something horrible just happened

Took Harley for a run with his ball up the common, let him off lead no other dogs in sight just a man having a rest on the bench with his bike. Clipped on his long line that we have trailing and out of know where a dog came running over looked like Westie Yorkie cross, so we kept Harley interested in his ball and focused on us so he wasn't bothered. The other dog started growling running up to him trying to jump at him nipping we tried to pull harley away but it got to much for him and he grabbed him by the hair on his head my partner grabbed harley by the harness and picked him up the Yorkie was yelping hanging from his mouth it was horrible. Managed to free the Yorkie and the other women went mental. I shouted keep your dog on lead she shouted the usual thing about or dog being vicious and should be banned. As the women shouted abuse the cyclist said that her dog started it and should have been on the lead. I'm worried now what could happen he has never hurt another dog and is very social off lead when playing with his ball. Hes not to bothered but this Yorkie was very agressive to him biting him on the neck. Now we are nervous to let him off lead again

Yes, horrid beyond words but you know it's not Harley's fault and you also know that this doesn't mean he's an aggressive dog. It shouldn't change his attitude towards other dogs.

If anything like this happens again, i.e. that another dog initiates something and you have a witness in your favour, it might still be worth getting their details just in case.

For now, though, he's still the same dog so I wouldn't change expectations of him or his reactions at all.

aww beth what a horrible thing to happen dont let it deter ya hun hate wee yappies glad there was a witness

Such a horrible thing to happen. Staff owners will always be blamed even when it's not our dogs fault. I agree with Liz, it's good you had a witness. Harley could easily have killed that dog so the fact the Yorkie want seriously hurt is a testimony to Harley and shows he isn't aggressive.

Try to put this out of your mind ( easier said than done I know!) Be proud that you have a lovely dog.

Oh what a horrible experience for you, these people with the stroppy little dogs always have them off lead & our babies get blamed when they get put in their place!!! I know from experience how much Katy hates little dogs in her face, I have been accused of having a dangerous dog that should be muzzled when their little (rat) got in her face & I had told her before she came through the gate so she was aware

I would not worry about him not being social to dogs that are actually social. This little..for lack of better terms..rat.. was NOT social. I don't know why people expect a dog not to react when its attacked - even if it is something smaller.

Going to agree with all those above Beth, Harley was provoked and by the sounds of it very controlled by not hurting it and just putting it in its place.

Treat Harley exactly the same as you always have