Dog Violence
So, we were out walking our dog (Truman) around our neighborhood tonight. Nothing special… just a typical after dinner walk. Coming toward us was a lady with two dogs. The dogs looked like normal dogs (not sure what breed). As they approached, they slowed down and came to a stop in front of a neighbor’s garage. As we walked, Truman looked at the two dogs, but didn’t approach them and kept walking forward. Right when we were about to pass by them, one of the dogs, leaped toward Truman then procedded to tear into him. I tried to pull Truman away, but the other dog had his jaws attached to his side. Truman was in fear (he’s a very passive dog). A few seconds later, the owner of the offensive dog was able to take hold of her dog then pulled it away.
Cindy and I were just in shock. Luckily, Truman wasn’t hurt. The offensive dog’s bite wasn’t strong enough to tear into his skin.
So… we walked away shaken. The lady who owned the dog was very apologetic. Apparently, its collar broke off when it leaped at Truman.
As we continued on our walk, we were wondering why anyone would want to own an aggressive dog. This isn’t the first time Truman’s come close to being mauled by an aggressive dog. And this isn’t the first time I’ve heard of horror stories of violent aggressive dogs (remember Diane Whipple?).
In light of tonight’s events, I’ve written a letter to owners of violent dogs:
To Owners of Aggressive and Violent Dogs:
Tonight, our dog almost got mauled by a dog similar to yours. I kindly ask that if you plan to walk “Killer” that you do so in a neighborhood far away from ours. If for some reason, you happen to be walking in our neighborhood, please observe the following rules:
# If you’re walking toward us (a couple with a nice happy golden retriever), please cross over to the other side of the street. The people with the passive friendly dog should have the right of way. Because your dog is a lethal weapon, it needs to be handled carefully and taken away from anything it can possibly hurt.
# Always keep a leash on your dog! You may want to invest in a thick chain or cable. A strong dog with killer instincts is bound to break off of a nylon leash.If I happen to run into you, and you and your dog are not obeying these rules, you may find yourselves getting whacked by a golf club.
Sincerely,
Rich Manalang
A Friendly Dog Owner
July 29th, 2003 at 12:45 PM PDT
I live near you in Oakland and the thing I hate beyond what you mention is dogs that mis-behave when tied up outside a store, cafe, or restraunt. They bark and bark until their owner comes back. They bark at passers by.
The other day a dog was barking and tried to bite one guy as he walked past. I never want to bring harm to a dog but if I get bitten (and it’s happened before) the dog will learn a lesson on who is the leader and then the owner will get it too. Your golf club idea is intriguing, too bad I don’t golf.
December 9th, 2003 at 7:42 AM PST
I went to tell a neighbor that a called animal control about a stray rotti that was in heat running through our yards. At this time she was taking her sherpard akita off its run line and about to put it into a pen. The dog didn’t want to go so it broke my neighbors shoulder. She lie screaming. I said I would be right there with a blanket that I had out for the stray ( not knowing her dog was a nutcase! There are only little chicken wire fencing between the proeprties which her kids have ruined cutting through yards. I step one foot onto the property and the dog ran and attacked me shaking his head from side to side. I thought this is it I ‘d had best say my prayers now. He knocked me to the ground and took a chunk out of my thigh. Then he proceeded on my head which I covered with my arms and played dead. The owner was in her on pain and I don’t how the dog got into the pen. We were both transported to hospital where I was operated on. I’m not real happy with my neighbor cause the dog still lives. She has left me no choice but to press charges against her. Why would anyone want to own a dog like that? Thanks for listening
March 5th, 2004 at 11:40 AM PST
I dont think Bane and Hera should have been destroyed. Diane Whipple knew the dogs were dangerous when she provoked them into a fight saying “You fucking dogs better get the hell out of my way or I am going to beat both of you down!” The dogs were provoked and acted only out of self defense.
March 5th, 2004 at 11:46 AM PST
I was there when Diane Whipple was allegedly attacked by the two Pres Canario. I watched the whole thing go down. When Diane came into the hallway, the dogs were minding their own business when Diane rattled off a string of anti-dog profanities. Only after Diane tried to bite Hera, did Bane lunge at her and sank his teeth in. If Diane would have just went into her apartment the whole thing never would have happened. When it was over, I checked on Bane to make sure he was alright, Diane appeared to be sleeping. Thank you
March 21st, 2004 at 2:21 AM PST
I own two West Highland White terriers. I have lived in my home for 7 years. My yard is fenced in with chain link. I have had Scruffy for 7 years and Bailey for 5 years. The yard behind me is rental property and I have never had a problem with the renters before. Some have had dogs; some have not.
One of my Westies was dragged under the fence by 2 pit bulls living on the rental property. They mauled him pretty badly. He had his surgery but it will be a long recovery.
