Boy attacked by Ridgeback!

KJJ

KJJ

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BBC News!!!

Hmmm I am astounded.... I know with everything you get good and bad.. however I can not believe it.

My Finny is a soppy lump - yes he is still a baby but I could never imagine him attacking a child!!

A few ponderings...

Was the Ridgeback bought up around children?
Was the Ridgeback a yard kept dog or a house kept dog?
Was the Ridgeback a guard dog or a loved pet?
Did the Ridgeback get the attention/stimulation it needed?

The witness report said "The lady doesn't keep dangerous dogs - she was just unlucky" WTF does that mean? IMO it is how you bring the dog up!!
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I know they are a stubborn breed but they are known for being stand offish and not going gungho into a situation so the running and attacking sounds weird?!

I wonder if it is a ridgeback or whether it is a ridgeback cross?

Sorry... will stop warbling now!!
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Oh crikes.This will give the dog haters something else to moan about.Like you say there is good and bad in all breeds it's how you raise the dogs that determine if they will /can turn.Each dog is differant.Give that big soppy woof of yours a big cuddle from me!.
 
It is quite likely it wasn't a purebred ridgeback. I have GSDs and know that any wrong doing by any dog with prick ears tends to be credited to "an alsatian". However, unfortunately all the big breeds do seem to attract their share of totally unsuitable owners and recently I have seen a few ridgebacks locally so perhaps their popularity is increasing. Without knowing all the details, and knowing the media we never will, it is hard to comment on this. It is so frustrating when a breed you love is in the news like this but happens all the time I'm afraid. Imagine how staffie owners feel!
 
I have never known a Ridgeback to be aggressive.. more shy than anything!
My sister had three and they were lovely dogs, (not all at same time! ) They used to meander about the house with the kids and were good at mine even with my gsd.. Wouldn't cross my mind that they are vicious.

Perhaps a x breed?
 
Like I always say, its not the breed or even the animal thats at fault...its the muppet who owns it and brought it up.

Our GSD is on the border of being dangerous (but I have to admit I feel safe with her around) and we have to be extremely careful with her, she's the sweetest dog to us, you can take her bone away, cuddle her whilst she's eating anything and she'd never hurt us but anyone she doesn't know watch out! Her behaviour is all because she spent the first 4 months of her life shut in a garage in the dark, when we got her (the people before were going to pts if they couldn't find anyone to take her on-wise decision) we were her 5th home in one week
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she was thin with fleas too. You don't know this RR's background and whats gone on in its life...for all we know it may be used to being chained to a wall and taunted by kids (you know what kids are like!).
 
Well as it sounds like the dog was just wandering loose on the street I wouldn't imagine that the owners were the most responsible people in the world
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. The trouble is with these big dogs is that although they are no more likely to be aggressive than small ones, if they do turn then because of their size and power they are much more likely to cause serious damage.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Oh crikes.This will give the dog haters something else to moan about.Like you say there is good and bad in all breeds it's how you raise the dogs that determine if they will /can turn.Each dog is differant.Give that big soppy woof of yours a big cuddle from me!.

[/ QUOTE ]Will do, I was rolling around on the floor playing with the nut job lastnight and he was having so much fun and didn't THINK about usign his teeth!! Just SAT on me and stuff!! LOL!!

I hope it doesn't create a negative picture of the breed... (It will
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) In a way am thankful it wasn't broadcast on BBC news though TBH.
 
The news stories always manage to create negative images of breeds. And yet, it shouldn't be like that. Blame the owner. Not the breed. Well, just my opnion
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It is quite likely it wasn't a purebred ridgeback.

[/ QUOTE ]Tis what I thought... but who knows - it says that tests are being carried out.
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I have GSDs and know that any wrong doing by any dog with prick ears tends to be credited to "an alsatian". However, unfortunately all the big breeds do seem to attract their share of totally unsuitable owners and recently I have seen a few ridgebacks locally so perhaps their popularity is increasing.

[/ QUOTE ]This is true - I hope i'm not classed as an unsuitable owner!
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[ QUOTE ]
Without knowing all the details, and knowing the media we never will, it is hard to comment on this. It is so frustrating when a breed you love is in the news like this but happens all the time I'm afraid. Imagine how staffie owners feel!

