I had a scary run in with a pit bull today... long.

Squishycheeks

I was babysitting my little brother and sister today and we decided to bring their little miniature schnauzer to my house with us so he wouldn't have to be stuck in the kennel for a couple of hours. (He only weighs about 11 lbs)

I haven't had a chance to meet my neighbors yet, but I had occasionally seen them let their dog into the back yard to run and do her business.

 Well, I let the kid's dog into our backyard to go to the bathroom when the neighbor's pit jumped the fence ( the 6 ft. privacy fence that separates our yards) and went after the little dog. I was watching, and as soon as I saw her start to come over the fence I ran outside to try and catch our dog.

I didn't quite make it in time and the pit caught our dog by the neck and began shaking him! It was so horrible! He was yelping like crazy and I was sure she was gonna kill him! I finally caught up to them and tackled the dog and had to beat her over the head to get him free! Thankfully once I had him and took off running toward the house, the other dog didn't follow.

It was aweful! Both the kids saw the whole thing, I was bawling my eyes out, my 8 yr. old sis was bawling her eyes out; but, thank goodness, our dog is okay. He does have a small puncture wound, but he's fine otherwise.

I called animal control and filed a complaint, because I'm terrified to have a dog like that next door that has no problem hopping the fence! There are so many little kids in our neighborhood and I can't even imagine if it had been a child instead of our dog! DH was upset that I went after the dog, but what was I supposed to do? I couldn't watch him get killed in the backyard and do nothing!

LillyBug923

Wow. You got very lucky the pit didn't attack you. I'm glad your little dog is ok, though!

*Bee*

That's so scary!  Is the schnauzer ok?

dottymobo

That sounds horrible- did you talk to the neighbors?  I'm sure AC will do something.

For what it's worth, for your peace of mind, dog aggressive is very different from person aggressive.

mfransdell

OMG! How terrifying! Thank goodness everyone is ok. Have you contacted the neighbor? Is the dog still in your yard of did it jump back over? I would call the vet, just because you can only SEE a small puncture does not mean that is the only damage done. She may have other bleeding or a little doggie concussion. I would call the police too.

Mary and Dave

How scary...but I'm glad to hear that you and your dog are OK.  I'm a big wimp when it comes to dogs...especially big ones. 

monicalynn1979

Wow!  I'm glad you and your dog are okay!

localbs05

Oh my god women! That is crazy!!! Thank God everyone is ok.

kristeljade

Scary!  I would've been at your neighbors running my mouth.  It's good you only called animal control.

I hope your lil brother and sister's dog is okay, and not too traumatized!

kle+spd

O M G! That is horrible!! Yeah I'm sure I would have gone after the dog too! It's just a natural instinct! I'm sure it must have scared you so much to realize what you did after it was over! Glad you, the kids and the dog were basically ok! Wow!

AMYfromKY

That is so scary. 

I am glad you are alright.  You should probably take your dog to the vet because punctures can get infected and fast.

I also feel bad for the other dog.  I cannot even imagine what he has been through to cause him to attack another animal like that. 
 

Mrs.DeliaMarieP

Out of pure instinct, I would have had the same reaction you did.  Your husband is right, though, you're lucky the pit didn't turn on you, but again, it was all instinct at that point.

I would definitely pursue the issue with animal control, there is no reason that dog should be able to get into your yard.  

I'm glad your dog is okay.  To further the issue, it might be a good idea to get the dog checked out by the vet, to have it on record that he was indeed attacked.

EdwardsRUs

OMG!  That's terrible!  I am glad you and your dog are OK.  I totally see your point about not being able to let the little dog die but I can see why DH is upset that you went after the dog - this situation could have had an extremely tragic ending.  I'm glad it didn't turn out any worse than it did. 

I think you did the right thing by calling animal control.  By this time next year that could be your LO outside playing when the pit jumps the fence.  

Squishycheeks

The big dog jumped the fence back into her yard, and I didn't talk to the neighbors yet. When I talked to DH I think I scared him with how hysterical I was and he wanted me to wait till we were together to go over and talk with them.

edwins_girl

I can't blame your DH for being upset (as mine would be) but honestly, I would have done the same thing as you! I'm glad that you (and the dog of course) are ok!

taelir

Yet another example of folks not training their dogs right.

