Sue wrote:cheekymunkee wrote:Uh, sorry but I do not support pit bulls in dog parks either. They have no business there at all. I am not going to flame you though.
She was being flamed for NOT supporting pit bull in dog parks... Not "supporting pit bulls in dog parks"
We started out at Ruby's first dog show. I was allowed to show because I knew the woman who runs the show. Ruby was entered as an American Bulldog. I met a few Pit Bull owners, and invited them to the Sleepover. I got to meet a lot of people, and everyone was really nice.
We started out the day with a disaster - there was a 140 pound Leonberger (French draft breed, 140 pounds, REALLY furry) there who was completely out of control. I watched him pull his owner to his knees more than once. For some unknown reason they did not crate the dog or put it in the car. Ruby and I were walking to the pavilion when the dog lunged and this time the ower dropped the leash when he hit the ground. The dog came at us full speed, intent on killing. It was not a 'warning' not posturing, that dog intended her serious harm.
He came in low, towards her belly. Most of the next 5 seconds were a blur. Somewhere in my head I had to process the immient danger to my dog, and as I flung her backwards in the air over a canvas chair I noticed that I flung her by her prong collar. I had a flash of regret, (I have no idea where I had time for that.) The furball kept coming. I've done a good deal of catch work with protection dogs and I guess I acted on instinct - because the next thing I knew I was on my knees with my arm infront of his mouth. I was quite certian I would take a bite before I would allow my dog to be injured. I only know I was that low because Ruby lunged past my face making a horrible noise I have never heard from her. Teeth bared, snarling and snapping (three inches infront of my nose) - ready to give as good as she was going to get. At that second my friend Jeanine, who was running the show, arrived and pounced on the dog, dragging him away still snarling.
I was shaking and really really scared. And yes, embarassingly enough, in tears. Thank God she is VERY fast, as she had slobber completely around one thigh - from the front - and down the front of her chest. That dog had his mouth on her twice, and the leg wound would have been serious.
Everyone there was concerned and asked about Ruby and offered many comments about the other owner and his dog. I got about 5 different stories about what happened, what's above is all I remember. The people who had the Pit Bull I talked about earlier had their 'safety prong' (those stupid plastic ones) snap apart and he came charging over (I never saw him) And the mother of the two men said they charged over as soon as they heard the noise and the yelling but it was over before they got there. Demo had Connor in leash - and Connor would have jumped in with no hesitation... mom and Ruby were being attacked. I shudder to think of the damage Connor would have done to that dog.
The most appaling part of the entire mess was neither the owner nor his wife bothered to even apologize.
Ruby has never shown any aggression before, but she later growled at a few dogs that approached her. She was just freaked. She was fine with the Pit puppy, but anything with a lot of hair upset her. Most disturbingly she also snarled at my parents dog when she was laying infront of me and Emma approached. Not a noise, just a baring of teeth. My sister saw it, as Ruby was facing away from me. She immediately removed Emma and asked what was going on with Ruby.
I'm worried about her and furry dogs now. She already has a MAJOR fear of Goldens. She hides and cries if they get near her. She is getting better about that, since we do therapy with a female Golden regularly. But I'm nervous about meeting another big fuzzball.
So that's the whole story...
If you've had an unprovoked attack like this, what were your experiences? Unknown dog, unfamiliar surroundings... any long term problems? My last dog was the aggressor in attacks like this one, I've never been on the receiving end.
Anyway, I think the notion that dogs need friends is another human trait pushed onto dogs. Yes, I think a few dogs for them to romp with is a good idea, but when you talk to some owners they seem to think that their dog needs an active social calendar. I don't think there is anything wrong with your dogs not haveing 'friends'. As long as he is polite and well mannered around strange dogs, what's the difference?
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