I'd like your recommendations on good dog-dog behavior links

[Mary Plummer]

or books, please. I've been thinking about this ever since Mr. Blue was attacked by the other dog. I realized I'm really good at reading his signals, to other dogs or to people, but that I don't know much about reading how dogs read each other. I'd like to study up on this. what happened on Saturday to Blue was so fast, I didn't have time to read anything, but I think I need to learn a bit more about what dogs "say" to each other. Thanks for any help you can give me with this!

[Traci]

Just from experience Mary, I can mention a few things that the other dog might give you clues...

Shackles raised (fur on shoulders as well)

Direct eye contact, unable to tear the eyes away from your dog

Forward motion or stance (chest and neck out forward)

Ears back

Oblivious to sounds, motions, etc around him (including you or your voice)

Forward and direct gait as if he is on a mission

And of course, the trot or run indicating you need to protect yourself

Mr Blue, on the other hand, may not show obvious signs to you, as far as language is concerned. Because he was caught off gaurd the last time, he was probably just as taken back as you...minding his own business and probably fairly submissive. However, you might have felt him closer to you, or felt a slight lunge forward right before the attack....you don't know if he instinctively was protecting you, or himself.

Bottom line, you can never predict the behavior of either dog in such a circumstance, nor should you put yourself in danger and try to intervene if a full attack is met. The best thing to do if you feel nervous or have a bad feeling when approaching another dog, is slowly turning yourself and Mr Blue around and heading back, not giving the other dog a reason to explore the situation further. (no, this doesn't always work, but it's the first thing you should try...putting space between you and the agressive dog and avoiding potential danger)

[Mary Plummer]

Thanks Traci! Our vet also warned me about not trying to get too involved if a fight breaks out. Only problem with that is, I was all set to get involved when the woman came running out and stopped this dog. Mr. Blue was giving off all the submissive signals - he'd gone on his back, and was whimpering. When I heard/saw that, I was ready to go in and kick the other dog as hard as I could to try to make it stop. When I told our vet that, she said "Yes, I knew you'd want to that." I said "Wouldn't any dog owner?" and she said those that really love their dogs do. I guess I fall into that category I talked with another dog-walking buddy of mine, and told him the story. He agreed, and told a story about how he got involved when his dog was attacked once. He wasn't hurt, fortunately! We agreed to keep each other informed of any mean-seeming dogs we encounter, so the other will know to be on the alert by those houses. In fact, he gave me the alert on one dog, so I'll be a lot more careful and watchful going by that house in the future. I think this can only help. I'll try not to pre-judge people/dogs too hard, but maybe if I'm more on alert this won't happen again.

[Traci]

Unfortunately, the first instinct for the human is to protect their dog...however, common sense needs to prevail and you shouldn't step in or try to tear fighting dogs apart. People have been mauled in such situations and this isn't a situation you want to be in.

While I agree that your instinct to harm the attacker was probably a reasonable approach, on the other hand, that too comes with consequences (the owner suing you for vet bills if injury is occured, and again, not being able to predict if the dog will in turn, attack you). And yet, if this attack occurs on the offender's property, and they have insurance, you might be able to get legal recourse should you or your dog suffer injuries. (most home insurance companies now contain dog-bite prevention clauses)

Every situation is different, and not every person will react the same. I guess every protective measure you can take for yourself and Mr Blue is the very best you can do.