Goyt bitten walking my puppy today

[Storminateacup]

Well, what would you do, - I wonder?

Attacked by two JRT today whilst walking my 17 week old puppy on the lead in Forestry commission woodlands. Both were trying to attack my puppy, I had picked him up as they run towards us and had in my arm. Owner was man in his late 70s, mostly he stood there waving his leads at them. He could not catch them. Totally incompetant idiot he never called their names or made even more than thr most half hearted attempt to catch them, I dont think he could if he had tried. After about 5 minutes I managed to fight them off and catch each one by the collar whilst holding my puppy aloft my head. Man then managed to put a lead on them.
Next minute one had escaped his collar and was hanging from my thigh, could feel the blood running down my leg. Savage little b******d.
I bashed it off and then gave it a good kick to get it away from me, then had to grab it by the scruff of neck and drag it back to the owner as it was relentless and still leaping up my leg! At no time did the man apologise. Went home and duly reported the incident to the police and spent the next hour in casualty getting tetanus jab and anti- biotics and dressings.
Must say I was pretty shocked and upset. Don't expect that sort of thing when taking the dog for a walk,and its not the first time its happened to me either.
I hope the police get him and I will be pressing charges this time.
Dangerous dogs, no matter what size should be cracked down on hard, God knows what state I d be in if they were large dogs.
I am so angry and very sore too!

 

[Bryndu]

Blimey! Poor you!
Sending hugs and chocolate to ease the pain.
Bryndu

 

[CorvusCorax]

Ouch!

Glad all relatively OK.

Not knocking you at all and I know you were acting on instinct and didn't want your pup to get hurt but that's why I don't advice people to lift dogs when this happens as it just raises the target and means you get nailed to - I'd walk with a big stick or a cannister of air spray in future, maybe, in case you meet them again

Agree with your sentiment though, just because they are small doesn't mean that they cannot do damage and imagine had they been bigger - and well done for going for their necks rather than shouting and screaming and hitting as that can so often make the situation even worse, by and large I am sure your reactions probably stopped this being a lot worse than it could have been.

I do feel a wee bit sorry for the old dude though, sounds completely out of his depth with them. Wonder if his family could help him out, even to explain that he needs to keep them on a lead!

 

[MillieSadie]

That looks nasty.

Those dogs should not be off lead or without a muzzle. I hope you are better soon and have much pleasanter walks in future

 

[Storminateacup]

Ouch!

Glad all relatively OK.

Not knocking you at all and I know you were acting on instinct and didn't want your pup to get hurt but that's why I don't advice people to lift dogs when this happens as it just raises the target and means you get nailed to - I'd walk with a big stick or a cannister of air spray in future, maybe, in case you meet them again

!

Thanks for the advice, Cavecanem. wonder where I can get an air spray of some sort? I ve not got any ideas what I should have done really, had put puppy down I fear they would have attacked him, - certainly couldnt take the risk - he is only 18 weeks old. I tried saying "sit" firmly to the two dogs and then "No" before I had to launch in and kick them off me. The big dog was leaping up near face height until I managed to kick him away with my rather too soft woof boots. I could do with some handy tips from anyone in the know. Would pepper spray be acceptable? Certainly I am not intending getting bitten like that again. Think I better take a riding stick next time I am out walking him though.

 

[numptynoelle]

I think carrying pepper spray is still illegal isn't it? Would never even consider using it on an animal anyway, no matter the circumstances

Try this instead; http://www.petsathome.com/shop/pet-...cm_re=barilliance-_-up sell-_-product results

 

[CorvusCorax]

You would need to use air spray rather than pepper spray. Also, there is a sonic dog repellent thingy but you don't want to scare your own dog.

Above all, stay calm, if you shout, make it very low and threatening, not high pitched (you sound like prey, that way) do go for the neck and if you have to interfere with the air supply of the aggressor using a collar or lead, do so (calms them down no end) be show authority rather than nervous or scared (again, that makes you and your dog fair game) even if you have to use YOUR lead or belt or similar, and allow your own dog to have it's own space.
Keep arms low, no waving them about.

Not sure about where to get the cannister but I know a couple of posters on here use one, Blazing Saddles is in my head for some reason?

I wouldn't treat every dog that runs up to you as a threat, though, use your own instinct, you want your dog to be able to play with friendly ones.

I think him being so small and young, probably made him attractive and prey-like to the attacking dogs.

At this age, you take him out for socialisation etc rather than exercise IMO.

