Another "numpty" story!

Yesterday, we took Rascal to the local sports oval, she was on lead. I noticed, some distance away a couple of guys with dogs, a Rottie, "Groodle" (apparently a Golden Retriever x Poodle), and Border Collie x something (owner didn't know). The BCx ran over to us then a few metres away, crouched down like he was stalking Rascal, then bounded over to her. He was a bit skittish, kind of sniffing her, but looking a bit, well, "odd" (can't describe it any better than that). The owner arrived at that point and I was holding tight to Rascal's lead 'cos I just didn't know what this dog might do. I asked the owner "how is he with other dogs?", he shrugged his shoulders and told me his Groodle was "no problem" but that the BC was "generally pretty ok". Should have paid closer attention to the word "generally"!!!!! I loosened my hold on Rascal's lead and let her sniff the BC who then snapped at her, barked and pinned her to the ground The female Groodle then started barking her head off at the BC - so I was on the one had mad at the guy for letting his unpredictable dog off the lead and approach a puppy who was on her lead, but on the other hand it was pretty funny watching the female dog give her mate a total earful!!! She continued to bark at him all the way back across the oval The Groodle wasn't interested in Rascal at all. Overall a strange experience!

The Rottie on the other hand, was pretty good. Rascal was really wary, but he was fairly dominant with her, but gentle at the same time. His owner kept him on lead and said it would be ok for me to let Rascal's lead go. Is that ok do you think? The Rottie wouldn't turn his back to her, and would quickly whip around if she went to sniff his nethers. Rascal actually rolled into her back under the his head and a couple of times, when she got a bit too bouncy, he put his mouth on her and held her down for a short moment. No growling, or snarling or anything. Does this all sound fairly normal to you guys? Did we take too big a risk here?

I find it incredible that so many people with small, snappy dogs are quite happy to let them run around chasing everyone at the oval. I can only imagine what would happen if we did the same with our overly friendly Staffy! We NEVER let her off lead if there are other dogs or people around. She's only 5 mths and has no manners whatsoever

I sure there will be others with different views on this but .... I think it is very important for young pups to be socialized. They should be around as many breeds and different types of people as possible. The same is true with different ages of dogs. This is the time of their lives when they are learning so interacting with other dogs is importatant. As a breed they can have difficulties with other dogs and much more likely to be well adjusted if they can be socialized early on. Being around older dogs in a social setting can help teach them how to interact properly.

Aaagggghhhhh, it really annoys me when people who know there dogs are not always the greatest with others leave them off-lead when others are around. It's just common sense and courtesy to put your dog back on it's lead until you know how various others may react/behave.
Some people just think of themselves and nobody else.

In regards to Rascal playing / socialising with the Rottie, to me it sounds like natural dog behaviour. Rascal rolling on her back is a sign of her being submissive to the Rottie and if he was pinning her down but not biting, growling etc...... it all sounds like normal behaviour too and is actually a good learning tool for young Rascal.
The more situations she encounters ( as long as you know that she is safe and not in any danger ) the better.

Thanks guys Rascal is our first dog, so we're on a bit of a learning curve! The Rottie's owner said he'd be happy for Rascal to spend some time with his dog each week. We're very blessed in the area we live. There's loads of dogs and so far we've only had two not so great experiences. Rascal is getting to meet dogs of wildly varying ages, sizes and types Hmmm, better go, she's barking at the neighbours Pug!!!!!!

We've been taking Jimi out for 2 weeks now. When I see a dog not on it's lead I pick Jimi up, I don't trust any dog at the moment no matter what the owner says.

a groodle, whatever next!!

I think its is good for pups and young dogs to be socialised with lots of different breeds and temprements, the thing you have to be really careful with is that they dont get frightened or dominated too much, this is when a friendly dog can start to display fear aggression and you might get problems when shes older.