[/ QUOTE ]God I know - I was saying that to OH... it's horrible.... lets hope people will take the Ridgebakcs they meet at face value and realise they are soppy b*ggers!!
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Yes the size point is very relevant. My son who has lived with a minimum of 3 GSDs since the day he was born and is now 13 and never had so much as a scratch, was bitten by a neighbours schipperke a few weeks ago. It left a nasty bruise and just broke the skin but no serious damage. I was furious though because the dogs owner was there and has never been in touch to apologise. This dog has bitten several children and at least 2 adults and the owners response is that he is a guard dog and doing his job. FIne, but don't have him running loose when your childrens friends come round. If one of my shepherds so much as scratched a child I'm sure they would be taken away under the DDA without fail. Sorry rant over, but had actually forgotten this in my first reply.
 
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I have never known a Ridgeback to be aggressive.. more shy than anything!

[/ QUOTE ]See JJ this is exactly a trait of the breed...
they tend to not rush in to a situation, they were breed to keep lions at bay - not to hunt them, but to stalk and tire them.
[ QUOTE ]
My sister had three and they were lovely dogs, (not all at same time! ) They used to meander about the house with the kids and were good at mine even with my gsd.. Wouldn't cross my mind that they are vicious.

Perhaps a x breed?

[/ QUOTE ]See Finny is so careful with the 5yr old... admittedly he may knock her over when he is a little exhuberant but he will always check that she is OK.. He LOVES her and loves kissing her and sitting on her lap!! LOL!!
 
No, def don't think you are an unsuitable owner, and have totally fallen in love with Finn through your pics. In fact ws tempted to consider a RR as I am looking to get a pup later this year. However, can't be swayed away from my beloved Shepherds and have tentatively started looking around. Have bred my own for many years but sadly my last bitch is not suitable for breeding (bad hips) so have got to go back to the puppy buying stage - scary. I am not too far away from Holywell so will see if any more about this incident appears in local press.
 
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Like I always say, its not the breed or even the animal thats at fault...its the muppet who owns it and brought it up.

[/ QUOTE ]Agreed!!
[ QUOTE ]
Our GSD is on the border of being dangerous (but I have to admit I feel safe with her around) and we have to be extremely careful with her, she's the sweetest dog to us, you can take her bone away, cuddle her whilst she's eating anything and she'd never hurt us but anyone she doesn't know watch out! Her behaviour is all because she spent the first 4 months of her life shut in a garage in the dark, when we got her (the people before were going to pts if they couldn't find anyone to take her on-wise decision) we were her 5th home in one week
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she was thin with fleas too. You don't know this RR's background and whats gone on in its life...for all we know it may be used to being chained to a wall and taunted by kids (you know what kids are like!).

[/ QUOTE ]Naw poor GSD, yes your right - no one knows the upbringing of this dog... for what the witness said the dog came out of the house and went charging up the street at the child??

Strange.
 
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Well as it sounds like the dog was just wandering loose on the street I wouldn't imagine that the owners were the most responsible people in the world
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.

[/ QUOTE ]Hmmm if you listen to the witness account it says the dog came out the house and the women owner followed and ended up trying to wrestle with the dog!!
[ QUOTE ]
The trouble is with these big dogs is that although they are no more likely to be aggressive than small ones, if they do turn then because of their size and power they are much more likely to cause serious damage.

[/ QUOTE ]Yes size is an issue - however most RR@s are no bigger than a Lab infact some are smaller.

It is a very uncommon trait for a RR to get into an unprovoked fight.
 
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The news stories always manage to create negative images of breeds. And yet, it shouldn't be like that. Blame the owner. Not the breed. Well, just my opnion
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[/ QUOTE ]Agreed GinaB. x
 
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No, def don't think you are an unsuitable owner, and have totally fallen in love with Finn through your pics.

[/ QUOTE ] Phewf thankies
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I loves my boy!!

I realise that Ridgebacks are strong willed, stubborn animals once their mind is made up that is that!! LOL....
[ QUOTE ]
In fact ws tempted to consider a RR as I am looking to get a pup later this year. However, can't be swayed away from my beloved Shepherds and have tentatively started looking around. Have bred my own for many years but sadly my last bitch is not suitable for breeding (bad hips) so have got to go back to the puppy buying stage - scary. I am not too far away from Holywell so will see if any more about this incident appears in local press.

[/ QUOTE ]Ahhh shame... they are a lovely breed... however as too are the shepherd - not my sort but still a beautiful dog.

Good luck with your puppy search!!
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We would like to hear your progress!!
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I have look online and there are various articles about the attack - all mostly saying the same. x
 
I haven't had much dealings with Ridgebacks, but to me they are like gentle giants. Any I have met are just big softies!

And youy are def. not a bad dog owner KJFIT! You dote on yours.
 
