Never been so scared

[Rottielover]

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Last evening before I picked up my daughter from school, Harley and I stopped at a dog park where I knew no one would be. To work on retrieving, and coming when called. For 10 mins, all was great, happy doggie.
Then someone came in. Before then unleashed there dog ( pitbull mix) I asked how he was with other dogs, because Harley is great, very friendly, and non dominant, I was not worried. The guy mid 20's responded he is great with them. My fault I should have left, But I trusted him. Dog showed no signs of dominance, or aggression from opposite side of fence.
So here where it gets really scary. Haley was running for the ball I threw. He did not even have a chance to get to the ball before the dog lunged for harley's throat. I ran to my baby's side, who was not fighting back, just protecting himself. I was screaming and crying, the guy just stood there, did not try to help. Finally I kicked the dog so hard, I think I might have cracked something, I did not care. My baby was getting hurt. The dog came back at Harley, As I was pulling harley away the dog lunged again, this time missing harley, and getting my Arm. I am ok, he let go. I kicked the dog again ( very hard. Ran with Harley to the door and got out of there. Screaming and crying at the same time.
I am never going back.
I decribed the dog to the city, and someone else has reported the dog, for aggression issues. Why in the hell would you say the dog was great with other dogs, well knowing it attacked another.

I am in shock still. I brought Harley into the vet right after it happened and got him checked out. He is ok, only a few little punture wounds. They said he did not need his rabies shot because he is up to date with it, just to watch for possible infection......
As soon as we picked up my daughter, thank god she was not there. Harley played to forget the whole thing, Seeing my daughter brought him back to happy land........
My moral of this incident is never trust another dog, and there owner unless you know them well.

[mesaana]

I can only imagine how you felt! I am so glad Harley is ok... And you, of course!

Some people should be shot!

[happycats]

OMG that must have been so scarey for both of you!!
But I honestly think this guy knew what his dog was all about, and wanted this to happen!! To see if his dog could "take" a rottie!!
I know that sounds crazy, but since the guy lied and did nothing when his dog attacked, I believe this is exactly what he wanted, and intended!!
He is probably some young idiot, who has no balls, so gets a dog to be tough, because he is a wimp and needs a tough dog to feel like a BIG man!!
Unfortunately the only one who will pay, will be that dog! And thats exactly why pits get a bad rap, because of idiot owners like him!

[angie79]

Rottie may i ask what dog park it was??
just so others might know where this dog goes to look out for this man

and i wouldn't want my little guy in the same situation

thank god harley is alright and you as well..

[glasslass]

Think of it this way, some of the worst serial killers were very personable-like Bundy? If this guy did this intentionally, that's what he is, a serial killer using his dog as his weapon. Most of them started torturing animals. I notice he also did nothing to stop his dog when he attacked you. I hope the city takes this very seriously and finds this guy. And yes, the poor dog will get the brunt of it. He probably gets positive reinforcement every time something happens. The attacks will get worse.

[BernerLver]

I am sorry that you and your dog had to endure this and am very hapy to hear you both came away with no serious injuries.

I have also experienced a situation (althought no nearly as terrifying) where I was stunned at another owner's failure to act at a dog park.

It makes me angry that my dog will miss out on being able to go and have fun at a dog park because of other irresponsible owners but if that's what I have to do to keep my dog safe then like it our not that is what I have to do.

[Prin]

It's good that you managed to boot the doggy off. What a psycho to just stand there. I hope Harley doesn't have an issue with anybody after that.

[Mrs Bungle]

My friends dog (ridgeback) was also attacked by a pitbull in the beaches area, actually on the beach, and the owner couldnt control it, aparantly it was quite viscious too, there was alot of blood on both dogs, but the ridgeback was able to defend itself pretty well aparantly and get away........

[Rottielover]

It was at centenial park in D.D.O. So far so good with Harley. He came out with a few minor cuts, nothing serious. I think it did more damage to me than to him.

[cpietra16]

OMG I have met Harley and I could actually picture his reaction....he's so sweet. I am so happy he's Ok. It's awful that the idiot had to put you in that position. I am glad to hear you got out of it with no major injuries. Please give Harley a huge hug from me. Winnie and I...and the kids hope to see you soon.

[StaceyB]

You need to get him out and meet some nice dogs to play with. He may have come out of it with just a few cuts but it may have done some damage to his trust of other dogs.

