Rottweiler attack

willie joe

Hi Folks,
Went out for a walk last night with my 12 yr old son and our little terrier. All was fine until two Rottweilers came out of their yard onto the road. Their owners were out aswell trying to call them in. One of the beasts went straight for our dog and grabbed it by its teeth. I immediately lunged at the Rottweiler and started frantically punching and wrestling with it to let our dog go. When it was released, after about 30/45 secs, the other Rottweiler jumped on it and did the same. After more wrestling it let go. My son was in hysterics at this stage. I have a young family and we walk this road almost daily. There's usually just one Rottweiler there roaming around not bothering anyone. There's no fence around this property. This has shook me up to thinking it could be a small child next. I do not want to cause strife with neighbours but to me this is not acceptable. What should I do?

**Mod note - This thread has been moved here from After Hours, please keep this in mind ***

El Weirdo

Call the Dog Warden for your area.

Genghiz Cohen

Those dogs need to be tied at the very least.
Everyone will thank you for calling the dog warden.

Seachmall

Get the dog put down.

Might seem harsh but I'd rather it be the dog than a kid.

The owners should also be banned from owning dogs in the future if they can't control it.

GoldFour4

Call the warden for sure. Beasts like that shouldnt be allowed to just attack a passer by. Shame on the owners.

maryb26

I thought the law said those dogs had to be on a lead and muzzled if out. Report it to the Gardai.

Korvanica

Call the warden, report the owners. That could easily have been your child in the dogs mouth.

smash

You wrestled 2 Rottweilers that are allowed roam free on the roads as they attacked your dog, while their owners just stood there called for them to come back.

I smell a troll.

stupidusername

Did you speak to the owners about it afterward? You need to speak to them about what they're going to do.

Phill Ewinn

Cover the terrier in hot chilly sauce.

keano_afc

Was your dog ok?

Lady Chuckles

That's awful, OP!!
Some people really shouldn't have dogs!

Could you tell them off somehow? Or call the gardai and make a complaint so that they'll have to put up a fence? If I was you I'd change my walking route until changes have been made

I hope it works out soon.

mathie

stupidusername wrote: »

Did you speak to the owners about it afterward? You need to speak to them about what they're going to do.

Anyone who lets Rottweilers roam free around their garden will not be open to dialogue.

Call the Gardai.

willie joe

Seriously not trolling. The man of the house asked me just afterwards "did they get him?" to which i replied "ask me in the morning". I could hardly speak probably from rage and adrenalin. I then roared to them "That was it, No more of that ****e". He replied with "What?" and I said "Having those f**king dogs running about the street". That was the end of the conversation.

stupidusername

mathie wrote: »

Anyone who lets Rottweilers roam free around their garden will not be open to dialogue.

Call the Gardai.

You wouldn't know until you try. Are you assuming all rottweillers are angry vicious dogs like portrayed in films?

Dunny

Buy a bear and take it for a walk round by them.

steddyeddy

willie joe wrote: »

Hi Folks,
Went out for a walk last night with my 12 yr old son and our little terrier. All was fine until two Rottweilers came out of their yard onto the road. Their owners were out aswell trying to call them in. One of the beasts went straight for our dog and grabbed it by its teeth. I immediately lunged at the Rottweiler and started frantically punching and wrestling with it to let our dog go. When it was released, after about 30/45 secs, the other Rottweiler jumped on it and did the same. After more wrestling it let go. My son was in hysterics at this stage. I have a young family and we walk this road almost daily. There's usually just one Rottweiler there roaming around not bothering anyone. There's no fence around this property. This has shook me up to thinking it could be a small child next. I do not want to cause strife with neighbours but to me this is not acceptable. What should I do?

If the dog ever grabs your dog or a child like that and you feel you have to attack it either use a weapon or grab its two front legs from behind and pull them at a 90% angle which could push the sternum into the heart, killing it.

For the time being call the dog warden/ gaurds say you were worried for your child and they will take it very seriously. Its simply not acceptable that this man expects people to know how to act around his dog. Not good enough.

willie joe

Our dog escaped with a few small cuts and abrasions . He was wearing a reflector brace kind of thing, I think this saved him. I am a over six foot and over 15 stone.

seamus

Call the Warden, the Gardai won't care. Bring your dog to the vet to get him checked out and present the vet bill to the dogs' owner.

