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Akitas => Akita Discussions => : Janisjin August 13, 2005, 03:02:57 PM
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ok, I'm sure this topic has been covered and it probably has happened to alot of you out there, but I really just have to rant for a second.
I am sick of everyone siding with a small dog when your dog gets in a tiff. I don't mean all out dog fight, but just some growling and snarling. About 95% of the dogs who have bitten my older 90 pound akita mix are jack russels/daschunds/beagles, etc. We go to off leash dog parks all the time and these little dogs see my dog as a threat and just run up to him, growl, and bite him. Sometimes they just run up to him and bite him without any warning as he's sniffing the grass or walking by them 3 feet away. For example, there is a little daschund who goes to the same park and he always chases my dog around and bites his privates! And when my dog is sitting down and sun bathing or being pet, the little daschund will try to mount him or bite his privates again! and as expected, my dog gets pretty darn angry. He'll growl and the daschund will bite him, then he'll take his paw and smoosh the daschund on the gorund to keep it from biting him while he's making scary noises to scare the daschund away. Of course, I am blamed and people are kicking my dog or grabbing him by the collar and pulling him away while the little dog is taking freebie bites out of my dog. the little dog's owner acts so angry and offended that my big bad wolf tried to eat his private-biting angel. That little devil has even growled at me a bunch of times when I see him going for my dog's privates and I try to run defense.
I think as large dog owners, we know that some people fear our dogs or fear that our dogs may be aggressive. So we overcompensate by training our dogs, socializing them, training them some more, and socializing them some more. We are sure to let them know what is okay and what is not. As an owner of a "bully breed," I make certain that my dogs have exposure to as many types of people, children, animal, sites, sounds, etc. But some little dog owners think their dogs can do no harm b/c they're so small and it's the big dogs you have to look out for, or that their little jack russel is so cute being so tough and taking a bite out of a huge dog. These little dogs get away with murder! It might be in the smaller dog's nature to snap at larger dogs when they feel threatened, but this is where training comes in. It's in my akita's nature to eat little dogs, but I've trained him and conditioned him that he just ignores them now. I blame the owner, not the dog. My dogs don't react by tearing the dog apart, but they do bark a "get off of me!" or they smack the little dog with their paw with a scary sounding growl just to get it off of them.Â
I mean, how would you feel if a smaller person came up to you and smacked you in the back of the head? I'm pretty small, but Ican't just walk up to a tough looking guy who is just walking by on the side walk and smack him in the back of the head or kick him in the shin and expect him to do nothing or blame him when he gets mad. Or if he yells at me to stop, like how my dogs bark at the little dog, and I still keep standing there kicking him over and over again, I can't blame him for trying to get me away from him. I think it's the same thing with little dogs biting larger dogs. You can be under 20 pounds and still be a bully! >:(
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I agree Janis. I've actually posted something similar to this on another website that little dogs behavior is tolerated WAY too much. This was on a thread about a rottie attack. The same standards unfortunately are not set for little dogs. I was referring to how they are around people, but the same can be said of their behavior around dogs.
That little dacshie sounds like a real pain in the arse.......... .literally. Too bad there is not much you can do about that other than try to go at a different time.
I burst out laughing at the picture you painted in my head of a short person going up to a big beefy bodybuilder type and just smacking them in the head.........L OLOLOL :D :D
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I have yet to see a small dog so bold as to intimidate a big dog to destructive aggression.
My big dog will first avoid, then smoosh with a paw and avoid again, when that doesn't work she will come to me for protection. If my actions toward the small dog upsets its' master, then my BIG Dog goes into 'Protect' mode, she will lie at my feet and growl, they usually leave the dog park if they have half a brain. I've also watched my BIG Dog lie down and let the little dog use her for a 'chew toy'! When she's had enough she lets the little dog know, and they part company amicably. Little dog with ego intact, big dog knowing it will have something good to eat when she gets home.
It's not the dogs that have a problem with each other, it's the masters!
I let my BIG Dog choose who she wants to play with.
Dogs, large or small, when well trained, will always look to their masters for guidance.
There's no such thing as too much training, or socialization.
Don't be afraid of your dog parks, dogs are dogs! Be afraid of their masters!
John
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:D :D I love that pick with the bucket on the head.......... ..Priceless!!!
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The standard line my friend uses when a small dog is being out of line with her 120 pound Bullmastiff is "Are you sure you want your dog to get aggressive with mine? Because I'm not sure I can control Titus if he decides to protect himself." Works like a charm everytime.
