Dog attack, what to do?
 

What a rotten day!! Today started out well, the sun was shining and it was warm, the perfect way to start a day. Well then I decide to take the dogs to the off leash dog park. My mom went with me. She had Daisy (border collie mix) and I took Destiny and Trixie.

It was going well, the dogs were having a blast playing with the other dogs there. There were bigger dogs there so I wouldn't let Destiny down until they left because it is too much of a risk for a 5lb dog. Then a couple comes in with a chi, a puppy (some small breed) and a pitbull. They immediately set the chi down to go about its way. Within minutes a medium size dog goes after the chi. They got the dogs separated thankfully no harm done. It should have ended there but the male owner was livid. Started threatening them, called the cops. Threatening them that he was going to have their dog put to sleep and then calls his pitbull over and tells it to attack the dog!!:eek::mad: Thankfully the other dog owners got their dog out before anything else happened because I will tell you the pitbull was twice the size of the medium sized dog.

We decide to leash Daisy as we didn't want her involved. So we are waiting there sitting on the bench because they happen to be blocking the only exit. Then, this couple's puppy comes over to where we are sitting. Daisy sniffs the little puppy and the puppy's protector (the pitbull) goes after Daisy!! I knew it was going to happen because I am constantly reading their body language but as I was saying pull her back the dog attacks, there wasn't enough time to divert the attack. Of course Daisy fights back, who wouldn't? The guy wasn't grabbing his dog, I had my small dogs with me and didn't want them to get in on the fight because sometimes a frenzy will happen where all dogs will get involved and Destiny could have easily gotten killed if I had not had her on my lap.

I know how to separate a dog fight but Daisy was being wedged under the bench and this dog was coming full on. So I did what you're never suppose to, I got in the middle and pulled the other dog off. Luckily I got the other dog off with only a few minor bites that just barely broke the skin. But then the male owner comes over and starts threatening us saying it was Daisy's fault. Went so far as to say he was going to call over friends to mess us up. Really?!

So what should I do? We waited there for over an hour for the cops to show up, they never did and what do you expect on memorial weekend? So I just got his info so I could have proof that his dog at least had his rabies since I was bit.

I am so angry because he had the nerve to say it was Daisy's fault. Daisy was freaking leashed, his dog came to us and started the fight!! Daisy was just sniffing the puppy, the puppy wasn't even scared, it was a friendly mutual greeting. I want this guy banned from the park. Clearly he trains his dog to attack any dog that pertains a threat to his small ones and I feel that is a threat to the public. How can you take your dog to a public place having trained it to be so protective and to attack on command? I don't think there would have been an incident had it been just Daisy and the pitbull but the pit felt it had to protect it's family member.

For the record, I love pitbulls, it is their stupid owners that screw them up. I'm sorry this is so long, I am just so angry at this guy, is there anything I can do to make sure his dog isn't allowed in public or atleast not allowed to bring his pit and another of his dogs at the same time? I really wish they had a separate area, one for big dogs and one for small dogs.

I hate conflict with a passion but I am really worried that other dog owners pets who go to this park are in danger.

Is Daisy okay?!? That's so scary!!

Yes she is fine. She isn't your average border collie because she is mixed with something big. So she is about 85lbs, the pit was taller but I would say they were equal in weight. I was able to separate them before any harm was done to either dog.

I just thank God that Daisy was there and was the one involved not the others. What if Trixie was the one sniffing the puppy? Trixie is only 15lbs still a lot bigger than that puppy but the pit would have easily killed her.

That is just too terrifying! I can't imagine how you were feeling.:mad:

Glad everyone is okay. Did you get checked by a doctor? This is the reason I don't go to dog parks.

I just love dog parks..................
Do you or your babies REALLY need this type of socializing???? Thank God the attacking dog did not get ahold of your baby..........

