Should I Report This? Or Let It Go.. Update: She Came Back

[black magic]

How is your arm today?

[charli73]

Just out of interest, once the incident is reported to the ranger/council, what then?

Do they find the owner and fine her, give her a lecture, get her to pay your medical bills or does it all revolve around how far you being injured wants to take the matter?

Im just curious as to how much you can do and what rights the council has to get the owner to make changes?

Ah yes, the big question. Depends on the ranger and the council and how much they care.

So you mean there is a chance once the ranger investigates they have the all the power, its not upto the person who reported it in the first place whether to go ahead?

[Diva]

So you mean there is a chance once the ranger investigates they have the all the power, its not upto the person who reported it in the first place whether to go ahead?

I would think that is how it is, and also how it should be. They may take the views of the offended party into account. But they are not acting for the one person who made the complaint, they would be acting because of a breach of the law and taking whatever action is prescribed by the law. I doubt a ranger can make anyone pay medical costs either, that would be for a court.

[lovemesideways]

I personally probably wouldn't report a dog that bit me while I was breaking up a dog fight, since I think most dogs could redirect and bite a person in those circumstances. When you step in between two fighting dogs, getting bitten is just a risk you take.

I agree with this. I don't know whether it would stop me reporting it but you do have to take some personal responsibility for getting involved in a dog fight. It doesn't mean the dog is human aggressive, more that you got in the way. Sounds like the owner needs a kick up the ass though.

Yeah, I agree. Won't stop me reporting though.

Its not the fact that the dog bit me that I makes me want to report this.

I agree that if you jump into a dog fight, theres a chance you will get bitten. Its never the dogs fault either, its the owners.

The fact that the owner did nothing about it is what really bothers me. She didn't even attempt to apologise or control her dog at all. Completely ignoring something that has happened right in front of her.

The dog has done this numerous times, to other dogs that where behaving well on lead. If I did intervene in a fight, its the owners responsibility to pay for any damages that her dog caused. Whether that be to me or another dog. She did the opposite, was rude, and then left.

I then confronted Jess's owner. Very politely. I told her that she needed to deal with her dogs issues because I know this is not the first situation shes caused

I don't understand why you were letting the dog play with Jess if you knew that she might escalate her behaviour?

Get some arnica for that bruise and start putting it on now and hopefully you might be able to reduce some of the swelling and pain

If you read the first post, they weren't playing. Rocky was playing fetch and Jess attacked him.

How is your arm today?

Fantastic coloured bruise! I'll have to take another photo.

Feeling much better though. Thank you for asking!

[Tim'sMum]

Arrggghhh. I go to that off leash park sometimes (it's 5 minutes from me) and there are so many dogs...dogs get over stimulated in a way because there can be so many dogs there at one time.

I notice groups of people happily chatting away and not watching theiir dogs too much.

Sorry you had a rotten experience.

[Adnil444]

Edit to add: The dog park is in Frenchs forest, its the Frenchs Forest Showground.

That park is renowned for blues, there are way too many dogs there at peak times.

I've found the oval at St Ives to be really good. Most of the people who go there for training or agility use it so they are very dog savvy and not ignorant about any issues their dogs have. It doesn't ever get very busy, I know it's that bit further away for you though.

I would report it for sure.

Hi Clyde, is the St Ives oval open at all times or is it restricted to different times? I know that there are horse shows on there at different times, but wasn't sure if it was open at other times. There is also a smaller enclosed area, is this for the smaller dogs?

The oval is always open as such but if there is a horse event then they take precedent. There are now fenced off areas over near the training area too which is great for people whose dogs might not come back! So there are about 4 options there, the only time you might luck out is a Saturday avo if there's horse stuff and dog training going on. AFAIK there is no small dog/big dog area but as there is rarely that many people there it's easy to avoid either/or.

Thanks Clyde, I'll give it a try, it is a bit further but if it is safer it is worth it. I went to Frenchs Forest today but got there early before the crowd and it was great - only a handful there. BTW I'm the owner of Rocky and Rosie who were involved in the attack yesterday. Poor Rocky is so not aggressive, he just wants to run around with his ball (he doesn't let go of his slobbery ball) and he has never been in a fight before. Rosie (also not aggressive in anyway) defended him which under the circumstances is natural. All very distressing for all concerned and especially as lovemesideways ended up getting bitten.

[ILK]

I probably would report it, so there was a record - but mainly because the owner gave you mouth when you tried to discuss it with you.

Your arm looks to me as if the dog's teeth grazed it, rather than a full on bite, and it is probable that the dog did not intend to bite you - but it seems that he was threatening you, which is almost as bad, and very frightening. Hope you are ok. Not a nice thing to happen

Also, what is a "full on attack" in your book?

This sounds to me as if it was not really an attack, just an over active, example of a herding breed wanting a bit of a rumble.

I hope an ACO will go and speak to her as the dog does need some training and manners.

And the situation doesn't need to acelerate

Yeah she did not bite me, she lunged but I moved so I'm assuming her teeth grazed and did not sink in. I do think she was going for me though, When I stopped Rosie, she jumped for the nearest target. I just happened to be it. Wrong place wrong time. Was certainly not fun but I am ok, thanks for the concern .

If the owner had been apologetic and taken responsibility I wouldn't have had a problem. Instead she was quite rude, even to the point of actually The way she acted is the problem.