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Hmmm if you listen to the witness account it says the dog came out the house and the women owner followed and ended up trying to wrestle with the dog!!


[/ QUOTE ] Shows how articles can distort the truth then! I only read the article and didn't see the link to the witness account!

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Yes size is an issue - however most RR@s are no bigger than a Lab infact some are smaller.

[/ QUOTE ] Well to a lot of non-doggy people even labs are big dogs! I was trying to make the point that if a JRT goes for someone it is not likely to make the news as they are physically unable of dragging a child down the street!
 
Prepared to be bored then - has taken me a while to consider a new baby, lost my old girl with cancer last August and tho I have others she was and still is totally irreplaceable. Have been in touch with a friend who has similar lines (he bought his first GSD bitch from me over 20 years ago) and he is planning on a litter later this year so have said I'm interested. Long way to go yet but its a start. Maybe by the time I do get a pup I will have worked out how to put photos on here, or asked my children to show me! PS just looked at the time and should have left for work 5 mins ago, this forum is so addictive!
 
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I haven't had much dealings with Ridgebacks, but to me they are like gentle giants. Any I have met are just big softies!

[/ QUOTE ]I think aswell they sometimes LOOK scary but really aren't!! That is why the wideboy idiots want them...
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And youy are def. not a bad dog owner KJFIT! You dote on yours.

[/ QUOTE ]
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thanks hun, I do adore my lad.. as OH says I treat him like a baby... HOWEVER I do also treat him like a dog so he knows his boundaries!!
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Shows how articles can distort the truth then! I only read the article and didn't see the link to the witness account!

[/ QUOTE ]I know!!! cr@p isn't it!!
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.... alot of media stories are left to interpretation... we obv don't know the full story of what happened and TBH we never will. Shame that the media have to be so negative.
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Well to a lot of non-doggy people even labs are big dogs! I was trying to make the point that if a JRT goes for someone it is not likely to make the news as they are physically unable of dragging a child down the street!

[/ QUOTE ]Oh yes I realise that TGM, as I said to GinaB - the do LOOK like scary dogs.
 
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Prepared to be bored then - has taken me a while to consider a new baby, lost my old girl with cancer last August and tho I have others she was and still is totally irreplaceable. Have been in touch with a friend who has similar lines (he bought his first GSD bitch from me over 20 years ago) and he is planning on a litter later this year so have said I'm interested. Long way to go yet but its a start. Maybe by the time I do get a pup I will have worked out how to put photos on here, or asked my children to show me!

[/ QUOTE ]Ohhh sorry to hear about you girly
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They can never be replaced.. however the gap can be filled... hope you get the puppy you are wanting and yes you MUST work out how to do the piccy thing!!
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[ QUOTE ]
PS just looked at the time and should have left for work 5 mins ago, this forum is so addictive!

[/ QUOTE ]LMAO!!! Have a nice day. xx
 
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Yes size is an issue - however most RR's are no bigger than a Lab infact some are smaller.

[/ QUOTE ]

But people perception of the size of a dog alters. The lad at the yard was saying how massive my greyhound was and joking I should stick a saddle on it - to me the greyhound seems tiny.

Wasnt the eye witness report from a partially sighted person too, or is that just how I have read it ... you just dont know, the dog could have been a X breed, could have had some siezure in its brain and sent it funny, and why was the dog just wandering the street in the first place?

Hb
 
My Tina is one of the bigger labs and quite a few people are a bit 'funn'y when they see her. I think due to her size you don't associate her with beign a lab.

I am jealous you have a greyhound HBII, I love them!
 
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But people perception of the size of a dog alters. The lad at the yard was saying how massive my greyhound was and joking I should stick a saddle on it - to me the greyhound seems tiny.

[/ QUOTE ]Yes agreed - and as I said RR's can look scary as can any dog if you aren't a doggy person.
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Wasnt the eye witness report from a partially sighted person too, or is that just how I have read it ... you just dont know, the dog could have been a X breed, could have had some siezure in its brain and sent it funny, and why was the dog just wandering the street in the first place?

[/ QUOTE ]No no his dad is also partially sighted - there is an audio of a witness (full sighted) taht you can listen too. In that the witness said the dog came out of the house... not that it was wandering the street.

