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The doghouse

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Original poster

Sustained dog attack- owners just watched :(

65 replies

valteri · 16/10/2018 14:54

This happened yesterday but I only feel able to talk about it now. We were nearing the end of our walk when this dog (Weimaraner) appeared from around the corner. My husband and I could tell his body language was quite aggressive so dp slowly held on to my dog's harness (no jerking movements etc). All of sudden this dog lunges at my dog and starts to bite him. I scream at the two women with the dog to grab their dog but they tell me to let go of my dog as that is what is causing the aggression. NO FUCKING WAY. DP holds onto my boy and I do my best to shield him. The whole thing lasted for about 2 minutes. The sounds my boy made simultaneously breaks my heart and boils my blood. I have no idea why they didn't intervene/grab their dog who would go away for a second and then come back. At the end I was hysterically crying but also shouting asking why theydidn't grab their dog. I get called a dyke and told I need a dr for MY aggressive behaviour. THE NERVE. Somehow she tries to blame the whole thing on us.

As we walk back we meet a dog walker who heard the whole thing and also had a confrontation with the woman (sworn at etc). Apparently the dog went for one of his. We learn that this dog is "evil" and has a reputation.

I'm just heartbroken, my dog is fearful and we've worked so hard (and spent a lot of money) to build his confidence and socialise him. He's close to perfect. Took him immediately to the vet but thank god he was okay! We're very very lucky we held on to him- thereby protecting his neck and also that his coat is thick.

Just wanted advice on how best to handle the aftermath. He is PERFECT on walks. It would break my heart if this has long-lasting consequences. I can't believe this happened. I can't believe they did nothing.

OP posts:
MarcoPoloCX · 16/10/2018 17:29

Drop the lead and watch my dogs be chased and mauled?
Hell no.
I have choked a mastiff before to get it to open its mouth. It was horrifying. It was either that or let your dog be killed or be seriously injured. The owner was bloody useless. And I wouldn't hesitate to protect my dogs.

I had an owner lying to the police after I reported her. She goes " I remember that morning well, no attack happened and my dogs were playing happily together"
The last time I was on my phone and it captured what happened so she couldn't lie. She was also reported by other owners and hence was served a protection notice.

I have now invested in a body cam as I walk in anti social hours.
When it comes to dogs there are some real nasties who would lie and take no responsibilities. You need witnesses and evidence and enough reports.

Original poster
valteri · 16/10/2018 17:42

I don't know why they wouldn't put a muzzle on him given his reputation. I've never raised my voice in public but I really gave them a piece of my mind (maybe it was the adrenaline). Did manage to avoid name-calling though, unlike them. Just can't believe anyone would have the nerve to tell a woman who just witnessed her beloved dog be attacked to calm down and see a Dr for shouting. No apology at all.

If I knew my dog could handle his own then maybe I would consider letting go of him (he wasn't on lead just being held up by his harness). My boy literally just takes everything and never retaliates, he wasn't even fighting back just cowering despite being roughly the same size as the other dog. He's sweet and very gentle.

OP posts:
DartmoorDoughnut · 16/10/2018 17:43

I would only let go of the leads if my children were in danger.

Original poster
valteri · 16/10/2018 18:01

MarleyMooChick No this was in Berkshire.

OP posts:
MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig · 17/10/2018 00:07

I’m so sorry this happened to you. I hope you and your lovely boy are ok. I’ve just witnessed a row on Facebook over some entitled twat’s opinion that his dog is allowed to run free despite other dog owners asking him to keep it away from their dogs. It’s their fault apparently for having small or unapproachable dogs, they shouldn’t be there. Hmm

I have kicked a dog before that went for my lovely boy. It came snarling and barking at us but before it got anywhere near my boy I had my foot under its arse and I propelled it across the path. It just stood there looking bewildered and the owner silently clipped its lead back on and fucked off without a word. Prick. I was so angry. We had the dcs with us as well. In that split second you just don’t know what could happen.

Schnickers · 17/10/2018 07:24

Tbh your dog wasn't bitten and neither were you so I'd just try and put it behind you.

