Dog attack on my dog

Papillon!

I live just out side the city centre and take my dog Marli out on walks every night just before bed time to do her last bit of bizz(!). One night last week we were walking to the shop about 10 minutes from where I live and a young guy passed us with a dog which came up to mine. The chap continued walking and while my dog and his were sniffing each other, the other dog suddenly went for mine, growling and about to bite her.

Luckily I managed to put my foot in front of the other dog and picked mine up but it left me terrified.

I told the guy he should have his dog on a lead and the guy replied that it was his friends. Basically he didnt give a crap and the dog was obviously with him.

Coming back from the shop I saw him and his friends playing with the dog, still off leash, while my boyfriend carried my dog home (shes quite heavy!).

Last weekend we just got a small puppy and while shes still getting used to walking, its very difficult to walk them together. Even with one Im terrified going out after dark now.

What is it with this country and people thinking its okay to walk around with their dog loose just so it can terrorize the local people.

Im a dog lover, all shapes and sizes...but this has really left me shaken up and knocked my confidence bring my two out after dark.

Have any of you ever experienced anything like this?

My king charles and new pug are so pleasant and LOVE other dogs..I cant understand why my king charles was attacked Im so lucky I got her in time

BillyMitchel

Unfortunately you can't force a person to do it. It really pisses me off to when dogs are off the lead and people can't control them. You could always ring the DSPCA and complain but I have no idea what they could do. What breed was it? Was it the first and only time you encountered the dog off a lead?

Rigol

bring a stick with you. bate the fcker over the head.
scumbags of all species deserve the deterrent of a smash of a stick.

andreac

Technically your dog wasnt attacked. Dogs growl at each other all the time, doesnt necessarily mean they will attack.

There is no law to say all dogs should be on a lead unless its a restricted breed.

I know its not nice that your dog encountered this, but you cant let that stop you walking your dog when and where you like.

If you keep encountering this person and dog you can report them to the dog warden if necessary but honestly, saying that this has left you shaken up and knocked your confidence is a little OTT if you ask me as nothing actually happened bar a bit of a growl and a snap. They are animals after all and thats how some behave, they can be unpredicatable.

DamagedTrax

Rigol wrote: »

bring a stick with you. bate the fcker over the head.
scumbags of all species deserve the deterrent of a smash of a stick.

i wouldnt have been able to put it quite so eloquently but i agree. keep a stick in hand and protect your dog if need be.

you could report him but there's not much chance of getting anything done about it.

Rachelmhr

Dogs will be dogs!!

If you were in anyway nervous at all both dogs would have picked up on it.. you need to count to 10 and relax yourself. Dogs act on body language and they sense if you are angry, happy, sad etc

Definitely bring a hurley out with you if you have one or a stick.
You dont need to beat attacking dog.. just shoo it away or seperate them..

Ps.. I would bring the puppy to a field somewhere first. He/she is too young to be out getting attacked by dogs owned by idiots who cant control them!

tk123

Just forget it tbh and move on - it happens every day. There's no need to be carrying sticks or carrying the dog around etc. My dog has been growled/barked/snapped at loads of times passing by on-lead dogs - usually small ones (he's a retriever) - they're well able to look after themselves!

Rigol

perhaps your dog wasnt raised around other dogs and so doesnt know the required dog etiquette/dog body language. so causing a misunderstanding. i dont know if its instinctive or learned. i think i heard that the underdog will sniff/lick the underside of the stronger dogs mouth and lower its body and angle its head down. direct eye contact on meeting is a definate no no.
maybe he doesnt know these things. so show him this thread.

dickwod1

I was walking my medium sized dog on a footpath with its lead on and seen a woman walking a toy dog smaller than a cat coming towards me so I pulled the lead tight to me had the dog as close to my knee as possible the other person had the dog on a lead but had the lead real loose, The two dogs met and my dog growled and snapped when the other dog came over and the woman shouted at me "for f**k sake" and walked off!

Zapperzy

Rigol wrote: »

bring a stick with you. bate the fcker over the head.
scumbags of all species deserve the deterrent of a smash of a stick.

Yellow-carded. Advocating violence is in breach of the charter.

Please do not respond to this post on thread.

golden8

I would go along with what andrea mentioned also picking up a dog is not a good idea, as it installs fear into the dog. If you are seeing what is percieved as threatening dog ie stiff action as opposed to flowing action you could walk across with your dog to the other side of the road, therefore avoiding a situation.

