Why people get attacked by dogs

spyrosmom

spyrosmom

Cathlete
I was taking Vlad for a morning walk today. That's him in my avatar. He's a Shep/Rott mix, about 60lbs. People think he looks mean, but he's a big ol' baby. All he wants is a hug and a belly rub. Plus, his tongue hangs to his knees and he wears a bandanna - he's pretty much goofy looking.

When we walk in the morning, there are always Jr High kids walking to school. Some ignore him, some pet him (they always ask - I'm impressed) but there are always 2 or 3 groups (its always groups) of kids who screech and hoot and holler "OMG a dog!!" "Screeeeech" "Watch out!!!" "Aaaaahhhhhh" "Run!!" "Look out!!!" and grab on to each other. Vlad just kinda rolls his eyes at them and keeps on motorin' I suspect they do it b/c they are with their friends and being goofy or trying to show off. But don't they realize this crap is what gets people attacked??

If they were do this alone or with 2 or 3 of them with the wrong dog, they are going to get attacked. And then the world blames the dog. It can never be the PERSON who provoked it. "I was just standing there and he attacked me" Um, yeah, right.

Vlad is not going to attack anyone (but he's a dog - you never know), but what if they catch a mean dog being walked by an owner who is not in control? Or a mean stray? Or a hurt animal? Do kids' parents not teach them how to act around animals. Of course, by Jr High age, kids don't always do what they are told, esp when their parents aren't around. I feel like I should say something to them, but I don't feel its my place to confront a group of 10 or more Jr High kids.

I'd like to tell Vlad to "sic 'em" just to see what they do. He has no idea what that means, so he would just keep walking, but arrrrggghhhh!!!!!!!!

For goodness sakes, teach your children how to act around strange animals!

Nan
 
It seems like kids these days are just bigger a**holes than ever. Too bad parents don't do a better job. I've gotten to where I pretty much hate kids for this very reason. We were never like that when we were that age.
 
spyrosmom said:
I was taking Vlad for a morning walk today. That's him in my avatar. He's a Shep/Rott mix, about 60lbs. People think he looks mean, but he's a big ol' baby. All he wants is a hug and a belly rub. Plus, his tongue hangs to his knees and he wears a bandanna - he's pretty much goofy looking.

When we walk in the morning, there are always Jr High kids walking to school. Some ignore him, some pet him (they always ask - I'm impressed) but there are always 2 or 3 groups (its always groups) of kids who screech and hoot and holler "OMG a dog!!" "Screeeeech" "Watch out!!!" "Aaaaahhhhhh" "Run!!" "Look out!!!" and grab on to each other. Vlad just kinda rolls his eyes at them and keeps on motorin' I suspect they do it b/c they are with their friends and being goofy or trying to show off. But don't they realize this crap is what gets people attacked??

If they were do this alone or with 2 or 3 of them with the wrong dog, they are going to get attacked. And then the world blames the dog. It can never be the PERSON who provoked it. "I was just standing there and he attacked me" Um, yeah, right.

Vlad is not going to attack anyone (but he's a dog - you never know), but what if they catch a mean dog being walked by an owner who is not in control? Or a mean stray? Or a hurt animal? Do kids' parents not teach them how to act around animals. Of course, by Jr High age, kids don't always do what they are told, esp when their parents aren't around. I feel like I should say something to them, but I don't feel its my place to confront a group of 10 or more Jr High kids.

I'd like to tell Vlad to "sic 'em" just to see what they do. He has no idea what that means, so he would just keep walking, but arrrrggghhhh!!!!!!!!

For goodness sakes, teach your children how to act around strange animals!

Nan
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I'm sorry I have nothing againts dogs, I'm scare to death of dogs only because I know there dogs you never know. When I was little I was bit by a dog when I was walking to school the dog just came at me out of no wear, ever since then I have never felt conforable around dogs even the family dogs I grew up with (except for booboosh he was old and swee) About 4 months ago a city worker was attack by a pit bull a witness so the whole thing the dog was dragging the city worker like he was a piece of meat, luckily he survive then about two weeks later a 2 week old baby girl was killed by a family dog. My kids would love to have a dog, we have attempted to have dogs twice and it just didn't work I was to darn nervous I would run to the room everytime the dog try to be playfull, so for the safety of my family and myself we decieded a dog was not a good idea until I was over my fears.
 
