Geocaching with small dogs and Pit Bulls

Prissy did great for a little dog who had never been in the wilderness before. She was well behaved around people, she didn't complain on the three mile hike, and she bravely dove into places where there was no trail looking for the cache. She had a blast.

Best of all, we met three pit bulls and no noses where snapped or hackles raised. Little dogs are often the instigators of troublesome behavior. I've worked with my dogs at the fence, teaching them if I say the neighbor or dog is ok, that's the end of it. Period. No discussion.

The worst thing you can do with a little dog is scoop it up every time a big dog approaches, that just teaches them that big dogs are bad things. Now a couple of the bullies were not well behaved in their approach, but it was friendly enthusiasm, not agression. I kept an eagle (hopefully casually) eye on them, because I don't trust anyone to control THEIR dog around MY dog. I do, however, trust my ability to read another dog and these owners were trying valiantly to socialize their dogs in an area that doesn't really like bully breeds.

I was reminded of a lady in Dallas at the vet's office. She had a 20 pound English Bulldog puppy that was pulling her all over the office. I was in line with 2 chihuahas and an Australian Shepherd and the puppy kept charging at us in a not so nice way. She smiled and said "sorry I just can't control him" as if that made it all right. I smiled just as broadly and said "then you shouldn't have him".