Rigol

Yeah dogs are seriously attuned to body language, I turned around one day while out walking and saw a man walking a big StBernard. I was happy to see such a dog and theres something comical and lovable about them, I unknowingly off some open body language without thinking, next thing all 10 wrinkly stone of him was charging towards me, I changed to a defensive posture and he just changed course without a blink.

maggiepip

The OP was responsibly walking her dog on leash (from the reading in a suburban area) and was hassled and frightened by a dog larger than hers who seemed aggressive and was not under control. That situation is not right and can be frightening and upsetting.

I walk my dogs both on and off lead - but when they are off lead it is in a field or park setting and they are not allowed to run up to whoever person/dog they wish. I keep them under control

When we walk where there are roads etc they are on the lead and its just terrible when you see a dog charging towards you.

Its even more difficult when you have your dogs on a lead as they are aware the lead makes them vulnerable and they cannot escape - and so can respond differently to other dogs and give off different signals.

My Lab was attacked last xmas by a dog off lead with a stupid owner who couldn't control him. At the time my dog was on a lead and the other dog split her ear in two. Unbelievably the owner didnt even apologise and I was in such shock I just got out of there as quickly as possible.

So I really feel for the OP - I would just advise you to keep walking your dogs and try not to allow this incident to destroy your nerves. Most dogs who do approach are only curious so dont let fear take over.

Some people, however, really need to take responsibility for their dogs and keep them under proper control and not allow their dogs to be frightening the life out of other people. You should be entitled to walk your dog in peace.

tk123

maggiepip wrote: »

Some people, however, really need to take responsibility for their dogs and keep them under proper control and not allow their dogs to be frightening the life out of other people. You should be entitled to walk your dog in peace.

In fairness what frightens one person may not frighten another - just passing a dog is terrifying to some people regardless of them having a dog with them or not. I've had people/kids scream as my dog passed them and he wasn't paying them any attention - some with dogs some without and both on when he's been on and off lead.

Also the dog wasn't attacked - another dog snapped at it which we are trying to point out to the op is normal. Some dogs like their owners are just a$$es!

maggiepip

tk123 wrote: »

In fairness what frightens one person may not frighten another - just passing a dog is terrifying to some people regardless of them having a dog with them or not. I've had people/kids scream as my dog passed them and he wasn't paying them any attention - some with dogs some without and both on when he's been on and off lead.

Also the dog wasn't attacked - another dog snapped at it which we are trying to point out to the op is normal. Some dogs like their owners are just a$$es!

I know what you you are saying - I too have had people reacting in a silly fearful way to my dogs - even when they have been on the lead and under full control. That is purely the other idiots problem.

Im not a fuss-pot at all but I do think its wrong not be able to walk your dog on lead without loose dogs behaving in a threatening manner and under no control - and snapping isnt really a great thing to have to deal with when the snapper is off lead and bigger than your own on lead dog.

I also love to see dogs off the lead and running around - my own dogs get walked off the lead too in appropriate areas - and they will say "hello" to other off lead dogs. I do however make a particular effort not to allow them to impose themselves on on-lead dogs as it can be a bit threatening. So thats all I meant:)

tk123

maggiepip wrote: »

I know what you you are saying - I too have had people reacting in a silly fearful way to my dogs - even when they have been on the lead and under full control. That is purely the other idiots problem.

Im not a fuss-pot at all but I do think its wrong not be able to walk your dog on lead without loose dogs behaving in a threatening manner and under no control - and snapping isnt really a great thing to have to deal with when the snapper is off lead and bigger than your own on lead dog.

I also love to see dogs off the lead and running around - my own dogs get walked off the lead too in appropriate areas - and they will say "hello" to other off lead dogs. I do however make a particular effort not to allow them to impose themselves on on-lead dogs as it can be a bit threatening. So thats all I meant:)

+1 +1

borderlinemeath

maggiepip wrote: »

I know what you you are saying - I too have had people reacting in a silly fearful way to my dogs - even when they have been on the lead and under full control. That is purely the other idiots problem.

Im not a fuss-pot at all but I do think its wrong not be able to walk your dog on lead without loose dogs behaving in a threatening manner and under no control - and snapping isnt really a great thing to have to deal with when the snapper is off lead and bigger than your own on lead dog.