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I just got back from walking Samsopn & Pippin & had the same kind of thing happen...We were on the sidwalk & walked by a house & out of nowhere came a little Poodle/Shitzu looking mix...This dog is aboutt he size of Samson's head & runs up & starts snarling & yapping & is totally out of control...Sams on, of course, wants to play & as I was trying to walk by he tries to sniff the little dog & the little jerk snaps at Sam...Sam looks hurt like, "what did I do"?...The owner comes out of her house then & laughs & says, "Oh Fluffy is so protective & territorial"...HA-FRIGGIN'-HA!!!...I personally didn't find it funny when I was trying to control 2 puppies at 110 & 55 lbs...My son had been walking Pippin but when this yappy little beast came at us I took both leashes...I wonder what would have happened if Samson decided to snap & lunge & snarl at the little dog...I don't think my laughing & saying, "Oh Samson's so defensive about being attacked" would have flew at all!
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That is so true! People who own little dogs so not train them at all. The dogs have no social skills, manners ect the list could go on and on. There was a wonderful article posted, about this by Red and it explains that when the big dog growls because it is being bothered, it is reacting the way that is should, and should not be corrected for this at all. He is warning the other dog to back off! Harley is always doing this to Dilbert when he bugs her ( jumps on her when she is chewing her bone) and he backs off. Janis you are doing great with your pup, and he is reacting like any well behaved dog should. I would get very angry if anyone tried to disiplin Harley or Dilbert, for acting like that. GRRR people with rat dogs really p#$@ me off. I wish I could remember the post with that article cuz it was sooo good.
Nina
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That is so true! People who own little dogs so not train them at all. The dogs have no social skills, manners ect the list could go on and on. There was a wonderful article posted, about this by Red and it explains that when the big dog growls because it is being bothered, it is reacting the way that is should, and should not be corrected for this at all. He is warning the other dog to back off! Harley is always doing this to Dilbert when he bugs her ( jumps on her when she is chewing her bone) and he backs off. Janis you are doing great with your pup, and he is reacting like any well behaved dog should. I would get very angry if anyone tried to disiplin Harley or Dilbert, for acting like that. GRRR people with rat dogs really p#$@ me off. I wish I could remember the post with that article cuz it was sooo good.
Nina
Is this it Nina?...You have to scroll down a little to get to the article.http://www.flyingdogpress.com/sayhi.html
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Well I am the owner of 2 little dogs... and I will be the 1st to admit they they really are only nice to me...My 5lb pom has total little dog syndrome snaps and snarls at big dogs... I am always giving him trouble and take full responsibility for his nasty behavior. Here we have little dog - dog parks and big dog dog parks. It works better...but I am not into dog parks...can't ever trust what other people hav taught their dogs...
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Yes!
That is so true and insightful.
Our BIG dogs have their territory, it is no larger than a small dogs. It is as big as the dogs master allows it to be. Training, socializing, etc. etc., GAWD I'm beggining to sound like an old 45 in the Groove. I guess I've 'aged' myself, but that's OK.
I get worked up when I see people come to the dog park and keep their companions on leash, that's what the double gates are for. Turn them loose! Let them be dogs, they'll sort out their issues!
Don't let your pets suffer the same OCD,s, they will help you through the turmoil!
Just let your dogs be dogs.
John
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That is so true! People who own little dogs so not train them at all. The dogs have no social skills, manners ect the list could go on and on. There was a wonderful article posted, about this by Red and it explains that when the big dog growls because it is being bothered, it is reacting the way that is should, and should not be corrected for this at all. He is warning the other dog to back off! Harley is always doing this to Dilbert when he bugs her ( jumps on her when she is chewing her bone) and he backs off. Janis you are doing great with your pup, and he is reacting like any well behaved dog should. I would get very angry if anyone tried to disiplin Harley or Dilbert, for acting like that. GRRR people with rat dogs really p#$@ me off. I wish I could remember the post with that article cuz it was sooo good.
Nina
Is this it Nina?...You have to scroll down a little to get to the article.http://www.flyingdogpress.com/sayhi.html
Yes that's the one! thanks Gyps ;D
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Well I am the owner of 2 little dogs... and I will be the 1st to admit they they really are only nice to me...My 5lb pom has total little dog syndrome snaps and snarls at big dogs... I am always giving him trouble and take full responsibility for his nasty behavior. Here we have little dog - dog parks and big dog dog parks. It works better...but I am not into dog parks...can't ever trust what other people hav taught their dogs...
I am soo sorry if I offended you in anyway, I was on a rant last night( also had a glass of wine ;D ) I should not sterotype all little dog owners, saying that they don't train them, because that is not true. It is the same attiude that we get with our big dogs. :-\
Nina
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You should be proud of your dog Janis.. sounds like he has a lot of patience and a really good temperment for an Akita. The fact that the daschund is still alive says that :) I don't think I'd handle anyone kicking my dog too well.