 

[CAYLA]

Bladdy nora, I would have maybe aimed just in time to boot one atleast like a footbal in the direction of the fella
As CC suggests carrying slip leads helps, but in a manic situation its not easy to keep a hold of your own and fight off another dog, I personally dont have this issue, walking a japanese akita and rotti amonst a large pack deters this problem but its always best as suggested to try and remian as calm as poss as not the heighten the situation, instead remain calm and aim accurately
The citronella sprays u can get with the splash collars maybe of good use to squirt little feckers like this in the face.

 

[comet&joe]

ouch! hope you are ok!

*hugs*

 

[UnaB]

Thats awful, hope the police deal with him.

I know that it is not "correct" to pick your dog up when its being attacked but when my basenji was attacked a year or so ago (by a large mastiff type that would have seriously injured her) my first instinct was to grab her and get her out of harms way. I got bitten on the arm as he was jumping to get my dog, but the way I look at it, better me than her, im more able to fight it away!! So I can totally understand your reasons for picking the pup up, two JRTs intent on chasing and killing something would make short work of a scared young puppy, the outcome could have been much worse for everyone...


That bite looks nasty though, hope it heals up ok soon!

 

[Storminateacup]

Thats awful, hope the police deal with him.

I know that it is not "correct" to pick your dog up when its being attacked but when my basenji was attacked a year or so ago (by a large mastiff type that would have seriously injured her) my first instinct was to grab her and get her out of harms way. I got bitten on the arm as he was jumping to get my dog, but the way I look at it, better me than her, im more able to fight it away!! So I can totally understand your reasons for picking the pup up, two JRTs intent on chasing and killing something would make short work of a scared young puppy, the outcome could have been much worse for everyone...


That bite looks nasty though, hope it heals up ok soon!

Yes, I think so tooo
Did you report the attack as you were bitten too - did you get any where with it?
I do think they would have killed him if I had put him down, they were frighteningly ferocious. I was relatively calm when it first started but as there seemed no hope of the old man retrieving his dogs, I must admit I started to feel a bit frantic, slipping about on the icy while this old guy looked on in a daze. Puppy was going mad with terror too.

ouch! hope you are ok!

*hugs*

Thanks - it will heal, but I must find a way to be better prepared, its not the first time I have had to protect my dog by raising him into the air, not this fellow but previous chap.

Bladdy nora, I would have maybe aimed just in time to boot one atleast like a footbal in the direction of the fella
As CC suggests carrying slip leads helps, but in a manic situation its not easy to keep a hold of your own and fight off another dog, I personally dont have this issue, walking a japanese akita and rotti amonst a large pack deters this problem but its always best as suggested to try and remian as calm as poss as not the heighten the situation, instead remain calm and aim accurately
The citronella sprays u can get with the splash collars maybe of good use to squirt little feckers like this in the face.

I actually held back a bit kicking the animals, perhaps I should have realy gone for it. Doctor said he would have strangled it and that I would have been within my rght to do so.
But Yes, I have citronella oil, - could put it in a lemon squeezy bottle and carry it with me for next time - would that be ok, d'yathink?

You would need to use air spray rather than pepper spray. Also, there is a sonic dog repellent thingy but you don't want to scare your own dog.

Above all, stay calm, if you shout, make it very low and threatening, not high pitched (you sound like prey, that way) do go for the neck and if you have to interfere with the air supply of the aggressor using a collar or lead, do so (calms them down no end) be show authority rather than nervous or scared (again, that makes you and your dog fair game) even if you have to use YOUR lead or belt or similar, and allow your own dog to have it's own space.
Keep arms low, no waving them about.

Not sure about where to get the cannister but I know a couple of posters on here use one, Blazing Saddles is in my head for some reason?

I wouldn't treat every dog that runs up to you as a threat, though, use your own instinct, you want your dog to be able to play with friendly ones.

I think him being so small and young, probably made him attractive and prey-like to the attacking dogs.

At this age, you take him out for socialisation etc rather than exercise IMO.

I was only taking him for a short walk after all the snow, but I agree its mostly for socialisation at mo. Certainly got a good dose of socialising there too!!, - he s been shivering and shaking in his basket ever since!

I think carrying pepper spray is still illegal isn't it? Would never even consider using it on an animal anyway, no matter the circumstances

Try this instead; http://www.petsathome.com/shop/pet-...cm_re=barilliance-_-up sell-_-product results

Will try this - can probably get it online - many thanks guys!

 

[JDChaser]

Ouch! I really feel for you, I got knocked over and bitten when walking my dogs a few months back, and I didn't realise how much it affected me until a few days later, going to the park and seeing dogs running around. Sounds pathetic but I get rather nervy being around loose dogs now, which I hate myself for as I know it's irrational Hope it heals up soon x

 

[UnaB]

Yes, I think so tooo
Did you report the attack as you were bitten too - did you get any where with it?
I do think they would have killed him if I had put him down, they were frighteningly ferocious. I was relatively calm when it first started but as there seemed no hope of the old man retrieving his dogs, I must admit I started to feel a bit frantic, slipping about on the icy while this old guy looked on in a daze. Puppy was going mad with terror too.

