benregis

Hi, I've been interested in reading the labrador posts. My first dog was a labrador, and she was a great dog, very affectionate and sweet natured BUT the only time I've been seriously scared by a dog was by 2 labradors. I used to take the English Springer Spaniel that I then owned, Ben, across to a local park where he would run around and play with the other dogs, mainly strays, who used to gather there. There were 2 stray labradors, who would escape from their home every day, and come to the park. I would sit under a tree, and every now and again one of the dogs from the group would come up and sit next to me. On this occasion the one labrador played with Ben and his 2 cross-breed friends and gradually led them further away from me. Meanwhile the other labrador came and sat next to me, but gradually moved closer and closer, until eventually he turned round so that we were virtually nose to nose. I then realised that he was about to attack me. Everything was flashing through my mind so fast, I couldn't get up because I realised that if I moved that would trigger the attack, so I tried to keep calm and keep my voice level, while desperately hoping that Ben would get back to me. Then the lab started to growl and I was trying to work out how to save my face when Ben appeared out of nowhere, leapt on the lab's back and knocked him flying. By the time the lab got up, the two little cross-breeds were back by me as well. Ben stood in front of me, and one of the cross-breeds to either side, and I was able to get up. The other labrador then returned but with all 3 of my doggy pals growling as hard as they could (one of the cross-breeds who was about the size of a Jack Russell, was twice his normal size as his fur was standing on end), the 2 labs decided not to make a fight out of it. I subsequently discovered that it was the 2 dogs practice when in the park to lure one dog away from a larger group of dogs, and to then attack it. I can only think on this occasion that they saw me in effect as an extra member of the pack, and so tried to treat me in the same fashion. It was very scary. I think it probably is down to excessive breeding, and probably breeding from dogs with undesirable temperaments. A good lab is a great fun dog, but you've got to watch out for the rogue ones.