It's not hard to train pits to behave around other dogs - it may take a little extra work on your part as far as socialization goes, but it's not hard.

I'm so sorry to hear about this - we had a similar issue with our dog (coincidentally, a schnauzer) and a dog in the apt. complex up in MI.  The owner of that dog actually got evicted over it.

Is the mini schnau okay?  I have such a soft spot in my heart for them, I can't bear to hear of them being attacked.

UTMissy

I think your natural protective nature kicks in to save the dog at that point and all logic goes out the window. I'm so glad the dog is ok... I watched our german shephard due the same thing to one of our maltese when I was 10. Scariest thing ever but our little dog didn't make it. I would've totally called animal control though... we did even on our own dog!

thatgirlang

This is one of my worst nightmares- so scary. I am sorry.

Ellie0505

I would have grabbed the dog, too.  I know that I wouldn't have been able to stand there and watch that.

UTMissy

AMYfromKY:

I also feel bad for the other dog.  I cannot even imagine what he has been through to cause him to attack another animal like that. 

Not all dogs have something bad happen to them to cause them to attack... I've watched 2 dogs attack other dogs. One was our own and was spoiled rotten just for some reason didn't like the other dog. The other was just a puppy that was great around kids but the kids didn't have it on a leash and went after our dog. He wasn't originally trying to be aggressive but the situation freaked the dog out and his jaw locked. I really don't think there was anything that happened to either that caused them to attack.

Mama Jan

Your DH is right to be upset that you went after it (you do need to be protecting your own baby as well as yourself) BUT I would have done the same thing.  It's a natural, knee-jerk reaction to go save a loved pet.

So scary - I'm glad everyone is alright.  You should get the dog checked out at the vet just make sure and definitely have the neighbor pay the bill.  I hope they get rid of that dog before your baby arrives.  That is terrifying!  Again, so glad you and the dog are alright.

JCM083009

AMYfromKY:

That is so scary. 

I am glad you are alright.  You should probably take your dog to the vet because punctures can get infected and fast.

I also feel bad for the other dog.  I cannot even imagine what he has been through to cause him to attack another animal like that. 
 

Ditto. 

Also, do you know FOR SURE the other dog is a pit bull (and what type, "pit bull" is NOT a breed)???

While I don't doubt the other dog did something awful for sure - it's so common that these cases are reported as "the pit bull did it", but yet most people can't even correctly identify a bull breed.

Breezer80

Wow - you are certainly a brave young woman! I'm so glad that everyone, including little pup, are OK. But really - what a testament to natural instincts! You're going to be a GREAT mom! 

3PupsAndABaby

i'm so sorry you had to deal with that but just to let you know, most pitbulls are DOG aggressive, not human aggressive so you're probably safe. i have a pitbull who isn't aggressive towards humans or animals but know alot of pits who are. that's just their instinct. i'm glad your puppy is ok though!

 

p.s. there's no such thing as a locked jaw

prettyshoes

I'm glad it worked out for your dog but that was not smart of you. My BIL just got finished with his second hand surgery from trying to break up a dog fight between a retriever and his own belgian shepherd. You should NEVER get in the middle of a dog fight- even if your dog was in danger of being killed. If there was a shovel or some other heavy object laying around maybe you could have hit the pit with it but---man, you are one lucky lady.

aniceucchik

oh my! glad that everyone made it out ok!! poor little doggie...i would take him to the vet just to make sure hes ok. Dont even get me started about pit bulls...i will offend some people probably...

Squishycheeks

JCM083009:

AMYfromKY:

That is so scary. 

I am glad you are alright.  You should probably take your dog to the vet because punctures can get infected and fast.

I also feel bad for the other dog.  I cannot even imagine what he has been through to cause him to attack another animal like that. 
 

Ditto. 

Also, do you know FOR SURE the other dog is a pit bull (and what type, "pit bull" is NOT a breed)???

While I don't doubt the other dog did something awful for sure - it's so common that these cases are reported as "the pit bull did it", but yet most people can't even correctly identify a bull breed.

I can see your point here, but I am not the type of person who stereotypes a dog based on what it appears to be. I've known several very sweet, very friendly pits who do great around other dogs. I was just trying to point out the size difference, 11 lb dog vs. 70 lb dog. Big difference.

Does the exact type of bull breed really matter? A big, agressive dog attacked my little dog. Does that sound better?

