I am often perplexed by how few people understand how conflicts between dogs start.
A few days ago, Orca and I were playing with a ball in the park. We do this often, and normally, people and dogs get the cue and leave us alone. Not that day.
Tired after an intense tugging and chasing session, Orca was relaxing on the ground, her ball lying between her feet. I did not see another dog coming from behind, and Orca did not see it either — which explains why she reacted the way she did.
The dog did not stop to sniff politely; it went straight for the ball and, using the element of surprise, grabbed and stole it. This was not a simple “I want a toy” situation; it was a “I am stronger, and I will take it” attitude. The toy-grabbing was immediately followed by a bellicose stance and low growling.
Startled by how quickly the ball was stolen, Orca reacted and went for the dog. By that point, I had recovered enough to yell “Down!” — and she obeyed. The other dog ran back to its owner, who had only just appeared about 100 feet away.
The owner laughed. “Have you stolen something again?” — with a clearly amused, reassuring tone. I did not find it funny or cute. I asked, “Can I have my ball back now?”
The dog growled at them and moved away so it could not be grabbed. I do not know how long it took before the ball was finally retrieved. It felt like hours, during which all Orca and I wanted to do some violence to these two.
After finally getting my ball, the owner threw it back and said, “My dog is a thief. Always steals sticks and toys.” Then they left.
Did they realize they had almost caused a dog fight, risking injuries and expensive vet bills? Did they care that I had other commitments? Did they understand that allowing a dog to intrude on another’s space is extremely rude and dangerous?
I had fleeting thoughts of letting a fight happen — maybe they would have learned a lesson. I also thought about yelling, lecturing them, or rushing off to work. I had many thoughts.
The one I came out with is this: if you are careless with your dog’s training, trouble is guaranteed. Rudeness is not tolerated by humans, and dogs are not much different.
If you allow your dog to steal, sneak up on others, or invade their personal space, you are not a “force-free dog parent” — you are simply being an inconsiderate jerk.