Anyone ever been attacked by a dog?

This past weekend I was hunting in southeast Ohio at a friend's place. His mother's home and her sister are the last 2 houses on this lane out in the sticks. Everything is surrounded by hardwoods and pines. We hunt on 200+ acres there.

On Sunday morning, I was walking back to the house on this old gravel drive and it forks into each of the last 2 drives. As I was about 30 feet onto my friend's gravel drive, I hear the 2 Rottweilers I've been warned about barking and running my way from his aunt's house. (long story short, the dogs belong to his aunt's great grandaughter and her husband who live there in the second house).

Just the night before I had discussed with my brother (who is also there), my friend, and his work buddy what we'd do if those Rotts were to come onto the property. I had heard from my friend that they were there, and that they did a poor job of keeping the dogs up.

Have you ever done that? Pictured what you'd do in a situation, and then have it actually happen to you?

Well, the crap came true for me. So, here it is gun season, and I only have one shot with my muzzleloader. I do not own a shotgun for deerhunting. (may have to rectify that now)

Lucky for me, I was on my friend's property when they came charging. These two Rotts were at full stride, just like in a movie, top speed with no deceleration in sight. Barking and woofing. I froze (and then said out loud, OH SHIT), turned both safeties off, reached in my pack and unsheathed my 6" fixed blade.

Honestly guys, I thought to myself, this crap's really going down, me against 2 Rotts. Admittedly, I was just about to poo my pants. This scared the crap out of me much worse than when those two black bears climbed my tree in 2005.

So here I am, and just like you hear in the movies, everything seemed to slow down. They kept closing the distance, 60 yards, 50 yards, 40, 30, now we're down to feet, I get my muzzleloader up and point it at the lead dog. I've got his head centered. I said to myself, if he crosses that ditch, he's on this property, if he touches the gravel, he's breached my comfort zone (about 10 feet). I had my knife in my right hand even though it was also supporting the forend of the stock.

At this moment, the only thought was, where the hell is the dog's owner?? I did NOT want to shoot someone's dog. I love dogs, but I hate situations like this. The second dog was flanking me, she ran to my left up to the end of their drive, and onto the one where I was standing. She was still a good 20 yards.

Finally, I hear, "Baron! Baron! HEEL!" He stopped in the ditch at 14 steps like someone hit a shock collar button, even though he wasn't wearing one. The bitch slowed to a stop and go bluff charge at about 16 steps. By now my scope was focused on her as she hadn't quite decided to stop.

The owner, a young lady, called the male over to her and he went reluctantly, but she grabbed him by the collar. At this point, I asked her what I thought was a dumb question:

"Do they bite or attack? Are they trained to do that?" HER: "Just keep walking, you're freaking her out by just standing there. If you move on, she'll think everything is ok."

ME: "I'M FREAKING HER OUT??!!! LADY, GET YOUR DOG OFF THIS PROPERTY, I DO NOT WANT TO SHOOT HER BUT I WILL."

She cajoled me into just slowly walking away but I was walking backwards to keep my eye on the dog, who, KEPT keeping the same distance between us. I told her if she didn't get control of the dog, I'm going to shoot it. It was taking short charges towards me and kept closing the distance where it was literally 12-15 feet.

I told her my line is 10 feet, if the dog breeches it, it's dead.

Well, lucky for all of us, the dog decided to listen to it's owner, and turned and walked back out the drive. The owner had nothing to say at all. Not even an apology.

Now don't get me wrong, the very last thing I want to do is kill someone's dog, aggressive or not. But mark my words, I would have pulled that trigger if the dog committed.

Later at the house, the 4 of us were discussing the event, while I was busy washing my underwear. My friend, the landowner, said that I let the dogs get a lot closer than he would have. My brother said the same. But the other guy I just met said I did the right thing. Looking back, I think many would have pulled the trigger. I'm glad I didn't.

My friend told us all that there's been a feud between the family out there, and that if any of us catch the Rotts on his mom's property, to "shoot the aggressive fckrs and throw them in the one of the deep ravines!"

Then I got to thinking, what if I had one of my small children with me? One shot muzzleloader, hoping it didn't misfire, and a knife...not good odds with a helpless child that weighs 40 pounds, me, and 2 dogs. The answer is clear, one dog would most certainly be dead, the one that tresspassed. The other was meerly 3 feet off the property.

