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The doghouse

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

Original poster

Dog bit DP :(

121 replies

Dogbitdp · 16/09/2023 09:04

Am upset but DP seems to be overreacting. PTS not going to happen so just wanted a bit of advice from anyone who's been in a similar situation.

Dog was in the garden last night pissing about probably trying to eat cat shit etc. He said she wouldn't come in, so he went to grab her from behind and she turned and snapped/bit him on the hand 😔 skin broken, about 3 puncture wounds but its not as bad as it could have been.

I was a bit shocked when he told me this morning but not hugely surprised- she sometimes hurts her leg as she loves to run, and she was moping a bit yesterday, but the main issue she has currently is a cyst type thing that keeps filling up and swelling, then it will go. It must be painful when it does that as she does have a go at it, and I noticed yesterday it had flared up again. Vet keeps saying that he wouldn't recommend removing it until it really causes problems (think we're there now!)

He said hes not sure about her now but his main concern seems to be that "I've never been bit by one of MY dogs before". He is generally arrogant anyway tbh so im certain his pride is hurt more.

I get it, I'd be upset, but I don't think he's considering that there were about 4 factors at play- it was dark, he approached her from behind so surprised her, and her leg and/or this cyst was probably hurting (cyst is right where your hand would be if you were to grab her from behind).

Hes now said if she does it again she's dead. Doesnt care if there's a reason for it. When I said ill get her checked out and push now to have this thing removed he just shrugged.

Hes also a bit of a drama queen anyway and does exaggerate, but as I say he is very much "im right everyone else is wrong". I'm actually really worried now the next time she so much as barks he might exaggerate....I'm not even sure hes not exaggerating now about how it happened 😔

Shes never done this before or showed any signs of aggression at all. We do have two teen DC, one of whom has a real strong bond with her. She's so gentle and loving, I feel really bad for her tbh.

So vet next week but in the meantime I'll be on edge whenever dp is left alone with her. He loves her but tbh not as much as our last dog. Suspect this is because our last dog was very much 'his', whereas our current dog is definitely more aligned to me (used to be funny but inside I do think that gets to him).

OP posts:
Newpeep · 16/09/2023 09:25

Low light, probably pain, startled, mild puncture wounds - pretty normal tbh and I'd say your dog was being quite restrained.

Not that biting is acceptable of course. If the cyst is causing pain then it needs to be dealt with.

I don't know how old your dog is and breed doesn't matter but how about teaching a positive interrupter? So name, treat name treat name treat until you say their name and they come flying over for that treat. Really good way of stopping them doing something they shouldn't be and avoids any confrontation in the future. Usually takes minutes to teach.

slopsan · 16/09/2023 09:30

You love your dog more than your partner.

He needs to go to a&e.

Wolfiefan · 16/09/2023 09:36

He shouldn’t have grabbed the dog. I can understand he may have lost confidence in how this dog may react but it certainly doesn’t need PTS. Use a treat or slip lead to get the dog in.
Has the vet seen the cyst. Can’t they remove the cyst entirely so it doesn’t refill?

Dotcheck · 16/09/2023 09:39

She was in pain and was startled. Of course she bit.

Original poster
Dogbitdp · 16/09/2023 09:43

Newpeep · 16/09/2023 09:25

Low light, probably pain, startled, mild puncture wounds - pretty normal tbh and I'd say your dog was being quite restrained.

Not that biting is acceptable of course. If the cyst is causing pain then it needs to be dealt with.

I don't know how old your dog is and breed doesn't matter but how about teaching a positive interrupter? So name, treat name treat name treat until you say their name and they come flying over for that treat. Really good way of stopping them doing something they shouldn't be and avoids any confrontation in the future. Usually takes minutes to teach.

Shes 7.

Tbh I can get her in quite easily. I shout her name and rattle the biscuits and she comes in straight away. I can even stop her dead in her tracks chasing squirrels because she knows biscuits usually follow. He doesn't feel he should have to make any effort to work with her.

Slopsan - no, I just understand shes a dog. He doesn't need a and e either his hand is fine. If she wanted to seriously bite he'd be without a finger right now.

OP posts:
Original poster
Dogbitdp · 16/09/2023 09:46

Wolfiefan · 16/09/2023 09:36

He shouldn’t have grabbed the dog. I can understand he may have lost confidence in how this dog may react but it certainly doesn’t need PTS. Use a treat or slip lead to get the dog in.
Has the vet seen the cyst. Can’t they remove the cyst entirely so it doesn’t refill?

Yes took her a few times with it and he said he can remove it but until it causes consistent issues for her hes reluctant just because of the op and recovery for her etc. In the last few weeks I have noticed it filling up a bit more but it goes down just as quick but now I'll be taking her back to say just do it as it is causing her pain now.

OP posts:
WetBandits · 16/09/2023 09:46

If someone grabbed me from behind, in the dark, right where I already had a painful lump, I would bloody bite them too!

