Snappy Dogs.

[maggie01]

I have just picked my two dogs up from the beauty parlour and a lady was in there putting coats on her two dogs after they had had their hair cut. I tried to keep mine away from hers and one of hers just flew at mine snapping. She said that he was just protecting his brother. Her two and my two are Shih-tzus. Usually there are no other dogs in the outer room when they bring your dogs through, but she was taking so long they had no choice. Do you think it's acceptable to just say he was protecting his brother. I think it could do with some training as this could have been a child.

[andy-hughes]

Dogs are unpredictable - like all animals. What ever training they receive, sometimes instinct will take over.

As pack animals, dogs are always aware of other dogs and the potential 'threat' to their pack - which may be only one other related, or indeed non-related dog.

If you factor in the situation - strange place, lots of confusing odours of other dogs, sudden proximity of another 'pack' and you have the potential for a fight - which is indeed what started.

Everyone likes to think their dog is well trained, and would behave better, but in the circumstances, it could just as easily have been one of your dogs that attatcked first. I'd be inclined to put it down to an unfortunate one-off, and realise that this is precisely the reason why the parlour staff don't allow incoming and outgoing dogs to mix.

[maggie01]

Point taken andy you are probably right. No harm was done. It was a small area and I expect the situation made it worse.

[Peter Pedant]

as a dog lover, I would take a gun in next time. Shot gun would do. IF the barrel is too long, saw off the barrel. Call it your pacifier. Use it on the owner of course.