I spoke with a police officer patient here at the office. We've been on a few hunts together now. I explained the situation to him and he said that if the dogs are unleashed, breeched the property line, and I felt threatened, I can shoot in self defense, no matter the distance. He said, based on what I told him, that he would have shot the bitch the moment she stepped onto the driveway.

Anyone else have a scare like this?

No, thankfully, I haven't.

I like dogs too. Just keep in mind dogs that are dangerous and aggressive are not dogs as we know them. They are WILD ANIMALS! And I would treat them as such within the limits of the law.

On another note. I like people too. But let some rabid animal enter my home and put my family in harm's way, and I'd pull the trigger without any hesitation or regrets. Animals are animals, and behavior sets apart the good from the bad!

With all due respect, you need to adjust your thinking. You let the bitch live. Now will someone else have to pay too great a price because you did? A small child, perhaps?

And if it does happen, will you feel any responsiblity?

I don't think anyone should have to even endure the stress of the situation. You'd think that the lady that owned the dogs would have come over and at least apologized.

I agree. Aggressive dogs are a more wild. I've heard many dog enthusiasts state that "it's not the dog's fault, it's the owner." Well, BS on that. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that there are many breeds that were developed for aggression and fighting. Rotts being one of those breeds.

I mean no offense to anyone who may own them, but I have no use for aggressive breeds of dogs.

Thats one scary situation to be in no doubt about it. Sounds like you need to invest in a 45!

I too love dogs, but if that bitch would have been on the property I'd have smoked her!

Granted that they were doing what they bread to do, protect thier property, but dogs like that should be behind a fence.

When I was about 14-15yo, I was chased by a 120-130 lb Rotty, the dog was chained/staked in the back yard of a house, a friend and I were walking down the ally and the dog flipped out, ripped the stake out of the ground and was draging a friggn 20' 1/2" log chain. Luckily it got hung up under a tire of a parked car or we would have been dog food.

quote:

Originally posted by Doc:
I don't think anyone should have to even endure the stress of the situation. You'd think that the lady that owned the dogs would have come over and at least apologized.

I agree. Aggressive dogs are a more wild. I've heard many dog enthusiasts state that "it's not the dog's fault, it's the owner." Well, BS on that. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that there are many breeds that were developed for aggression and fighting. Rotts being one of those breeds.

I mean no offense to anyone who may own them, but I have no use for aggressive breeds of dogs.

Doc,

It's evident you are a caring man, and thus
wish to offend no one. I, on the other hand,
DO actually mean to offend. In some sense the
owners do bear most of the responsibility.

I question their intellegence just for owning such dogs. As for the dogs, they should be
banned for the safety of society. If I had my
way the owners would bear full responsibility for the dog's actions. Charges such as feloneous assault, attempted murder and murder
come to mind! Both dog and owner would be punished accordingly!

Politically I am a constitutionalist, and therefore don't like restrictions on freedoms,
but I do believe punishment when personal
freedom choices harm others should be severe and quick! I'm an eye for an eye kinda guy!

Years ago I was visiting my mom and her boyfriend Jerry and they had a dog that was a mean sob. They kept him chained up most of the time but early one morning we were getting ready to leave for a deer hunt, I was carrying my dads ole Marlin in 30-30 in one hand and lunch in the other. I opened the door and walked around the corner of the porch and there stood that sob, growling and showing his teeth, I turned to yell at Jerry and the dog jumped and bit into my arm, sinking his teeth into my forearm and ripping my flannel shirt. I dropped my lunch and grabbed him by the scruff and tossed him over the railing of the porch and went back inside of the house. I made Jerry lock the dog up before I would go back outside. They never did put that dog down and I think he evetually ran off or something. The scars are still there to remind me of that damn dog.

I'm one of the guy's that say's it's not the dog, it's the owner. That said, you can't shoot the owner and I definatelly would have shot the dog's. Sadly for the dog's, the damage to their personalities has already been done and might be ir-reverseable. At best, if it wasn't, you would never be able to trust the dog's again.

You might consider filing a police report on the incident. Should someone else have the same problem, without the outcome you had, it might help them. The police should put these folks on notice about their animals running at large as well.

I have not been in that situation, but I have shot several dogs off of our ranch.

I have been a dog owner ... and one of my dogs got out of the chain link fenced area and took out some of the neighbor's chickens. I sincerely apologized, paid for the chickens, and found the dog a new home ... away from livestock. My responsibility, my solution.

