Dog Community

Attack Incident Last night

Posted : 6/5/2006 11:33:33 AM

I was taking my cockapoo for a walk as she is way strung out right now with puppy energy. We were nearly home when we had passed near a place where several neighbors were outside talking with one another. It has been really nice here in Colorado lately and the evenings are wonderful. So it is great that they are out enjoying it-- but these people let their dogs run around without any supervision besides pathetic, mostly ignored commands of "come" or "stay." Well, there is this one dog that is usually behind a wooden fence. Every time we walk by it-- with or without our cockapoo-- the dog throws itself, without barking, at the fence in a desparate attempt at getting to us. I don't know if it is a violent act or even what kind of dog it is, but a dog that acts wild without barking causes me alarm. The term, "its bark is worse than its bite," I have found to be generally true-- so if the bark is gone-- I'm suspicious. Anyway, the owners had this dog out and without hesitation, the dog made a dash to my cockapoo. The owner kept yelling for it and said it won't hurt anyone but within seconds, and much faster than I could get to Lucy, this dog bit my dog!!!!!!!!!!!!!! With whatever energy I had in me, I kicked into defense and booted this dog off mine with my foot! Lucy was crying like she had been hurt but she is "decelicate" dog :-)

meaning she'll cry easily. I immediately picked her up and had to make a motion to the attacking dog as if I were coming after it before it would back off.

I don't like the dog-- that is certain-- but I don't like the owner even more. Has anyone else ever had this happen? I just can't believe someone would leave their dog, knowing full well they cannot control it without physical restraint, running around in a neighborhood with kids and lots of other, smaller dogs.

Lucy is ok-- I checked her over and helped her calm down once we got home. Everything happened so fast but I'm fairly certain I said some things, looking back, I should not have said-- but at least they know how I feel about them and their dog, or where they should probably go Angry

. I hate when I lose my temper like that but I grew up on a farm and had many pets, including a puppy, get killed because of other people's dogs and their inability to control them.

My dog isn't much better when it comes to my control over her. But she's a puppy and is still learning-- that's why I got a small dog, because the chances of her hurtin anyone is rather low!!!

I'm one angry dog owner. No one hurts my dog.

Am I nuts here? *deep cleansing breaths*

tashakota

Posted : 6/5/2006 12:34:31 PM

Nope, not nuts. I would probably have done the same thing. And have actually. My little dog is a snot and will start stuff but I keep him out of it or away from it so he can't, but he's been attacked several times because of loose dogs. It's not a fun thing and now he's kind of nuts on leash. He's getting much better but he is one of those lunging, snarling dogs on leash. [8|] We're working on it though....

cakana

Posted : 6/5/2006 1:40:15 PM

I would feel exactly as you do or even more mad. I have neighbors like that also and they leave their dog out front and don't even hang around to watch it all the time. My dogs have their own issues, which is why I never leave them out off-leash. If they think their dogs are friendly, that's great, but mine isn't always and I don't want to have to break up a fight or pay thier vet bills cause they're idiots. I resent having to worry about walking my dogs and having a dog come running after us. My labs are each about 70 lbs, so it's not possible for me to pick them up. The best I can do is step in front and hope my presence is enough to stop the dog in it's tracks.
It sounds like this neighbor needed to hear some anger and I only hope that he got the message. Sadly, some folks never quite get it though [:@]. You might try carrying some pepper spray or something with you, and don't hesitate to use it if it happens again.

zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa]

Posted : 6/5/2006 3:04:49 PM

That truly is a terrible incident. Thankfully your pup is okay and you will get her the proper training so she will come when you call her unlike your neighbors dog. Training is a key to the proper raising of a dog, what if she was running into the street, you would want her to rely on your commands. A lot of small dog owners (i'm not saying you are such) feel it not necessary to train their dogs becasue they feel they are small enough to control and that is sad. I understand you got a small dog so that it cant attack anyone but I suggest you look into the statstics about that one, you'd be VERY surprised. Small dog bites dont make the media as much as larger dogs because they are not fatal but the actual number of dog bites inflicted by small dogs is considerably greater.
It frusterates me when I encounter poor dog owners because it really reflects upon all of us. Even though nothing drastic happened I would report this incase a future incident happens. The owners won't get into any trouble at this point, maybe a reprimand which would serve them right but it needs to be noted that they are not responsible in case there are future happenings!
Puppy kisses and hugs to your baby!

mrv

Posted : 6/5/2006 4:35:21 PM

Call and report it to animal control. Carry a stock stick or cane as a threat or a promise.

zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa]

Posted : 6/5/2006 5:23:46 PM

ORIGINAL: mrv

Call and report it to animal control. Carry a stock stick or cane as a threat or a promise.

