Duncan

Tommy and I normally go to Southchurch Park on a Sunday before training, mainly so he can get rid of some of his excess 'terrier energy' and hopefully concentrate for more than two minutes. We meet up with other dogs and he plays. Not always nicely, but he’s know over there now. I’m also a lot more observant of other people and put him back on lead if other dog owners send out that ‘vibe’. He often plays with an American Bull dog called Lulu. She is big, muscular and only 10 months old! But not a bad bone in her body.
This week, Lulu was already playing with a JRT called Duncan. Duncan’s owner was the typical apologetic owner. She had extending lead in one hand, and muzzle in the other. I let Tommy join in the fun for a while but continued round the park when poor Lulu was stuck in between the two JRTs just barking at her!
Whilst going over the field, throwing Tommy’s tennis ball, Duncan came running over at full speed and beat Tommy to his ball. They started playing in that typical JRT style. All teeth, growls and play bows. It was lovely to see. Duncan’s owner walked with me round the park and started saying how Duncan is a little b*****d. Always trying to bite, dominate etc. Watching Duncan play with Tommy, I didn’t really see this. I saw two JRTs playing bitey face, me on top/you on top and other general dog games, albeit very vocal. I'm not saying Duncan isn't a little b*****d, maybe he just clicked with Tommy, either way, I was quite happy to let them play.
She also said she has been told off many a time by other dog owners. She has now learnt to keep Duncan close, always apologise for his behaviour and move on. I know exactly how she felt. She said several times ‘its lovely to see Duncan play so well with another dog, oh, look at them play’.
As we got closer to the gate, the dogs still playing as dogs do, I said we’re often over here on Sunday morning so if you like we can meet and let the dogs play. She was thrilled, and I’m sure she was close to tears.
So Tommy has a new friend, whether he likes it or not!