I've been in the field too and seen dogs running free. In Virginia in the old days, dogs running in the woods during deer season are fair game.

I've not shot at one in that situation or during an attack, but believe I'd do so ... even though I dearly love dogs. A dog not under control is potentially a weapon with an independent mind. Can be very, very scarey.

quote:

You might consider filing a police report on the incident. Should someone else have the same problem, without the outcome you had, it might help them. The police should put these folks on notice about their animals running at large as well.

Absolutely at the minimum file the police report. Get the incident documented. The police won't do anything, but next time....

My Father-in-law was a lifetime insurance adjuster and he hated dogs. He had to deal with too many claim of family pets attacking children. Not just the aggressive breeds.

I'm thinking if I would have been in your shoes. There would have been a dead dog. But since I wasn't, I can't be certain. Every incident is unique unto it's own.

I admire the way you handled the situation.

Aggressive dogs on ones own property, OK.
Aggressive dogs that threaten others, call animal control. police, sheriff, game and fish, who ever will take care of the problem. I a grandchild and I have no problem killing a dog, cat, or person to protect him. You were on the roas legally and do not have to put up with that kind of threat.
This is just my old man's perception on things. take it for what you think it is worth.

Judge Sharpe

I received an email back from one of my buds in another state. He agreed with me all the way around except for the part about where I wrote that I get tired of hearing "it's not the dog's fault, it's the owner." and I said that THAT was BS, that these dogs are bred for aggression etc.

He kindly stated that it is his opinion that indeed in most all cases, it is the owner. I still stand by my position. I don't care if you have the most loving, gentle Rott on the planet that has never bitten anyone. The bottom line is, in the wrong place at the wrong time, instincts can take over.

It is a blend of both owner and dog. Let's face it, the dog is doing what dogs do, maybe they thought they were defending a territory, who knows. Ultimately, I plan on calling the county sheriff and reporting it later today.

After speaking with a few "dog" people today, including 3 personal injury attorneys I know, the consensus is this: If we didn't have Rotts, pits, G. shepards, dobermans, Airedales, and Chows, we'd have far fewer dog bite lawsuits and deaths.

I got rushed this fall while climbing out of my treestand. The 2 dogs were rottie/lab cross (I think) anyway I hollered blue murder and was getting ready to run one through with an arrow-they took off though. I've been watching those damned dogs for 2 years now and they are definately bad news. I don't have much tolerance for agressive dogs off their property. Where I come from they are shot on site if near any livestock at all. I've watched these dogs chasing horses and deer.

the chef

Doc-sorry to hear about the issues you had with the dogs.

I like you love dogs, but IMO the rotts and pitts have no use that I can think of on this earth other than perhaps in a military situation..?

I just turned 48, next time I went to that property I would go armed. If mzl loader only I would also have bear spray. Most likely though I would have a 1911 on my hip.

If they broke 20' I would draw and go to work, those 2 would die! I have no place and or time for this kind of crapola.

About 10 years ago short story long, I had a dog about on me, I drew my 44 and told the lady control your dog NOW and or it will die. She got it under control and I let the dog live.

Sorry to sound like such a red neck about this but I personally have no time for people and their "tough dogs".

If they get in my space and or on my property they had better behave and big time.

Not that I feel strongly about it or anything...

Mark D

quote:

Originally posted by Don Fischer:
I'm one of the guy's that say's it's not the dog, it's the owner. That said, you can't shoot the owner and I definatelly would have shot the dog's. Sadly for the dog's, the damage to their personalities has already been done and might be ir-reverseable. At best, if it wasn't, you would never be able to trust the dog's again.

I call BS on this. There are times when it is the owner's fault, but saying it is the owner's fault all the time is complete BS. There are some dogs that are just mean SOB's period and end of story and I wont argue it cause that is just the way it is PERIOD.

I had a pit bull when I was a kid named spike. He was the one of the friendliest dogs. A total stranger could walk up to him at 3 in the morning and he would just let them pet him. He hated animals though, didn't matter what it was cat, goat, another dog, a female dog even whatever if he could reach it he would kill it.

