[nagdu] what do you consider an attack?

[Julie J.]

For me a dog attack is when another dog makes physical contact with my dog 
intending to do harm.

Just yesterday I had a dog run out of a yard to come see Monty.  The dog 
just wanted to sniff and get acquainted.  I do not consider this any sort of 
an attack.  Now the owner on the other hand...well what can I say, some 
people shouldn't have dogs. On that same walk there was a dog barking and 
growling in the back of a pick up truck.  That one made me a bit nervous. 
He didn't jump out of the truck though so all was well.

Today I encountered a jogger with her dog.  The dog desperately wanted to 
come see Monty, pulling on the leash and making pitiful noises, but the 
owner got him back on track without breaking her stride.  On my way home 
from work there is a house with three Chihuahua.  Two are always out on long 
leads, but the third is allowed to roam free.  Every time I go past there he 
has to follow me and Monty growling and barking.  He's a very unhappy little 
dog, but he never comes into actual physical contact.

I encounter dogs on leash or roaming free just about daily, especially now 
that it's nice out.  Monty is usually fine, although every now and then he 
shows an interest in another dog.  He seems to like the big dogs that are 
bouncy.  Little dogs he completely ignores.

We have had numerous dog encounters, but I can't think of any time Monty has 
been attacked.  Belle though, she was like a nasty dog magnet.  Perhaps it's 
the confidence?  I suppose other dogs notice the difference in body language 
of a confident dog over an anxious one.  Dogs act differently around Monty.

Julie