Dog Attack. Very shaken.

Fools Motto

Fools Motto

Well-Known Member
Joined
30 June 2011
Messages
6,600
Visit site
Earlier went on a walk. 3 adults, 2 children and 2 dogs. The dogs are so well behaved, the kids often have them on their leads, until we can get to the footpaths and fields to let them off.
We were on a quiet narrow country lane, the children were barely 10ft in front with a dog each, walking very nicely. Man approaching with 2 huskys on lead. Known to be 'dog aggressive' dogs, we all stop, with perhaps 40ft between us, and on the 'opposite' side of the lane. (too narrow to be wide enough really). We ask man with huskys if he had control, he replied yes. We step forward maybe 10ft, with me nearest him, sheltering the children and dogs, and my parents just behind me.
Within a few seconds, one husky is upon us, I push children out of the way, my mum crabs her dog, my dog comes with me, on a now dropped lead. The husky is really going for mums dog Moss, who at this time is screaming, mum doing her best at protecting her. The children are now, somehow in the way, and mum falls over (either them, my dog or just slipped). I'm trying to use my feet to kick husky (pointless thing to do, but what else do you do?) The man jumps on husky 1, still holding husky 2 who has hopes for my dog (still by my feet - stupid Whippet), Moss and mum scrabbling about, somehow got free and upright.
How there was no serious shredding of either our dogs, we'll never know. Poor Moss is very sore behind, I think she has pulled her muscle over her hips. I've parted her hair to see if any puncture wound, but found nothing, although she is licking her offside flank. Poor mum is a bit bruised after going down on the lane, the kids are in shock, and I'm recovering from the thought that they could have gotten bitten in the crossfire. Stepdad, well, was useless!! The owner did mumble appologies and 'lead broke', but we went on our own ways.

Is there anything you can give dogs for this kind of shock? Moss suffered more, but mine is a wimp outright!
Previous dealings from other local residents about these dogs (they killed a perkinese?? 18 months ago) have been 'unless a person is injured, nothing can be done'. The dog warden does know these dogs, and has advised 'training', which has happened, but they seem to have reverted back.
Any further thoughts please?!!
 
Oh how awful, hope the dogs are OK. I would call the dog warden and stress that your mum was hurt and your children easily have been hurt in the attack surely that should be enough for them to do something, they should be at least muzzled in public.
 
That's our thoughts too, muzzled in public. Least it will give us some confidence that they can't bite anyone or anything. Hoping that the owner WILL see sense and do it. We are sending an email to the warden.
 
My dog was attacked recently so I know how shaken you must all be. I would suggest rescue remedy all round, and arnica for the dogs and your mum for any bruising.

I have a friend who is a dog warden and behaviourist and she gave me good advice. Dogs must be under control in public places - clearly these weren't and that is an offence regardless of whether the targets were canine or human. Report to your dog warden, they should follow it up and you would hope as there has been previous incidents, they will take more action this time.

I hope you all recover from this quickly. I am much more wary when walking my dog now, although luckily the dog doesn't seem to be too worried!
 
I'm pretty sure Bach's rescue remedy comes in different varieties, one of which is to help you forget a bad experience. Hope you are all ok: sounds like those huskies need stronger leads and a more careful owner.
 
Give arnica to reduce bruising and rescue remedy for the stress. You could try gelsemium for stress too it's homeopathic ANC available from the chemist
 
Please report this, the Dog Warden will have more powers to act if he gets multiple reports of problems, it's always good to build a record of dogs that have a habit of causing problems.

I am glad no one was seriously hurt but it must have been very stressful for all of you and I imagine the dogs and children may remember it all for a long time. Adaptil collars/diffusers can help dogs regain a sense of calm.
 
So sorry to hear this; horrible for you all and your dogs. Please do report it.

Try arnica for the shock, bruising and any stiffness, and rescue remedy for the shock. Keeps the dogs quiet and restful, and try not to fuss over them too much (I know that's hard), let them recover.

You and your family can also take arnica and rescue remedy - they are both very useful items.
 
You need to report the incident to the police and the dog warden - you also need to get your dogs to the vets to ensure they really are ok.

Don't suppose you got any details of the man for insurance purposes?
 
How awful for you, so upsetting especially with the children there. I would be reporting this to the police and the dog warden. "A person" has been injured, your Mum would not have fallen over if it had not been for the events so although she may not have been bitten, she has been hurt. If these dogs are already known to be 'dog aggressive' it is only a matter of time before someone or a dog does get hurt. The owner does not appear to have them under proper control, this needs addressing in my opinion and the more people that report incidents, the better. Hope everyone is OK this morning x As an aside we have a lady living near us who has two huskys. I don't know much about them as a breed but I do know if we ever meet her out walking she literally has to wrap the leads around a tree/lamppost/bench to stop them pulling her over, they are never let off the lead. This would suggest to me that they are big strong dogs who need much more exercise/stimulation than she is giving them and probably only a good breed for an experienced dog person, not "just a pet" breed. I stand to be corrected on that though, as I say, I have no direct experience.
 