I went to visit a friend in 04 and I pulled up to the house that I thought was their's but thier house was the one next door. Anyway when I got about halfway between my truck and the front door here come 2 huge pit bulls around the corner. A black one and a huge white one that had to of been mixed cause it was the biggest pit bull I've ever seen. Thw white one bit me on the leg and the other one was coming for me. I didn't have a knife, pistol, stick or any other thing to use for a weapon. I knew this wasn't going to be good so I just run the few steps and jumped in the bed of my truck.
While they were on one side of the truck bed I opend the door on the other side just enough for me to get in the cab. I had a baseball bat in the truck. I thought about killing both of them with it but I just left. I called the people and told them what had happened the boy answered the phone "teenager" he said he would tell his mom and so I called back and got a hold of her and she said she would tie them. I drove by a time or two and they still weren't tied.
So I went back down there with the local health department guy and the told them to tie them up, next thing you know they are both gone and she claimed her older son took them back.
I wish now once I made it back in my truck that I would of just got my baseball bat out and killed them both. Cause all I wondered about after that was what if it was a kid or an elderly person who is too slow to get away and there are kids nearby and these dogs were just running loose.
But its not the always the owners fault only sometimes and that is the way it is and always will be.
My sister has 3 german shepards, a black lab mix, another black lab and a couple currs. Most of them will eat you up if given the chance.

Jarrod-If I had or was around a dog that hated and killed/ cats/dogs/goats and whatever else like you had, then that dog would be taking a dirt nap as well.

I've just no tolerance for this kind of behavior whether it is towards a human or another dog or whatever.

What possible good can come out of having a dog like this around.

IMO it is just a liability.

Mark D

I wasnt out hunting..but i did use to deliver for FedEx. One christmas season i was delivering to a house and a Lab and a full blood Shepard were sitting on the porch..now im a dog lover..but very careful around big dogs i dont know. Well..i went up to the proch( should have just stayed in my truck,mistake) The dogs were barking..but didnt seem real aggresive(if that makes sense). Anyway..the Lab came up and licked me so she was ok..then the Shepard came up and smelled my leg...then bit me on the leg!!! I kicked that Mother F***** right in the chin...just then the owner came out.."are you ok"? I said..."Hell no im not OK..your Fu**** dog just bit me"!! I was freaked out and just left. Turned out ok..just a very BIG bruise on my leg..didnt break the skin. Tough lesson to learn. So..with that story told..id have shot the dog..no questions

quote:

Originally posted by Mark Dobrenski:
Jarrod-If I had or was around a dog that hated and killed/ cats/dogs/goats and whatever else like you had, then that dog would be taking a dirt nap as well.

I've just no tolerance for this kind of behavior whether it is towards a human or another dog or whatever.

What possible good can come out of having a dog like this around.

IMO it is just a liability.

Mark D

There is not any good out of having a doge like that. That is why I didn't have it long.

Jarrod,

Do you really believe that the owners of dog's like that don't know it,,, and condone it? So I see no good for condeming a dog for what it's owner taught it. Yes., I would kill the dog but probally only because I can't kill the owner and the dog!

PLease don't shoot those dogs if it can be avoided. Dogs are territorial and they probably just thought they were doing there job and had no intention of biting, just chasing you away and coming back to their owners as the victorious guardians of the house.
I've had Rotties scince I was 12 years old (I'm 41 now). I've only had to kill a dog once and it wasn't a Rottie. Well bred pure German Rotties are far from dangerous, they just respond very well to their training. If the owner takes joy in his dog being vicious then the dog will be vicious. Most small dogs are much more inherently vicious than a Rottie.
Also 10-12 feet gives you plenty of room. If it is only adult men that are involved and no children or women run risk then you have a lot of safety margin to work with. The dog I had to kill was back in the late 80's. I lived in a 4 story building in downtown Resistencia Chaco (in Argentina). One morning when I was going down the stairs to get out to the street I ran in to a big German shepherd cross that was in the stairwell and he chased me back up and into the apartment, I closed the door in his face. The whole building was mine and no one else lived or worked there so I guess the dog came in off the street. The front access door was usually kept open. After several more attempts to chase him away and get out I went and got a Browning bps 12 ga and loaded in 2 rubber pellet riot loads followed by one 00 buckshot load. Can you believe this dog charged up the stair well and took both riot loads as I backed up and into my apartment. He took the last 00 load in the mouth with the barrel probably touching him. Teeth and bits of bone flew everywhere. Not something I would ever like to do again.
What you should do is make a huge fuss with the animal control authorities and also start to set these owners up for a law suit. Let them see it coming. They will probably sober up pretty quick to their responsibilities.
I know it's a lot of trouble but I just hate to see good dogs pay the price for stupid and irresponsible owners.
Whatever you decide to do, best of luck to you.

