Bellatrix

[Kevin G]

A previous Golden Retriever,#6, was a dark red 80 pound gal named Bellatrix, a.k.a. Bella. We are presently on #7&#8.
If Alvin, the chipmunk had been a golden retriever he would’ve been Bella. She had a wonderful disposition and a knack for ending up in creative mischief.
In town, there’s a nice 2.5 mile beach where dogs are allowed in the off-season. I would walk Bella off leash, but hook her up when approaching unfamiliar people or dogs.
One nice spring day there were a lot of people walking the beach. We were approaching an unfamiliar older couple with a lab retriever off leash and a small Yorkie on a retractable leash held by the woman. I went to hook Bella up, the man shouted it wasn’t necessary they would be fine.
Bella went over to say hello as she normally does and the little dog went after her. In the course of the little dust up, they took a couple turns around the woman. She got fouled in the retractable leash and fell over screaming quite loudly while the two dogs are growling and barking. I am running over as quick as I can, but the husband is hollering to me “Don’t worry about it, it’s no big deal.” Not sure the wife was in agreement about that, at this point she kind of looked like a turtle on its back trying to get righted. Didn’t wanna be that husband when he got home.
Nearby beach walkers had all stopped to watch this live entertainment. In an altercation between a 5 pound dog and an 80 pound dog the bigger one is probably gonna be viewed as the guilty party even if the little one has a Napoleon complex.
A few days later on the beach, Bella and I bumped into some dog walkers we knew. They asked what was up with Bella, had heard about a big red golden that beat up a little dog. When I explained the story to them, they knew the other couple and their dogs and told me enough said, they understood.
Poor Bella was branded as a bully.
Kevin G

 

[Alpo]

I feel for you. Both of you.

We are out walking one day - Worthless and I - and this little yap yap comes charging out of a yard to attack her.

I am trying to prevent my dog from killing that dog, while at the same time preventing that dog from biting my dog, and we are just going around and around in a circle. The owner of the little yap yap came running out of her yard trying to collect that dust mop, but he would not cooperate with being captured. All the time she is apologizing for the actions of her dog.

I inform her, in a loud angry voice, that we have a leash law in this town, and the dog is supposed to be penned or housed or leashed. They are not legally allowed to run loose, even in your own yard. Because they have this tendency to not stay in their yard.

She said that the kids must have let the dog out. I would see that dog out all the time. This is just the first time it decided to come attack us.

Finally I lost it, and drew back my arm with my 3 foot cane, intending to whack the hell out of the little yap yap. He saw this and went running back into his yard.

Them little dogs can be quite vicious.





We were the victims.

 

[CalifEd]

Little dogs don't know they are little.

 

[Kevin G]

As a rule, big or small, a person’s dog is very special to them.
I know there are some on this forum that have small dogs, and they treasure them as much as I treasure mine. So in my above post, I was looking to be respectful. In all honesty, though, both my wife and I refer to the little yappers (a behavior thing, not necessarily size) as squeak toys.
When I was 13 one summer, I worked on a garbage truck. Never really had a problem with big dogs, I’d clock them with a garbage can if need be. The little guys, though, would sneak up around and catch the back of the ankle. Was concerned about hurting them so kept defense measures minimal.
Kevin G

 

[jeffrefrig]

My Angel is a sissy in the snow or rain! But when it comes to other dogs, big or small, also deer, she’s a big bully. I don’t know why. There are a lot of people on this little street, young ones, who walk their dogs up here.she gets a lot of attention from the people but I keep her on her leash. Oh well.

 

[Greyman50]

Ankle biters is what I call most small dogs. Some are very nice but others ruin ones opinion of them.

 

[Doug M.]

My opinion, based on perception, is that a lot of small dog owners don't train and socialize them well enough. We have had mostly larger dogs, and never had that luxury. Several of our dogs were very social, and liked people/kids and other dogs. Rosie LOVES people, but seems to be pretty dog reactive and we have to take some steps to overcome that. Bozo (avatar) was really intolerant of strangers (genetic gift from his Fila side) and we had to be really care when in public (hence the muzzle on walks).

Retractible leashes? Not in this lifetime. The example above is part of the reason. We have had dogs I walked on on long work leads, because they liked to sniff and play, but I could pull them in close in a hurry.

 

[Walkin Horse]

My ex girlfriend has two unruly Boston Terrorists. The small one would challenge my Doberman over a toy. When Delia would get the best of her we would both get in trouble. The other one would dive across the table and scoop up whatever she could get. Once she took the butter dish with her and ate a stick of butter. She would jump and snatch food from hand if I wasn’t paying attention.

 

[seasoldier85]

My BIL's mini Aussie has bitten more people that any of my Pitbulls (which is zero, by the way).