Original poster
valteri · 17/10/2018 08:12

Hmm Schnickers my dog was very much bitten- at least 10 times by a snarling, aggressive dog for 2 minutes. He is very sensitive around his behind and whines in pain Sad. Had he not been a breed with a double coat (and an especially fluffy one at that) I suspect it would have been a bloodbath. My dp also managed to keep my boy's front protected. Of course, we would like to put it behind us but it's much easier said than done. This has been traumatising, sounds dramatic but it's true.

OP posts:
Nesssie · 17/10/2018 08:22

Do you have a dog warden? Glad the police took down the details, sometimes they don’t do much on dog on dog attacks.
Repeated attacks by the same dog could result in a Community Protection Notice being served, so it is definitely worth reporting any attack to 101/Council etc.
If you get bitten then that escalates the attack to a Section 3 Dangerous Dog offence, which the police have a duty to investigate (if even they say they don’t)

The main thing now is to not let your fear show when out walking him, as he will pick up in that. Try to walk past other dog with a loose lead and relax as much as possible to show him that he doesn’t need to be afraid.
Dog attacks are horrific, but in most cases they affect the owners more than the dogs!
Big hugs to your man, and you Flowers

Vallahalagonebutnotforgotten · 17/10/2018 08:44

Re dealing with the aftermath for your dog. I would not have any interaction with dogs for a couple of days - just chilled fun days doing what he likes.This gives time to bring the adrenaline down.

Then I would meet with friends in a quiet area and do some parallel walking so no interaction between the dogs just walking on lead in a quiet calm manner.

Then if no reaction introduce to calm quiet friendly dogs over a period of time, do work on having a lot of positive meetings for several weeks.

Unfortunately this sort of situation is very common. I avoid all the popular walking areas for this reason. I will not let my dogs interact with any dogs I do not know and will turn away or move away if seeing dogs I do not know. My dogs have a lot of dog interaction (although to be fair this is pretty over rated for most dogs and they are happier with more interaction from owners than dog play!)

Well done for protecting your dog, you alone are the one that can do this and you did well. Keep you eyes open for idiots like you meet and just move away asap.

I always have food in my pocket and on occasions throw down food to distract the approaching dogs to give me time to get away but these days I just avoid all busy areas

Schnickers · 17/10/2018 08:47

Apologies I thought your op said you had taken him to the vet and no bites.

Schnickers · 17/10/2018 08:49

Please don't throw food to dogs. It's a really stupid thing to do. Some dogs are just friendly and not every dog that comes near is aggressive.

Nesssie · 17/10/2018 09:00

The food could trigger a guarding response from either dog and Male the situation worse. Plus you don’t know if the dog has a dietary requirement.

Nesssie · 17/10/2018 09:01

Make not Male

Schnickers · 17/10/2018 09:04

I live in the countryside and it's quite normal here for dogs to be off lead. Most of them seem to have excellent recall but occasionally you get a mini scrap. Think I've seen two in 25 years. Most of the time they sniff each other, run around once or twice and continue on their way. Its lovely!

mrsjoyfulprizeforraffiawork · 17/10/2018 11:55

If I’m concerned about a dog when I’m out with my two (plus normally both children but at least one!) I put them on lead but I’m prepared to drop the leads if something happens, I put myself between them and the dog and shout a really aggressive Oi at it.

I do this too. I've always worked on the assumption that I can get medical treatment free but my dog's is going to be a whole lot more expensive. Also, much more traumatic for poor dog than me if he/she gets wounded. (also, previous large dog would, in older years, hide behind me in such circumstances). I shout "no!" in my most commanding tones and it is quite effective in stopping them in their tracks for a rethink. Sometimes they have come back again but I just repeat and eventually an owner turns up to take them away. Confidence (or seeming confidence) is the key in this. I find it works with aggressive nutters on the street too (live in London). The fact that you are showing no fear takes the wind out of their sails. The very last thing I would do is let my dog go. The closer you have it to you, the more protection you can give it. It the dog keeps on coming, I usually try to turn my dog behind my body each time, whilst still facing the attacker myself. So far, attacking dog has not wanted to attack me, just my dog so this has worked.

