I take Bob (or should i say Bob takes me) every day to walk in the park. However, I cannot let him off his lead else he would just run and never come back. The parks in South Africa are all open and not fenced off, and Bob being the husky he is loves to run. My question to anyone who can help is this - when we see another dog - I promptly turn around and go in the other direction as I am not sure how Bob will react - I know if the dog is a bitch he will start humping her immediately but if it a male - I am really scared he will fight - and I know for a fact I am not strong enough and Bob not well disciplined enough for me to intervene. So what do I do when we do see a dog - do I take a chance and let him socialise or should I avoid dogs at all costs?

Let him try at least to be social with other dogs, just maintain an eye on them try and watch the body language. I've seen to many times when owners do what your considering and then end up with a dog that is fearful and then tend to become aggressive in their fear.

Here4thePics wrote:

Let him try at least to be social with other dogs, just maintain an eye on them try and watch the body language. I've seen to many times when owners do what your considering and then end up with a dog that is fearful and then tend to become aggressive in their fear.

Thanks for the reply
What do I do if he does fight with another dog?

My trainer has an air horn that she uses when some of her pack of pit rescues get into it. Not sure if that would be good with a dog (or more so a person) you don't know. Maybe see if you can set up a play date somewhere with an owner you know and see how that works out.

henielsen wrote:

My trainer has an air horn that she uses when some of her pack of pit rescues get into it. Not sure if that would be good with a dog (or more so a person) you don't know. Maybe see if you can set up a play date somewhere with an owner you know and see how that works out.

That sounds like such a good and fun idea - might be a bit embarrasing if he spends the entire time humping their little girl - my Bob has raging hormones - but I will definately give that a try.

I've never had to try it but one recommendation for breaking up a fight is to grab the dogs hind legs, lift them high and walk backwards in a arc. Seems sound since it would prevent the dog from biting you but like I said I've never had to use the technique.

Lordbroll wrote:

I've never had to try it but one recommendation for breaking up a fight is to grab the dogs hind legs, lift them high and walk backwards in a arc. Seems sound since it would prevent the dog from biting you but like I said I've never had to use the technique.

Works like a charm! Even used it on random dogs attacking us on walks! Imagine a wheel barrel!

The trick is figuring out what to do once you let go of the legs and the dog is still pissed off! Usually, the owner shows up or I dig out my animal shield spray.

hollywoodhuskies wrote:

Usually, the owner shows up or I dig out my animal shield spray.

I just bought that spray at Petsmart (forgot what it's called). I think you're the one that suggested it in another thread. Have you actually had to use it? If so, does it work?

I've done the "wheelbarrow" on a dog when I worked at the humane society. Some very not nice mixed breed broke out of it's kennel and went after a dog who was being walked out of the kennel by a staff member. It's effective- but you need to lift the legs high! Or that dog is just going to turn around and snap your hands.