[wdawson]

Everyone needs to be carefull when coming in contact with any new dog (young or old) and i mean dogs and owners . today while out for a walk with my pit\lab cross who had his muzzle,coat and booties on we came upon an elderly gent with an english bull dog (8 mths ) mine is 7 mths he asked if my dog is ok with other dogs and i said he was ( muzzle must have scared him i guess) anyway he said his dog was social and we let the pups sniff for a couple minutes then all of a sudden this beautiful pup lunged at my muzzled pup, only damage was a ripped jacket ...........but you never know.....regardless of breed........i could have called animal control but did not due too the fact i have a pit cross and i really want to be on some report , in hindsight i should have because this dog may inflict some real damage someday but on the other hand this may have been an isolated incident and this poor animal does not need to go through what my animal is going through........just my 2 cents...........ban the deed not the breed.

[twodogsandacat]

Originally Posted by StaceyB

You need to get him out and meet some nice dogs to play with. He may have come out of it with just a few cuts but it may have done some damage to his trust of other dogs.

Absolutely and it’s not just Harley – it’s you too.

When it happened to Dalton with a Jack Russell he developed hatred for all but one Jack Russell – no big deal he’s too big to play with them anyway. Then it happened with a Shepherd. I took it badly and started getting nervous when off leash dogs approached us, he picked up on it. He started getting nervous when off leash dogs approached us.

Tonight - in the dark - a Shepherd came running up to us. I told Dalton to sit until it turned around and left – but for half a minute there I was pretty worried.

Originally Posted by Mrs Bungle

My friends dog (ridgeback) was also attacked by a pitbull in the beaches area, actually on the beach, and the owner couldnt control it, aparantly it was quite viscious too, there was alot of blood on both dogs, but the ridgeback was able to defend itself pretty well aparantly and get away........

Where I walk a lab attacked a rigdeback - and the lab won. The lab owner paid the bill without hesitation – probably because the ridgeback owner worked for the SPCA which does animal control in the city.

[K9Friend]

Originally Posted by StaceyB

You need to get him out and meet some nice dogs to play with. He may have come out of it with just a few cuts but it may have done some damage to his trust of other dogs.

So true. Get some friendly dogs ASAP to play with your Rottie!

Sorry this happened to you. Pit Bull people are going to hate for me saying this - but I keep my dog away from all pit bulls in a dog park. I just won't take a chance. I've met some great pit bulls but if they're strange to me - I won't let my dog play with them and usually end up leaving. There are too many macho freaks that own them unfortunately. I feel the same way about Mastiffs too. :sad:

[wdawson]

Originally Posted by K9Friend

So true. Get some friendly dogs ASAP to play with your Rottie!

Sorry this happened to you. Pit Bull people are going to hate for me saying this - but I keep my dog away from all pit bulls in a dog park. I just won't take a chance. I've met some great pit bulls but if they're strange to me - I won't let my dog play with them and usually end up leaving. There are too many macho freaks that own them unfortunately. I feel the same way about Mastiffs too. :sad:

k9friend
did you read my post.....should i keep my dog away from all english bull dogs ? in my opinion it is that kind of attitude that has given all of us responsable pit owners and mastiff owners a bad rap and subjected us to discrimination.........how would you feel if tomorrow you had to muzzle,spay\neuter and keep your dog on a short leash ? i do not condone what has happened here but please read my post before you cast judgment on all pits and mastiffs.

[K9Friend]

Sorry Wayne - it's my choice. IMO - the pitbulls that I have met at the dog park are mostly owned by young males. Yes, I keep my dog away from them and their dogs. Why - cuz the bite of a pitbull will do more damage than that of a jack russell. Get my point? FYI - I'm against the pit bull ban or any ban of any dog for that matter.

Wayne - keep fighting for what you believe in - we need more responsible pit bull owners like yourself but until then - I won't let my dog play with a pit bull. :sad:

[Rottielover]

Just to give you all an update on Harley, all is well, he had another play date with winnie, and cpeitra's children. Harley came out of this unscarred, emotionally, and physically. I am so happy to have a dog like him. But the poor guy seems to always get bullied. He is such a push over, LOL. I rather that than a bully.

[PEDPA]

Just in regards to that, as I am trying to open my own dog park here in Ontatrio, I have spoken to a lot of people about what you can and can't control in a park. I was told that if an aggressive dog is in the park, you can report the owners plates to the police and city and if he returns, he is asked to leave, if returning once more, apparently the city will issue a no tresspassing warning to the owner and then after that any violations are breaking the law and proper punishment will be given.

