To be shocked by the young woman killed by her own pit bull dogs in the USA?

[AbsentmindedWoman]

I have just seen this, and find it really shocking. Is it not extremely unusual for well-loved dogs to turn on their owner?

It seems different from the awful stories where a dog savages a child in a family. The reports are that this woman had her dogs since puppyhood, and friends said they were very affectionate - surely that's not a sign of an insecure or fearful dog who snaps and mauls somebody?

There are lots of very knowledgeable folks when it comes to dogs on Mumsnet, what do you think - is this just a very rare incident? Or what is the most likely reason?

I love dogs, I found this pretty shocking and very sad.

Sorry I'm confused you disagree with what? That dogs kill and cats hurt? You think killing and hurting are the same?

hip

I honestly don't see the "anti-dog" sentiment on this thread.

You shouldn't really trust an animal 100% how much you are close to the fellow.because s/he is an animal after all.

I honestly don't see the "anti-dog" sentiment on this thread.

Me neither, certainly none from me.

Um no, Scaredycat. You sound a little hostile and seem to be taking real issue with the fact I don't think it's sensible to put small babies very close to cats (for photo ops, or to show how they're best buddies, or simply because it's cute) because in your eyes it's 'only' a risk of the child being hurt, not a risk for being killed.

I'm saying I disagree, I think it's daft to do it with cat OR dog, irrespective of how much damage can be done. Not fair on the kid, or the animal.

In a healthy dog yes it's so so rare for them to turn to a point that you would have more than a minor scratch or bite. Was there more underlying? Any abuse or negligence?

HipNewName

I don't feel like it's anti-dog, infact it's the opposite what a lot of people are saying is that people seem to have forgotten that dogs are dogs and not people, treating your dog like a person is irresponsible for them as much as children or other humans

*Not that I'm saying this was the case in the OP story as we don't have much detail on that

I hadn't heard about this lady being killed, how awful. I don't have a dog but my parents do. She is lovely, and very tolerant. But I would never leave her alone with my dc. She's never once shown any negative behaviour but she's still a dog. I once saw two dogs turn and kill another dog over some food. It was horrible and still plays on my mind some ten years later.

I disagree with the statement “dogs kill.”
Most dogs don’t, and many are quite incapable of it. You are scared of dogs, all dogs. You don’t know the difference between a pit bull and Pomeranian. Or are you actually arguing that Lhasa apsos and dachshunds and labradoodles and beagles are killers?

There are health benefits to owning a dog, both physically and emotionally. They are therapeutic for people with autism.

I don’t know why any one wants a pit bull or a Rottweiler. But to go from those problematic breeds to all dogs is absurd.

Why are you shocked?
They are pitbulls. Pitbulls have killed human beings on numerous ocassions before. To be honest, I'm glad they killed the owner and not some innocent passerby this time. As sad as it is to see a 22 year old to lose their life, this is not the first time this has happened, and it won't be the last. She had access to the same information as everyone else and chose to ignore it.

What a dreadful way to die if it was through her own pets.

We have a spaniel who we adore. Recently she's been a bit of a twat and it's not her fault one bit; we've let her on the sofas, let her sleep upstairs outside the DCs rooms all "oh isn't it cute she's guarding her babies". Nope, absolutely not, because when our cat went past her on the stairs she went for him. We've pulled back on everything and got her crate back out, stopped letting her have the run of the place and generally reminded her she's not in control and she's a brilliant dog once more.

Owners treating their pets like children and babies isn't good for either party, and even if your dog is the most gentle, marvellous creature in the world it's still simply an animal that has the potential to cause damage. I think we forget that often, and that's why so many injuries happen.

We have a dog, and a series of baby gates to keep her separate from the toddler 90% of the time. The other 10% I'm right there, but she prefers to interact with him through the gate because he isn't gentle on her fur. I would never put her in a position where she couldn't get away from him. It's too dangerous. She's very patient with him but I don't know where her line is.

What a horrible comment noeffingidea. A suitable username for you though.

I'm not taking issue with sensible measures, you even quotes me saying so.
I perfectly understand why people don't want dogs or cats near their dc don't make out that the danger is in anyway comparable, it's not.
I also said
Best to reduce all risks
I just think people need to understand some perspective.

Some people are saying they can't understand the appeal of these big, powerful dogs. For me, that is the appeal. I've experienced far more danger and violence from random men than I ever have a big dog. My large dog makes me feel much safer when I'm walking in a deserted place and see a lone man coming towards me.
Yes, my dog is an animal, and thus can't be trusted 100%, but people are animals too, and I read far more savage accounts of what men do to other humans than what dogs do.

Yes Cesar may well explain a lot.

DB24 which bit is horrible? The bit about about being glad it wasn't an innocent passerby that died?
Don't really give a shit, tbh. I have as much sympathy for this woman as I do for that woman who kept a loaded gun in her handbag and was shot dead by her toddler in Walmart. ie, none.
Pitbulls are a dangerous breed. Get over it.

Hip That was a mistake to put, I meant as I put earlier Dogs can kill, I forget how perdantic the internet can be. Just keep looking for offence Hip and making stuff up!

User I totally understand that aspect. I've had a couple of random minor assaults by men on the street, and fantasied about getting a big dog and having it trained to protect me. Probably an Alsatian because I think they're gorgeous as well as very intelligent/ trainable.

I don't think I'll ever really do this, though!

Caesar Milan is an abusive prick & any 'trainer' who follows his methods needs a cattle prod to the arse.

I've seen a few different things regarding this woman, including that her dogs were rescue so she didn't really know their past. Also saw one extract claiming she was training them for fighting. Goes to show only those who know, know.

It's exceptionally sad whatever happened, i feel for her family. The dogs will be/might already have been destroyed, which is also really sad. I have a pure love of bull breeds, & have no qualms about them being family pets, but this soer of story always brings out the anti bull brigade. There are so many possibilities

That poor woman! It must have been terrifying for her having no prior suspicions of aggression in either dog. I agree with those suggesting the dogs might have been bickering over something and she got in the middle of it.

And anyone advocating Cesar Milan needs their head looking at! And should never go near a dog if they value their safety.

Sadly, reading any dog related thread on here proves how clueless most people are. You still hear things like dominance and pack leader and stuff.

JRTerrorist agreed! Dominance theory & all that bull drives me mad. Comparing a domesticated dog & its needs to that of it's wild cousins is laughable

It's not just dogs you have to be careful around when you're menstruating. When we raised a couple of pigs for the table they were noticeably boistorous around me when I had my period, and a friend who owned a large sport horse stud in the south west of England wouldn't let anyone on their period handle the stallions, they were rota'd onto the mares' yard for the duration.