Had this posted in a different topic

[sunnysideup96]

Not even sure what to title this.
Last week my dog escaped and attacked the dog next door who was walking the street alone (I wouldn't really say attacked looked more like they were play fighting at first but then got too excited and started nipping at each other)

This is very out of the blue for him to attack anyone and any animals, we've had him 4 years since a puppy.

He absolutely is the most friendly dog is forever looking to get petted and played with he also if very well behaved, The kids in our street absolute love seeing him in the front garden so they can play with him, he does have a loud bark because he's a Irishwolf hound.

The neighbours are understandably very upset and angry which I understand, we have paid for the vet bill she's very angry that we wouldn't rehome the dog or get him put down.

I'm very shocked that this even happened as the weekend before this we had a birthday party at the house with some kids and a petting Zoo the whole time our dog laid in his bed came out for a wee play then back in. I've told them that is very unusual and out of character for him. She's now telling people In The street the attack was a lot worse than it was. We've have the vet bill here so know what treatment and medication they've been giving, the kids in the street are now longer playing with my daughter and she's absolutely devastated.

Not really sure how we can make this better unless we give the dog away, she is adamant that we have to pick one. And has already told me that karma is a bitch and that we'll get what we deserve

Who witnessed this ' attack ' ? As it sounds do out of character for your dog and from your description oh his personality it does sound very unlike him . Just wondering if the other dog had started the aggressiveness first ?

If I understand you correctly, your dog got out of the garden and there was an incident with another dog, also out on his own?
If that’s correct she is way out of order - her dog also needed to be under control . In such circumstances , I would not have paid her vets bill to be honest. Apologies if I have misunderstood.
But practically, you need to ensure your dog cannot escape again. Ensure he is always under your control - on a lead where he needs to be. Let his good behaviour be it’s own advertisement.

But her dog was out alone too? Meh! Six of one half a dozen of the other, dogs will be dogs!

If both dogs were unsupervised then it's as much her fault as it is yours.

She has some cheek demanding you pay her vet bills when by law, her dog was just as out of control as yours was!

Cheeky madam!

You both need to secure your properties so that your dogs aren’t getting out. It could have been children that were hurt or a dog on a lead. It’s your other neighbours and the dogs I feel sorry for. You both need to be responsible for your dogs.

At the end of the day, dogs spat and fight and can do all kinds of things out of the blue. The other day, I was walking two dogs and they just started on each other out of nowhere, after previously being completely fine with each other. God knows what their problem was. Literally 10 minutes later, they were fine with each other, walking alongside each other like nothing had happened. Guess they'd settled whatever their argument was about.

So, her dog was out roaming the street alone? Meaning - her dog wasn't under control?

Obviously, you shouldn't give your dog away!! Your dog is part of your family, right? And you don't have to do what this woman says! She's not god of the street!

As for your daughter, it will probably pass. People naturally avoid dogs they think might be dangerous, even if your dog isn't. Most likely, over time, they'll see that he's still the same gentle friendly boy and things will drift back to how they were before. You can also speak to people you know in your neighbourhood and set the record straight.

Meanwhile, for the safety of your dog if nothing else, I guess look at how your dog escaped and do what you can to ensure that it doesn't happen again? Extra gate, or something?

You took responsibility for the incident, unfortunately this means that you’ve agreed your dog is liable and was aggressive. People will no longer want their children to come to your garden because they’re safeguarding their children over a dog they see the owner has admitted was aggressive. You’re choosing to keep said dog, so in their eyes you’ve thought having an aggressive dog on the street is ok, which puts you at odds with the people on your street.

This may not be the way you see the situation but it is unfortunately the way others on the street will. If aggression is outside the norm for your dog though have you considered a vet appointment? There may be something going on that needs addressed there

Exactly what missyb1 said. Your neighbour sounds tapped.