My two cents.
Concerning retractable leashes: There’s a time and a place. I own retractable leashes and use them when I’m walking the dogs on back roads or hiking the woods. I would never use a retractable leash walking through town or in a public place (i.e. vet’s office, pet store, etc.).
Concerning one dog going after another dog: IMO, no matter the circumstance, the dog doing the attacking is always at fault. I agree some people are idiots and don’t know how to handle their dogs (especially the little ankle biters) however you can’t expect other people to be looking out for your dog, you need to look out for your dog. You can’t bring a dog into a situation where he may react regardless of whether the reaction is caused by something someone else does. Gus (my dog that passed a couple weeks ago) was a problem dog – there were many situations I couldn’t bring him into, not because I didn’t know how to manage him, but because of the unpredictability of the other people in the situation. When a dog has issues with other dogs, people, etc. it’s the owner’s responsibility to manage the dog and ensure it’s never put into a situation in which it will react.
Sounds like that lady was a moron indeed. I know this is a generalization and not all little dogs are like this, but having worked at a shelter for over three years and having temperament tested many many dogs – little dogs are by far the most aggressive breeds of dogs (in my experience). I can’t even count the times I’ve gotten bit by a little dogs – I have never once gotten bit by a large dog (nope, never gotten bitten by one of those “vicious” pitts, rottis, shepherds, etc.). I find chihuahuas to be an exceptionally aggressive breed. What drives me absolutely crazy (oh you’ve got me on a rant now lol!) is that many owners of little breed dogs act like the behavior is acceptable just because the dog won’t do any serious damage! My grandmother owns a very aggressive 8 lb. “yorkipoo” – this dog has bit me (drew blood on me a few weeks ago), bitten her and bitten numerous other people and she lives in denial about it any constantly tried to justify it (you can’t justify a dog biting, it’s never acceptable!). To clarify one more time (so as not to offend any small breed owners): I’m not saying all little dogs are like this or that all owners of little dogs are like this; I know several very friendly small dogs and several individuals that own small dogs and don’t allow them to get away with certain behaviors simply because they’re small – just saying I see these issues more often in small dogs.
