Little Kira literally MAULED by an 18 month GSD!!

Anthony8858 · 10-22-2011, 10:09 AM

First, I want to say that little Kira was NOT physically harmed. I don't see any cuts or bite marks on her body.

Here's what happened:

It was about 9am today. There's a local dog park, that has access to the dog beach, where i always bring Kira for her walks.
The park rules allow dogs to be OFF leash until 9am.

I NEVER bring Kira there to play with the other dogs. I usually go there after dogs are leashed, or the park is empty.

I waited in my car until after 9am, and made sure all the dogs in sight were leashed. (I wanted to go to the beach, but had to walk through the park).

About 9:15, I exit my truck, and start walking towards the trail that leads to the water. Out of nowhere, comes a large, white, GSD and starts mauling Kira! The dog pins Kira down, and is viscously trying to bite her while growling in a ferocious sound. Kira is screaming on the floor, and I'm trying to jump in between the dog and Kira, and pick her up. Kira breaks free from my grip and starts running. The GSD starts pursuing her! Kira has her tail between her legs, and she's screaming. The GSD catches her, and pins her down again. She's shaking her like a stuffed dog toy!
I finally get to her, and lift her up. The owner of the dog FINALLY came running over and contained his dog. He was apologetic, and very remorseful for what just happened.

I fear that all the socialization just went out the window, and my dog is scarred.

I need experienced people to chime in on this one, and lead me in the right direction to make sure Kira's terrific temperament isn't affected by what happened.

sharkey19 · 10-22-2011, 10:20 AM

How old is Kira? I know Dax was actually bit during one of the "fear stages" and I was concerned it would scar him for life, but he continued to do fine around dogs.

Do you know people with dogs? You could start doing some positive experiences in a controlled environment for her?

Anthony8858 · 10-22-2011, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharkey19

How old is Kira? I know Dax was actually bit during one of the "fear stages" and I was concerned it would scar him for life, but he continued to do fine around dogs.

Do you know people with dogs? You could start doing some positive experiences in a controlled environment for her?

Kira is just under 4 months. She's always around dogs and people, and never had an issue.
The other dog attacked her out of nowhere

Daisy&Lucky's Mom · 10-22-2011, 10:36 AM

How is she today? So sorry to hear about her being attacked. I think socialization w/safe dogs in a controlled enviroment is a good idea.I had a bad experiences w/ daisy as a puppy w/ a rottie who came to our house w/ his owner. Daisy was 5 months old.Is your breder close by?

Anthony8858 · 10-22-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daisy&Lucky's Mom

How is she today? So sorry to hear about her being attacked. I think socialization w/safe dogs in a controlled enviroment is a good idea.I had a bad experiences w/ daisy as a puppy w/ a rottie who came to our house w/ his owner. Daisy was 5 months old.Is your breder close by?

She's fine. Right now she's rolling on the floor with her favorite toy

She's in "obedience beginner", and before each class, they have 10 minutes of play time with the other pups. Never an issue.

Why do you ask about the breeder? Just curious.

Should I go get her Shutzhund - champ father, and teach that dog a lesson? (just kidding)

Daisy&Lucky's Mom · 10-22-2011, 10:53 AM

Anthony, I wondered if the breeder might have some young adult or other GSD's that could be safe to play and socialize with. I didnt know she is in a class.. If not her Dad ,maybe her Mom after all GSD moms dont take no crap when it comes to their own, (Just kidding)

Anthony8858 · 10-22-2011, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daisy&Lucky's Mom

Anthony, I wondered if the breeder might have some young adult or other GSD's that could be safe to play and socialize with. I didnt know she is in a class.. If not her Dad ,maybe her Mom after all GSD moms dont take no crap when it comes to their own, (Just kidding)

She was with her grandfather up until three months. I watched her play with him, and they were both fine. Of course, I couldn't take him home with us, so we'll have to go from here.
We also have a 6 year old Maltese, and she plays well with her. At times, she could be pesky, but for the most part, everything is OK.

I'm very concerned about chance encounters going forward from here. I'm now concerned that my wife may be walking her, and she may turn aggressive on another dog in passing by. Right now, she's barely 30lbs, but at 75 lbs, my wife or daughter may have a hard time containing her.

I guess I'm worried that the seed was planted for fear aggression.

wolfstraum · 10-22-2011, 11:04 AM

First off - I would have no problems with kicking the attacking dog....and yelling NO NO NO at him! The owner needs to be kicked pretty soundly as well....if the dog will attack smaller dogs - and even PUPPIES!!!!!!!! - he has no business letting the dog off a leash AT ALL ANYWHERE!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRR I HATE DOG PARKS!!!!!!! They are full of idiots and delusional la la land minded people....!!!!

Continue to socialize her with other SAFE dogs - particularly if you can find white ones!!! I am not a big fan of dogs "needing" dog playtime...but in this case - to avoid dog specific fear aggression, it is something that should be done ....

As far as walking and control....when she is older, both the pup and your wife should learn how to walk with a prong collar.

Sorry Kira got beat up....hope you can do enough damage control!