As I've said it is out of character for the RR but not impossible for it to happen... we don't know situation but I just think it's sad
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Hb

[/ QUOTE ]
 
I am one of the staffie owners! my little girl is an absolute diamond, I had her speyed as being entire she was not totally concentrating on me. So she has been brought up firm but fair, as a result of this she is a very well behaved and obedient dog. Yes she can be protective but that is when I am home alone at night and I wouldn't want her any other way. I would never leave her with any children on her own as she hasn't been brought up around children and I wouldn't want them to torment her into biting them. I think with a staffie you have to be very careful and responsible and if you do have one and have children then you have the children first and then the dog. I used to have a couple of ridgbacks and again they are lovely very protective loyal dogs. Ours were guard dogs, and I must admit if anyone walked into one of our fields and were not accompanied then the dogs would go a bark at them, the important thing with our dogs was if you stood still they would just sit and bark, if you ran then they would chase. Again we always kept an eye on them or they were put in their kennel's if we had people coming or going. I agree with everyone's comments that a dog is only bad because of the way it has been brought up. I wish there was a dog test people had to take to own a dog like a driving test, then we may find there are far less accidents occurring.
 
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I am one of the staffie owners! my little girl is an absolute diamond, I had her speyed as being entire she was not totally concentrating on me. So she has been brought up firm but fair, as a result of this she is a very well behaved and obedient dog. Yes she can be protective but that is when I am home alone at night and I wouldn't want her any other way. I would never leave her with any children on her own as she hasn't been brought up around children and I wouldn't want them to torment her into biting them. I think with a staffie you have to be very careful and responsible and if you do have one and have children then you have the children first and then the dog. I used to have a couple of ridgbacks and again they are lovely very protective loyal dogs. Ours were guard dogs, and I must admit if anyone walked into one of our fields and were not accompanied then the dogs would go a bark at them, the important thing with our dogs was if you stood still they would just sit and bark, if you ran then they would chase. Again we always kept an eye on them or they were put in their kennel's if we had people coming or going. I agree with everyone's comments that a dog is only bad because of the way it has been brought up. I wish there was a dog test people had to take to own a dog like a driving test, then we may find there are far less accidents occurring.

[/ QUOTE ]If you want the dog to be a guard dog then that is how you bring it up, but as you have said you never leave people alone with them, invite/encourage people to come in when you aren't there as the dog has been trained to protect!! Trespassers beware!! The job of the dog is to keep people out.

Finn knows that OH's daughter was there first - we had her the weekend we collected him so that he was aware it was HER home and he was joining in the pack.
 

Unfortunately no dog can be trusted 100%, big or small. I agree that unfortunately RR's are attracting more people now, and with them being a larger dog I am sure many will fall into the wrong hands.

My Ridgie is great with kids, but I still keep him with me when my daughters friends are over and are running around outside because he can be boisterous. some of her friends have great "dog sense" and they are fine with him, but others have a tendancy to scream (excitedly) and wave their arms around and this just makes him want to play. When he plays he is just bouncy and uses his paws a lot, if his teeth so much as touch flesh he backs off with his "guilty" ears on
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Perhaps this dog was not raised around kids.

Very sad for the people involved. Hope the little boy is recovering well.
 
All dogs have the potential to be dangerous whatever the size or breed. They have teeth and are animals and therefore unpredictable. It is up to us as their pack leaders to prevent this kind of attack happening. Yes they are all soft with their owners but we still have to be aware that this can happen. Unfortunately some people are much less responsible than others. My dogs never ever run loose on the street. I use the Freedom Fence specifically to stop any chance of this happening. I have two Rotties as well as a Ridgeback so I'm not prepared to take a chance with their lives. People are too quick to say they are dangerous dogs for no real reason! My God that was a bit deep but I love all my dogs and hate to see this kind of thing.
 
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Unfortunately no dog can be trusted 100%, big or small.

[/ QUOTE ]No no I'm not suggesting that it isn't possible... it is possible with any dog!!
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I agree that unfortunately RR's are attracting more people now, and with them being a larger dog I am sure many will fall into the wrong hands.

[/ QUOTE ]
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My Ridgie is great with kids, but I still keep him with me when my daughters friends are over and are running around outside because he can be boisterous. some of her friends have great "dog sense" and they are fine with him, but others have a tendancy to scream (excitedly) and wave their arms around and this just makes him want to play. When he plays he is just bouncy and uses his paws a lot, if his teeth so much as touch flesh he backs off with his "guilty" ears on
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Perhaps this dog was not raised around kids.

[/ QUOTE ]Bless guilty ears - see Finn does the same 'punches' out and can scratch or push people over.... don't think they realise their own strength and get too over excited!!
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Very sad for the people involved. Hope the little boy is recovering well.

[/ QUOTE ]Ditto.
 
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