I also love to see dogs off the lead and running around - my own dogs get walked off the lead too in appropriate areas - and they will say "hello" to other off lead dogs. I do however make a particular effort not to allow them to impose themselves on on-lead dogs as it can be a bit threatening. So thats all I meant:)

This could have been part of the problem. If one dog is on lead it can feel very threatened if it senses anything from an off lead dog. The most good natured dog may react as it cannot get away. Dogs tend to have a 'fight or flight' initial instinct and if it's leashed it cannot get away so it feels like it has to 'fight'. A slight growl or a snarl may have provoked a reaction from the off lead dog.

Picking up the dog is not a good idea, you're only reinforcing the idea in your dogs head that there is something to fear from the other dog and it may begin to react to other dogs. Best thing to do is to observe your dogs body language around other dogs. If it acting scared approaching another dog, (ears back, licking lips) then don't interact with the other dog, walk away without letting them interact at all.

Papillon!

Thanks for all the replies and I know I shouldnt let it get to me but this guy was a scumbag and its irrevelant what breed the dog was. He just didnt give a crap about it hasseling mine who was on lead.

My dog has always been socialised with other dogs from a young age and was wagging her tail when the other dog came over and growled and snapped.

People saying I shouldnt have picked my dog up...Are you serious? So id leave my dog there and let her get bitten.... Mad

Anyway, Ill be taking a safer route now that Ive got the puppy as well. Theyre both great dogs, getting on well together, and both love other dogs. I just wish people with dogs would realise that they should be on a lead in public places for everyones ease of mind.

Just found some info on the citizens information site:

'Stray dogs are dogs that are in a public place and are not accompanied by the owner or a responsible person. Dogs that are not under proper control are also considered stray dogs. You can receive an on-the-spot fine if your dog is not under proper control'

Obviously the dog wasnt a stray but it should have been on a leash.

'The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 (S.I. No. 442 of 1998) impose additional rules in relation to the following breeds (and strains/cross-breeds) of dog:

• American pit bull terrier
• English bull terrier
• Staffordshire bull terrier
• Bull mastiff
• Dobermann pinscher
• German shepherd (Alsatian)
• Rhodesian ridgeback
• Rottweiler
• Japanese akita
• Japanese tosa
• Bandog

The rules state that:

• These dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must be kept on a short strong lead by a person over 16 years who is capable of controlling them
• These dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must be muzzled whenever they are in a public place '

Im mad about bull terriers (staffies in particular) and think they are great dogs, such a shame there are so many in pounds all over the country at the moment. But at the same time, this dog was a bull breed and should have been on a leash. ANY DOG should be on a leash walking down a street imo.

Anyway, my two cents. Just hate scumbags, end of...haha.

Papillon!

andreac wrote: »

Technically your dog wasnt attacked. Dogs growl at each other all the time, doesnt necessarily mean they will attack.

There is no law to say all dogs should be on a lead unless its a restricted breed.
QUOTE]

it was a restricted breed

andreac

Papillon! wrote: »

andreac wrote: »

Technically your dog wasnt attacked. Dogs growl at each other all the time, doesnt necessarily mean they will attack.

There is no law to say all dogs should be on a lead unless its a restricted breed.
QUOTE]

it was a restricted breed

Well then if you have an issue you should report it to the dog warden, BUT, as nothing actually happened, i cant see them doing anything about it.

How come all of a sudden you think he was a scumbag? You didnt say that in your first post, but now, you state he had a bull breed and hes a scumbag??

Papillon!

andreac wrote: »

Papillon! wrote: »

Well then if you have an issue you should report it to the dog warden, BUT, as nothing actually happened, i cant see them doing anything about it.

How come all of a sudden you think he was a scumbag? You didnt say that in your first post, but now, you state he had a bull breed and hes a scumbag??

I never said anything about reporting it. My first post was about me wishing people would have their dogs under control in the first place.

Him having a bull breed has absolutely zero to do with being a scumbag. No matter what type of dog it was it should really have been on a leash in a public place. I stated it was a bull breed as somebody asked.

And he was a complete scumbag who looked like he was about to thump me. AGAIN nothing to do with the fact he had a bull breed...WHICH I already said I am crazy about anyway. I love staffies!:rolleyes: Someone asked.

Youre actually trying to put words in my mouth which is a bit mad...:o

andreac

Its just you never stated he was a scumbag in your first post, just "some guy" and "chap" were the words you used. Now all of a sudden hes a scumbag and was going to thump you, seriously?

The only dogs that have to be on leads in public are restricted breeds, all other dogs can be off lead, by law.

