Hunter had a fight with his nemesis

[Loraseal]

This may be a slight waffle as I am still upset. On the morning walk we crossed the road and bam there was his nemesis with both his owners. I must have not secured his collar as it snapped open and Hunter charged towards the dog. Recall of course not. I remember shouting shit shit shit. Looking back now it was all growling and teeth showing but no biting. The male owner kicked Hunter 3 times in the ribs. Eventually I got Hunter back on his collar and the other owners walked off with the man shouting to another couple that I have a kut beestje. Basically not nice words. Afterwards Hunter was just calm and didn't look back at the other dog. I was too upset and it would be impossible to talk with the owners with the dogs hating each other. I have no idea how to react now. I was just a crying mess when I came across another dog owner I know. I was in the wrong as the idiot came off his collar. What should I do now with regards to Hunter's behaviour?i feel bloody horrible about it and am also upset he kicked my dog 3 times.

 

[Naya]

I can sympathise as to how you are probably feeling as have similar issues with Harley and some dogs. I wouldn’t try and walk Hunter again today. Give both of you time to relax and calm down. Maybe walk him on a harness as they are much harder to get out of. Hope you manage to get some downtime today.

 

[Beanwood]

Oh you poor thing! Look, no damage was done, just a lot of noise and handbags at dawn, but needless to say just horrible. I have been there with Casper, his nemesis well plural... three of them so is that nemisi??? Well, the lead simply slipped from my hand. He went racing over full pelt, snarling barking, no recall! The other dog owner was kicking him, screaming at me, threatening with the dog warden. I was shaking, in tears. Totally my fault. No harm was done though. It took me a few days to recover.

Be kind to yourself, no damage was done, seriously you have known about it if the intent from Hunter was to do real harm! Rest up, good book, cuddle Hunter, then when you feel up to it, reflect a bit on maybe how you can tweak your walks to reduce the frustration Hunter feels when he sees this dog going forward.

 

[Atemas]

The male owner kicked Hunter 3 times in the ribs.

I’d be furious and upset - how absolutely horrible. Don’t beat yourself up about it. It wasn’t intentional on your behalf and some other dog owners show no sympathy or understanding. Hunter was just reacting. Most of us have dogs that just do not like some other dogs and react. Just ensure his collar is done up and get out there - keep practicing the A to B so you are ready to steer him away if you happen on them again

 

[Boogie]

I’m so sorry, how very upsetting for you.

I would walk him on a harness in future so that there’s no chance of him slipping his collar.

xx

 

[Loraseal]

Thanks for the understanding everybody. The worst part is I have been changing the time to walk Hunter as I roughly know Boa's schedule. It seems Boa's schedule has changed also.
The annoying part is that Boa is known for biting other dogs. Boa is a long haired collie.
We have been practicing the A to B every day. It was going much better and I was getting his attention to me and not Boa.
I have just changed his collar for a new one. I had stopped using the harness as I could not find one that did not irritate his elbows and shoulders. I loved the Copenhagen but it is too high on his chest and irritated his shoulders.
Maybe the op has made him more reactive , I really don't know.
I think it's going to take me a few days to recover though.

 

[HAH]

You’re so sensible @Loraseal , you’ve done everything right - it was just a bad set of circumstances. It’ll take a few days, just be kind to yourselves and go gently. Quite possibly the op has filled both your stress buckets so it hits you harder than it might have done in different circumstances. Seriously, don’t beat yourself up xxx

 

[Loraseal]

Yes @HAH I think my stress bucket is quite full with his op, his joint issues, work and missing my parents. Plus we would normally be on our way to the UK for our annual Lake District trip (Dutch kids are now on their school hols). The Lakes are/were my favourite holiday of the year and I always come back feeling refreshed.
I am not a big gardener but I am now going to plant my Austrian geraniums for my balcony and hopefully it will help clear my thoughts.

 

[MellowYellow]

I am very sorry to hear this, dog fights are just the worst and the upset and fury experienced by the humans involved is often worse than the results of the fight itself. I expect Hunter is fine, while you are a quivering wreck! Luckily neither of the dogs was hurt. Just take it easy; tomorrow is another day. Yes, planting your geraniums will be a calming thing to do. Hugs to you and Hunter both.

 

[Oberon]

A horrible experience.....but you’re definitely not alone in having it. I have been in the same kind of boat! It really shakes you, but in time it’ll totally recede. Hunter was just strongly expressing an opinion, and unfortunately the other owner was scared enough to react physically. It’ll be ok, it really really will. Definitely go easy on yourself and give yourself time to start to feel better. Dogs will be dogs, and humans will be humans...

 

[Beanwood]

The annoying part is that Boa is known for biting other dogs. Boa is a long haired collie.

Well, the handbags at dawn scenario is unsurprising. Collies are supposed to be intelligent dogs. But they are also typically wind-up merchants and our poor dufus labradors fall for it time and time again!

 

[Charlie]

So sorry Lorraine, been there got the t-shirt. I find Collies are difficult as they stare and stoop giving some 'off' body language. Charlie has been attacked by one, horrible and now he hates them. Was it a fight as there was no contact just growling as a warning? Boa's owner should not have kicked Hunter as there was no contact. I have kicked a dog that attacked Hattie, dragged her to the ground whilst she was screaming. I feel I was justified as I must protect my dog. I hope you will be okay, Hunter too. Maybe for a few days you could drive out to somewhere new to avoid the dreaded Boa and do some gentle training. Take care of yourself. xx

 

[Sophiedoodle]

Have you tried a Perfect Fit harness? I believe they are very good.. I’m sorry this has happened

 

[kateincornwall]

Please dont be upset , this just happens . We, as humans, dont like every other human so it must be the same with dogs ? I`m very sorry that you have been subject to this and even more so that the owner lashed out at Hunter , I guess he was scared but even so .......... Dogs can and do make an unholy racket when they frame up to one another , its all about body language really . Big hugs for you xx

 

[Jacqui-S]

Nothing to add that hadn't already , just some for you.

 

[Loraseal]

I thought his nemesis was called Max, but that was his older brother. Max bit Hunter puppy and Boa bit Hunter adult. Jack the Jack Russel dog owner just corrected me when he just saw me locking up my bike. Both brothers have bit Jack. Max unfortunately died 2 years ago from cancer.
He had heard along the doggie grapevine that Hunter had been in a fight. Fantastic, now the whole bloody neighbourhood thinks Hunter is a menace. @Charlie there was some jumping, lots of handbags at dawn, aggressive growling but no physical biting. Time to work on his R&R!

 

[Mrs UB]

Have you tried a Perfect Fit harness? I believe they are very good.. I’m sorry this has happened

We’ve just swapped Harvey to a Perfect Fit harness as his haqihana one seemed to be making him uncomfortable.

He’s not keen on collies either.

 

[Loraseal]

You need good measurements for the Perfect Fit? I will have to find a Dutch/Euro supplier as Brexit causes extra import taxes/ extra delivery costs.

 

[VanillaBean]

Sorry to hear about your morning, never a nice morning.
Like others have said us humans hold on to it more than dogs.
Vanilla does not like black border collies, OK with all other ones. She got snapped by one when a puppy.

The one thing I never understand is the kicking. I may be missing something, but especially if no contact is made why not just stand tall and shout/stern voice to stop the dog. No contact is required.

 

[Candy]

Sorry you've been through this, and poor Hunter, being kicked. As @VanillaBean has said, I don't know why people think that's going to help the situation. Hope you have a relaxing evening and a better day tomorrow.