You would think people would be smarter than that. If you know you're dog is aggressive, why bring them to a park where you risk having your dog get put to sleep? For Sh#@ts and giggles to watch your dog fight? Well I can't understand it but I guess in todays society there are alot of things I dont get. I am sooo glad that your pups ok though!

I watched my friends dog get visciously attacked by two pitbulls and he was a BIG rotti and hislittle collie girlfriend had major damages from the same two dogs. Pitty what goes on these days.

Was there any follow up on the attack?

~Caspars mom~

[StaceyB]

I am happy to hear that he had a good play date which is great for his social well being but unfortunately you won't really see how this incident has affected him until you meet up with a strange dog.

[Rottielover]

there are strange dogs walking around my place all the time, he is fine, still a great heel, and never a peep. I just have a very sturdy dog. Thank god. Love him to pieces,. SPCA will not do anything, they will not release any info. All they said is next time get his licence plate #, and report to police, and the city

[Lucky Rescue]

Sorry for what happened to Harley. This is why dog parks aren't a good idea. But anyway....

the pitbulls that I have met at the dog park are mostly owned by young males.

Pit bulls do NOT belong in dog parks when they are past the age of 5 months. Ever. For any reason. Period. Anyone who takes one there is either irresponsible, ignorant, delusional ("I watch my dog/I KNOW my dog!!") or all three.

[Luvmypit]

I agree Deb!

But at the same time I hope KP friend that you are that cautious with every breed of dog because that is when things happen. You may feel more comfortable with the lovely Lab approaching your dog while worrying about the pit bull approaching and find yourself very shocked and taken out of that comfort zone pretty quick. That is the only thing I worry about with people is that they think if its not a pit bull I don't need to worry. Big mistake and creates a serious false sense of security. Just like the pit bull ban itself. You should be that cautious and not more so with any breed that approaches.

[K9Friend]

Luvmypit: Trust me, I am very cautious with any dog that approaches my dog. It's all about reading dog signals too!

[SchnauzerGirl]

I also get really anxious when I go to the local dog park because I don't know what to look for with dog signals. Anyone care to enlighten me re: aggressive signals?

[divinecalamity]

I feel somewhat on the fence regarding dog parks. Although dog paks are a good sociallizing place for young dogs, puppies, they are also a very artificial situation. You put dogs together that have different places with in their "pack" with their "pack" leaders and they just seem to get confused. I personally only toke my dogs as young pups to add in socializing. As far as pitbulls at the dog park, many may be great, but I will not take my amstaff, did not take my past pitbull or will not take any future pitbull due to the genetics of the breed. These dogs were originally bred to fight other dogs and although they may live their entire lives without even the hint of a dog fight to deny their genetics is unfair to the dog. Many may disagree. I love pitbulls and will always have one but I will avoid such situations as a pitbull may not start the fight but they do know how to end it. I hope I never made anyone mad with this....this is just my opinion.

[divinecalamity]

just to clarify to my previous post, i do not agree with pitbull bans and I do not believe that bully breeds are mean...in fact I think they are one of the best breeds of dogs, just with a bad rap...ok..i clarified...know one thinks I am some pitbull hater.....i hope....

[Lucky Rescue]

As far as pitbulls at the dog park, many may be great, but I will not take my amstaff, did not take my past pitbull or will not take any future pitbull due to the genetics of the breed. These dogs were originally bred to fight other dogs and although they may live their entire lives without even the hint of a dog fight to deny their genetics is unfair to the dog. Many may disagree. I love pitbulls and will always have one but I will avoid such situations as a pitbull may not start the fight but they do know how to end it. I hope I never made anyone mad with this....this is just my opinion.

I wish more people would think the way you do!

I love my pit bull too, and would never do anything to jeopardize her life, or the safety of other dogs. I've never been to a dog park and will never be in one. No one has any control there and it's just not worth it.

Anyone care to enlighten me re: aggressive signals?

Staring, body blocking, stiff-legged gait, turning sideways (to look bigger) one dog putting it's head over the neck of another, humping and of course growling are all some signs of aggression.

[LM1313]

Also, if a dog holds its tail very high and stiff as it slowly waves it.

~LM~

[Prin]

And holding the neck up as vertical as the doggy can.
Oh and don't forget the hair raising on the back.

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by divinecalamity

As far as pitbulls at the dog park, many may be great, but I will not take my amstaff, did not take my past pitbull or will not take any future pitbull due to the genetics of the breed. These dogs were originally bred to fight other dogs and although they may live their entire lives without even the hint of a dog fight to deny their genetics is unfair to the dog.

That is sage advice...