Jarrod-good on you, I love dogs more than most will ever but I also feel they have a place and way in which they are to behave.

You're to be commended for making what could of been a tough decision.

Mark D

I was a reserve officer with our local big-city police department. Had been working a day shift when I got home and found two Norwegian Elk Hounds in the back yard. We had an evening BBQ planned. Went out back to get them into the owner's yard when one attacked me. I shot it since I was still in uniform and armed. The people filed charges, the local female da (note small letters) took me into court on illegal discharge of a firearm and cruelty to animals. The animal control officer (female)testified in my behalf that there were previous complaints about the dogs. Judge threw the case out. Lady who owned the dog sued me. Insurance settled out of court. Still angry about this. Oh, my daughter has had a number of Rotweilers and selected them based upon the parents. All have been loveable dogs.

quote:

Originally posted by JohnAir:
Dogs are territorial and they probably just thought they were doing there job and had no intention of biting.

Well, maybe, maybe not. No one on earth can predict what any animals intentions are. What I can tell you is this, as I relive the moments in my mind, the only reason that huge male stopped was because the owner managed to scream his name.

Want me to tell you what I think would have happened if the owner was inside her house? She'd have 2 dead dogs on her hands, I'd have teeth marks somewhere about my anatomy, and the dogs would be laying on the wrong property.

These dogs knew no boundaries, and it was obvious. These people have only lived there for 3 months and let the dogs do what they want. So as far as I'm concerned, these two Rotts might have thought they were defending land as far as they could see.

I'm just happy it turned out as it did.

Now I have an experience under my belt that helps me define my "zone" in case something like this ever happens again.

quote:

Originally posted by prof242:
Lady who owned the dog sued me. Insurance settled out of court.

Holy crap! She sued YOU????

Why didn't you counter sue her??

The D.A. in this case is a real moron. Animal abuse was committed by the owner by not controlling her dogs. You shot in self defense, doesn't that count for something?

I would have sued that lady big time.

Doc, You've got alittle more patience than I. I would have let the closest one have it and been ready for the worst w/ the knife.

Glad you didn't get bit. We used to hunt hogs w/ pits. When you are around dangerous breeds and see what they actually can do when their instincts take over, It truley gives you a better feel for the dangers or possibilities that could happen to you and yours.

Have a Good One

Reloader

I place the blame for 95% of the overly agrresive dogs on the owner, and the other 5% I place on both the owner and the dog. No, not all Rottweillers are going to run down the road and chase people to their front door and I have been chased and or put in a defensive posture by a lot more mixed breed muts than I have by Rottweillers. I own a Rottweiller , he is 8 years old and has been raised in a loving home. He has never been chained up and or abused or neglected for that manner. He is the sweetest dog there is! However with that said, his mannerisms and natural protective instinct for our home and my wife and son is such that while I am gone many nights of the week working as a firefighter, should someone attempt to enter my home UN-WELCOMED and or harm my wife or child, you bet your ass your gonna have to shoot him. Domesticated dogs serve many functions in human society from the ones with great noses that recover rescue victims to upland and waterfowl dogs used for bird hunting, to law enforcement dogs, each breed has its strengths and weaknesses, its the owners responsibility to curve the negative behavior and or put the dog down when it becomes a liability. I also have had the misfortune to see the rsults of afew good dog attacks , mostly on children and its not pretty, and none of the attacks I have treated a patient on were Rotts, or Dobies, or Pits. The only good friend of mine that has been attacked by a dog was a black Lab that attacked my buddy while the owner was standing there and my buddy was reading the electric meter, the owner told him to ignore the lab it doesnt bite, famous last words.

With that said, I would have dropped that bitch in a heartbeat if she had threatened my safety so long as I wasn't on their property.

quote:

Originally posted by prof242:
I was a reserve officer with our local big-city police department. Had been working a day shift when I got home and found two Norwegian Elk Hounds in the back yard. We had an evening BBQ planned. Went out back to get them into the owner's yard when one attacked me. I shot it since I was still in uniform and armed. The people filed charges, the local female da (note small letters) took me into court on illegal discharge of a firearm and cruelty to animals. The animal control officer (female)testified in my behalf that there were previous complaints about the dogs. Judge threw the case out. Lady who owned the dog sued me. Insurance settled out of court. Still angry about this. Oh, my daughter has had a number of Rotweilers and selected them based upon the parents. All have been loveable dogs.

