Dog Boundaries Miscalculated

Last week, during one of our regular walks, Lilly and I got chased down by a couple of spaniels with whom we’ve had trouble (off and on) for years. Considering that Lilly is suddenly hiding again inside the house (behind the toilet, in the basement, etc.), I suspect the scare is having lasting effects.

Perfect. Just perfect.

Brags about dog training breakthroughs from earlier this summer aside, Miss Lilly seems to be having another rough patch … and, I was thinking I might try to wean her off the medications to see how she’d do.

Lilly’s last week likely includes a million and one things that could have caused an uptick in fears, but here is the tale of our scary encounter that may still mean she has stress hormones coursing through her veins.

The Boundary

We were inbound from our out-and-back walk,when I spotted the often-loose, often-“aggressive” dogs riding atop their owner’s ATV on a jaunt out to the mailbox on the road.

Lately, they haven’t been chasing us, so I guess I got overconfident about where on the road their buffer zone might start (or end … depending upon your perspective).

I slowed our pace, trying to buy them time to clear out. I switched Lilly to my other side since the other dogs (across the road from the two we were facing) who bark at us every time we pass were thankfully not at home.

I thought we were going to slide by as the dogs made their way home, but I was wrong.

Both of them leaped from the ATV and came barreling at us, barks a’ blazing, teeth a’ flashing. We were a good 50 feet from them, and they still took our presence as a threat.

I turned immediately and headed back up the hill to try and get Lilly space. I also hoped that our retreat bought some times for their owner to recall them before contact.

No. Such. Luck.

They circled us tightly and continued to bark/growl/etc.

Lilly’s Defense

These no-win situations are just impossible. To her credit, Lilly did NOT lash out. She did not snap back, when they snapped at us.

Lilly simply stood, stock still, and curled her lips as I high as I’ve ever seen them curl.

Honestly, I think I glimpsed the inside of her sinuses for a second … she had her lips pulled back so far.

The Right Response?

I did not have any citronella spray on my belt that day. I guess I need to start carrying it again, but clearly … I prefer NOT to have to use it.

I used to holler for the person to get control of their dogs, or if there is no person around, and we’re just being challenged by marauding dogs, then I used to holler at the dogs.

BUT, I’m not really the hollering type, so Lilly is NOT used to my voice at any decibel at all. So, it would freak her out more.

So, during this last encounter, I didn’t say anything … until the dogs finally heeded their owner’s call and left us along.

Recovery

Once Lilly had some space, she began what we call “jumping her jitters out.” It’s a distinct way she releases stress after a scary encounter that involves leaping straight up into the air (as high as my head), several times in a row.

We had a little kissing and hugging after that, then we made our way past the scene of the “crime” so that we could go home.

I thought Lilly had recovered pretty well, until Tom told me Sunday that Lilly had spent much of the morning while I was gone hiding behind the toilet in the master bathroom.

And, well, today … She has seemed completely flipped out about every little thing. She slept under my desk for a while, but Lilly is once again hiding in her crate in the basement.