Very well said, Nan. I would like to add that one of my other daily annoyances are "loose" dogs. Please have the courtesy to keep your animal leashed. Walking our two BIG furry babies has become a real chore because of all the LOOSE animals in our dinky little town. Last time I checked...it is the law.:mad:
 
NY25 said:
It seems like kids these days are just bigger a**holes than ever. Too bad parents don't do a better job. I've gotten to where I pretty much hate kids for this very reason. We were never like that when we were that age.
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Not all kids are like that. I have 5 wonderful, well behave, loving, caring, boy's and they would never act like that. To say you hate kids are pretty harsh words. I don't feel to confy around dogs but for me to say I hate dogs would be a bit harsh, because I'm human and no matter if you are human or an animal I hate to see anyone suffer for any reason.

Lourdes
 
marnold said:
Very well said, Nan. I would like to add that one of my other daily annoyances are "loose" dogs. Please have the courtesy to keep your animal leashed. Walking our two BIG furry babies has become a real chore because of all the LOOSE animals in our dinky little town. Last time I checked...it is the law.:mad:
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THANK YOU!! It is a problem in my area. We are not in a rural area by any stretch of the imagination and still people think it is okay to have their dogs run all over the place. It wouldn't bother me if people were able to control their dogs off-leash but what usually happens the dog runs off, the owner yells at the top of their lungs and the dog just thumbs their nose at them.

I ran into off-leash dogs on 10 different occassions in one week while running with my five dogs. Those flippin' dogs jump all over my leashed dogs while their owner calls them without even getting a reaction from their dog and loudly assure me that their dogs are well-behaved and friendly. Really? Could have fooled me.

I have come to the point that I will spray any off-leash dog that charges towards my dogs. I have been yelled at for that, but oh well :eek:
 
spyrosmom said:
I was taking Vlad for a morning walk today. That's him in my avatar. He's a Shep/Rott mix, about 60lbs. People think he looks mean, but he's a big ol' baby. All he wants is a hug and a belly rub. Plus, his tongue hangs to his knees and he wears a bandanna - he's pretty much goofy looking.

When we walk in the morning, there are always Jr High kids walking to school. Some ignore him, some pet him (they always ask - I'm impressed) but there are always 2 or 3 groups (its always groups) of kids who screech and hoot and holler "OMG a dog!!" "Screeeeech" "Watch out!!!" "Aaaaahhhhhh" "Run!!" "Look out!!!" and grab on to each other. Vlad just kinda rolls his eyes at them and keeps on motorin' I suspect they do it b/c they are with their friends and being goofy or trying to show off. But don't they realize this crap is what gets people attacked??

If they were do this alone or with 2 or 3 of them with the wrong dog, they are going to get attacked. And then the world blames the dog. It can never be the PERSON who provoked it. "I was just standing there and he attacked me" Um, yeah, right.

Vlad is not going to attack anyone (but he's a dog - you never know), but what if they catch a mean dog being walked by an owner who is not in control? Or a mean stray? Or a hurt animal? Do kids' parents not teach them how to act around animals. Of course, by Jr High age, kids don't always do what they are told, esp when their parents aren't around. I feel like I should say something to them, but I don't feel its my place to confront a group of 10 or more Jr High kids.

I'd like to tell Vlad to "sic 'em" just to see what they do. He has no idea what that means, so he would just keep walking, but arrrrggghhhh!!!!!!!!

For goodness sakes, teach your children how to act around strange animals!

Nan
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Funny, must be that Vlad looks like their idea of a scary dog. I get kids of all ages coming up to me wanting to pet my boys, but they're Aussies and they look like big furry doofuses (which they pretty much are :D). We live in a good school district and the kids tend to be very polite, but I hear from the teachers that it's not like that everywhere.

Is there any way you would have an opportunity to talk to the kids about their behavior? I would think it would be a golden opportunity to introduce Vlad and explain how to act around a big dog. I know the kids often roll their eyes and things, but they do listen.

As for the pitbull attack on the baby - I am wondering why they even had an aggressive dog in the house with the baby. Sounds like they had no control what so ever of that dog or that there is more to the story than what they are saying. It's a tragic story and my heart goes out to the family, regardless.
 
I hear you! I am forced now to take DH, who I love, as a "runner" to guard me and the furry babies from the loose dogs. He carries a big stick and chases them away.
I would LOVE to be able to walk the dogs alone for a change. It has become a major stresser and bummer. Most of the owners either laugh or start yelling back at us. I am shocked that somebody who is obviously being irresponsible has the nerve to be angry with US or actually find the situation funny!
I honestly do not blame the loose dogs; the owners are the source of my dismay. On a positive note...Dear Zeus is getting rather large and many of the little dogs run away immediately when they see him lumbering along. :) (insert Bart Simpson laugh here...)




hiitdogs said:
THANK YOU!! It is a problem in my area. We are not in a rural area by any stretch of the imagination and still people think it is okay to have their dogs run all over the place. It wouldn't bother me if people were able to control their dogs off-leash but what usually happens the dog runs off, the owner yells at the top of their lungs and the dog just thumbs their nose at them.