Forget about the "it could have been a child" hysteria. It's unfounded. Dogs know the difference between dogs and children. You wouldn't see two adults having a fight and think, "That could have been my child he punched".
Your primary concern is that this could easily happen again to your dog or someone else's.

smash

stupidusername wrote: »

You wouldn't know until you try. Are you assuming all rottweillers are angry vicious dogs like portrayed in films?

Rottweilers by law must wear a muzzle in a public place. This isn't because they're cute nice tempered dogs.

Rawhead

mathie wrote: »

Anyone who lets Rottweilers roam free around their garden will not be open to dialogue.

Call the Gardai.

Anyone is entitled to let a dog roam in their garden. It's the people who chain up dogs that are the people I'd be weary of. The dogs must be under control and these dogs obviously weren't but to accuse people who let a dog walk around a garden as unreasonable gives you all the hallmarks of a spa.

steddyeddy

smash wrote: »

You wrestled 2 Rottweilers that are allowed roam free on the roads as they attacked your dog, while their owners just stood there called for them to come back.

I smell a troll.

I would agree with you but there are some very irresponsible people who own potentially dangerous dogs.

seamus

smash wrote: »

Rottweilers by law must wear a muzzle in a public place. This isn't because they're cute nice tempered dogs.

No, it's because the people who make laws believe everything that they see in films.

Rottweilers are friendly, even-tempered animals who are particularly good around children.

steddyeddy

stupidusername wrote: »

You wouldn't know until you try. Are you assuming all rottweillers are angry vicious dogs like portrayed in films?

No rottweillers are not dangerous dogs generally. Rottweillers with stupid owners are a lot more dangerous.

steddyeddy

seamus wrote: »

No, it's because the people who make laws believe everything that they see in films.

Rottweilers are friendly, even-tempered animals who are particularly good around children.

I agree to an extent however rotweillers with irresponsilbe owners negate a lot of what you said. The dog should be socialised with other dogs and people.

smash

seamus wrote: »

Rottweilers are friendly, even-tempered animals who are particularly good around children.

They're naturally territorial and unless trained very well from very young, they will be like this. They're smart dogs but unfortunately most of the owners aren't, they see them as guard dogs and don't care what they do.

And irrespective of the dogs nature, there is a muzzle law in place for these dogs for a reason.

stupidusername

Of course if a dog has been treated poorly or not not socialised properly they could potentially be dangerous to anybody or any animal (not just children) but using sense doesn't make for nearly as interesting a story. People need to educate themselves about animals instead of jumping straight in with demanding the animal be put down.

seamus

steddyeddy wrote: »

I agree to an extent however rotweillers with irresponsilbe owners negate a lot of what you said. The dog should be socialised with other dogs and people.

To be fair, the same is true of all dogs of every breed. A poorly socialised dog with irresponsible owners can be dangerous, no matter what the breed.

Unfortunately Rottweilers tend to attract a particular type of owner who are intentionally irresponsible. Ironically it's the fact that these dogs are restricted by law, which attracts these people more than anything else.

The dangerous dogs list in the UK (which outright banned a number of species), caused the populations of these species in the UK to skyrocket.

sleepysniper

2 Rottweilers and a Terrier in my house.

The terrier is a lot more vicious than either of the Rottweilers.

seamus

smash wrote: »

They're naturally territorial and unless trained very well from very young, they will be like this.

Have you got proof of this? Rottweilers are very poor guard dogs. They were bred as working dogs, to pull carts and the like. This is why they're large and muscular. They have to be specifically trained as guard dogs.
All dogs are naturally territorial and will react to another dog entering their territory. Breed is irrelevant.

And irrespective of the dogs nature, there is a muzzle law in place for these dogs for a reason.

Which is? My neighbour has 3 St. Bernard's @ 13 stone each. They can each do twice as much damage as a single Rottweiler, yet there's no requirement for them to be muzzled, even though they can be just as ferocious.

smash

seamus wrote: »

Unfortunately Rottweilers tend to attract a particular type of owner who are intentionally irresponsible. Ironically it's the fact that these dogs are restricted by law, which attracts these people more than anything else.

