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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

What to do if puppy gets attacked?

17 replies

Kushti · 18/05/2012 18:01

We are getting a rescue puppy in two weeks and I am scared he might be attacked by another dog as a few dogs around here have been recently. Should I carry pepper spray or a heavy stick?!

OP posts:

batteryhen · 19/05/2012 15:41

My pup was attacked by another dog recently. My cocker spaniel is 7 months - we saw a woman with a staffie on a lead so we put ours on his lead. Her dog got away from her and ran straight over and attacked our pup. DP controlled it quite well - manouvered our pup out of the way etc. However I was about to boot the thing when the lady turned up and grabbed him. It really upset me and I cried after :( (am also pregnant!!)

I just really keep an eye out and try to avoid this dog now - I can't do with the upset!

Original poster

Kushti · 19/05/2012 17:23

That sounds awful ...What happens if your dog is attacked, are you supposed to call the police?

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Riversidegirl · 19/05/2012 17:32

My labrador was attacked by an alsation. I got behind the alsation and lifted his hind legs as high as I could and pulled him off at the same time. he couldn't turn his head to bite me as I had his hind legs. It worked that time but I'm not sure I would do that with a staffie.

I once saw an RSPCA inspector boot a staffie in its tummy to get it off his own sheltie. It had got the sheltie by its neck and wouldn't let go until the kick. The dog rolled over and ran off...probably to attack another day.

Original poster

Kushti · 19/05/2012 17:35

God how awful, is it a regular thing for dogs to be attacked by other dogs , getting worried now as will likely have my young DC's with me while walking our puppy...

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DaenerysTargaryen · 19/05/2012 17:42

Our two got attacked by an Alsatian I wish I'd known the hind leg manouver (sp)

Original poster

Kushti · 19/05/2012 17:46

I think I would completely freak out at the owner and try to beat the dog with whatever came to hand

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daisydotandgertie · 19/05/2012 17:47

Perhaps it's not as bad as you think it will be.

I've had dogs for 20 ish years - I currently have 4 - and not one of them has ever been attacked. Not properly. There have been a couple of skirmishes, growls and snarls but those are a million miles away from a proper attack.

Before you get him, spend some time watching dogs carefully to learn their body language. It will be worth the time.

Doggy play can sound blood curdling with teeth, biting and lots and lots of full body contact and rolling around on the floor BUT that is NOT a dog fight. Mine regularly hang off each others faces, but it's not a fight and they're not hurting each other. It's dog socialisation stuff.

The most valuable thing you can do is not get worried. It will so very quickly be picked up on by the puppy and other dogs. Exude confidence. Be upbeat. Your puppy will look to you to work out how to behave - what you do and how you come across is vital.

In the nicest way, I think you need to get a bit of a grip! The police will not be interested in a skirmish in the park. A full on fight is another thing entirely.

batteryhen · 19/05/2012 17:58

I have to say, dog attacks in my opinion are not an every day occurrence! Dont let it stop you getting a dog. If another owner has their dog on a lead then put yours on too. You will be fine. Also if you walk a regular route you get to know the dogs and which ones will play and which ones won't x the staffie in question recently put an old lady in hospital as he ran into her and bowled her over. Not the dogs fault, he should have been on a lead if the owner couldn't control him xx

AmazingBouncingFerret · 19/05/2012 18:01

My staffy was attacked last week by a labrador.

she came home with bite wounds all over her face.

That's twice now in 8 years so not too bad I guess.

Original poster

Kushti · 19/05/2012 18:13

When I was a kid we had an Alsatian and were out walking him when a huge bull mastiff came charging at us, there was a really bad fight and both dogs needed emergency treatment. It was terrifying for us kids but I guess that kind of fight is unusual!

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Riversidegirl · 21/05/2012 22:06

AmazingBouncingFerret I hope your staffy is OK.

There are more wondeful dogs of ALL breeds and the few who give their breed a bad name ( IMHO the fault of the socialising as a youngster generally and the vibes the owner gives off that give the dog the impression they need protecting)

JaxTellerIsMyFriend · 22/05/2012 09:07

When my GSD was about 5 months old she was attacked by a large staffie (this dog is notorious round our way for escaping out the garden and 'having a go') and I gave it a swift kick to get it off her. The staffie had her round the throat and my girl lay down. I was beyond livid for 2 reasons.

1 the owner is known for being a twat and not controlling his dog (came running out in his pj's and was yelling at it to run across the main road - car coming)

2 I had walked ahead of DH who was coming with my older GSD and a mastiff - who had they been there would have killed the staffie for attacking 'their' puppy.

I have seen this dog since and my puppy, no longer a tiny thing would not be so naive!

Apart from that, no proper fights, some snarling/growling and play fights but nothing serious when out walking and I have had dogs for 30 years.

AmazingBouncingFerret · 22/05/2012 09:17

Thank you Riverside.

She is recovered and back to her usual bouncy self.

She has bald pock marks on her face and neck where the scabs have fallen off though!

Riversidegirl · 22/05/2012 20:59

Ahhh a spotty dog, ABF!

I have known some lovely staffies and rotweillers and some awful westies and poodles. (experience as a groomer and a kennelmaid)

People need to know about the breed they're taking on and train them with the dog's instincts in mind.

A retriever fetches and a terrier chases by instinct. These 'skills' need to be utilised in training.

JaxTellerIsMyFriend · 23/05/2012 09:39

I agree riverside have been nipped by a lab, a terrier and a collie and snapped at by a retriever. The worst was a dachshund.

All dogs have the capability to be grumpy and bite. Its just usually worse if its a large dog.

Riversidegirl · 24/05/2012 22:51

Actualy JTIMF the worst bite whilst grooming was from a yorkie...and then his tooth feel out!..he was an old lad.

I could always tell if a German Shepard and such like was going to turn and bite as you could feel the twist of the neck...I felt more comfortable grooming bigger dogs.

batteryhen · 25/05/2012 14:50

I have to admit - I am more wary of the smaller dogs than the bigger ones! Today on our walk my pup played with 2 staffy pups who were about 12 weeks old and absolutley gorgeous! My pup looked huge next to them and I think he was pleased to be the 'big boy' of the bunch for once!

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