A spoilt day out ...

[AmyR]

... well we tried not to let it spoil the day but...

I've taken Will to the local dog show (RSPCA) every summer (when I've managed to be off work) for a few years now so this year, I decided it was Charlie's turn. Could have taken them both but thought it only fair to concentrate on little man :)

We entered a couple of competitions, had a go on a few raffles etc. Charlie was going to have a free canine massage but the queue was very long and by the time we found the stall, it was getting late (my mum is hospital after a fall and I'd promised to visit again after the show).

There were a surprising number of pugs! Which was lovely to see :) Even a little black rescue one (almost unheard of over here!) She was a very timid little soul so had to keep boisterous Charlie at a distance bless her. His best friend was a little girly bulldog (5 months old) who kept rolling on her belly every time we saw her :)

While we were waiting for one of the competitions to start though (you go into the ring), Charlie and I were stood facing the ring (back to everyone else) when I heard this almighty growl and "dog fight" noise. Luckily I'd kept Charlie to heel and slightly infront of me. Spun round to see a (sigh) Staffy locked onto the neck of a beautiful black golden retriever! It was petrifying, the noises too from the Staffy.....

To be fair the RSPCA staff were straight to intervene with a massive tub of water all over them (didn't work) and then someone sprayed a fire extinguisher (foam) in the Staffys face which got her off thank goodness. One of the staff who works with rescue dogs deftly took the lead of the Staffy and marched her away. What really annoyed me was the family with the Staffy were kicking up the most fuss! Irritating little....... The lady with the retriever (who may or may not have played a part in the disagreement, I didn't see the start) was just crying and on her knees wrapped round her dog checking her all over. While the other family were screaming like banshees afterwards.

I had to go into the ring so didn't see what happened then but the first aiders were there. Might sound harsh but I really hope the Staffy gets taken off the family, they didn't look like they had a clue how to train a dog. I did see the retriever later (heading out to the car) and she was walking and looked ok. The lady said they were heading to the vets just incase. It was honestly awful! If you can spare a thought for the poor retriever... I just hope she doesn't go into shock :(

Needless to say, after the class in the ring, we left. Put me off socialising Charlie! On the way out he was not allowed to speak to any of the other dogs at all, had to concentrate on me and me only. It's such a shame because how can you socialise your dog when people like that have dogs they don't train and need a muzzle?? I've got to say, I do scrutinise every dog before I let Will or Charlie say hello. You can never be too careful!! I know, with that many hounds in close proximity, they won't all get along but now, I keep thinking ... Literally... Those dogs were less than 6 foot away from us!

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[LilyFayre]

Charlie looks like he had a great time!

So sorry the episode with the out of control Staffy ruined your day out - it would for me too. As you say, owners like that shouldn’t ever have a dog when they can’t control it in a responsible manner. Personally I take a very wide berth around Staffies. They aren’t all aggressive towards other dogs and can be brilliant family dogs, but in the wrong hands where their natural guarding instincts are allowed take over they can do terrible damage to people and other dogs alike.

[Bugoneal]

Sorry about the garbage - shame it had to affect Charlie as he's learning - I cannot imagine how the retriever's family feels. Love the green behind the brindle boy!!

[Lu Ci and Ri Ki]

I'm so sorry your day was spoiled. Sounds like Charlie is doing very well with his training.

[HeidiHoog]

That is so scary!! The poor retriever! I always am a little nervous around staffys. I know they are not all aggressive but I don't think I could ever fully trust one.

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[Snifter]

How horrid.

[allygirl]

Omgosh he is just too cute! Looks like he was having fun!


Terrible about the other dogs, hopefully the retriever is fine!

[Wonka & Nilla]

So sorry to hear about the Staffy and Retriever. I hope the Retriever is ok. What an awful thing to happen - at what is supposed to be a fun event for all.

On the plus side though, it looks like Charlie had a great time and it sounds like he is progressing so well with training! I love his happy smile in the photo.

[AmyR]

Just thought I'd better correct myself to be fair...

I caught up with one of the girls who works with the rescues and in the local Pet shop.

Although the Staffy "finished" the fight by locking onto his neck, the fight was definitely started by the retriever apparently! He's quite elderly, a bit grumpy and took an immediate disliking to the Staffy :( The Staffy had a couple of puncture wounds too whereas the retriever didn't have a mark. Both are fine but I just thought I'd correct my mistake / prejudice!

[LilyFayre]

I think given Staffies reputation for unprovoked attacks and seeing her latched onto the Retriever's neck it wasn't surprising that you would have thought that she was perpetrator!

But equally, I've owned several large breed dogs (Newfoundland, GSD etc) that whilst they wouldn't start a fight, they sure would have finished it if another dog went for them. Even old Harvey my Trailhound as dopey as he was, wouldn't put up with that and would have had a go back! But because the Newfoundland and the GSD were so incredibly powerful and could easily have caused serious damage to another dog (or me intervening) I wouldn't ever have taken them to a dog show. In fact I only ever walked them very late at night or very early in the morning specifically to avoid other dogs. Why other owners don't get the idea that you NEVER let your off lead dog get near another one that is on a lead is quite beyond me.