He fucked up and he’s blaming your DDog for his poor judgement of the situation.

Dragonwindow · 16/09/2023 09:47

Two separate issues here. 1) if you know the dog is in pain, then I would try to get that resolved before you consider PTS. But be careful not to always be looking for excuses if it does happen again.

  1. husband sounds unpleasant and exhausting. Ltb regardless of how the situation with the dog plays out.
Newpeep · 16/09/2023 09:47

Dogbitdp · 16/09/2023 09:43

Shes 7.

Tbh I can get her in quite easily. I shout her name and rattle the biscuits and she comes in straight away. I can even stop her dead in her tracks chasing squirrels because she knows biscuits usually follow. He doesn't feel he should have to make any effort to work with her.

Slopsan - no, I just understand shes a dog. He doesn't need a and e either his hand is fine. If she wanted to seriously bite he'd be without a finger right now.

Show quote history

Yes that is your problem. Him. Common one. Our dog is our dog. We both make the same effort, treat and train her in the same way and shock horror she responds just as well, (or badly LOL) to either of us.

Obviously speak to the vet and get her sorted but going forward if he can't do those simple things to motivate her or make her feel better about their relationship then can I suggest you deal with her from now on? If your dog was younger I'd suggest some fun training to improve their relationship but it doesn't sound like he'd be up for it. She would be at any age as long as it was appropriate.

WetBandits · 16/09/2023 09:48

However, he does need to attend a minor injuries unit for proper cleansing of the wounds and prophylactic antibiotics (tetanus vaccine too, if he’s not already up to date with it), especially as the bites are on his hand. Hand bites are more likely to get infected due to the small spaces between the bones.

Foggyfoggyfoggy · 16/09/2023 09:49

His pride is more wounded than he is. Our ddog bit dd once. Through a coat and no damage just a red mark. She had gone over her paws wearing Heelies by accident... Never told anyone. Ddog was a rottweiler and it would likely have been blown out of all proportion.. Ime of there is a logical reasoning behind the bite all is good. Dh knows not to startle ddog in the dark now doesn't he?

ClusterFukt · 16/09/2023 09:50

If I was grabbed from behind in the dark I’d probably bite the cunt that did it too.
I’d PTS DP and keep lovely dog.

caerdydd12 · 16/09/2023 09:50

If the dog has broken the skin he needs antibiotics because there's always a risk of infection with dog bites, but the GP or a walk in centre can do that, you don't need A&E.

CantThinkOfANameAtAll · 16/09/2023 09:51

The more you write the more unpleasant your DP sounds. Is he like this only about the dog or is he equally unkind with the children?

amakaAlqp · 16/09/2023 09:52

I'd get rid of the husband personally, does he have any nice qualities.

DustyLee123 · 16/09/2023 09:53

Get rid of the partner.

Clymene · 16/09/2023 09:54

slopsan · 16/09/2023 09:30

You love your dog more than your partner.

He needs to go to a&e.

Rightly so by the sounds of it.

He doesn't need to go to A&E either. A minor injuries unit or walk in centre will determine if he needs treatment

Original poster
Dogbitdp · 16/09/2023 09:54

I will suggest he goes to minor injuries, although our nearest one is about 10 miles away and frankly I know he'll say no, he cba, but I will suggest it so I've done my caring bit regardless.

I know it sounds like I don't give a shit, I do but also I am a bit "its your own stupid fault" and tbh I am finding it all a bit tedious but that's another thread.

OP posts:
rumred · 16/09/2023 09:57

It's pretty clear why she bit him. What's unclear is why you're in a relationship with a sulking, arrogant drama queen.
Keep the dog, dump the man

PimpMyFridge · 16/09/2023 09:58

Who grabs a dog from behind and then it's surprised when they react as anyone would when grabbed by surprise from behind!!!
If I was mooching round my garden and someone unexpectedly grabbed me from behind I could easily lash out until I saw who it was too... Especially if it gave me a stab of pain too, it's a reflex!

Your dp sounds like quite a knob tbh

TheSandgroper · 16/09/2023 09:58

If dh’s tetanus regime has lapsed, he needs to get that sorted. Preferably within a few hours of the skin being broken. There is definitely a time limit on this one.

twistyizzy · 16/09/2023 09:58

He is at fault, not the dog. You never ever approach a dog from behind/startle it and grab it, that is just asking to be bitten.

PimpMyFridge · 16/09/2023 09:59

@rumred has summed it up for me

LifeInTheUK · 16/09/2023 10:00

I’m afraid I’m with your DP re the dog.
If the dog bites again, I wouldn’t want it in my house.

Yes I’m sure he can deal with said dog better. Yes I’m sure biscuits are a better way to call her back. And yes pain needs to be resolved.
But a bitting dog in a house is, for me, a catastrophe waiting to happen.

OhNoForever · 16/09/2023 10:00

He is obviously at fault, and his responses are awful. Who grabs a dog from behind in frustration?! Your vet wouldn't do a one off human pts would they?

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