[PyrNet-L] A Nasty Encounter

[Jeanne M Bravin <gypsyunltd@juno.com>]

We took Gypsy for a walk downtown late last night.  She's usually good
with crowds and people, but at 14 months she's started challenging any
dog that even looks at her, so we opted to go later in the evening when
there would be less dog traffic.  While we were there, some idiot with a
pit bull decided that it would be funny to try to scare us by having his
dog try to attack her.  I couldn't believe this jerk.  He held his dog's
chain, but encouraged it to attack and only left about three feet of
distance between the two dogs.  It's bad enough when other people have a
hard time controlling their dogs and I'm trying to keep Gypsy remembering
her manners - but to have someone deliberately try to start something?!? 
Luckily my husband was with me.  Trusting that he would intervene if the
PB got any closer, I was able to focus on Gypsy's reaction and insist
that she stay quietly by my side regardless of the other dog.  I was
really proud of her, because after an initial lunge she responded to my
correction immediately and stood perfectly still by my side - shaking and
in full "challenge mode", but trusting me enough to keep herself under
control and heel nicely when we were able to walk away.  

So now my question is - What on Earth am I supposed to do if another
dog's owner can't (or won't!) control their dog and Gypsy is actually
attacked?  Letting her loose would result in a free-for-all with both
dogs out of control.  I can't possibly insist that she stand quietly
while another dog attacks her, even though I would then be able to take a
shot at stopping the other dog.  And short of keeping Gypsy confined to
her own yard, I can't be 100% positive that the situation will never
occur.  I realize that this particular encounter was (hopefully) an
isolated incident, but I'd like to have some sort of game plan before we
hit the streets again.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Jeanne Bravin
GypsyunLTD@juno.com

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