Our 30 lb. poodle mix just survived an attack on a hiking trail

[LWolf]

54. I'm glad you are okay.

I agree that dog owners should not let dogs off leash if there is any chance that the dog will be aggressive. I've told my mom repeatedly not to let her golden retriever off leash; not because of aggression, but because the dog won't stay in her line of sight and does not respond to voice commands to come back.

I am guilty of letting my dog off leash on the trail. She's an aussie, and will not leave my line of sight. If anyone of any species approaches, she stands in front of me and makes nice, at the same time letting them know not to come further. After 10 years together, I really can't envision her attacking anyone. She'll warn other dogs off, but not by attacking. She warns the cat off with a crisp bark and nudge when the cat gets too persistent in harassing her.

She did "bite" my 13 yo grandson last night; "bite" meaning she grabbed him with her mouth. Why? He, being fidgety and restless, fell out of a chair and one foot landed square on her ribs. She leapt to the side, gave a panicked bark, and grabbed his ankle. No scratching or bruising involved. As a puppy, she was also known to nip at ankles to "herd" people, until she was taught differently.

The grandson was horrified and immediately dropped down to see if she was okay. She responded by giving him a bath.

The only truly scary dogs I've ever encountered belonged to, and operated within, a feral pack. I used to encounter them at times out on the trail with my horse. My horse, a dog-hater who grew up chasing coyotes out of the pasture, can be counted on to make hooves and teeth count when it comes to aggressive dogs, but that pack, operating as a group, scared me.