I saw in another thread related to this, that they take a squirt bottle to the dog park with them to squirt the small dogs that have issues. I just can't imagine that doing too much unless there is a little ammonia in there or something though.
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I OWN TWO LITTLE CHIHUAHAS.... They have been socialized very well with other dogs. They still do not like other dogs no matter what we do. They had a fit when i bought dixie home and are just now getting to relax around her. They play outside but inside is their territory and they bite and growl and snap. They get the rolled up news paper but it only works for a mintue.
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Nina - you did not offend.. I am the 1st to admit my little ones are bad...and it is my fault... It is just so much easier to not train a little dog... I am always apologizing for my little ones behavior in public...and as I am training Willow the little ones will also be learning. Will it change their tude- probably not...but maybe it will help a bit.
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Every morning we get terrorized by a beagle, cocker and a golden....Driv es me nuts...The beagle is killing itself (choking strangling itself) to get at zero and zero just walks by with no worry. Their used to be a min pin too but they moved L
The golden today was off his lead and came charging after us...I was like Oh god!!! The second he got off his property, he 100% submitted to Zero as if he was saying oopss my bad LOL...because zero at 9 months just towered over him
I am lucky that dog submitted and the man apoligized up and down...which i was fine with...I just get annoyed acting like it is my fault I am walking my dog
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"I just get annoyed acting like it is my fault I am walking my dog"
Amen to that! I find myself feeling like I have to apologize to the people, who don't know squat about dog behavior, who are standing around looking disapprovingly at my "bully" breed after smooshing a daschund or a mean jack russel. It's so stupid. I quit apologizing, I just stare back like I'm waiting for an apology from the daschund's owner (even though I know he'll never apologize).
On a side note, dog social behavior is certainly interesting at off leash dog parks, but sometimes I think the human social behaviors are even more interesting! :D
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Nina - you did not offend.. I am the 1st to admit my little ones are bad...and it is my fault... It is just so much easier to not train a little dog... I am always apologizing for my little ones behavior in public...and as I am training Willow the little ones will also be learning. Will it change their tude- probably not...but maybe it will help a bit.
I dog sit for 2 mini chis sometimes..use d to do it full time...When the chis owner first brought them to meet us she told my children they had to pet the male chi from behind or he'd bite...WHAT???...That lasted about one day at my house...The same corrections that work on a big dog work on a little dog too...lol...Af ter her noticing how much better behaved the dogs were after being at my house for a couple of week she hired a trainer to come in & work with her dogs...It worked wonders though they still have their tudes...lol... they do know basic obidience now. :)
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Tim and I were at the off leash park and DIlbert and Harley were being there social little selves, they are soo much better now. The only time they bark a other dogs is when they are in the house on in the yard. ( working on that but having a hard time, any suggestions would be great ;D ) Anyway, there was some small dogs there that were awesome, playing with the big dogs having fun, some would bark but then the dogs would just walk away. Well when we were leaving this little dog jumps out of the car and started barking and snarling at Dilbert, Dilbert just ingnored it and keeps walking to the car, and this little dog goes after him. Then the owner, just for the sake of saying it, is like " OH Bear stop that"
GRRR
Side note why do people with little dogs name them bear? kinda funny huh? Sorry that could sound snobbish, don't mean it to, I just think it's funny ;D
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You should be proud of your dog Janis.. sounds like he has a lot of patience and a really good temperment for an Akita.  The fact that the daschund is still alive says that :) I don't think I'd handle anyone kicking my dog too well.Â
I saw in another thread related to this, that they take a squirt bottle to the dog park with them to squirt the small dogs that have issues. I just can't imagine that doing too much unless there is a little ammonia in there or something though.
Brandon,
instead of ammonia, try a 1/8 cup of vinegar in the water in your spray bottle. It won't do any damage but they hate it.
This week end I was walking Merlin and hubby had Strider and Merlin got attacked by an unleashed small dog. It tried to hamstring Merlin, and I statched it up by the scruff of the neck, and gave it a shake. I made Merlin sit, and about that time a lady came flying out of the house screaming at me. I looked at her, at her mop-dog and at Merlin who was (as usual),sitting there looking up at me and the snarling snapping handful of dog; drooling, and gave her an evil smile, dangled her dog above Merlin's nose and told her. "The next time your dog attacks my dog, I drop him, and let my dog loose to defend himself. It won't be pretty, but it shouldn't take long." I handed her her dog and walked away. Poor Dale was rolling on the sidewalk, because Merlin wouldn't have hurt that dog no matter what it did, but she doesn't need to know that.