No i didnt, in hindsight I should have but i didnt think the police would do anything so it didnt seem worth it. Having heard stories of how police deal with out of control dogs now, if it happened again I definately would.

I remember Maya just screaming while the dog was attacking us. When she was on the floor it was just terror - the bl00dy thing was jumping on her and grabbing at her legs, lucky she's so quick or she'd have been badly hurt! When I picked her up she just continue screaming and screaming. If you've never heard a basenji scream you can imagine the sound, its ear piercing!! She's never done it before or since, she was just terrified. Its made her wary of big dogs too now which annoyed me as i'd worked so hard to socialise her really well and she loved everyone before this incident. Hope your pup doesnt remember it.

 

[Booboos]

Poor you! That looks quite nasty and the dogs sound thoroughly dangerous. Hope the police can track them down and can do something about them.

You can pick up air cans at computer stores because they use compressed air to clean delicate computer components.

 

[millitiger]

Ouch! Poor you and hope puppy isn't too upset.

I was walking Boris the other day when he was set upon by 2 dogs and while he can deal with himself they were relentless and I just couldn't get them off- they were lab sized and just too big for me to hold off while also holding Boris on the lead (can't lift him as he is 25kg!).

Boris slipped his collar and headed off with me running after him and 2 dogs chasing!

By the time I caught up with Boris, the dogs had caught us up and frankly I lost my temper and started issuing some pretty serious kicks.
I then managed to grab one dog by the collar and kept the other one off by kicking it until the owners (finally!!) came to retrieve them with lots of 'they haven't done that for ages!'

Now walking with a riding whip and the little buggers will know about it if they try it again!

Also, I know it may not be correct to lift your dog up but I just couldn't leave a puppy on the floor outnumbered to be attacked so I would have done exactly the same as you.

 

[tweedette]

Thats terriers for you that havent been brought up correctly, and one always leads the other, once they get their blood up its pretty hard to stop them, but remember terriers have a long history as working dogs, its what they were bred for, and this can spill out to include other peoples dogs, which is a shame. Sorry you got bitten, but had I personally seen a couple of terriers I wouldnt have put my pup down.
The bite you got was aimed at the pups legs or underbelly, not you, still there is no excuse for the owner - if he cant control them or walk them away from other dogs then he shouldnt have terriers, simple as that. Terriers are not the easiest dogs to own and have to be taught from a very early age whats acceptable and whats not. If you dog wont come back immediatley when you take it out or let it off the lead, then it shouldnt have left the confines of the garden until it comes back immediatley. I always say to new puppy owners- treat your pup like a dresden doll but rule it with a rod of iron, if you dont the adult dog will be unruly and bad mannered , not a companion but a liability..

 

[Storminateacup]

Thats terriers for you that havent been brought up correctly, and one always leads the other, once they get their blood up its pretty hard to stop them, but remember terriers have a long history as working dogs, its what they were bred for, and this can spill out to include other peoples dogs, which is a shame. Sorry you got bitten, but had I personally seen a couple of terriers I wouldnt have put my pup down.
The bite you got was aimed at the pups legs or underbelly, not you, still there is no excuse for the owner - if he cant control them or walk them away from other dogs then he shouldnt have terriers, simple as that. Terriers are not the easiest dogs to own and have to be taught from a very early age whats acceptable and whats not. If you dog wont come back immediatley when you take it out or let it off the lead, then it shouldnt have left the confines of the garden until it comes back immediatley. I always say to new puppy owners- treat your pup like a dresden doll but rule it with a rod of iron, if you dont the adult dog will be unruly and bad mannered , not a companion but a liability..

They would have killed him if I had put him down. A good friend pointed out to me what might have happened if I had a child with me, and TBH I hadn't considered that. Had my granddaughter been there she would have been savaged, which is why I have decided to return to the place, without my puppy , to try to meet up with this guy again and get his vehicle reg number. She also stressed that had these dogs been rotties they would hsve been shot by now, and she is no softy herself being a producer of sledging dogs and GSDs.

 

[Storminateacup]

Ouch! Poor you and hope puppy isn't too upset.

I was walking Boris the other day when he was set upon by 2 dogs and while he can deal with himself they were relentless and I just couldn't get them off- they were lab sized and just too big for me to hold off while also holding Boris on the lead (can't lift him as he is 25kg!).

Boris slipped his collar and headed off with me running after him and 2 dogs chasing!

