My pittie was attacked twice! Need advice pls.

[erpitrescue]

I know I am really late to the game (things have been super busy with Bama Bully and event season, and I've just started full time vol work at my local shelter too- if you have me as a friend on FB, you noticed. )
I would treat any dog interactions from here on out as if they were new dog intros. Leashing, slow, treats, etc. Even if it a dog Smash has known and been friendly with in the past.
Sometimes I see a dog "overreact" defensively after a dog fight. This isn't scientific jargon so bear with me- it is as if the dog realizes that he could be attacked at any time, so he goes after the first dog that looks at him funny the next time, trying to keep frmo getting his ass kicked again. His tolerance/threshold for other dog's behavior could be lowered as well.
I've used the analogy before that if I were to get mugged in a dark alley after I yelled for help, the next time I felt threatened in an alley I wouldn't yell for help, I'd go straight to shooting warning shots over the scary persons head. I would overreact to a perceived threat because of the end result of my past experience.

[Chloe]

May 25, 2010 1:38:59 GMT -5 erpitrescue said:

I know I am really late to the game (things have been super busy with Bama Bully and event season, and I've just started full time vol work at my local shelter too- if you have me as a friend on FB, you noticed. )
I would treat any dog interactions from here on out as if they were new dog intros. Leashing, slow, treats, etc. Even if it a dog Smash has known and been friendly with in the past.
Sometimes I see a dog "overreact" defensively after a dog fight. This isn't scientific jargon so bear with me- it is as if the dog realizes that he could be attacked at any time, so he goes after the first dog that looks at him funny the next time, trying to keep frmo getting his ass kicked again. His tolerance/threshold for other dog's behavior could be lowered as well.
I've used the analogy before that if I were to get mugged in a dark alley after I yelled for help, the next time I felt threatened in an alley I wouldn't yell for help, I'd go straight to shooting warning shots over the scary persons head. I would overreact to a perceived threat because of the end result of my past experience.

Thanks for this, it's really helpful!!
I worry that we will have a repeat of this while out on a walk or at the park or somewhere. Lots of people seem to not follow the leash laws and all it would take is 1 dog 1 time to ruin everything. We are an active family and our dogs go everywhere with us, ie: petstores, parks, friends houses, beach, mnts. ect ect. We dont have a set up that allows us to leave our dogs for long periods of time while we are gone so if it's a day when we are gone longer then 8 hrs. they have to come w/us (I love to bring them along anyway!). He's our 8th pittie and we've never ever had anything like this happen so I'm still a little undone about it.
I know lots of members of this forum have dogs that are not dog friendly, what do you do when it comes to going out and about with them? Or does that dog become the at home only dog?

[erpitrescue]

I have a dog selective dog, and my lifestyle has changed a bit since I've gotten her. My last personal pibble was very social and friendly to all things canine, so she was my "everywhere" dog. (We even did dog parks, but that was years ago, before I knew better!)
With Poppy, I only take her places where I'm fairly certain I can control the environment, and it takes a lot more planning on my part than when I took Maggie out. With Maggie, I just had to throw the leash and the dog in the car and off we went! With Poppy, I pack several different interesting treats, a treat pouch, a leash, a toy (sometimes this works better to get her attention than food rewards), an air horn or mace (to shoo away evil off leash doggies), and a break stick incase we end up in a really bad situation. I tend to take her to the less busy park, where I know there will be less dogs, on "off hours" when there is even less traffic. I also recently started attending meet up groups with other pibble owners in my area- group hikes, lake house hang out- with dogs and owners that I know and trust.
Basically, my definition of "going out with the dog" has changed dramatically and I have to try hard to remember that Poppy isn't Maggie.
I hope this helps!

[Chloe]

May 28, 2010 0:41:58 GMT -5 erpitrescue said:

I have a dog selective dog, and my lifestyle has changed a bit since I've gotten her. My last personal pibble was very social and friendly to all things canine, so she was my "everywhere" dog. (We even did dog parks, but that was years ago, before I knew better!)
With Poppy, I only take her places where I'm fairly certain I can control the environment, and it takes a lot more planning on my part than when I took Maggie out. With Maggie, I just had to throw the leash and the dog in the car and off we went! With Poppy, I pack several different interesting treats, a treat pouch, a leash, a toy (sometimes this works better to get her attention than food rewards), an air horn or mace (to shoo away evil off leash doggies), and a break stick incase we end up in a really bad situation. I tend to take her to the less busy park, where I know there will be less dogs, on "off hours" when there is even less traffic. I also recently started attending meet up groups with other pibble owners in my area- group hikes, lake house hang out- with dogs and owners that I know and trust.
Basically, my definition of "going out with the dog" has changed dramatically and I have to try hard to remember that Poppy isn't Maggie.
I hope this helps!

