We were at the dog park today and he was doing great- in a great mood- teasing people with a toy- getting along great with the group of dogs today. You could see they were all truly enjoying each other today- more than sometimes!
Then a cattle dog / pit / something mix (nothing against these breeds at all- just trying to describe size- a bit smaller than jude) took the toy from Jude and Jude started to play keep away. Well at one point he grabbed the toy, the dog growled, and Jude didn't give up. A moment later, it happened so fast, the dog lunged at Jude and went for his throat.
They got up on their hind legs and a dog fight ensued. I ran over and grabbed the other dog by the legs and Jude backed away and sat there whimpering and crying. I went over to him a moment later and he was limping and crying.
The owner apologized, said his dog was a bit unpredictable at times, and I was civil. I said that Jude is well socialized and I hoped it wouldn't set him back at all- he had never been in a fight before. Jude and I went to the other end of the park, and I appreciated the apology but wondered why an unpredictable or 'spazzy' dog as he also called it was allowed to play with my dog when his owners knew this.
Jude stopped limping and went swimming for awhile and has been himself for the rest of the night.
Still, I am all shaken about this.
Any tips for the future? Did I do the right thing by grabbing the other dogs back legs? I never know with that kind of thing... I just reacted without thinking. ANything I can do to help Jude not be upset about it? I'm afraid next time we go to the park he's going to cower and act different.
Thanks!
Then a cattle dog / pit / something mix (nothing against these breeds at all- just trying to describe size- a bit smaller than jude) took the toy from Jude and Jude started to play keep away. Well at one point he grabbed the toy, the dog growled, and Jude didn't give up. A moment later, it happened so fast, the dog lunged at Jude and went for his throat.
They got up on their hind legs and a dog fight ensued. I ran over and grabbed the other dog by the legs and Jude backed away and sat there whimpering and crying. I went over to him a moment later and he was limping and crying.
The owner apologized, said his dog was a bit unpredictable at times, and I was civil. I said that Jude is well socialized and I hoped it wouldn't set him back at all- he had never been in a fight before. Jude and I went to the other end of the park, and I appreciated the apology but wondered why an unpredictable or 'spazzy' dog as he also called it was allowed to play with my dog when his owners knew this.
Jude stopped limping and went swimming for awhile and has been himself for the rest of the night.
Still, I am all shaken about this.
Any tips for the future? Did I do the right thing by grabbing the other dogs back legs? I never know with that kind of thing... I just reacted without thinking. ANything I can do to help Jude not be upset about it? I'm afraid next time we go to the park he's going to cower and act different.
Thanks!