Consider dog walks with basket muzzle

Dear Cathy: I am frustrated with people with unleashed dogs. I have a 6-year-old poodle-bichon, Rosie, that we rescued three years ago. She is great with people, especially kids, but is very aggressive whenever we see other small dogs.

In summer, I encounter more people out in their yards with small dogs unleashed. I realize that people should be allowed to have their dogs on their private property unleashed, but they need to ensure their dogs stay put. Once Rosie sees these dogs she goes crazy, and the dogs come running to her. I pick her up but she scratches and pulls to get down as these dogs bark at my feet. When the owners show up, they usually say, “Don’t worry, my dog is friendly.”

I cannot guarantee my dog won’t bite another dog. If my dog did hurt one of these unleashed dogs I would feel terrible. Would I be responsible for paying the vet bills? — Cathy, IL

Dear Cathy: It can be frustrating to walk your dog and have an unleashed dog run up to you. Since there is concern your dog could bite, consider walking her with a basket muzzle, which gives her room to pant and also communicates to others to keep their dogs away.

If a dog approaches and you’re comfortable addressing the pet owner, say: “Please call your dog. Your dog is scaring my dog, and my dog can be dog-reactive.” Pick up your dog, as you have been doing, but turn your back on the approaching dog. Wait until the other dog is back with their owner before continuing your walk. If it happens again with the same dog, then visit the person’s house without your dog to explain the situation.

You also can carry a can of coins to shake or compressed air to make a noise that might halt an approaching dog.

As for medical bills after a dog fight, it will depend on how the fight starts and the injuries sustained.