In addition to the above I also suggest writing the owners a note and this is why......
Littel dogs react so differntly to big dogs then they do to other small dogs and the same with big dogs. When we play at the dog beach and Rory runs outta nowhere at a big dog the big dog is like "yes, lets go" all growls,grunts, and rolls! If Rory approaches a small dog they FREAK OUT!!! We have met very rare small dogs that will get along with Rory becasue of her energy. i also work at a hotel where we allow pets and I see this a lot. If a chiuhaha had ran out of the house do you think your pup woulda cried out so? I dont know cause I wasnt there and I dont know either dogs but I'm just speculating here. (Don't for one second think I think you handeled it wrong becuase I totally support you) but your lil dog is used to walking by that house, feeling you tense up, and hearing that dog bark his head off (which he thinks is his job is to alert his owners). So this time when the dog actually comes running out to you your baby was probably like WTH, and also wanted to protect you.
Like I said, I dont know the dog at all, he could be aggressive but when Rory and I are walking through town and encounter another big dog it is common courtesy to yell out if the otehr is nice or not. That is how I met half of her play buddies. I almost think that if it was a dog closer to your babe's size then maybe reactions all around may have been different. Again, I am on your side!
In the old days people would walk through trier nieghborhood making friends, letting the kids and dogs play,and a barking dog was a investment towards the safety of your family. Maybe writing them a note explaing that you have a actual fear of this dog might help mend nasty words that may have been spoken whether they were meant or not because the bottom line is that this cannot happen again. They may respect your side more if you approach them froma different angle. And think of the poor dogs life, they obviously have him locked in the backyard all day, no obediance, and know knoweldge of how there dog would react to a small guy. Its not the dog's fault, he's probably jealous to see your sweet pup getting routine walks. If he's not vicoious and just loud maybe sneak a couple of treats through the fence, he'll remember that!

spiritdogs

Posted : 6/5/2006 5:32:42 PM

Order a can of Direct Stop and take it with you on your walks. It will startle an approaching unleashed dog, but will not harm it. Report the incident to Animal Control - in case you aren't the only person this is happening to! For your safety, and your dog's it's safer to carry a walking stick and use it, than it is to use your leg to fend off a dog. Glad your baby is ok.

Benedict

Posted : 6/5/2006 5:35:53 PM

Others have given you better advice than I can here, but I would agree that you are definitely NOT nuts. Ben is still at the stage where everyone thinks he is adorable, but it won't always be that way. Anyone who directly or indirectly threatens my dog will get a whole lot more than an earful from me. And to me, personally, a dog owner who allows their dog to threaten mine is threatening my dog themselves, since it is wholly their responsibility to keep their animal under control.

Beth

Posted : 6/5/2006 5:43:13 PM

I really empathize with you. I'm so glad you are both OK.

I also have a cockapoo (1 12/) and ironically last night we had an incident. She is only about 11 lbs, long legs but still on the small side. We were walking & out of the corner of my eye I saw a large German Shep (mix?) starting to come out of the front door. I looked closely & saw it was with its owner & on a lease so I wasn't concerned. Well this dog darted out the door charging at us pulling the poor woman (petite) right down on the sidewalk. Within seconds there was chaos, dogs barking, growling, my dog squeling like she was being attacked. Not knowing if this dog would bite, I pulled Mickey up into my arms.The woman got up & came over (this all happened in a few seconds) saying she was saying I'm sorry over and over. I was asking her if she was OK, but she wouldn't answer me. She just said she had to go give something to someone, kept apologizing, and got her dog and walked away. I struggle with Mickey being afraid of big dogs. She loves people, and is interested in greeting dogs when we walk, but she's usually very shy. Since we have been "charged" by big dogs off leash about 5 times, she is really scared of big ones she doesn't know. I try not to coddle her, but what do you do when a dog is coming at you & you don't know if it's aggressive or not? Anyway, when I tried to examine her she flinched & yiped (which she doesn't do). I tried to help her shrug it off & have a nice walk, but she was shaken. When I checked her when we got home, she seemed fine, no visible bites, I think she may have just been nipped.

So sorry for the long post. I'd appreciate any advice on what we could have done differently. ? Thanks for sharing davidryan820 - again, glad you're OK.

zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa]

Posted : 6/5/2006 6:31:00 PM

mymickey,
I hear its not best to pick up your small dog if there really is a aggressive dog attacking you because teh aggressor will not take time out to distinguish whether its biting you or the dog. I'm afraid I dont know what else you are supposed to do in that scenario. Hopefully there are some tips from toher dog owners who can help out. It really is a tough battle between the lil ones and big ones. Seldom cana large dog approach a smaller one (nice or not) and get a positive reaction from the smaller dog, a lot tend to view alllarge dogs as a threat and the commotion begins. I'm not saying thisis what happened in your circumstance but owning a big dog I see this a lot.