AudNicole

UTMissy:

AMYfromKY:

I also feel bad for the other dog.  I cannot even imagine what he has been through to cause him to attack another animal like that. 

Not all dogs have something bad happen to them to cause them to attack... I've watched 2 dogs attack other dogs. One was our own and was spoiled rotten just for some reason didn't like the other dog. The other was just a puppy that was great around kids but the kids didn't have it on a leash and went after our dog. He wasn't originally trying to be aggressive but the situation freaked the dog out and his jaw locked. I really don't think there was anything that happened to either that caused them to attack.

This is a big fat huge myth.  Dogs jaws do not 'lock'.  No breed of dog jaw is made any different than any other jaw, they all work the same way. 

And, just because something "bad" didn't happen to those dogs doesn't mean they were taught to how to get along with other dogs, or socialized correctly.  When dogs get scared, frustrated, or even playful they show it with their mouths.  That's a Cause for a bite and/or a fight.

OP:  That sounds horrible! Definitely take your dog to the vet.  Call Animal Control.  Everything needs to be on file, and Animal control can check to make sure the other dog has its shots. 

but, as PP noted, dog aggression and people aggression are very very different things (I have proof in my own dog).  Not that you shouldn't be wary and careful, just to give you a bit of a piece of mind (and to let any others reading know that).

I would've been in the middle of that fight, too, but its not the smartest thing.  A water hose often works if you think of it and its handy.  Or loud noises, such as yelling or throwing something available against the concrete.

JCM083009

Squishycheeks:

JCM083009:

AMYfromKY:

That is so scary. 

I am glad you are alright.  You should probably take your dog to the vet because punctures can get infected and fast.

I also feel bad for the other dog.  I cannot even imagine what he has been through to cause him to attack another animal like that. 
 

Ditto. 

Also, do you know FOR SURE the other dog is a pit bull (and what type, "pit bull" is NOT a breed)???

While I don't doubt the other dog did something awful for sure - it's so common that these cases are reported as "the pit bull did it", but yet most people can't even correctly identify a bull breed.

I can see your point here, but I am not the type of person who stereotypes a dog based on what it appears to be. I've known several very sweet, very friendly pits who do great around other dogs. I was just trying to point out the size difference, 11 lb dog vs. 70 lb dog. Big difference.

Does the exact type of bull breed really matter? A big, agressive dog attacked my little dog. Does that sound better?

I gotcha And no, that's my point, the breed DOESN'T  matter all.  I just find it odd and it's something that many people study that when a dog is aggressive and looks like a bully breed it's "the pit bull attacked my dog"... you never hear the "breed" described in other dog attacks.  Does that make sense?

Mama Jan

3PupsAndABaby:

i'm so sorry you had to deal with that but just to let you know, most pitbulls are DOG aggressive, not human aggressive so you're probably safe.

"probably" wouldn't cut it for me.

jk09uhed89

going after the dog yourself was a bad idea (even though my first instinct would have been the same) a tip for you or anyone else reading this is to grab the water hose and spray the attacking dog in the face. if they are lock jawed or anything this will get them to seperate from whatever they are attacking

3PupsAndABaby

prettyshoes:

I'm glad it worked out for your dog but that was not smart of you. My BIL just got finished with his second hand surgery from trying to break up a dog fight between a retriever and his own belgian shepherd. You should NEVER get in the middle of a dog fight- even if your dog was in danger of being killed. If there was a shovel or some other heavy object laying around maybe you could have hit the pit with it but---man, you are one lucky lady.

 

and that would've been a DUMB thing for her to do. why in the world would you hit a dog with a shovel? it wasn't attacking HER. there are other ways of breaking apart a dog fight without resulting in a cruel violent act. besides, you hit a dog with a weapon, the dog will protect itself and go after you (and if it did, it would have every right to!) 

 and i'd like to note there is no such breed called a pitbull. and most of the cases that are reported are pitbull MIXES. 

AudNicole

Squishycheeks:

Does the exact type of bull breed really matter? A big, agressive dog attacked my little dog. Does that sound better?

For here, no, it doesn't really matter.  But, when reporting it, just saying a big, aggressive, next door neighbor dog.  Let the AC officer choose to put down a breed if need be.  Not that they can always tell the difference, either.  

