The worm turns

It was a beautiful morning and Hamish and I set out for the park, which is usually very quiet around 8.30am. We had a great time. The air was cool but the sun was shining and the grass was covered with a light dusting of frost. I let Hamish off the lead when we were well away from traffic, in the large football field. He had a great time and every so often ran back to check on me. We then followed the path round the river and I noticed some fishermen arriving, so put the lead back on. Presently, I noticed a couple with 2 larger dogs approaching us. One was a Doberman, the other a Boxer. I usually allow dogs and Hamish to sort things out among themselves but I noticed that the couple were frantically calling the Doberman off. So I shortened Hamish's rein but kept walking towards them. The Boxer then joined the Doberman and they both greeted wee Hamish together. The next thing I knew they were ganging up on him and the other couple were frantic. Before I could intervene I heard a growl and a snarl and of course my mind was in turmoil thinking the worst. I looked down and there was my wee man standing upright, hackles raised, as both of the other dogs beat a hasty retreat. They obviously got more than they bargained for that time. I think my little baby is growing up!

My heart pounded then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wondering what the end result was going to be! Fortunately a happy one. Welcome little man into the world of big dogs x

Thank you Tracy. I do try not to interfere and allow Hamish to socialise, because dogs usually sort things out by themselves in my experience. In this case, I wondered afterwards whether I should have lifted Hamish up, as Cavaliers are really quite small compared to the Dobermann and the Boxer. On the other hand I think if I panic then Hamish would panic. It worked out alright in the end, but it is hard to know what to do for the best in that kind of situation.

Nice one Hamish xxx

Well done Hamish you brave little soldier and well done you for letting him sort it out himself

Well done Hamish! Phew thought you were going to say something awful had happened to the wee guy then. Probably the first time another dog has stood up to those two by the sound of it!

same here i though OMG ...............well done hamish size dosen;t matter when your a cav xxxx

He he...good old Hamish! I think you did the right thing. Often I have seen people pick up small dogs and the other dog jumps up on the person to get at the dog...result: panic and mayhem!