It does help, a lot. We talked to our vet about the situation today and she recommended putting him down. I dunno what the "right" thing to do is. We are just so concerned that if this happens again it'll be much worse. Your advice does help a ton though. Thank you!

[AmyJo27]

Ok...Im confused. Your vet told you to euthanize your dog because HE was attacked???

That does not make sence to me. Even if he would become dog aggressive...Crate and rotate, I know you would work something out. I can not believe that your vet would tell you to put him down. Did I miss something? He hasnt even been acting different has he?

Im a Bit confused. ???

[adoptapitbull]

Yeah, what is going on?

I think your vet is an idiot. Why on Earth would you euth a dog who was attacked?

If you are so worried, then just don't let Smash around other dogs. There was a time when there was no such thing as a "dog park" or "petsmart" where dogs were allowed to go. Now just because people take their dogs everywhere doesn't mean that you have to. My family dog lived 17 years with us and he never had a playmate or other dog interaction. If this is really bothering you, then Smash can just stay at your house and not visit places where dogs could be. Walk him only where you feel safe and maybe carry some pepper spray if you are afraid of another dog coming after him.

[michele5611]

I also own a dog selective/agressive dog. As Garland said it does take some extra planning and commitment on your part but it is managable. I carry treats with me at all times and pay careful attention to my surroundings. I know you can not control every situation but you can avoid dog parks and areas that you know people are more likely to not observe leash laws. You can also purchase a spray called Muzzle (pepper spray for dogs) and carry that as well.
I know the situation was traumatic for you but I have to admit I am that a vet would suggest euth because someone's dog was attacked or even if your own dog is dog selective.

[Chloe]

Those are all really good ideas, we will definitely try them all out. Where can I find that spray called "muzzle"? I've never seen it anywhere.

We dont need to do crate and rotate, he's not aggressive as far as starting the fights and we've never had problems w/he and our other dog. And we dont do dog parks so thats not an issue. We also dont need dog on dog play dates nor have we ever had them. I just like to take my dogs with me because they are part of the family, I wouldnt think it would be fair to leave him behind all the time totally left out especially sense he loves to be with us and we are gone a lot.

The vet suggested euth not only because of the fight incident but because of some other things she asked us that had nothing to do with other dogs. When we verbally correct him, he puts the hair up on his back, when he's excited and we try to get him to settle down, he puts his hair up also. She said with the breed and the fact that he's so young and already showing these signs, that he's not safe. He's already had lots of training, but obviously we need to do a lot more.

I do appreciate all the great advice and support, it really does help.

[valliesong]

I'm not a trainer, but I know sometimes the hair goes up just from excitement, or also from fear. I'm sure others can help you more.

As for the Muzzle spray, I like a citronella one called Spray Shield. I haven't had to use it yet, but the company says it is as effective as pepper spray without making the dog more aggressive or having after-effects. It still looks like a mace bottle, so if need be, you can tell irresponsible people that if they don't grab their loose dog, you will use it.

You can get the Spray Shield in the training section at Petsmart, or from many places online. I think I got mine at kvvet.com.

[adoptapitbull]

Not to be rude, but your vet sounds like he/she has a vendetta against Pits. I'd seriously consider switching vets.

Everyone is going to assume that your dog started the fight no matter what you say. Period. It is hard to convince some people that yes, the cute little fluffball named "Muffy", did indeed bite your dog. If Smash is no different around your other dogs, then I'd suggest not worrying so much right now. Will Smash become DA as he ages? Maybe. Would that have happened regardless of fights? Probably. Will you never have a problem and he'll always be dog friendly? Possibly.

There's no way of telling what will happen with his DA. That goes for everyone here with young dogs. Even socialized and trained like crazy, every Pit has the capacity to be DA despite the owner's best efforts. It doesn't make Smash bad, it makes him a Pit. It's just a fact of life for Pit owners. Be prepared for your dog to be DA. If they're not, then great!

Now stop listening to that vet and go give Smash a hug.

[Chloe]

Thanks guys!

Lol adoptapitbull!

[erpitrescue]

I have worked for vets (as a licensed tech) for almost twelve years now, and I'll be the first one to tell you that a vet's specialty is medicine, not behavior.
IMO, she/he needs to stick to diagnosing medical issues, and let behavioral stuff be dealt with by experts in that field. If you have concerns about your dogs behavior, go to a trainer or behavioral specialist.

[Chloe]

Thanks for your input!