Filing charges and suing you over her dog attacking you. That sounds like something stupid my sister would do.

quote:

Originally posted by Don Fischer:
Jarrod,

Do you really believe that the owners of dog's like that don't know it,,, and condone it? So I see no good for condeming a dog for what it's owner taught it. Yes., I would kill the dog but probally only because I can't kill the owner and the dog!

Huh I never said they didn't condone it. That is why I said I should of killed them both. I can assure you next time I will and if it comes down to it let the court settle it. Cause dogs like that will kill you if the can.
One of my sister's dogs just nipped me one day when I was working on her bathroom door. This particular dog is a lab mix and it is stuck on stupid. If she is not careful I am afraid she is going to find out the hard way one day.

Before the law change in Wis I shot dozens of stray dog as part of the job.

Then the Animal Wako's got the law changed and things went to hell.

You most likley be sued charged with a crime ect for shooting stray dogs. Let alone shooting them with the owner standing by.

I have no trouble shooting dogs that are a threat . Shooting them that are just appearing as threat here well get you in lots of trouble in Wisconsin.

Becareful with wacking dogs in lots of states. Some states are more reasonable then others.

Doc
I commennd you for holding your fire to the last instant.

I have a rule... I WILL NOT BE BIT. I have shot a few dogs, one a block or two outside Downtown Big D while jogging, a Rodesian Ridgeback....
I WILL NOT BE BIT.


Funny thing, I was at a friends house one time durring a fairly large party. His dog was [a Rodesian Redgeback of all things] in the kitchen and must have become nervous with all the strange new people. I went into the kitchen to help out and he growled and snapped at me...
His owner jumped over to him, kneed him back and said, "You crazy dog, don't you know who HE is???? You will be DEAD!!!!"

Everybody there knew me well, we laughed so hard we nearly all had a heart attack.

quote:

Originally posted by Doc:
...At this moment, the only thought was, where the hell is the dog's owner?? ...Finally, I hear, "Baron! Baron! HEEL!" ...The owner, a young lady, called the male over to her ...

From that it looks like the Owner was watching the two dogs on their attack approach toward you from the beginning, or shortly after they began barking.

Doesn't really matter though, cause I agree with Don Fischer. It is a real shame the Dogs have to be held accountable for a lack of control by the Owners. But that is the way it works.
---

The last time I moved, I was carrying stuff in the house when a neighbor from down the road stopped by. Hadn't seen him in maybe 40 years and immediately after he said Hello, he asked if I knew the Law had changed about shooting dogs in the County. (Huuuummm)

Told him I had no idea it had changed, but it would have no effect on me whatever it was.

Then he asked if I planned to kill Dogs the way I used to. And I said, "Exactly the same way! If they are on my property, without my permission or if I don't own them, they die. If they are running stock and I see them, they die."

I could tell it was bothering him a good bit, so I asked what kind of Dog he had. He said his son had a couple of Rotweillers and they would occasionally get loose. I told him I'd be glad to go explain things to his son if need be. He said that it had all ready be discussed when they found out I was moving back.

I've seen one of his Dogs loose twice, but they never made it to my property. I clapped my hands and off they went. I did call the neighbor to tell them it was out and still alive - for the moment.

Way too much money at stake for people to let their Dogs run uncontrolled - any kind of Dog.
---

By the way, Laws are a bit rigid about "not" carrying a Revolver/Pistol for "Protection" during a Bow or Black Powder Season. You have a chance of being cited for carrying the wrong firearm. Discussing the situation with the local Game Warden might be a good idea and see what he suggests.

I am a dog person. I love dogs of all breads including the pit breeds. Having said that, I would have shot these dogs without a second thought.

quote:

It is a real shame the Dogs have to be held accountable for a lack of control by the Owners. But that is the way it works.

That is about the most commonsense post I have seen on this sort of subject.

Its not something i would enjoy doing, but in this context suchan action may well save someone elses life down the line...

Doc I admire your "cool" as I would have dropped the bitch when she didn't respond to the owner. I would definately report it to animal control & Sherrifs dept.

Being a former Rotty owner I can say that they can be terrific dogs. To those of you who don't believe it, you've most likely not had one.
I would also like to point out that I do think that the dogs behavior is primarily on the owner, and that even when a dog is just ill tempered, the owner is well aware of it and is again, RESPONSIBLE!