I used to take my bigger dog Kiki to the dog park. I don't anymore though because there was constantly dogs fighting then owners fighting and it was just too much. I recently found out though that there's a few dog parks here for small dogs only, I might take Sasha and Binky one day and see how it is.

Anyway, I'm really glad no one was seriously injured. I'd definitely reconsider going back, unless you find a way to get that guy banned.

Isnt there a sign that says aggressive breeds are not allowed? The only park I ever took Carley to, there was a sign. And it was enforced. I would be stopping by the police dept to make a report, just in case this guy comes around again. Threatening you?!?!? What a JERK! I probably wouldnt have been able to control myself! Clearly he teaches his animals to be just like him, calling the bigger guys for back up instead of settling matters himself.
You need to get checked out, and file a report! Also, let the local animal control know about the incident, so maybe if there are no signs at the dog park, some can be put in place. A dog park is for FRIENDLY dogs, not mean bullies (no offense against the breed).

Socializing no but exercise yes. We took Daisy and Trixie for the exercise. We only have about 3/4 an acre so not much running room for a big dog and both are big runners. This was a big fenced area that gave them advantage to fully run which is just wonderful to see. They spent most of the time running and loving every second of it. We've had lots of great experiences at dog parks, most owners are responsible and dogs are well behaved. It is a shame that one person can ruin it for the rest of us.

Destiny was just there because she threw a fit that I wasn't taking her. She was in my arms the entire time except when it was just her and a golden retriever puppy in there. When it happened she was in my arms and I pushed her onto the bench beside me so I could grab the other dog. I didn't dare trust her on the ground with big dogs around and I think that was the chi owner's biggest mistake thinking their little ones could be safe running around with unknown dogs 5x bigger than them.

I don't know if we will ever go back but Destiny will never go there again, even being in my arms is too much of a risk and I shouldn't have let her guilt me into in the first place.

I would never go to a dog park that didn't have separate areas one for big dogs and one for small dogs. Our two dog parks have signs that say no pit bulls. I personally would file a report with the police and if you go again and see the guy pack up and leave. No offense to pits but its not just them but certain dogs I will not let around Callie and the puppy pits scare me worse then the adult ones because they don't know there own strength and there was a pit puppy that came in the small breed section and I picked up Callie an we left. That guy is trouble and needs the cops called on him. I would also see a doctor about the bites to have proof in case you need it no matter how bad the bites where.

Yes and there seems like there is always one around! YOU need to have the bites seen if they broke the skin...you at least need a tetanus shot if you havent had one in the last 5 years....I would report the dog to Animal Control....I am just thankful he didnt get your little dog.....that could have been a horrifying site....

:thumbup::thumbup:

Are you ok? I would have left the park and drove to the police station. I would tell them the whole story including the people before. It should not matter what day it is the police should have come. I would definitely have those bites looked at. I feel so bad what happened

Oh my gosh! How scary! What a shame the cops never showed up. Wonder how many other times this guy has done this. I think I would avoid going to that park again.

I know a lot of people like dog parks but akso know of 2 dogs killed at them. One,a chi was hit by a car when someone let her out of the fenced area. Another a 5 lb maltese was attacked by aussie mix. The next day and almost $2000 later the poor baby died. No sympathy from the owner. Her opinion was that the maltese was too small nd noisy. He dog didn't like that. Why were they there with a dog that doesn't like other dogs. I'm so sorry this happened to you and am glad your dogs are alright. I'm sure there are good parks but am not willing to risk injury or illness. Also as others have said get your bites checked. I was bitten by a chi in a training class( not my dog) and ended up having cellulitis needing surgery to drain it, daily packing and lost 3 weeks of work.