Nail on the head really. And I hate to say it but scumbags buy scumbag dogs... Or what they perceive to be an aggressive dog. Pitbulls, dobermans, Rottweilers. And they train them to be aggressive or "guard dogs".

seamus

smash wrote: »

Nail on the head really. And I hate to say it but scumbags buy scumbag dogs... Or what they perceive to be an aggressive dog. Pitbulls, dobermans, Rottweilers. And they train them to be aggressive or "guard dogs".

So the obvious solution is to lift all restrictions (thus reducing the "dangerous" reputation) and have harsher laws against people who don't act responsibly.

inforfun

Are the dogs called Zeus and Apollo and do you have a big mustache?

smash

seamus wrote: »

Which is?

The Control of Dogs Act

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1998/en/si/0442.html
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1991/en/si/0123.html

seamus

smash wrote: »

The Control of Dogs Act

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1998/en/si/0442.html
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1991/en/si/0123.html

Actually I meant "What is the reason", not "What is the law". I own a restricted breed myself, I know the law inside-out

smash

seamus wrote: »

Actually I meant "What is the reason", not "What is the law". I own a restricted breed myself, I know the law inside-out

The reason is simple, as stated already... they're seen as aggressive dog so the wrong type of people buy them, and train them to be aggressive.

lastlaugh

Rawhead wrote: »

Anyone is entitled to let a dog roam in their garden. It's the people who chain up dogs that are the people I'd be weary of. The dogs must be under control and these dogs obviously weren't but to accuse people who let a dog walk around a garden as unreasonable gives you all the hallmarks of a spa.

Letting a dog roam around your own garden is fine, but at the very least they should not be able to go onto the path outside and attack someone.

seamus

smash wrote: »

The reason is simple, as stated already... they're seen as aggressive dog so the wrong type of people buy them, and train them to be aggressive.

But they're seen as aggressive dogs because they're restricted by law

steddyeddy

seamus wrote: »

To be fair, the same is true of all dogs of every breed. A poorly socialised dog with irresponsible owners can be dangerous, no matter what the breed.

Unfortunately Rottweilers tend to attract a particular type of owner who are intentionally irresponsible. Ironically it's the fact that these dogs are restricted by law, which attracts these people more than anything else.

The dangerous dogs list in the UK (which outright banned a number of species), caused the populations of these species in the UK to skyrocket.

Yes indeed I agree one hundred per cent. I should have clarified that any breed can be dangerous without correct training.

Chris_Heilong

Jumping the gun a bit, Dogs treat people different then other dogs they naturally have a desire not to bite people(but there are a few exceptions), I dont think it would be a child next time thats stupid logic and one I always seem to hear, oh think of the Children, it is rare for dogs to attack children here and its more likely a neighbor would hurt or kill your child than a dog.

Also how did the owner see you punching his dogs for 40 sec or more and not do anything. Best thing to do is call the dog warden, that fella should not be letting his dogs off lease at all. But the guards wont do anything, no people were hurt it was only dogs.

steddyeddy

seamus wrote: »

So the obvious solution is to lift all restrictions (thus reducing the "dangerous" reputation) and have harsher laws against people who don't act responsibly.

Indeed and I cant understand why theres not more people campaigning for this.

Gal pal

willie joe wrote: »

Hi Folks,
Went out for a walk last night with my 12 yr old son and our little terrier. All was fine until two Rottweilers came out of their yard onto the road. Their owners were out aswell trying to call them in. One of the beasts went straight for our dog and grabbed it by its teeth. I immediately lunged at the Rottweiler and started frantically punching and wrestling with it to let our dog go. When it was released, after about 30/45 secs, the other Rottweiler jumped on it and did the same. After more wrestling it let go. My son was in hysterics at this stage. I have a young family and we walk this road almost daily. There's usually just one Rottweiler there roaming around not bothering anyone. There's no fence around this property. This has shook me up to thinking it could be a small child next. I do not want to cause strife with neighbours but to me this is not acceptable. What should I do?

Jesus how terrifiying for your son, he must have been traumatized to see his little dog been attacked.

We have a harmless springer spaniel who barks at everyone who walks by our house, we always keep the gate shut and he never goes out after them but a while ago when I told somebody (it was actually my doctor!!) where I lived they mentioned politely that Buster (my dog) can be quite intimidating when they walk by with their own dogs.

