How should I handle aggressive pitbull mix attacking my dog?

[Inker]

Hello,

I am hoping to gain some legal perspective on how to best handle this situation.  Our neighbor a couple houses down the street has a new dog, a pitbull mix that has attacked my dog while on a walk.  I was not the one walking my dog at the time of the attack, my parents (in their 60's) were, and had my two and a half year old daughter along for the walk. 

The details that were relayed to me.  The yard is fully fenced but somehow this dog made it through or over the fence specifically to come after my dog.  He got his mouth on him and probably would have completed his attack, but luckily my father was able to get him off of my dog.  My dog is a 30 lb. Corgi, male, fixed.  It wasn't a fight, as my dog doesn't have a mean bone in his body, is incredibly submissive, and barely a third the size of this other dog.  The pit mix is fixed as well.  My parents were on the street with our dog on a leash.  To call this incident terrifying is an understatement.  Luckily my mother was able to get my daughter out of harms way while the fur flew. 

After the attack, my husband went to speak with the owners who were extremely apologetic, however, nothing has changed.  This is also not the first time their dogs have caused an issue and we have had to speak with them.  We barely escaped an issue when they first got this dog and had left him to roam free.  I was walking my dog and daughter down the street when we were spotted and charged.  However, they were around and quickly grabbed the pitbull mix while they left the other two to bark at us, which tells me they are fully aware of just how dangerous this dog is.  They frequently leave the gate to their yard open and allow the dogs to roam the neighborhood.  None of the dogs they own are friendly, but none of them appear to be aggressive besides the pit mix.  I have begun to avoid walking in front of the house for my daughter and dog's safety. I also carry a baton to protect my babies while outside of the house. 

I do not want to hear pro-pitbull advocates argue that pits are good dogs, I have met good pits.  This isn't about that.  My question is, I want to protect myself legally when something does happen as I see their poor management of these dogs leading to another incident despite my best efforts to avoid conflict.  What can be done?   Can I perhaps prevent another attack?  Speaking to them obviously does not work.  And I would like to continue walking outside in my neighborhood.   Thank you in advance for the help. 

Best,
Brooke

[Anglosaxon]

Hi
Sorry to hear about your problems. I am not an expert but my suggestion would be to start with calling Animal Care & Control to report the incident.(  Get it doented by them. I know it is difficult in the heat of the moment but photo's or video ( smart phones) would also back up your claims.  Perhaps you could video the dogs reactions as you walk past the property and show that the gate is not always secure. Mention that you also fear for your daughters' safety as well as that of your own dog. ACC need some sort of history before they can act, and I admit that they do get bogged down with rules and regulations but it would be a start. I have always found them helpful.
Good luck and keep safe.

[parkerfarrier service]

Unfortunately, these people are not responsible dog owners. You're right, there are many cuddly pitties out there and really, the owners are to blame for this incident, especially since you say it has happened before. I think the goal with calling AC is so that the owners realize and act on their responsibility of harnessing and leashing their dog, even in their yard if that's what it takes. The thing is, the dog was obviously left alone in the yard and shouldnt be since it can jump a fence and is agressive. I dont even have agressive dogs and I dont let them roam in our fenced yard alone. Sounds like this dog could use some better owners. :/

[Classic2010]

I hear everything you are saying......wrong, indeed, are these people! They are allowing their dogs to inflict harm on other dogs and God forbid a child.  Do what ever it takes legally for them to control or have those dogs hauled off.  They are so irresponsible with their dogs.  They need a big confrontation to stop them.  But, until then, I would stay clear away from the area and those dogs.  I say this to stay safe until action is taken.  It isn't fair and you should be able to walk where you want.  In due time, hopefully you will.  I know what it is like to have a dog go ballistic.  My daughter and I were riding our horses.  We were all the way on the other of the road when out of the blue, this very big boxer dog came charging at my daughter (she was first) on her horse.  The owners were running to grab the dog and it was a sight!  This dog was nuts!  I ride with a crop so I charged the dog with a war cry sounding like an Indian in a Western movie.  That dog did finally turn and run but he sure stood his ground for a time..thank God I was high and lifted up.....the point of this story....wrong as that dog was to be loose and charge us so aggressively....I will avoid that route (I have many other roads to ride on) in the future for safety sake.  But stand your ground.  Talking to the owners of these dogs  is not the answer anymore....go to the cops..ACC..whatever it takes....give them no rest!  Persist!!  Be a thorn in their sides till you get results.....as you stay safe.

