Yesterday was our first good woods trail run of the season. I love running on dirt, but during the spring melt the trails become slick swampy messes and after seeing how much work trail caretakers put into keeping such trails nice, I try to stay off them when they are in such a state.
I don't know how much folks here know of Webster's history but the relevant bit is that he is not particularly good at dog-dog interactions. He's not dangerous, but he's an idiot if given the chance. These trails are wide and on-leash-only which works great for managing him...or would if people used their heads.
I took all three, which I only do during the week since there is less traffic. On weekends there is a lot of squeezing throug crowds and dogs and all that so I usually only bring the girls or Webster as a solo dog so he's easily managed.
We came around a turn and saw two people were walking toward us, one with a Basset and the other with some sort of molosser looking dog. I slowed to a walk then, as they approached and the molosser was straining at the end of his leash, stepped off the side of the trail and put all three in a sit. The trail here was over eight feet wide, but the gal with the molosser didn't even bother trying to get her dog's head and he got all up in Webster's grill, enough to shove Web sideways with his head. Webster was upset and growled fast and loud. I couldn't step between as I normally would and just focused on keeping everyone with me. Mira and Kim were upset that Web was upset and both glared at the molosser.
The people blithely continued down the trail, dragging the molosser with them, completely oblivious. Webster relaxed as soon as the dog was pointing the other way, and the girls had already lost interest, Mira trying to talk me into letting her jump in the river, and Kim watching a squirrel dart through the brush.
It wasn't really a big deal, I guess. Which is to say, nothing came of it. It's just so frustrating when people are idiots. I'm sure the next time I'm out there with Web we are going to have to start over again with the idea that yes, I will protect you from idiots. No, the best defense is NOT a showy offense. Yes, staying focused on me is your best option, etc. We've done it before and we'll have to do it again, I am sure.
/rant
I don't know how much folks here know of Webster's history but the relevant bit is that he is not particularly good at dog-dog interactions. He's not dangerous, but he's an idiot if given the chance. These trails are wide and on-leash-only which works great for managing him...or would if people used their heads.
I took all three, which I only do during the week since there is less traffic. On weekends there is a lot of squeezing throug crowds and dogs and all that so I usually only bring the girls or Webster as a solo dog so he's easily managed.
We came around a turn and saw two people were walking toward us, one with a Basset and the other with some sort of molosser looking dog. I slowed to a walk then, as they approached and the molosser was straining at the end of his leash, stepped off the side of the trail and put all three in a sit. The trail here was over eight feet wide, but the gal with the molosser didn't even bother trying to get her dog's head and he got all up in Webster's grill, enough to shove Web sideways with his head. Webster was upset and growled fast and loud. I couldn't step between as I normally would and just focused on keeping everyone with me. Mira and Kim were upset that Web was upset and both glared at the molosser.
The people blithely continued down the trail, dragging the molosser with them, completely oblivious. Webster relaxed as soon as the dog was pointing the other way, and the girls had already lost interest, Mira trying to talk me into letting her jump in the river, and Kim watching a squirrel dart through the brush.
It wasn't really a big deal, I guess. Which is to say, nothing came of it. It's just so frustrating when people are idiots. I'm sure the next time I'm out there with Web we are going to have to start over again with the idea that yes, I will protect you from idiots. No, the best defense is NOT a showy offense. Yes, staying focused on me is your best option, etc. We've done it before and we'll have to do it again, I am sure.
/rant