I've since been trying my best to get him used to other dogs, and calm him down a bit.

It's your right to walk down that road without fear of being attacked by somebody's animal. I would definitely let them know that what happened is just not good enough and you WILL be calling the dog warden.

If they truely care about their dogs, they'll take action immediately like I'm doing with Buster.

If not then hopefully animal welfare won't let them keep the dogs.

willie joe

I would not want them put down as I am an animal lover. My question is should i confront the owner or let the relevant authorities deal with it.

mikemac

Substitute the estate for a farm and the terrier for sheep and those two rottweilers would already be dead, shot on the spot.

Things are done differently in towns so call up the warden and see if the council will have them destroyed

And send this lad the vet bills for your injured dog.
Edit, I read now your dog was not injured badly, that's good

Gal pal

willie joe wrote: »

I would not want them put down as I am an animal lover. My question is should i confront the owner or let the relevant authorities deal with it.
The owner has the reputation of being a p**ck.
Also about 8 months ago, I was out walking with my 3yr old on his bike and the Rottweiler that is usually there came out to snoop about. I kept between it and my son and the owner called over to my son that, "thats a big dog and he would eat you for his breakfast". I know that he was blaggarding but I thought after, How dare he joke about something like that.

You already told him that it was the last time the dogs would be out like that, so now just ring the dog warden, maybe get a few neighbours to do the same and see what happens.

seamus

willie joe wrote: »

I would not want them put down as I am an animal lover. My question is should i confront the owner or let the relevant authorities deal with it.
The owner has the reputation of being a p**ck.
Also about 8 months ago, I was out walking with my 3yr old on his bike and the Rottweiler that is usually there came out to snoop about. I kept between it and my son and the owner called over to my son that, "thats a big dog and he would eat you for his breakfast". I know that he was blaggarding but I thought after, How dare he joke about something like that.

He's clearly just a complete asshole.

But if you confront the owner, what can you do except sling insults at eachother.

Ring the Warden. A lot of the wardens are insanely lazy, so you might have no luck. But pester him. Every time you see this dog wandering on the road, ring the warden. Even better, use a camera to take timestamped photos. I've heard anecdotally of wardens saying, "I can't do anything without proof". So gather the proof.

It will take up a lot of your time, but in the end you might actually get something done.

steddyeddy

willie joe wrote: »

I would not want them put down as I am an animal lover. My question is should i confront the owner or let the relevant authorities deal with it.
The owner has the reputation of being a p**ck.
Also about 8 months ago, I was out walking with my 3yr old on his bike and the Rottweiler that is usually there came out to snoop about. I kept between it and my son and the owner called over to my son that, "thats a big dog and he would eat you for his breakfast". I know that he was blaggarding but I thought after, How dare he joke about something like that.

Right hes not got a clue about rottwiellers if he thinks of it as a dog that would eat someone for breakfast.

biko

From After Hours

cosmicfart

I live close to farms and dogs like this roam the place daily, they dont last long though as they get the taste of the local livestock and regulary come back to 'feed' at which point the get a bullet in the head. so, call ur local famer

Seachmall

willie joe wrote: »

I would not want them put down as I am an animal lover. My question is should i confront the owner or let the relevant authorities deal with it.
The owner has the reputation of being a p**ck.
Also about 8 months ago, I was out walking with my 3yr old on his bike and the Rottweiler that is usually there came out to snoop about. I kept between it and my son and the owner called over to my son that, "thats a big dog and he would eat you for his breakfast". I know that he was blaggarding but I thought after, How dare he joke about something like that.

If the dog is completely untrained it could be a danger to society depending on its age.

It may have to be put down regardless. The warden can't take the dog and let it walk off with another family if they feel it's dangerous.

There are really only 2 options:
Do nothing and hope it doesn't attack someone.
Call the Warden and the dog will probably be put down.

I know you don't want it put down but for the safety of those in the estate you need to make the call.

Gal pal

cosmicfart wrote: »

I live close to farms and dogs like this roam the place daily, they dont last long though as they get the taste of the local livestock and regulary come back to 'feed' at which point the get a bullet in the head. so, call ur local famer

So what are you suggesting exactly?? Encourage the dogs to eat livestock and then have a farmer ambush them and shoot them in the head??