Jane Gardiner said their six-year-old cocker spaniel, Bently, suffered swelling to his eye and neck after the incident about 4pm on Sunday at Lake Hume.

Ms Gardiner said the dog’s owner did not apologise, just put the lead on and drove away.

“The owner had nothing to say for herself or for her dog,” she said.

The family were playing fetch with Bently by the water in front of Lake Hume Village’s swimming pool when the dog attacked.

The other dog, believed to be a Staffordshire terrier cross, grabbed Bently by the throat and started shaking him.

“He was repeatedly shaken by the neck like a rag doll,” Ms Gardiner said.

“It went on for about three to four minutes, despite attempts to stop the attack by myself and the dog’s owner.”

Ms Gardiner said the incident had terrified her partner, Angie Salske, and their children, Ari, 3, and Rio, 5.

“You just don’t know what a dog like this is capable of,” she said.

“I hope this dog doesn’t kill someone’s pet or child.

“The woman’s lack of control over her dog was truly frightening.

“She is an irresponsible pet owner.”

The attack left the family with a $260 vet bill and Bentley will need further checks.

The woman was described as being aged in her 30s, with long dark hair, and she left in a small white car.

The dog was a “bulky” tan-coloured female.