw him at all. I rushed them into the house so quickly. The police took the dog to the station with them. They borrowed our leash that we put on the dog so my husband could control him better and when they brought it back later that day the owner had called to see if anyone had reported seeing it. The dog was nearly 5 miles from home. I was just fearful because the dog could have hurt one of the puppies so easily. I do not let the puppies run around in our front yard, as the road is nearby. In the backyard though I watch them very closely and usually make sure there is at least 1 other person out there with me so if they run in opposite directions we can each go after a puppy. Biggest complaint about that day though was the lady in the apartments who tried to take over the situation and boss us around about the pit bull. She would not go near the dog but wanted us to take it home and keep it until the owners could be found. I know that lots of pits are friendly, but then there are lots who the owners said were friendly that killed someone or another dog too. Just wasn't taking any chances with that dog on my property and I hope the poster on here does something about that pit. If it needed a shock collar then the lady does not have control of her dog. I would worry for my Yorkie as well. __________________ It's raining Yorkies here! LOL Teek ,Rowan , Raksha (Grand Puppy) , Raelyn

06-04-2015, 01:33 PM	#3
tphan74 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: california Posts: 96	^This. I would call animal control and they will give her a $175 fine for not having a leash/lead on her dog. If she continues to walk her dog without a leash she could lose her dog. That's irresponsible for her to walk an aggressive pit bull or any dog for that matter without a leash. You'd figure she'd know better than that from being in law enforcement.

06-04-2015, 02:25 PM	#4
MissSunni YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: NJ USA Posts: 492	Of all breeds to be off leash in a public area, I can't beleive someone would risk it with a Pit Bull. I personally don't have anything against the dogs individually if I know the owners, but historically they are responsible for more attacks then any other breed, followed by Rotties. I don't even trust my little tiny dogs off leash in public..I dont know how they would react to a small child that may come up suddenly and startle them. My initial response would be..my babies would never hurt anyone. I'm pretty sure thats what every irresponsible dog owner who walks a dog off leash in a non-specified area thinks too, until the worst happens. I agree that I would report to the Animal Control officer. Maybe a warning would be all it takes to end the problem. PS, there was just a story yesterday about a Pit Bull mauling a small child in her own home. Owners previously thought the dog wouldn't hurt anyone. The dog snapped and severely injured a 3 yr old little girl.

06-04-2015, 02:28 PM	#5
dinkster YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Michigan Posts: 344	Is it possible to just tell your neighbor that you can't possibly walk your dog there when hers is unleashed? I don't know if I could do it, but I like the idea of just telling her diplomatically. But then again someone who walks a huge dog unleashed might not be real sensible.

06-06-2015, 09:50 AM	#11
MarkFromSea YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: King County, WA Posts: 3,817	Long term neighbor, friends, a friendly chat about it and maybe a phone call or text right before you head out for walks to arrange your route or timing.... Cops are pretty tight about valid concerns and will understand. Then it'll give you all something to laugh about at this summer's BBQs. It's a valid concern and also a good conversation piece as long as no one gets hurt. The behind one's back approach will backfire at some point, these are not strangers, closer to frat brothers(retired cops). They have a pit bull! They will understand!

06-06-2015, 11:04 PM	#12
Oddsock YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: South Yorkshire,England Posts: 644	What you do depends on how well you know them. Are they the sort to get easily offended? If not have a chat about leashing their dog, as even accidentally it could hurt or kill a little dog. Even if their dog is friendly, big dogs can seriously hurt a small dog. If you have trouble with face to face discussion perhaps try putting a friendly worded note through their door. If they want their dog to run around in a large area, they should at the least use a long line, but it would be best to at least have the dog respond to recall first. We use a long line on Pip as when she gets a scent or sees another dog, she occasionally goes deaf. (though she's pretty obedient) If they care for the safety of their dog and others, they should at the least agree to the long line. They sound like they need help with training advice, could you get together for drinks or something and discuss dogs. Do you know any decent trainers you could recommend. They may be asking for trouble using a e-collar, with a pitbull. If they build up resentment rather than a fair bond with their dog. If they take offence easily or are the 'always know better' type, then report them anonymously. Hope you resolve this issue. It's an accident waiting to happen. Any large dog that's out of control could be dangerous to the frail, young and old. It's not even about it being a pitbull. __________________ Caleb Pippi