[polomare]

Carry pepper spray.

Use it as necessary.

[KIM]

call animal care and control

[Inker]

Pepper spray, I hadn't thought of that.  These dogs do need better owners.   They've only had the pitbull mix for a couple months.  What an unpleasant surprise that was when we were on our walk and the dog started to try to crawl through the fence to come after my dog.  It was quite a sight the day the dogs got loose.  I was about 4 months pregnant at the time, picking my daughter up and trying to get my Corgi into my arms, yelling at the owners to control their dogs while they told me they weren't aggressive as the dogs charged.  It would be very nice to someday walk around my block without having to be on dog patrol.   

Thanks for the advice everyone.  I've never encountered such a situation and had no idea how to proceed. 

[SaddlebredShowMom]

You need to report each and every incident to both the police and ACC as each attack must be docu.mented in order to establish a "dangerous" dog, which it sounds like this is.  If this dog is already attacking now and they've only had it a few months, it will only get worse (i.e. more aggressive) as they aren't training it or doing anything to correct the aggressive attack behavior.  Did it break any of the skin on your dog's neck during the attack?  If so, you need to have your dog checked by your vet and the vet will have to report it as well.  In fact, you should probably have your dog checked out any way and ask your vet to report it -- the more docu.mentation the better.

[renee]

CALL ACC and do not let up,until the situation is under control..Anytime you see them out call.Report the problems you have already had..And do not worry about how the neighbors feel,Take pics,your not there for them..Sad thing is the animals suffer for human actions again..I had a neighbor way back when and he lived in his home forever(owned)when I moved in he thought it was alright to let all his 11 dogs roam..Know one else wanted to over step the line with him...Well guess what,I had it all cleared up in 3 months with ACC's help..Then they all thanked me..No guts no glory..So go for it lady and nip it in the butt.Do not wait or they will have more fuel to the fire to think you did not have a problem in the beginning and now you do...Let the authorities handle it...They need an electric fence top and bottom if they are going to keep those dogs..Thats the only thing that will keep them in...Push in the ground poles and run the wire,hook to box and plug in and ground with wire to pole..Whaa laa problem solved..Keep the gate closed..Wire over the gate with handle to hold and remove..So sorry for your attack,I realize and totally understand your situation and feel for you 100%...

[kde]

ditto call acc immediately

[Delia]

ACC should be made aware of all your incidents with these dogs and their owners.  Rather than pepper spray, think about wasp spray.  It shoots out in more of a stream which almost makes it directional.  There had been a viral  email regarding this about 3 or 4 months ago.  I'm not sure if I still have it, but if you're interested, pm me & I'll look for  it.  According to the list, wasp spray is beneficial in many situations for self-protection, it's easily obtained, and very affordable.

[renee]

Oh yeh Delia,I have a few cans myself here and there for a quick draw...    plus a few other protectors..Thank god no neighbors for miles..They can be the worse..So praying for you susan...Bake him some special ''medicine'' cupcakes..    

[Classic2010]

....and continuing in that wasp spray vein ( ), just yesterday, my mare was constantly swatting the flies from around her legs.  She wears a fly mask and fly leggings.  But even with this, the flies were crawling all over her legs and on and on.  Fly spray for the horses does not work, plus I ran out.  So, out of desperation, I took off her fly wraps and sprayed them lightly and put them back on her legs.  That stopped the flies from even coming on her!  I don"t plan to do that all the time, but wow....it sure works ten times better than the fly spray for horses. And what a smart idea for spraying a dog....plus carrying a horse crop/whip.     You'll have your hands full......

