Dog Attack

[Jack@sandysmum]

We have a 6mth old retreiver x named Jack. My OH and 9yr old were taking him for a walk yesterday ( he was leashed) when another dog who had escaped from his yard tried to attack him. It was very distressing, my 9yr old came home in tears, but thankfully Jack was ok. Apparently when this other dog tried to attack Jack wasn't trying to get away and was growling and standing his ground ( he is a very BIG 6 MO). We didn't take our pup to puppy pre-school and the first time he had seen another dog since leaving the litter he tried to run in the other direction ( it was a maltese (fenced) and was quite funny at the time to see a dog 4 times the size running away scared). Why did he react differently this time?

As for the attacking dog, my OH was defending himself, the dog and my son, I was wondering what the law is, whether he could be charged with cruelty (he was using his feet and sticks to get the dog away), or whether he was trying to defend himself and others from harm ( as far as I know the other dog was not injured in any way and the owners were also quite aggressive towards the dog to stop him attacking). To be honest I am quite angry ( I won't swear!) This dog is capable of hurting not just other animals but humans too, and I am quite angry with the owners, the dog has obviously learnt the wrong things. Who do you report this too?

Any suggestions/opinions/comments would be great!

BTW he didn't get to go for a walk today, and I feel bad, but there is no way I am going without my OH!

[Nekhbet]

You wont be charged with cruelty unless your OH used unreasonable force towards the animal (eg grabbing a stick and belting it to unconciousness, causing internal bleeding or something horrific like that)

Call the ranger and council NOW. This dog should be reported, if it wasnt your pup then your child could have gotten bitten in the mess. The owners should have full control of their dog or if it is extremely aggressive have it PTS. You have every right to walk without fear.

Your dog reacted this way because of the situation - it was with its pack, it was challenged and was unable to run away.

As for your pup, yes it will get over it. But you have to calm down first. If you start walking the pup while you are on edge the dog will pick up on that and start becoming nervous itself. This was a once off.

Pick a nice safe area, go have some fun with your puppy. Take it to obedience classes or a friend with a well behaved dog and keep him on lead (please do not go to off lead parks!) and introduce him slowly. Keep other dogs at a distance he is comfotable with and slowly walk towards them praising him for being good. But being part retriever he'll probably want to act like a complete goofball and bounce about with them!

[Teebs]

I agree, you need to get your dog out and about with other dogs, ASAP - BUT you need to get yourself togther first.

Good luck!

[Staffyluv]

Sorry to hear about the ordeal your family has been through... Unfortunately these things do happen...

Dogs usually have a fight or flight attitude to conflict, as your dog could not run away because he was leashed, he had no alternative but to fight (with his pack)...

The advice received thus far is great...

Good luck

Jodie

[Jack@sandysmum]

Thanks for the all the great advice! Unfortunately I would only be guessing as to which house the dog came from as the attack happened at the rear of our houses and I have no real proof as to where it came from!

My sister took him for a walk this morning ( in the other direction) and she noted that he was now acting scared from people just running past. I don't want him jumping all over people, but I don't want him to be scared of them either.

I only know one person who has a dog that is quite sociable and unfortunately they are away at the moment, and living in a small town there are no obedience classes until february ( he badly needs this). Would it be worth me ringing the vet to see if they may be able to recommend someone with who we can socialise him? Or do I not bother them with something like this ( they are probably really busy)?

[Jed]

Your dog behaved differently towards the dog because he is older and in a different development phase. When he was younger, he was aware he couldn't defend himself, and ran away. This is a puppy thing - make a loud noise and they all scamper for cover. As they get older, they will begin to defend themselves, or you. That is normal.

As far as your husband fending off the other dog - agree with Nekhbet.

At present, just keep walking your dog normally, once he sees that he will not be hurt, he will recover. That's a fairly normal reaction - you would do the same if a large man came up and tried to punch you out - you would be wary of large men with big fists for a while, but after you had passed a number who did not try to punch you, you would begin to think it was safe.

If your boy was older, he could shrug it off, but because he is still only a big pup it will take longer. Being out with other dogs and people who wont hurt him will help.