I don't go to dog parks.When I go to parks and big dogs go after my dog I Spray them. The owners get mad threaten to call the Cops I always say go ahead I will wait right here. But I'm fired up and not a female. Some ppl are just rude

I can't blame you for stepping in. I think at a certain point your maternal (yes, it works for fur babies too -- at least in my case!) instinct kicks in, and you just want to protect your baby. I can't believe how well you handled the situation (calmly) because I would have been absolutely livid and probably been screaming and escalating the situation. I'm normally a reserved, quiet person, but when it comes to my dog ... That's another story entirely. The sun rises and sets on Ms. Nilla!
I don't know what I would do in this type of situation ... We don't have a dog park in our area (small town), so I've never seen a scenario like this one. I do agree with what everyone is saying and contact the police. Good thinking to take the guy's information. You never know, he may be fighting that pit bull, as much as I hate to say it. Even in a small town like ours, I've still heard you have to be careful who you adopt a pit to because there are supposedly ... I guess they're fighting rings? Around here. It's disgusting.

If nothing else, I hope that whomever maintains the park will do something about this. Having separate areas for large / small dogs or something would be wonderful. Banning specific breeds ... I guess I have mixed feelings on that. I would assume someone will take action though. For one thing, you were injured by the dog. That dog and owner shouldn't be allowed on the premises. It would take an awfully sturdy fence to restrain a pit bull with a vengeance. I'm not discriminating against the breed, my hubby has a lab/pit who is the sweetest ever, but he could break you with those pit muscles! Strong dogs.

I feel so badly for you ... I hate to hear something like this happened. Snuggle Destiny and Trixie extra tight, and do the same to Daisy next time you see her! I am sure your mother was mortified. From your message, I'm assuming that Daisy belongs to her? If they live with you, feel free to do the snuggling now. :-P I'm happy that the pups are okay, and I hope your battle scars fade quickly. Do go and get a tetanus shot! My husband had to do this when a friend's dog bit him.

You most DEFINITELY need to file a police report & animal control. That idiot is dangerous as I'm sure you have concluded by now. I'm so glad you & your babies are all okay. What a terrifying experience. Pls also have those bites ckd out too. Keep us posted on the outcome.

Definitely and take pictures of your hands and take to police

:( I'm so sorry you went though this! I've thought about taking mine to several dog events here, but thought it through to the scenario you just went through and didn't go.
Too many pits around that are a little aggressive ;), too many owners that will defend their aggressive dogs... For me, it's just not a good idea.

I would have been scared to death!! Thnk goodness you and your dog weren't hurt.

I like to walk my dogs but I don't go to the gated ones. We do have a couple really nice ones here that both have small and large dog areas. I have a couple times let them in but there haven't been any other dogs around.

Personally, I just don't like the fact that all people don't clean up after their dogs and who knows what the other dogs are carrying. Seems when they are set loose in there they go straight to check out the other dogs poop. :eek: It is a lot easier if you're on a leash walking to keep them away from other droppings.

that's crazy poor Daisy and you. That just makes me mad on how people act, its terrible. I 'm just glad you guys are ok. :)

Actually responsible pitbull owners never go to dog parks we know better! No matter how well behaved or trained a pitbull is to allow a pitbull off leash with other dogs you have not history with is irresponsibly. That guys should have NEVER been there! I hope you are ok!

Thanks everyone for the support!!
Here is Trixie and Annabelle enjoying the park to themselves before all the drama happened. How is it fair that one guy can take this from us?

I did go to the doctors and got a tetanus shot and they had me file out a dog bite report. I then went to the police to put on record what happened. The officer took our statements and said they would be sent to the health department and our local dog warden/humane society. Who will then meet the owners and their dog and behavior test it so whether it should be deemed as a viscous dog or not. I'm hoping it is because it would then be required to wear a muzzle if they take it out of their home. Anyways I will continue to follow up with them and hope something is done about it. I'm not going to let this easily drop. We all have the right to go a dark park without the worry of coming across a dog that is trained to hurt other dogs.

The officer wasn't much help. She said she knows of him, that he lives in a nice neighbor hood and didn't have a yard to train his dog to do something like that? Since when do you need a yard to train a dog to be aggressive?

Did you get the names and numbers of any witnesses maybe the officer needs to talk to them to.