[karen]

I've tried the medicine cupcakes before with a bad chow that lived next door, they don't work very fast.. nor did they slow him down much.... Love the wasp spray idea!! I used hot sauce in a really good sprayer, it worked for a while, then I think the  dog got used to it, and actually liked it  . Luckily for me, not for him tho, he got attacked by another loose dog and got chewed up pretty bad, and the owners had him put down.

[mysterypickles]

I would not rely to strongly on pepper spray to save you from an aggressive dog, many dogs are not affected by it, and especially a dog that is already worked up. You would be better off to carry a tazer, the noise alone will scare most dogs away, and if it comes down to it and you have to get close enough, it does scare them off when hit with the electricity. A stun baton would be ideal as you can be further from the animal, and could reach it while still on your horse.

[8Belles]

I have a large (unfixed) 12 year old German Shepard. He's the sweetest thing and would never go after another dog.. But dogs go after him. My neighbors Doberman always use to get loose, and FOUR times he attacked my dog- all but once on our property. Since my dog is older, it takes a hold toll on him, and each time he would lay lethgaric for two-four days.. Once he had a pretty puncture wound on his neck, but thankfully it wasn't bad enough for stitches.
The last time my mom was beating the dog with a broom, broke the broom in 3 pieces while I ran and got the neighbors- it took three very large men (all easily 6ft, pure muscle, etc) to pull the dogs apart, and one of them had to sit on the Doberman to get him calmed down enough to get him back to their house. We said next time we would not hesitate to do whatever means was neccesary- even stabbing the dog or anything it took.. It hasn't happened since, but each time we did report to ACC.. All they did was give warnings and tell them they need to neuter their dog, but they enver did..

My mom was walking him one day and a pitbull came running at them, and for whatever reason he didn't go straight for our dog, but my mom was standing between them screaming.. His owner called him and the dog left, but still, a dog shouldn't be running at people and other dogs with teeth barred.

Another time, most recently, my 'rents were walking him and our 7lb Doxxie, a bulldog male (who is always nasty through the fence) found a hole in the fence and was halfway through the fence, attacking our dog. My stepdad pepper sprayed him right in the eyes and he pulled back into his yard, and was rolling in the dirt. And my dog got pepper sprayed too, but just down his face. We told the neighbors, and since we are good terms with them, they weren't upset (not that they should have been) and fixed the fence that day..

I refuse to walk the dogs because so many dogs can't be controlled.

I'm sorry it happens to you, especially with a small dog and child in the picture.. Hopefully you get stuff undercontrol.

[SaddlebredShowMom]

Wow.  I read all these horror stories about vicious attack dogs on the loose and just shake my head at all the irresponsible owners out there -- it's just unbelievable.  What an incredible lack of care and concern for not only their neighbors/dogs/pets/kids, but also for their own animals. 

[Texas]

If animal care and control take the dog in they will put it down immediately.  If there is anyother way to get this situation under control that would be great.  I could have my husband call those neighbors for you if you pm me. He works at a law firm about a possible law suit if the dog is not maitained. Does the dog look healthy?  Pepper Spray is a good idea.  It's not the dog, it's the way the people have brought him up. It s!

[Inker]

Texas, they've actually only had this dog for a few months and it is a full grown animal.  He is in excellent health. Thank you for the offer for help with this situation. 

[NeoB]

I feel your pain. I had to deal with a neighbor and aggressive shepard. He came after me a number of times while I was in my yard. One time he snuck up so fast that I felt his breath on my calf. Luckily, I turned around and confronted him. He left. (I was pregnant so a bit extra protective) He went after my husband while he was riding his bike and bit his foot. The teeth did not go through his sneaker and skin. We called Acc but there was no blood so they did nothing. We called a number of times b/c the problem was getting worse and we were afraid someone was really going to to get hurt. Then one day he bit a little girl while she was walking home. There was blood. ACC came out and the dog never returned. This was the owners fault. They should have trained him and at the very least kept him in their yard.
I carry a spray that I got at petsmart when I walk. I have to avoid a different area now b/c of a dog aggressive loose American bulldog. As annoying as it is avoid the area. Call ACC every time you see him out of his fence. I hate calling ACC but sometimes there is no choice. Best of luck and stay safe.