I have no problem with small dogs. I have a problem with dog owners of any size that are not responsible enough to train and learn how to handle their dogs.
Bridgid67, that wasn't directed toward you, as you seem to make the effort to control them as you know they have a problem, and I do consider that to be responsible dog ownership.
Sorry, Pet peeve, canya tell???
Stella
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How true. I own a boston terrier, and believe me if you will, he is fairly well behaved at the dog park. He has a low tolerence with other dogs bullying him. Some others at the park find it humerous, me not so much, he will play with everyone and be the best of buds, but, when the other dog flips him over trying to smell his underside, Lazlo the bt, gets mad. He never causes any harm, he just chases the other dog away. I try to deter this behaviour by calling him over and telling him no, and that his behavior is unacceptable. It doesn't help when the other owner, is laughing histarically, and calling him over to meet my little firecracker. I love lazlo, but little dogs are so different to teach manners too. I've told my husband that we should stick to big dogs, they are easier.
Okay now you have me venting. If you were in the park and a retriever jumped up, would you encourage the dog to continue doing it?? NO, why then must you encourage my little dog to jump up even though i have gained many wrinkles and probably shortened my own life span trying to teach him NOT to jump on strangers. >:(
Alright, sorry i went off on a rant there, I just couldn't help it. Boy did that feel good.
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If you were in the park and a retriever jumped up, would you encourage the dog to continue doing it?? NO, why then must you encourage my little dog to jump up even though i have gained many wrinkles and probably shortened my own life span trying to teach him NOT to jump on strangers.  >:(Â
Alright, sorry i went off on a rant there, I just couldn't help it. Boy did that feel good.
I sooooooo agree with you, you took the time to stop this and it should be encourraged, especially if there is childres around, the small dog may not be small to them. which now brings my question, Harley does not jump on us, we finally got her trained to now do this, but at the dog park she will do it to strangers, ugh and I don't know how to stop this???
Any ideas??
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I agree with everyone here. I try to teach Jacques manners. He just gets really excited when he meets other dogs, and he does a bird peck to get them to play (we've been working on that one, and still are).
Anyways, up our street is a person with 2 toy poodles. Those things are so nasty! Their owner came over once to talk to my mom, and she had bandages from her wrist up to nearly her shoulder. It turns out that her "loving" poodles dislike being brushed. >:( Man, if one of MY dogs did that, they'd be getting held down on the ground, and then having a lot of training.
On the street behind ours, there's a person who breeds toy poodles (I think that that's where our neighbor got hers). They have 7 of them, and they're allowe to run loose. When I was walking Sher, all 7 of them ran up to us snarling and growling. When one of them went for Sher, we turned around and went home. The dogs actually followed us, and tried to bite me through my boots!! Those dogs were soooo lucky that I didn't have my rifle on me, or they'd be long gone (I don't tolerate dogs trying to bite me).
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To be honest, little dogs scare me ( well pugs don't), especially poodles.
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Oh, my goodness Kristen. I don't put up with that either, and if there were 7 of them running after me, you can bet that some of them would have gotten punted into the next county.
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To be honest, little dogs scare me ( well pugs don't), especially poodles.
I don't blame you.
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lol my little ones hate to be brushed also...that is why they go to the groomers.... And I always apologize beforehand for one the fact that I have not been brushing them between visits and 2 for their actions during the grooming... My little dogs are not allowed to run free..and they are really big chickens. They talk a good game. I took them to a dog park once and they were trying to climb my legs to get me to pick them up. they do pretty good around my moms group of big dogs...they are actually quite respectful...
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Today the beagle was off leash for the first time on our walk...That thing came FLYING at us...I put Zero in a sit which he did perfectly and the second that dog got off its property, she froze in her tracks as if sayin 'uh oh....
The owner came flying out but this little beagle had its fur up and everything. The second Zero took a step (to play) the thing peed it self and ran off
The same thing happened yesterday with the golden I mentioned earlier in this post. Same thing aggressive barking,posture etc...the second it got off property and noticed that Zero made him look like a dwarf, he 100% submitted and they were fin
Two dogs in two days LOL
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i don't know about all of you, but my next dog is going to be a Chihuahua (cream, longhaired) and after that a pitty. i just feel like i need to prove these people wrong that not all little dogs are mean. but for now, most of them bug the crap out of me!
we have 2 toy poodles down the road that raise cane all day and all night, yet WE are the ones that get sued for barking dogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my dogs are aLways either inside or supervised outside!!!! they NEVER BARK!!!!!!!
jeez, as soon as this nation gets over racial, and gender, segregation, i think we need to work on *doggie* segregation. if the dogs don't care what size they are, why should we?
Leah