I ran into off-leash dogs on 10 different occassions in one week while running with my five dogs. Those flippin' dogs jump all over my leashed dogs while their owner calls them without even getting a reaction from their dog and loudly assure me that their dogs are well-behaved and friendly. Really? Could have fooled me.

I have come to the point that I will spray any off-leash dog that charges towards my dogs. I have been yelled at for that, but oh well :eek:
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Nan - while I agree in most cases that it is usually the human animal that exhibits behavior that instigates an attack, that isn't always so. I wonder if one of the kids in the groups has been attacked and has bad feelings towards dogs because of that. Or it could be they are just showing off for their friends!

I was bitten by a dog while taking a walk in the neighborhood where I work. I was walking along and a woman was walking in the opposite direction with a dog (on a leash). As I went to pass, the dog jumped up on me. I stood still not wanting to anger the dog by freaking out. The dog grabbed onto my arm and bit down. Thankfully, I was wearing a sweatshirt so his teeth didn't totaly pierce the skin. The owner freaked out and was yelling at the dog and pulling the leash WHILE THE DOG WAS BITING MY ARM! I now stear clear of all dogs, even little yippers. Better safe than sorry in my book. Granted, I don't make a big production out of it as the kids you described did!

Carrie
 
Hi Nan,

I understand what you are saying about how people (especially kids who don't know better -- but ought to!) can provoke a dog attack w/o meaning to. However, I can't tell you how many stories I have heard over the years from the UPS carriers, cable guys, phone repair people, delivery persons, etc. about how they've been attacked by dogs when their owners swore the dog wouldn't hurt a fly, had never bitten anyone, loved people, super friendly, the whole nine yards.

I'm sure everyone of those people got ample training on how to greet animals, deal w/ wary dogs, watch for signs of an impending attack etc, but they've all been bitten repeatedly.

I grew up w/ dogs, never feared them, know how to approach strange ones, have 2 of my own and I was very nearly bitten while walking several years ago. I was down the street from this unleashed dog, no where near any homes and he came charging at me, full speed, teeth bared, snarling--not barking. His teen aged owner lazily jogged up, half-heartedly calling the dog's name--not even commanding him to stop! The dog came after me again w/ his owner standing right there!

I'm sorry but sometimes dogs do act unpredictably, even the gentlest, sweetest ones and it doesn't have anything to do w/ what the other person did. I'm glad you walk yours on a leash and just wish every one else did too.
 
jonahnah said:
I'm sorry but sometimes dogs do act unpredictably, even the gentlest, sweetest ones and it doesn't have anything to do w/ what the other person did. I'm glad you walk yours on a leash and just wish every one else did too.
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Exactly!!! And running around going "ahhhhhh...... big dog......eek!!!!!....run!!!!....screeeeech!!!" isn't going to help the situation if the dog is going to decide to go nutso! I know even my sweet baby could go crazy. I just wish instead of making a big hoos-foos over the big scary dog, they would just ignore him. And if it is a dog who is already on the agressive side, it may provoke the dog. By flipping out they aren't doing themselves any help if the dog does decide to attack.

Not trying to say its always the person's fault, but it isn't ALWAYS the dog's fault, either. I do recognize that very unfortunate things (like with the baby mentioned above) do happen. But I think a lot of it is preventable

Nan
 
I don't hate all kids as a matter of course, but I can't stand the ill-behaved obnoxious kids and teens that unfortunately seem to be the predominant species. Well-behaved kids are fine - sadly, they're just rare now-a-days.
 
I agree with pretty much every opinion expressed here:

* Rude kids irritate the crap out of me
* It's not always the dog's fault.
* Some dogs are not well controlled (ala Snoopy the Terrible). Some are downright dangerous.
* Leashed dogs only. I love dogs, but I do not want to deal with both your dog and mine! (That's why I carry pepper spray.)

I'm in the process of retraining both Snoopy and our house, and until we are properly situated, he will not be out for formal walks.
 
LaughingWater said:
I agree with pretty much every opinion expressed here:

* Rude kids irritate the crap out of me
* It's not always the dog's fault.
* Some dogs are not well controlled (ala Snoopy the Terrible). Some are downright dangerous.
* Leashed dogs only. I love dogs, but I do not want to deal with both your dog and mine! (That's why I carry pepper spray.)