Beth

Posted : 6/5/2006 6:54:12 PM

Thanks sheprano.
It makes sense what you're saying about not picking them up - it's also bad for her in the sense that it cements in her mind that there was something to be fearful of. On the other hand when a dog is charging at you, barking, not knowing if he's being playful or he is ready to attack, you feel threatened & in those nano-seconds it is mommy instinct to pick her up. I did notice that a couple of people posted about carrying a stick. It's a thought, I just hate to feel on the defense all the time. By the way I read your post about the importance of training and agree. She has been through the basics, but she's still full of puppy energy. She's 1 & 1/2 (made a typo on last post.). Thanks again.
P.S. My bro lives in Monterey-beautiful! I'm in So CA.

zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa]

Posted : 6/5/2006 7:28:28 PM

After I posted that last response I thought of what I'd do if that happened to us and I know for sure my first instinct would be to pick her up but I weigh 104 and she weighs 69lbs......hhhmmm dont think that would work out to well especially cause she would be trying to protect me and stand her ground......I hear what your saying about the stick, you dont want to come off as the paranoid lady of the neighborhood but in reality that may be the only defense you have against such a thing. The spray in a can sounds great, Ive never heard of it but if it works then thats a thought cuase you could put it in your back pocket and have another hand free. I really don't know what I'd do if that happened to me. Like I said in the above posts I'd have no chioce but to let my girl go to she didnt have a hindrance and could protect herself but that would be heartbreaking for me. I mean she is a pit bull and all but she's my baby! I think she could handle herself but with all the crap buzzing around she would be blamed regardless. I think the spray and a note might bdo the trick, oh and defintly report it. You can even tell teh officer that you are planning on writing them a note but that you wanted it on file incase something like that happens again.
Maybe write them and say that you arn't outright claiming their dog is vicious (whetehr he really is or not) but it can sure scare the heck outta someone. Its for the better of the dog and your neighborhood as a whole! Maybe try letting the dogs touch noses through the fence?

Firestorm

Posted : 6/5/2006 7:39:43 PM

Sheprano that may be your experience. My little SHih Tzu Harley is very friendly to other dogs LARGE, medium and small...He has yet to show ANY dog any agression. There are well socialized small dogs.
It almost sounds like some dog owners think like those who put pitbulls in the dangerouse dog category. Alot of the dogs who have social problems have not been properly exposed and trained therefore it falls on the owner and not the size or breed of dog.
OP glad your dog is ok....I thought there were leash laws across the country.

Beth

Posted : 6/5/2006 7:44:05 PM

ORIGINAL: sheprano

After I posted that last response I thought of what I'd do if that happened to us and I know for sure my first instinct would be to pick her up but I weigh 104 and she weighs 69lbs......
That gave me a little chuckle just picturing this.
I'll give some thought to the can or stick.
, oh and defintly report it.
Good idea for the future. In this case, the dog was on the leash, and I felt bad for the lady. Then again, sounds like the same ratio as you, small human, large dog & you obviously know how to handle your baby. We live in an association where they're supposed to be on leashes (besides the fact that it's the law)! and for any instances that come up from now where I see off-leash dogs, 'll report it to the association...at least.
Thanks again.

zsrg;lb ksr'pfjsoprej dfsg;va bjpskopa]

Posted : 6/5/2006 7:51:34 PM

ORIGINAL: Firestorm

Sheprano that may be your experience. My little SHih Tzu Harley is very friendly to other dogs LARGE, medium and small...He has yet to show ANY dog any agression. There are well socialized small dogs.
It almost sounds like some dog owners think like those who put pitbulls in the dangerouse dog category. Alot of the dogs who have social problems have not been properly exposed and trained therefore it falls on the owner and not the size or breed of dog.
OP glad your dog is ok....I thought there were leash laws across the country.

I love your sly wording there, very diplomatic of you. I'm truly apologize if you read my post incorrectly and thought that I was putting all small dogs in one category, it was a observation.....just as you have yours! It goes around in circles just like MyMickey could easily relate her story to the size of my dog and I that dosnt mean she assumes I dont have control over my dog. Its hard to communicate on here without the use of body language or facial expressions so our words can take on undertones not intended. Its matter of sharing all of our experiences and sympathizing with others so that when we are out in public we can put ourselves in the shoes (or paw) of others!