We all know the sterotypes, and any work anyone can do to combat them is great, even if its admitting you don't truly know the breed type and leaving it up to the "so called" experts to decide.  

JCM083009

Mama Jan:

3PupsAndABaby:

i'm so sorry you had to deal with that but just to let you know, most pitbulls are DOG aggressive, not human aggressive so you're probably safe.

"probably" wouldn't cut it for me.

especially since MOST aren't dog aggressive even...

Squishycheeks

Mama Jan:

3PupsAndABaby:

i'm so sorry you had to deal with that but just to let you know, most pitbulls are DOG aggressive, not human aggressive so you're probably safe.

"probably" wouldn't cut it for me.

Yeah, I'm not really willing to wait until something worse happens. It may not, but not asking for the dog to be removed or permanently kenneled (with a roof!) would be stupid on my part.

JCM083009

AudNicole:

Squishycheeks:

Does the exact type of bull breed really matter? A big, agressive dog attacked my little dog. Does that sound better?

For here, no, it doesn't really matter.  But, when reporting it, just saying a big, aggressive, next door neighbor dog.  Let the AC officer choose to put down a breed if need be.  Not that they can always tell the difference, either.  

We all know the sterotypes, and any work anyone can do to combat them is great, even if its admitting you don't truly know the breed type and leaving it up to the "so called" experts to decide.  

Yes, thank you.

Squishycheeks

AudNicole:

Squishycheeks:

Does the exact type of bull breed really matter? A big, agressive dog attacked my little dog. Does that sound better?

For here, no, it doesn't really matter.  But, when reporting it, just saying a big, aggressive, next door neighbor dog.  Let the AC officer choose to put down a breed if need be.  Not that they can always tell the difference, either.  

We all know the sterotypes, and any work anyone can do to combat them is great, even if its admitting you don't truly know the breed type and leaving it up to the "so called" experts to decide.  

The AC officer called the dog a pit, they had issues with the same dog before I called them.

AudNicole

Squishycheeks:

AudNicole:

Squishycheeks:

Does the exact type of bull breed really matter? A big, agressive dog attacked my little dog. Does that sound better?

For here, no, it doesn't really matter.  But, when reporting it, just saying a big, aggressive, next door neighbor dog.  Let the AC officer choose to put down a breed if need be.  Not that they can always tell the difference, either.  

We all know the sterotypes, and any work anyone can do to combat them is great, even if its admitting you don't truly know the breed type and leaving it up to the "so called" experts to decide.  

The AC officer called the dog a pit, they had issues with the same dog before I called them.

Then you had reason 

Can it be labeled a dangerous dog now?  Were the other issues biting (if they told you).?

3PupsAndABaby

when you go over to your neighbors, ask if the dog likes people. if it does, meet the dog. try not to be nervous because it will sense that. if you are familiar with the dog, the chances of the dog doing anything is very rare.

lvisser

UTMissy:

AMYfromKY:

I also feel bad for the other dog.  I cannot even imagine what he has been through to cause him to attack another animal like that. 

Not all dogs have something bad happen to them to cause them to attack... I've watched 2 dogs attack other dogs. One was our own and was spoiled rotten just for some reason didn't like the other dog. The other was just a puppy that was great around kids but the kids didn't have it on a leash and went after our dog. He wasn't originally trying to be aggressive but the situation freaked the dog out and his jaw locked. I really don't think there was anything that happened to either that caused them to attack.

ITA... We actually had our pit mix attack the pure bred pit next door.  They never once got along, and she really just did not like that dog at all... when she got her chance, she took it.  But she was the sweetest dog ever, until she was around Zeus.  She would have made a great big sister to Rylee...

Here is a pic..

. 

[Deleted User]

I have had SEVERE issues with my (new) neighbors dogs too so I feel your pain.  You might want to consider talking to them about the situation and letting them know your fears to give them the benefit of the doubt in rectifying the situation along with calling animal control.  They are responsible for your dogs medical bills too so you might want to take the little babes just to be safe.  It may help and it may not but NOTHING sucks more than being at odds with those that live next to you.  In my situation, the dog (a boxer-pit mix) was taken from the home but that is because he had several "running loose" and excessive barking complaints and a previous attack in the park then attacked our mailman in my yard.  Where is Fountain?  And yay for our bedding!