By the time I caught up with Boris, the dogs had caught us up and frankly I lost my temper and started issuing some pretty serious kicks.
I then managed to grab one dog by the collar and kept the other one off by kicking it until the owners (finally!!) came to retrieve them with lots of 'they haven't done that for ages!'

Now walking with a riding whip and the little buggers will know about it if they try it again!

Also, I know it may not be correct to lift your dog up but I just couldn't leave a puppy on the floor outnumbered to be attacked so I would have done exactly the same as you.

Thanks for your input too, sounds like you got the same as me then thats precisely what I was doing, and its no joke.
Riding stick it is in future then.

 

[tweedette]

Issuing kicks to a dog with its blood up really doesnt help matters, and can kill a dog or cause severe internal injuries , especially if they have got hold of a dog/victim they wont feel it, its a tricky one for people who have to walk their dogs in public, and not a good experience. I've had a bite or two in my time they are pretty nasty and dont heal particularly quickly.
Hope you find the guy, but always ebb on the side of caution when walking dogs in a public place.

 

[millitiger]

Issuing kicks to a dog with its blood up really doesnt help matters, and can kill a dog or cause severe internal injuries , especially if they have got hold of a dog/victim they wont feel it, its a tricky one for people who have to walk their dogs in public, and not a good experience. I've had a bite or two in my time they are pretty nasty and dont heal particularly quickly.
Hope you find the guy, but always ebb on the side of caution when walking dogs in a public place.

tbh if myself and my dog are being attacked I'm not going to feel guilty about kicking the damn things!

And it certainly helped in my case as it kept them at bay until their irresponsible owner FINALLY appeared.


If you can't pick your dog up, can't use your feet to keep them off what on earth are you meant to do to stop them attacking you/your dog?

 

[kirstie]

tbh if myself and my dog are being attacked I'm not going to feel guilty about kicking the damn things!

And it certainly helped in my case as it kept them at bay until their irresponsible owner FINALLY appeared.


If you can't pick your dog up, can't use your feet to keep them off what on earth are you meant to do to stop them attacking you/your dog?

Exactly. If another dog was relentlessly attacking mine, hopefully I would do it some damage. I'm no killer or animal beater but if I felt that my dogs life would be in danger, I would do whatever necessary to protect it.

 

[CorvusCorax]

I think part of the point is, if you kick a dog in drive/attack mode, it can make it hang on harder. Also a lot of dog fights (unlike the OPs) are superficial, lots of noise and fuss, but no actual puncture wounds and you don't want to fly-kick a dog for no reason.
It's all very easy to say though, everything goes out the window in the heat of the moment and I would probably feel different if my dogs were a bit smaller

 

[prosefullstop]

No i didnt, in hindsight I should have but i didnt think the police would do anything so it didnt seem worth it. Having heard stories of how police deal with out of control dogs now, if it happened again I definately would.

I remember Maya just screaming while the dog was attacking us. When she was on the floor it was just terror - the bl00dy thing was jumping on her and grabbing at her legs, lucky she's so quick or she'd have been badly hurt! When I picked her up she just continue screaming and screaming. If you've never heard a basenji scream you can imagine the sound, its ear piercing!! She's never done it before or since, she was just terrified. Its made her wary of big dogs too now which annoyed me as i'd worked so hard to socialise her really well and she loved everyone before this incident. Hope your pup doesnt remember it.

I'm so sorry you went through that ghastly experience. I would also echo what Una said about her dog becoming wary of big dogs after the incident. My Boston terrier usually reacts badly to other Bostons after being attacked as a pup. She's fine after a couple of meetings, but if we see another BT on the street, she often barks and snarls. My SIL's dog hates all dogs after being attacked by a Lab. Whereas my pug was almost killed by a Great Dane in his previous home and continues to love all of his fellow brethren. In short, consider getting your dog to a puppy class and exposing her to well-behaved canines ASAP.

 

[Ranyhyn]

It was CC who made me think twice about the way I greeted a boxer and a JRT who had escaped their house and came bombing up to me, Roly and Lil during the week.

I could hear the lady calling for them franticly, so I stopped Roly and Lil and let them come hoolying over. Roly and Lil were their usual wonderful selves, a little shocked but they didn't react. If I had yanked my dogs out of the way or reacted in a scared way myself, the chances are the situation would have been a lot worse. So I followed CC's advice and just greeted the dogs cordially and kept the atmosphere happy and calm.

OP - I am really sorry they did this - please don't think badly of all jacks, mine would love to meet a puppy and play but also be aware you never know what may have happened to these dogs in the past - maybe THEY were set upon by other dogs and have become defensive as a result perhaps?

Can't help but feel for the old guy, maybe those two are his only pals and he just needs educating, old addled men aren't the best for reacting well in high octane situations