I'm in the process of retraining both Snoopy and our house, and until we are properly situated, he will not be out for formal walks.
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Ditto to all points. My cousin, who lives about 2 blocks from me, has a 140 lb rottweiler--I'd say he's the size of a small pony--& she ALWAYS walks him without a leash. Now, this dog is a big old teddy bear & wouldn't hurt a fly (unless you tried to take a rawhide away from him), but I have to admit, if I saw a dog that size running loose it'd probably scare me, & I've also grown up w/dogs. I've told her countless times to knock it off but she won't listen.

And yeah, it also bugs me b/c it's against the law. :mad:
 
Gayle, thanks for asking. :)

After visiting the original trainer, I was a little uneasy for a couple of reasons, one being that he used a prong collar. Maybe that's okay, maybe it isn't, but it just didn't feel right with me. I would at least like to try other methods first.

I went to the library and found a few books, one from a woman named Jan Fennell. Her method is inspired by the famous Horse Whisperer, Monty Roberts. It's very natural (establishing a clear Alpha pair in the house), non-threatening, and many claim it's effective. We'll see though.

There is a woman in our area who practices this method and has trained both with the author and Monty Roberts. She recommends reading the book prior to an official consultation, so that's what I'm doing. I started applying the first few techniques a couple of days ago, and so far, Snoopy is responding well. It's pretty early, however, and the big test will be down the road when I have him on the leash outside.

So far, I have learned what I have been doing wrong. That adds up to a LOT.

Here's the author's site if anyone is interested: The Dog Listener
 
spyrosmom said:
I was taking Vlad for a morning walk today. That's him in my avatar. He's a Shep/Rott mix, about 60lbs. People think he looks mean, but he's a big ol' baby. All he wants is a hug and a belly rub. Plus, his tongue hangs to his knees and he wears a bandanna - he's pretty much goofy looking.

When we walk in the morning, there are always Jr High kids walking to school. Some ignore him, some pet him (they always ask - I'm impressed) but there are always 2 or 3 groups (its always groups) of kids who screech and hoot and holler "OMG a dog!!" "Screeeeech" "Watch out!!!" "Aaaaahhhhhh" "Run!!" "Look out!!!" and grab on to each other. Vlad just kinda rolls his eyes at them and keeps on motorin' I suspect they do it b/c they are with their friends and being goofy or trying to show off. But don't they realize this crap is what gets people attacked??

If they were do this alone or with 2 or 3 of them with the wrong dog, they are going to get attacked. And then the world blames the dog. It can never be the PERSON who provoked it. "I was just standing there and he attacked me" Um, yeah, right.

Vlad is not going to attack anyone (but he's a dog - you never know), but what if they catch a mean dog being walked by an owner who is not in control? Or a mean stray? Or a hurt animal? Do kids' parents not teach them how to act around animals. Of course, by Jr High age, kids don't always do what they are told, esp when their parents aren't around. I feel like I should say something to them, but I don't feel its my place to confront a group of 10 or more Jr High kids.

I'd like to tell Vlad to "sic 'em" just to see what they do. He has no idea what that means, so he would just keep walking, but arrrrggghhhh!!!!!!!!

For goodness sakes, teach your children how to act around strange animals!

Nan
Click to expand...

What really gets me are the people (usually adults) that make this overdramatic physical cringe when I go by with my two beagles - now how viscious can they look? I mean, really!

You're right, though, it is the over-reaction and excessive emotion that dogs react to and it isn't fair that the animal is always to blame!

Your baby is really cute!
 
I am glad you didn't go with the prong collar trainer, Lori! I have heard good things about Jan Fennell but never read her books. I'd be interested to know how it works out.

I don't know, maybe I am in the minority here but I do think that a balanced and well-trained dog should not react to over-reaction and excessive emotion from strangers.

I understand that attacks can be provoked but it is usually dogs that did not have any training, don't have an outlet to release their energy (i.e people not walking/exercising their dogs) and have no boundaries.

My neighbors are a prime example. Their dogs are untrained, he thinks roughhousing and teasing the dogs is a good idea, they rarely ever walk their dogs, the damn dogs bark all flippin' day long and have bitten my kids and attacked my dogs. Those dogs are a disaster waiting to happen.

I don't fault the dogs, it's the owner's fault in most of the cases IMO. Some people are just plain irresponsible or don't think. I am not talking about anyone who has posted here, just in general and my neighbors in particular.
 
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