[equisician]

Brooke, I am so very sorry to hear about this situation. The last place you want to feel as though you are in danger is at or near your home! Everyone’s advice, call ACC, wasp spray, stun gun, etc…has been excellent. It is a bad situation for sure (and in a sec I will explain how deeply I can identify with what you are going through!) but there are three positive things that you mentioned that I wanted to highlight:
1.   Your neighbors were apologetic, this is wonderful and rare! This is a great groundwork for change and maybe just maybe you will not have to report them?
2.   Your neighbors have only had the dog for a little while and it was an adult when they first took it in; this means that you can bring up how awful and serious of a problem this is without any blame regarding improper care/training of this dog.
3.   You have great support in this equestrian community, Texas offered to make a call for you and I’m sure many of us would write a note, make a call or provide you with literature that you can print and show to the neighbors as a way to persuade them to find a permanent safe solution so that you can feel good about going outside with your human and animal family.

One year and five months ago I climbed the fence between my next door neighbor’s house and mine to rescue a chicken. The dog in their yard (also a pit mix) is one I pet sat for before and took on walks periodically. He loved me! The chicken was safely back in my yard and when I went to climb back over to my side the dog grabbed me by the leg, pulled me onto the ground and went on to attack my legs in 7 places. The most serious bite went to the bone. I suffered muscle, nerve and skin damage and it took almost a year to not be in the kind of pain that woke me up out of my sleep. At the time I had some really wonderful equestrian friends with not enough time to ride their (INCREDIBLY SUPER) talented horses and was exercise riding for them 6 days a week. I really felt I had struck gold over and over with the horses and people I was so blessed to find and then in an instant it was all gone. All dogs can inflict great harm with their bite but the damage that can happen from a powerful locking jaw is unmatched. Several doctors that I saw made comments about how I would have been better off “getting bit by a shark” or “hit by a truck.”  I don’t mean to write something upsetting and awful but if my bites were on a small child that child would not have survived. Way worse than the physical damage was the post traumatic stress disorder that came months later where I found myself unable to do anything “that could possibly be unpredictable or dangerous” (which if you think about it is basically being alive!)

We found resolution with the attack without involving ACC (after all I was the one at fault and trespassing) and my neighbors are beyond fantastic and wanted to do everything they could to make me feel safe about living next door…They have made a divider between front and backyard fences so that the UPS man and visitor can come in safely, the dog wears a humane muzzle when outside with the grandchildren or during a backyard get together. The dog was found to have a chronic pain condition in one of his hips which the vet feels could have led to more aggression than usual… He has also been sent for behavior modification training which I attended a few times. During one of the visits the dog trainer recommended a great therapist that specialized in fears, phobias, loss of confidence and the neighbors actually offered to pay for me to get help! (talk about love thy neighbor, such good good people!) I also found a riding trainer who was willing to get me back in the saddle slowly with the understanding that I need to take very small baby steps. My first ride was last week and went so well that I couldn’t sleep from happiness the day after! (or maybe it was all my aches and pains from being SO totally out of shape?)

Are you able in person or in writing to communicate how awfully concerned you are for your safety and the safety of your child and dog to this neighbor? Do you think that if you draw a picture of what their lives would be like should something terrible happen (lawsuits, feeling guilty forever, legal consequences) it would make a lasting impression that elicits change in them? Do you feel courageous enough to suggest that they not own dogs, or that dog in particular because of what has happened already? Can you explicitly tell them that you fear that your baby daughter could get severely injured or even killed by their dog? Every situation like this is different. Sometimes you will start a war and make people less likely to change if you report them, other times that is the only way to wake them up and get them to take action and be responsible. I’m sorry that you have to go through this and your family is in my prayers!

adriana