Im sorry your dog got a fright, but thats really all it was, your dog didnt get attacked, it got growled and snapped at, very big difference.

Papillon!

andreac wrote: »

Its just you never stated he was a scumbag in your first post, just "some guy" and "chap" were the words you used. Now all of a sudden hes a scumbag and was going to thump you, seriously?

The only dogs that have to be on leads in public are restricted breeds, all other dogs can be off lead, by law.

Im sorry your dog got a fright, but thats really all it was, your dog didnt get attacked, it got growled and snapped at, very big difference.

The scumbag police over here, give it a break:rolleyes:. I wasn't going to chance letting my dog get bitten by not picking it up and thats the point. I had to move away from the dog holding mine while it kept following me, jumping up and snapping. This guy did absolutely nothing about it, even after i asked him to hold on to his dog. I think that constitutes not being a decent individual and not having any cop on.

I may not have reported it but it was a restricted dog and should have been on a leash. My whole point was that people like this need to have more consideration for others.



Im

andreac

And the story keeps on changing.... :rolleyes:

Im outta this thread now.

Papillon!

andreac wrote: »

And the story keeps on changing.... :rolleyes:

Im outta this thread now.

dont know how its changed at all? but anyway.

im out too

ISDW

Sorry OP, but the story changed quite considerably, and the title is very misleading. It wasn't a dog attack at all. Of course you should be able to walk down a street with your dog without being afraid of it being attacked by another dog, but dogs will be dogs, and growling is not attacking. Really couldn't have a serious attempt at an attack if you had time to get your foot in the way and lift your dog up without your dog being bitten in any way. But perhaps you could go to some socialisation classes so that you learn how to read dog signals, as much as for your own dogs' benefit. Picking a dog up is a bad idea for the dog and for yourself.

If the dog was an RB, then of course it should have been on a lead, but there is no reason for all dogs to be on leads if the owners can control them effectively without one. Personally I would have my dogs on leads around roads but thats just me.

I know you said you were out of this thread, but if the dog was jumping up and snapping at you, and the owner wasn't calling it back, how did the incident end? Not sure if the guy called it eventually, or if the dog just gave up? When you walked back, did it approach you again?

maggiepip

Why do some seem to be purely picking on the OP? I dont actually see that she has changed her story at all? All I see here is that she added some extra detail.

The title may be slightly misleading as the "attack" didnt actually quite happen (she picked her dog up) so maybe she should have said her dog was "almost attacked, and that she got a terrible fright from an off lead dog who didnt seem to be under the owners control" - which is really all her post was about.

I think some are being quite mean.

BigBoi83

maggiepip wrote: »

Why do some seem to be purely picking on the OP? I dont actually see that she has changed her story at all? All I see here is that she added some extra detail.

The title may be slightly misleading as the "attack" didnt actually quite happen (she picked her dog up) so maybe she should have said her dog was "almost attacked, and that she got a terrible fright from an off lead dog who didnt seem to be under the owners control" - which is really all her post was about.

I think some are being quite mean.

I must agree, she is being taken out of context in my opinion...Perhaps she didnt want to thrash talk the people and animals involved unnecessarily

Salt001

I walk my dog off leash all the time. She never gets too far ahead and comes immediately she is called however I always put her back on the lead if we get near other people with or without dogs.
Not everybody likes dogs,some people are afraid of them and we dont wish to cause consternation to anybody.
Also while my dog is not aggressive I dont know what everybody elses dogs are like so it just makes sense to put her back on the lead just incase.
Also I think it is simply good manners .
It drives me insane when owners just let dogs run free without even turning their head to see what the dog is up to.
Dont get me started on the people who just open their front doors and let the dog out to walk itself.
Thats a whole nother thread

ireneadler013

I was just out with my 8 month old husky. Walking up the park i came accross a 10 yr old girl holding a larger husky. When i walked passed the larger husky dragged the poor girl to the ground and latched on to my dog. I had to drag him off my dog with my hands whilst holding my dog and the 6-8 kids just watched. I found out after the dog who attacked mine had attacked another dog not 30 minutes earlier. Why on earth was a 10 year old looking after a husky, and why the hell was it still out after attacking another dog???

andreac

You need to report it to your local dog warden.

ireneadler013

andreac wrote: »

You need to report it to your local dog warden.

Ill be doing so first thing in the morning, I doubt the county councel works after 4/530pm....