Squabble over a ball??

Hi all

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this. Betsy can be quite dominant which is something we continue to work. Over the year and a half I've had her, she's come on miles through socialisation and correction over dominant behaviour-thanks to a lot of advice I've read on here.

This afternoon we were walking close to some woods and as Betsy has a high prey drive playing with the ball has worked a treat in keeping her focused off lead. We were approaching an open space with another dog (female bullie) who we hadn't met before. Before we got to them I took Betsy's ball away from her. I've always gone with the school of thought to remove food and toys when other dogs are around to avoid possible squabbles. The owner of the other dog was playing ball but had them both in her hand. As quick as anything Betsy went for the other dog and a squabble started. There were puncture wounds on both dogs. Although I had hold of Betsy the other dog wasn't collared so it took some time for the owner to get her dog. Fortunately after bathing it seems that both dogs are ok.

Betsy doesn't seem possessive over her ball when I haven't been able to remove it in time, i.e. another dog has run over. However on running through this I'm thinking that Betsy went for the other dog as her ball had been taken away.

I will closely monitor Betsy and to be safe will go back to the long lead especially with new dogs and keep away from dogs that are playing ball. I'm also wondering whether it's worth having some walks without the ball??
In terms of any changes, if these may have played any part... Betsy was stung by a wasp this morning on her back leg which ended our walk as she was limping. I gave her an ice pack and a Piriton and after a few hours it didn't appear to be troubling her. Also we've just got back from a lovely weekend away so this was Betsy first big walk since returning.

As always any thoughts you can share would be great.

Thanks
Sam & Betsy

the bee sting could have still been bothering her,making her feel aggravated??or it could be the ball,like you said keep her on the long lead and just see how she goes with out her ball .

Thanks Stella, I think it may have been the sting as she was fine on her walk this morning. I was a little cautious to start, but lots of nice play with doggie pals.
Betsy is on a ball ban for now  

glad to hear she had a good play with her doggy friends sam