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Originally Posted by SnowWa You can't stop a bull terrier (or any other dog) attack. With our little dogs (Yorkies) -- you have to be watchful every minute - for a hundred other reasons also...not just other dog attacks. I think this is one of the things we take upon ourselves when we choose to have such a small little dog. They are just too little to take out in public - without our guarding them and being watchful every second. And - I know - you are careful and keep an eye out for your little guy.
Second - I think our behaving "scared to death - tearful - whatever." but, still being polite (albeit - frightened to death) -- would accomplish more with people like this than swearing, calling them names, etc. does. The reason I'm saying this is that this type of behaviour only makes people like them defensive and argue, and fight back. It doesn't help them realize or care how frightened and scared you were. I wouldn't doubt that they walked away from their encounter with you telling everyone about the "terrible lady" that they met......etc. etc. etc. I'm sure they didn't learn a thing - and think that you were the terrible person - not them.
What they needed to experience was that a nice person was truly frightened that their little dog could have been seriously injuried by their dog. They needed to feel sorry about what happened - and realize that it was their dog that caused it - and not want it to happen again. I think the way you acted --- just got them fighting mad and more defensive...
And, I agree - they were "jerks!"
We can socialize our little dogs everyway possible - but we will always have to beware of any other dogs they meet. Even other dogs on a leash - can get loose in a spit second....
Carol Jean |
As I said in the original post, I was just frightened and it was a spur of the moment thing. I'm sure it's very different in America but it's a certain type of people in England that owns this breed and they're not known for their social conscience a lot of the time. I also don't think it's my job to make people 'think about what they've done'. I think, under the circumstances, my response was as measured and reasonable as the next person's. I don't care if they thought I was a terrible person. I think they're terrible people so we're all equal. And yes, I agree. Having a small dog brings with it certain responsibilities but he's still a dog and he has as much right to walk as any other. I appreciate that this isn't entirely realistic but I'll do what I can to change it