I have put down a male Rot that was just mean. We had paid a good bit of cash for him as a papered male but it was my responsibility to not let a mean dog become a problem. Our female Rot was absolutely great with the kids. And though protective of them / us, she was also well trained and responded to voice commands immediately. I could sick her on a stray cat and stop her mid-chase with only my voice. She didn't bite anyone.

I've shot a few dogs on the property that were chasing the stock or deer and even reported them to the County Sheriffs Dept. I've been bitten by a nieghbors dog once, and been charged only once. The charging dog died.

I have dogs now that are far from a concern and like it much better.

The bitingest dog statistically is a Cocker Spaniel. Not as threatening, but most likely to bite. Nate

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Doc
I commennd you for holding your fire to the last instant.

It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I like your rule. It applies to me as well, AND my family.

My view is a dog in its own yard is doing its job by protecting its territory. That said, if I felt I was being attacked and in danger of being bitten, I would have shot it without any hesitation. Bet you will get yourself a shotgun instead of the muzzleloader.
In the field, if I have loose dogs of unknown ownership on my farm, chasing livestock or messing up my deer hunting on my land. The SSS technique is applied immediately.

I am a dog lover as well,but have killed a few that needed it.I used to breed Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and I had a neighbor who was a good guy but never took responsibility for his dogs whereabouts,for a long period I would load them up take them home or call him to come get them.
But after his Doberman came after me on the porch to get to my bitch that all changed.I went in the house got the 870 stuffed it full of 00buck end of story.
I was at the Post office the other day and my Border Collie was in my truck bed,well this recent transplant from NYC pulls in with a big rotwieller in the back of her truck my dog is just setting there not threatening her dog in any way.Her dog was threatening my dog and acting if it would jump into my truck never happened but my 45 was on the seat next to me and I am thinking if this dog jumps mine it is dead.On USPS property I would probably be in jail.w/regards

quote:

Originally posted by BigNate:
The bitingest dog statistically is a Cocker Spaniel. Not as threatening, but most likely to bite. Nate

Hey, I might just agree with that! WE had 2, and didn't even keep the little peckers because they were so nasty. Bought 2 bitches, one for the wife, and it's littermate for my daughter, since they couldn't seem to agree on ONE. Boy, was that a dumb move.

I had one on my lap, it was dozing. Not more that 3 months old. My son, who was 2 at the time, walked up to ask me a question and the pup lunged at him, snarling, and barking. Scared us both. I did what good ol Ceasar Milan does, I put the dog on the floor, laid her on her side in a submissive position and had my son stand over her and tell her NO, BAD GIRL. She peed.

The dogs went to my sister in Alabama about a week later. I have ZERO tolerance for any sign of aggression.

My first ever experience with a Rott was at a friend of mines pet store. A guy brought in a Rott pup, it was, at best 6-7 weeks old. Very cute. The guy just picked up the dog the night before but didn't bother getting any food from the seller. When he brought the pup in, he was there to buy some dog food based on my friend's recommendation.

They poured some Iams in a dish up on the counter top and the owner put the pup up there and it started eating like it was starved. The owner reached over to move the food a little further away from the counter edge and the dog just freaked and got all retarded with aggression. It bit the owner's hand, my friend's hand, then looked at me because I was standing nearby.

The owner was pissed and looked at the pup and he said, "I guess someone's gonna have to learn who's the boss as soon as we get home."

That dog, I'm sure got the shit kicked out of it. And it will have no idea why. Shame.

almost back to my truck while quail hunting and my 2 german short hairs were atacked by 2 large pitbulls running loose. Long story short. Lucky I had plenty of shells. Both my dogs had to be takin to the Vet for stiches. They were both pretty frightened by the attack. I thought my male that was grapped around the neck by a very large pit, I thought was going to be killed. He had large torn gashes around his throat. My females hind quarters were torn up. Gun shots got the pits off as my dogs and they ran and jumped into the back of my truck scared shitless. The pits got peppered with bird shot after my dogs got loose.

I went back later that afternoon to retrieve some equipment I had left behind and the pits were still there with a drunk owner. I got out of the truck with my shotgun again and the owner started whineing for me not to shoot his dogs. Friken drunk idiot.

Ok, in that case, you were definitely more restrained than I would have been. I would have put the end of my barrel about an inch from each pit's head and BOOM!!