First off I absolutely love dogs. Had hunting dogs growing up. Even had a mini-Schnauzer that made me proud. She killed a coral snake, dug up two moles and bit four inches off a squirrel's tail.
So I'm on the back patio sitting when the neighbor's German Shepherd comes in the fence as it was open by a foot. It was sniffing the ground. I don't think he realises I am 5 yards away so I calmly say "It's okay," to let him know I'm there and say it again and he quietly leaves.
I get up to close the gate and he's at the gate. He barks loudly and even moves inside 2 feet like he's going to lunge looking at me aggressively. In MY YARD. WTF!
That is not a well-socialized dog. If I was in his yard I'd say it was a damn good dog. They have 3 big dogs and they sometimes rush up to me barking when I'm in the front but I calmly say "It's okay" and at least two of the dogs eventually let me pet them but not this third dog but the third dog doesn't continue barking but doesn't want to be petted. The owner apologises but I tell them I love dogs and it's okay - which it is.
Tonight the alpha dog really looked aggressive. For a second I thought he was actually going to attack me. He was doing a great bluff but he's in my backyard trying to intimidate me. Looking straight at me and stepping forward. Not okay.
I love dogs but this dog needs a water hose full blast.
What would you do?
So I'm on the back patio sitting when the neighbor's German Shepherd comes in the fence as it was open by a foot. It was sniffing the ground. I don't think he realises I am 5 yards away so I calmly say "It's okay," to let him know I'm there and say it again and he quietly leaves.
I get up to close the gate and he's at the gate. He barks loudly and even moves inside 2 feet like he's going to lunge looking at me aggressively. In MY YARD. WTF!
That is not a well-socialized dog. If I was in his yard I'd say it was a damn good dog. They have 3 big dogs and they sometimes rush up to me barking when I'm in the front but I calmly say "It's okay" and at least two of the dogs eventually let me pet them but not this third dog but the third dog doesn't continue barking but doesn't want to be petted. The owner apologises but I tell them I love dogs and it's okay - which it is.
Tonight the alpha dog really looked aggressive. For a second I thought he was actually going to attack me. He was doing a great bluff but he's in my backyard trying to intimidate me. Looking straight at me and stepping forward. Not okay.
I love dogs but this dog needs a water hose full blast.
What would you do?
