HC and her group of dog owners usually have dinner together every night, and many a times, strangers and stall owners will asked if the dogs bite (pointing to the bigger ones), and the replies are usually "big ones don't bite, the small ones (Jack) do". hehehe .. I will post another day why Jack bites.
Sometimes, I don't understand why strangers are so scared of big dogs. In fact, the barky ones are usually the small dogs, JRTs being one of the culprits. Fortunately, I don't bark except when it comes to ball playing and guarding the house. (Edited to include : barking and chasing chickens, cats)
And, believe it or not, the bigger dogs in my group gives way to me.
Tommy, our resident paikia (bad boy) who readily get into fights, usually let me have my way. Even if the ball is in his mouth, he will let me take it without much complaints. And when he sees me, he will lick or smell me very gently as if I am a fragile toy. I got to admit once at my house, he was very manja with HC, and Igot jealous, jumped up and nipped on his cheek. He merely yelped, and tried to hide his big head onto HC's lap.
Another of our 'bad' boy - Rafv.. He, who likes to put small dogs in his mouth, is also very nice to me. He will usually come to lick and offered his paw. But I hate it, cos he always use his paw to push my head or bum. HC always laughed when she saw it! Irritating!!! But I am so glad he does not like me enough to put in his mouth!! hahahaha
Herbie - nothing much to say cos he is alright with ALL dogs (except big strange male humper).
Scuba - medium size, he looks scary but he never retaliates when another dog bite/scold him. Once, during Xmas, I was at his place, and realised that some presents under the Xmas tree contain treats. I decided to guard it, and when Scuba comes near, I actually scolded and nipped him in the cheek. Actually, I know it is bad manners cos the presents belongs to him.
I am very ball (and food) possessive, HC is very careful when I meet new dogs. She will usually play ball with me in an enclosed area, as she does not want me to get into a fight. The last time I had a fight was with another JRT. Actually, I know I can win the fight, but HC came to call me off, and I listened to her and turn away. The JRT saw the opportunity and bite my leg and refused to let go. The silly owner actually went to pull her JRT, and end up my leg is being pulled as well ( long scratch marks after that). Out of desperation, HC pinched the JRT on the neck. After the fight, I had to be sent to the clinic and had swollen leg for a couple of days. (HC : it is a dilemna for dog owners, if you don't stop your dog, one or the other may be hurt badly. But if you do, your dog may end up like Joey)
Muzzled Dogs
In Singapore, category B dogs have to be muzzled. However, many of these dog owners do not at all. I know some of them are very gentle and friendly (like my GSD friend - Stallion), but if HC sees strange dogs, she won't let me go sniff cos not every dog is properly socialised. You can read more about poor Jaffe's incident. (HC : alot of owners must think I am snobbish, but I am doing for my dog's own good)
A few years ago, when the dog run was not so strict in enforcing the muzzling rule, a few GSDs frequently come to the park. I was playing ball, and HC asked the owners if the GSDs are ok cos she saw the GSDs looking interested in my ball. The owners said their GSDs are alright and not possessive. So, HC believed them and started throwing balls for us to retrieve. Even though GSDs are bigger, I managed to outrun them as I am smaller and can turn corners faster (mmm... sound like a car, don't I). A while later, one of the GSD got fed up and started barking at me. Moments later, 3 other GSDs surrounded me and started barking at me too. Of course, I barked back as I was really angry. HC and the other owners panicked as I was surrounded by 4 GSDs, and quickly ran over and scolded all of us in a very harsh voice. Luckily, no harm was done. (HC : this Joey sometimes really try to push his luck).
So should you see me playing in an enclosed area, please do not think I am snobbish. hiak hiak hiak. I am friendly with dogs - don't bite or bully them for no reason, but I don't enjoy playing with dogs as much as balls. Maybe it is from my growing up years with an aloof dog like Jack.