A "full on attack" is when a dog goes in, intent on damaging the other dog. Its when they're intent on creating a fight.

example of a herding breed wanting a bit of a rumble.

Do you really think the a dog will fight just cause it wants "a bit of a rumble"? I think that dog fights are caused for a variety of reasons, but wanting "a bit of a rumble" isn't one of them. A bit of a rumble for me is rough play. Not a fight. but that of course is just my opinion

My idea of whats happened in this case, is a frustrated working breed with no real outlet .

If she is continuously brought to the park I'm certain that her behaviour will only get worse.

d wo

I am very curious as to what you think a frustrated working breed is and certainly a bit of a rumble does not incur a human arm injury.

[WillowGirl]

I would report it. I have been reported for less. eg. My dog barking through a fence and scaring the neighbours.

Ranger came around pointing outside saying is that your dog. I nearly had a heart attack. Mine was in the backyard minding his own business though, of course. Come to find that the dog that was roaming around was the neighbours dog that complained about mine. Ahhh the injustice of it all........

Anyway, those kinds of people who dont control their dogs make it hard for everyone else and are the reason I don't take my dog to parks like that. That and the fact that Zeus' size/look makes us a target for trouble.

Hope the arm heals up. My mums pup nips when she gets excited and I had one similar (though not as big) on my leg not long ago. Boy was I wild. lol.

[lovemesideways]

I am very curious as to what you think a frustrated working breed is and certainly a bit of a rumble does not incur a human arm injury.

When I say a frustrated working breed. I mean a breed who is made for work, such as this kelpie cross. With no outlet for anything.

Definition of Frustration is "a feeling of dissatisfaction, often accompanied by anxiety or depression, resulting from unfulfilled needs or unresolved problems."

I believe that dogs, especially the highly active breeds such as this kelpie cross, need a job to do.

[Tim'sMum]

I am very curious as to what you think a frustrated working breed is and certainly a bit of a rumble does not incur a human arm injury.

When I say a frustrated working breed. I mean a breed who is made for work, such as this kelpie cross. With no outlet for anything.

Definition of Frustration is "a feeling of dissatisfaction, often accompanied by anxiety or depression, resulting from unfulfilled needs or unresolved problems."

I believe that dogs, especially the highly active breeds such as this kelpie cross, need a job to do.

As the owner of a Kelpie X (probably GSD) I do have to agree. They are highly intelligent and active dogs. Many dogs were bred as working dogs, not just the herding dogs such as Kelpie's, Bordie Collies etc. and although any dog needs mental stimulation as well as exercise, Kelpies probably need just that little bit more mental stimulation....which is why they can have problems when left in a suburban backyard much of the time...barking, digging etc..

The excitement of a dog park, with so many other dogs around can be overwhelming and overstimulating to a Kelpie who is possibly bored the rest of the day, or week.....which may be the situation with this dog? The owner however should have apologised to you and accepted that her dog's behaviour was at fault.

Tim, my Kelpie X loves the Frenchs Forest dog park. He is very sociable with other dogs and is pretty much ball addicted so between ball chasing, he happily blends with 'the pack'. The only problem I have had there was a GR who insisted on humping him as we were trying to leave through the gate...Tim objected. The owner was nowhere to be seen and I pushed the GR away with my ball thrower.

I actually have more a problem with my Staffy, Danni. I keep her on lead usually, as she finds it a bit overwhelming. One lady asked me why I brought my 'aggressive' dog there because she had her hackles up. My response...."Ummm.....when she is intimidated by so many dogs and unsure of herself, and when we first arrive she has her hackles up (she settles down after about 20 minutes)....which is why I have her beside me on a short lead and away from the big packs of people and dogs." We go for Tim's sake more than Danni's. She would be happy just walking the streets, which we do on days when they don't go to the park, but Tim needs more exercise...and it is a safe fenced enclosure to throw a ball for him.

A friend, who lives two streets away from me and has 2 BCs, now always drives up to St Ives....and finds it better, with more 'dog savvy' people there as Clyde mentioned. I haven't been there so can't give an opinion.

Edited May 2, 2010 by Tim'sMum

[poodlefan]

Report it.

Don't take balls to crowded dog parks either. It's asking for trouble. If your friend wants to use a ball, she needs to find a quieter place.

[lovemesideways]

Update!

I have called Warringah Council and reported the incident. I also emailed them a full report of the incident along with some photos of the mark on my arm. Apparently I should expect a response within 10 days. They have my number and I asked them to call me if there was any news.

[persephone]

Well done .

[lovemesideways]

SHE CAME AGAIN.

I can't believe she brought her dog back after what happened on Saturday. She brought her daughter along too.

Within 2 minutes of arriving the dog (Who's name is actually Bella, and is a border collie x kelpie) had attacked another kelpie. Thankfully there was no one injured this time. She looked very shaken because her daughter almost got bitten pulling Bella off the kelpie she attackd, and I believe she actually listened to me when I talked to her.

I told her the name of a trainer, got her phone number and texted it too her. Told her she needed to do something about this and that was that.

Will see if she actually does, at least I have her name and number now if need be.

[all that glitters]

Oh my god, where are some peoples friggin brain cells!?!?!??? WHy the heck would she bring an aggressive dog back to a dog park At least you have her name and number, hmm handy!!

[ellz]

Now that you have her name and number, and given that you had the dogs' name wrong initially, I'd be inclined to forward that information to the council so that their investigation is made a little easier.

[Cody]

Any update on this?