MrsPMT · 17/10/2018 12:03

How awful, yes definitely report it.

I once had my dog attacked by another, bigger/tougher dog, it had slipped its harness, I kicked at it to get it away from my dog then yelled No at it when it had separated slightly before attacking again, fortunately the person with it was trying to catch it and this gave her the chance. They absolutely should have that dog on a lead. Hope your dog is ok

NightAndShiningArmour · 17/10/2018 12:12

So sorry this has happened to you :( I saw a Weimaraner attack a Scottish terrier at the entrance to a NT property once. The owners did little to stop it and then carried on about their day like nothing had happened. And despite numerous witnesses pleading with the NT staff to refuse entry to the people with the attacking dog, they claimed not to have seen it, so wouldn’t do anything. and in the context of the BBC today reporting that some MPs want children to be educated about avoiding dog bites Confused I can’t believe more isn’t done about irresponsible dog owners.

Clearthinking · 17/10/2018 12:16

This is awful. My gsd was happily sat in our garden in the snow when next doors staffie thing went up to ours and attacked him. Mine wasn't on a lead. We had been told numerous times by the neighbour that was the reason? So not sure if dropping the lead would help. What if both dogs ran off with one still being attacked, wouldn't you want to hold on to them sort of? My gsd was pinned down. I relive the horror often as it's a traumatic experience. The noises. Thankfully my neighbour got a jug of water and that made him release the grip. My husband did punch the other dog, not sure how he didn't knock it out. Neighbours now muzzle it. It's gone for 3 other dogs prior to ours.

Vallahalagonebutnotforgotten · 17/10/2018 13:31

Schnickers I will always throw food onto the floor if a dog is approaching my dogs personal space.

IF you as an owner do not like it do not let your dog approach without asking Confused

Your dogs may be friendly BUT maybe I do not want to interact with other peoples dog Hmm

Schnickers · 17/10/2018 13:36

OK that's a really weird thing to do. I'd think you were a lunatic if I saw you doing that every time a dog came near.

But this is mumsnet which often bears no resemblance to real life, particularly when animals are involved!

Schnickers · 17/10/2018 13:37

Mind you, my labrador would love you forever. You'd literally never get rid of him Grin

Shinesweetfreedom · 17/10/2018 13:41

Can you put on your local Facebook to warn others.You may find others have same experience of that dog and will contact you which you can give to the police.

SlothMama · 17/10/2018 14:26

Your poor boy! Just make sure to have him around other friendly dogs to keep his confidence up. Also just to make sure that he doesn't associate his harness as being a bad thing, do some work with grabbing it and feeding him a treat.

I carry a can of pet corrector it's helped get dogs off my dog when they've gone for him. I'd report the attack to the police and dog warden. That dog should be muzzled and on a lead in public

Vallahalagonebutnotforgotten · 17/10/2018 14:56

Schnickers full of people that do not read the threadsConfused

....if your dog was in my dogs personal space...........

Interesting you are such an expert when you have only encountered a few scuffles in 25 years.........

Nessie trust me no guarding if I throw food away at oncoming dog and I walk calmly away with my dogs --I do not give a monkey if the dog has dietary requirements if it is about to damage attack my dog........if you are worried control your dog.

I would be bloody miffed if anyone used a dog corrector spray near my dog though.

I did see a dog fight where the owner of the attacking dog ran up to the fight and sprayed the corrector at the dog the innocent dog was traumatised by the spray and bolted and it took 2 weeks to get him back home.

pigsDOfly · 17/10/2018 15:52

So sorry you and your dog have had such a horrible experience OP.

I've know two dogs who have been very seriously injured in attacks, both ending up with life threatening horrendous injuries; one a collie, one a yorkie; both sweet natured inoffensive dogs.

With the loving care of their owners they both recovered well, both mentally and physically. Both went back to being the happy trusting dogs they had been before the attacks. I hope your dog is the same.