Attack dogs and vicious dogs DO NOT belong in residential areas. If you are afraid of being attacked on the street or in your home - get a gun or a burglar alarm or mace. Don’t bring vicious killers into neighborhoods with small dogs, cats,and ESPECIALLY children!!!
Thank God it was only my DOG this time!!!
October 8th, 2004 at 12:34 AM PDT
dogs are living creatures, it is normal for a dog to bark, dogs fight occasionaly and bite each others, no big deal, you probably hurt your dog more by feeding him chocolate biscuit every day.
If you cannot stand the barking and the occasional fight I recommend you to get an AIBO.
Now some dogs might be *abnormaly* aggressive, that’s another story,I think it is most of the time fault of the owner, who is either an irresponsible or dangerous person and ‘trained’ their dog to be that way.
June 7th, 2006 at 9:06 PM PDT
We have been working on a life saving system for the past five years called the CMRS/ECR that will contorl dog attacks indoors and outdoors.
The system will not harm the dog. Also it will work in the behalf of the homeowners and the insurance industry. We now can do something in order to help stop/control vicious dog attacks on our children and elderly in the home. Each year over 63% of our children are attacked in the home, it happened to our grandson just this year-2006. If you would like to know more about this product contact me at CanineMRS@aol.com (US-Patent)
November 20th, 2006 at 4:58 PM PST
Yes, aggressive dogs can be dangerous as well as a nuisance. If this is a rental property, you should also report this incident to the landlord. As a landlord, I can tell you that I ALWAYS want to know how the dogs in my properties behave, and I am quick to evict if there is any evidence that the animals may be a problem.
Phil G
February 8th, 2007 at 5:41 PM PST
A rich resource of articles about the temperment of dogs and dog violence can be found at http://www.sohoindex.com/terrier-dogs
August 18th, 2007 at 9:00 PM PDT
I have read the previous postings about Large breed / aggressive dogs. I have a Cane COrso and I live in a residential area and yes my dog could easily take another animals life or a human life but when does your safety come into your hands also. When I am out of town I know my wife is protected from whoever or whatever may decide on a whim to choose my house (bad idea). One person’s reply get a gun or mace or ???.. There is no comparison and now were supposed to shoot people instead of have protection dogs. These dogs are useful in more ways then you small dog only lovers will ever know. My wife has never felt safer in her entire life, Thank god for Large breed Guardian dogs.
Yes it would be a mistake to enter my yard without myself present but thats sort of the idea. Those Presa’s should not have been in an apartment/condo environment to begin with. Like my dog they are territorial and aggressive. This should not be looked on as 100% negative because you can not handle a large dog.
Why should the other person cross the street for you and your play toy golden who would show the burglar were your room and gun is kept and then run away like a coward. A burglar alarm, Hah. Nothing deters a burglar like bodily harm and my dog can handle it. Did you know that Labs bite more people in the US then any other dog, then it the small dogs.
I say lose the fear and grow up, anyone ever hits my dog with a golf club and they better pray they can get away from me.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:01 PM PDT
I recently have been dealing with an aggressive pit bull at the local park. On more than on occasion the dog has acted aggressive towards my dog. So I was doing a little research an ran across this website.
I do not understand why anyone would want to own an agressive animal, especially when you think about all the liability that might come with one.
Since when do we compare animal rights to human rights. There is no comparison! We need to take aggressive dogs seriously.
I have read all postings. Some folks belive that a dogs right superseds a human beings rights. HAVE YOU LOST YOU MIND!!! You can not compare a human being to a dog. I dog does not reason, it goes off instinct and reacts. If a dog reacts in a inappropriate in needs to find its self in the hands of animal control and the owner needs to be brought up on charges!
September 2nd, 2007 at 6:53 PM PDT
It seems absurd to me that anyone would brag about their “big, bad dog” and them insult others who are concerned about dog aggression and attacks. People have companion animals for many reasons. If someone wants to own a guard dog or aggressive, large breed they should have to register it just like any other weapon. The dogs aren’t the true problem. Idiots are the problem. People who, for whatever reason, own dogs that are unsocialized, untrained or mistreated into becoming a distorted animal that is dangerous. Period.
I say, carry mace. If any dog acts aggressively, report it. Keep a record of incidents.
People are responsible, most times, for a dog turning vicious. Unless it is a breeding fault.
Once a dog has attacked a person, it is more likely to do it again. We have to stop the business of breeding and tormenting certain types of dogs for profit and cheap thrills.
I am personally rather nervous around Rotties. I now am raising a Amstaff pup. My last dog was a Pit Bull that died of cancer. Best dog I ever had. But I would not hesitate one instant to put down my dog if I felt it was a danger to others.