Hope you are all ok. I carry a walking stick and have had to use it several times now on the local bunch of self walkers. They are pretty much feral and roam the streets most of the day. Two of them made a joint attack on my collie whose response was to hide behind me. I went postal on them - yelling, waving stick at dog height and charging at them.

They have kept a respectful distance from us ever since. Local authority as much help as dead parrot, tbh. Visited owner to caution them, owner claimed not to own any dogs! So dog warden accepted this and left...
 
(((Hugs))), it is such a shock for both humans and dogs when such things happen, I'm glad that it didn't end worse.

Ditto Booboos suggestion about trying Adaptil collar, spray or diffuser. They're no miracle cure, and they don't help all dogs, but often they have some effect on most dogs. They now also sell Adaptil tablets, but I don't know anyone that have tried those on their dogs, so I don't know if they're any good or not (http://www.pet-supermarket.co.uk/Search/adaptil).
Zylkene capsules are expensive, and like Adaptil, they're no miracle cure, but I know that they also often have an effect on most dogs. (http://www.vetuk.co.uk/oo/7323/dog-...ts-c-837_427/zylkene-75mg-100-capsules-p-2094)


Fools Motto said:
... I'm trying to use my feet to kick husky (pointless thing to do, but what else do you do?) ...

... 'unless a person is injured, nothing can be done' ...
Click to expand...

Using my feet, knees or legs to push, shove or kick, is one of the things that I would do. I know that it is not always easy to remember in the heat of the moment, but personally, I also try to make sure that it looks like I'm not out of balance, keeping my upper body most of the time as up right as possible, inhaling some extra air to make my chest/shoulder area bigger, and anything else that signals that I'm not going to take any crap.

Partly for the reason that I know, that if I would have to contact the police due to a dog attack, human injuries usually have a higher priority than animal injuries, my personal choice (/instinctive reaction) is that I would prefer that I got bitten, rather than that my bitches gets bitten. Also knowing that dog aggressive dogs, often aren't purposely aiming on biting humans (it is the other dog that they want to have a go at), so on the less than a handful times during my over 20 years of dog owning that something has/could have happened, I have tried to get my legs in between an attacking dog and my own bitches.


To me, it sounds as if you handled the situation as well as you could. I hope that all of you soon feels better.
 
Nothing more to say than what others have said but I really am getting sick of the situation with huskies in this country.
Huskies are known for their friendlyness towards other dogs they love to be part of a big pack unfortunately there are too many badly bred dogs with incompetent owners.
I have recently moved back to near my parents and in our town alone there are I would say a good 70 huskies and pretty much all are from the local fruit man who is a prolific puppy farmer
 
How awful, do you know where this man lives, if you do, go to the police & tell them that your Mum was knocked to the ground in the attack & she has been hurt. I had a similar incident with a great dane, it started barking when it saw my dog, so the owner let it go! I ended up with vet bill & the owner told me to f off when I had a go at her.

I went to the police who weren't interested until I told them that the dog had to barge into me to get at my dog.
 
Agree with Amymay, you need to report this to the warden AND the police. You are all lucky nobody was badly hurt.

I would honestly give your mums dog a really good check over again, especially where it is licking. Puncture wounds sometimes don't bleed but can still be deep and nasty. Have a really really good look. My collie was had by a boxer 4 years ago and he had a hole in his head that I didn't see for two days because there was no blood and no ruffling of fur. I had checked him really well as he also just escaped a nasty eye injury as boxers canine went in right by the corner of the eye but I didn't see the puncture wound on the head.

So, have a really really good look, rescue remedy is good but if you the dog hasn't settled by late afternoon, I would pop to the vets this evening just to get a once over. Shock can kill so it should be taken very seriously.

Hope your mum is ok...she'll no doubt be very sore herself over the next few days.
 
Don't expect any help from the police. My horse was attacked by a staffordshire type and badly bitten and clawed. Her knee and brushing boots were shredded and ripped off her legs. My horse, bless her kept trying to step over the dog and walk away. She would never have kicked it. I could have ended up in the Mersey which was only a few yards away if things had gone really wrong. I rang the police who didn't want to know and wouldn't even take my name. What if I'd been an 11 year old on a 12.2 pony instead of an experienced adult on something a tad larger?? I was left with a vets bill, a tack shop bill and a horse that literally quaked if she saw a strange dog, even years later. Thanks.
 
What a shock for you all luckily no one was seriously injured although clearly an unpleasant experience for everyone. Not sure what to suggest for dog who was attacked apart from taking to vets. I would keep your eye on dog for rest of afternoon and if he/she seems different than usual and is still licking then I would take to vet simply because I agree with GG regards shock and puncture wounds.

You could report the incident although without a name and address I'm not sure what they can do?
 
wench said:
Have I read correctly that the children had hold of your dogs when the huskies came past?
Click to expand...

Yes, the children aged nearly 10 and 7 had a dog each. This often happens during school holidays, and never been an issue. Neither dog pulls. Kids love to 'dog show' them, poor suffering things!! Encourages them to enjoy our long walks too.
However, at time of attack, both kids dropped leads, and mum was like lightening grabbing hers, who seemed the main focus for husky 1.
The man also did say he had control before we all started to pass.

Turns out, after further inspection, Moss does have a puncture wound, on her back, just above her tail. (moss is collie x lab, but more collie in appearance.) She is still stiff, her offside hind affected more. My dog, seems fine and normal luckily.
Told warden who wants to make further investigations, but hit a minor wall in that we don't know the mans fulls name and address yet, so doing some digging.
 
Fools Motto said:
Yes, the children aged nearly 10 and 7 had a dog each. This often happens during school holidays, and never been an issue. Neither dog pulls. Kids love to 'dog show' them, poor suffering things!! Encourages them to enjoy our long walks too.
However, at time of attack, both kids dropped leads, and mum was like lightening grabbing hers, who seemed the main focus for husky 1.
The man also did say he had control before we all started to pass.

Turns out, after further inspection, Moss does have a puncture wound, on her back, just above her tail. (moss is collie x lab, but more collie in appearance.) She is still stiff, her offside hind affected more. My dog, seems fine and normal luckily.
Told warden who wants to make further investigations, but hit a minor wall in that we don't know the mans fulls name and address yet, so doing some digging.
Click to expand...

If it was you, you'd be taking some paracetamol or ibuprofen, so please do get Moss to the vets today to at least get some metacam or similar to give her a bit of relief. Bless her, shock can come out at any time in the next 48 hours, so do keep a close eye on her. Puncture wounds can cause all sorts of follow on problems if not properly investigated and cleaned so please do make a vet trip. A little visit now is much better than a big visit in a couple of weeks and we all prefer comfortable dogs to dogs in pain or discomfort.

As for the man, if the warden has other reports, I'm sure they'll be able to track him down.
 
Yep, vet trip for Moss, he may need antibiotics. Hope he'll be right as rain as soon as possible, and your poor mum OP!

A chap by us had what can only be described as a pack of GSDs - he's had between 2 and 4 at any one time in the past 15 years or so. The pack (of 4) attacked my OH's GSD puppy at 14 weeks. OH had to hold puppy out of reach with one arm as this chap couldn't control his dogs. They have attacked around 15 dogs in those 15 years, just in our area that we know of. He has now had them removed as one of them went for a baby in his mum's lap on the playing field. It's SHAMEFUL that it had to come to this for something to be done, and people are terrified of my GSDs because they think they are all like that. Please pursue it if you can OP - this man is wilfully negligent to his own dogs as well as everyone else, and must be stopped.
 
Wow its lucky nobody was hurt - thank goodness you are all ok. Stupid man should have his dogs muzzled if they are known dog aggressive - typical of the law really - lets wait till someone gets really hurt before we do anything.
 
In some cases throwing a blanket or coat between the fighting dogs can help to separate them as it disrupts eye contact, but it's not an easy thing to do in an emergency with people in the middle of a dog fight!
 
The breed is pretty irrelevant really. Its another example of a careless owner who can't be bothered to train and look after his dogs. The attack just sounds horrendous and I would have been really shaken up as well if that had happened to me. Really hope your children and dogs get over this but as well as the excellent advice with regards to warden and vets, I would also quickly try to mix your 2 dogs with some other dog friendly dogs. I have seen really outgoing dogs completely change after an attack and in the case of a friends JRT, he went from Mr Cocky (but nice) to Mr scared witless after a particularly horrendous attack. My dogs, who knew him really well and were playmates ended up with their hackles up so I took them away.
 
Please do take Moss to the vet, it's better to have a check up now then risk a problem later. Recently a dog in my area was attacked by two others, and ended up having months of vet trips, treatments and anaesthetics, because of a puncture wound - some tartar from the attacking dog in the wound is the believed cause. Hopefully you won't experience that though!
 
Cyrus said:
Nothing more to say than what others have said but I really am getting sick of the situation with huskies in this country.
Huskies are known for their friendlyness towards other dogs they love to be part of a big pack unfortunately there are too many badly bred dogs with incompetent owners.
I have recently moved back to near my parents and in our town alone there are I would say a good 70 huskies and pretty much all are from the local fruit man who is a prolific puppy farmer
Click to expand...

Absolutely; both mals and sibes are specialist dogs, so couple unknowledgeable owners/poor temperament dogs/ and lack of stimulation and exercise and you've got an accident waiting to happen.
 
misterjay said:
Absolutely; both mals and sibes are specialist dogs, so couple unknowledgeable owners/poor temperament dogs/ and lack of stimulation and exercise and you've got an accident waiting to happen.
Click to expand...

I think it must be very hard for them here, too, in this climate and set up. It is so not what they are for and most seem to have no outlet for their natural inclinations. I see more of them here than in Canada!
 
You are right, TarrSteps - I work mine, temps allowing, but they do need to run and work, and don't make good pet/house dogs at all.
Lots end up in rescue because people can't cope with their energy levels and their subsequent destructiveness! They need to channel it somewhere, and sofa's, floors, doors all make good victims lol.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top