Lee

PaddyD · 10-22-2011, 11:11 AM

My dog was chased a few times as a pup at a dog park. I think it set her up to be fearful but it could also be her temperament. She fine with 'good' dogs but always steers clear on first meeting any dog. All I did was try to find places where I knew she wouldn't be challenged but could meet dogs with appropriate behavior. She never lost her playfulness but always starts out suspicious..
Dogs have a genetic predispostion regarding how they socialize. All you can do is try to adapt to the needs of your dog and try to get her to adapt as much as she is able.
It's not the end of the world if she never meets another dog but I understand that many GSD owners want theirs to be able to play with others safely.

Anthony8858 · 10-22-2011, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfstraum

First off - I would have no problems with kicking the attacking dog....and yelling NO NO NO at him! The owner needs to be kicked pretty soundly as well....if the dog will attack smaller dogs - and even PUPPIES!!!!!!!! - he has no business letting the dog off a leash AT ALL ANYWHERE!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRR I HATE DOG PARKS!!!!!!! They are full of idiots and delusional la la land minded people....!!!!

Continue to socialize her with other SAFE dogs - particularly if you can find white ones!!! I am not a big fan of dogs "needing" dog playtime...but in this case - to avoid dog specific fear aggression, it is something that should be done ....

As far as walking and control....when she is older, both the pup and your wife should learn how to walk with a prong collar.

Sorry Kira got beat up....hope you can do enough damage control!

Lee

I agree 100%.

I was all over the other dog. I was trying to pull him off her, and couldn't care less if I took a bite.

FWIW... I was in the car watching all these dogs play for a good 15 minutes. All the dogs were playing, and I didn't see any incident.
It's a regular group of dog lovers, and they were shocked at what happened. I know a few people there, and the said that they were very surprised it happened, because that dog plays with all the pups and dogs on a regular basis, and has never had an aggression issue. They were shocked.

10-22-2011, 10:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
Anthony8858 Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,307	Little Kira literally MAULED by an 18 month GSD!! First, I want to say that little Kira was NOT physically harmed. I don't see any cuts or bite marks on her body. Here's what happened: It was about 9am today. There's a local dog park, that has access to the dog beach, where i always bring Kira for her walks. The park rules allow dogs to be OFF leash until 9am. I NEVER bring Kira there to play with the other dogs. I usually go there after dogs are leashed, or the park is empty. I waited in my car until after 9am, and made sure all the dogs in sight were leashed. (I wanted to go to the beach, but had to walk through the park). About 9:15, I exit my truck, and start walking towards the trail that leads to the water. Out of nowhere, comes a large, white, GSD and starts mauling Kira! The dog pins Kira down, and is viscously trying to bite her while growling in a ferocious sound. Kira is screaming on the floor, and I'm trying to jump in between the dog and Kira, and pick her up. Kira breaks free from my grip and starts running. The GSD starts pursuing her! Kira has her tail between her legs, and she's screaming. The GSD catches her, and pins her down again. She's shaking her like a stuffed dog toy! I finally get to her, and lift her up. The owner of the dog FINALLY came running over and contained his dog. He was apologetic, and very remorseful for what just happened. I fear that all the socialization just went out the window, and my dog is scarred. I need experienced people to chime in on this one, and lead me in the right direction to make sure Kira's terrific temperament isn't affected by what happened.

10-22-2011, 11:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
wolfstraum Crowned Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: PA Posts: 7,086	First off - I would have no problems with kicking the attacking dog....and yelling NO NO NO at him! The owner needs to be kicked pretty soundly as well....if the dog will attack smaller dogs - and even PUPPIES!!!!!!!! - he has no business letting the dog off a leash AT ALL ANYWHERE!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRR I HATE DOG PARKS!!!!!!! They are full of idiots and delusional la la land minded people....!!!! Continue to socialize her with other SAFE dogs - particularly if you can find white ones!!! I am not a big fan of dogs "needing" dog playtime...but in this case - to avoid dog specific fear aggression, it is something that should be done .... As far as walking and control....when she is older, both the pup and your wife should learn how to walk with a prong collar. Sorry Kira got beat up....hope you can do enough damage control! Lee __________________ Csabre Sch1, Hexe Sch2, Bengal, Kyra, Kira & Kougar v Wolfstraum ~ Basha Sch3, Ghost Sch3 - Danger Sch1 SAR - ATB/Ret - Kyra, Sch3, Alice Sch1, Kelsey, Fenja Sch3 wolfstraum.net

10-22-2011, 10:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
sharkey19 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Guelph Posts: 321	How old is Kira? I know Dax was actually bit during one of the "fear stages" and I was concerned it would scar him for life, but he continued to do fine around dogs. Do you know people with dogs? You could start doing some positive experiences in a controlled environment for her?

10-22-2011, 10:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
Daisy&Lucky's Mom Knighted Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,433	How is she today? So sorry to hear about her being attacked. I think socialization w/safe dogs in a controlled enviroment is a good idea.I had a bad experiences w/ daisy as a puppy w/ a rottie who came to our house w/ his owner. Daisy was 5 months old.Is your breder close by?

10-22-2011, 10:53 AM	#6 (permalink)
Daisy&Lucky's Mom Knighted Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,433	Anthony, I wondered if the breeder might have some young adult or other GSD's that could be safe to play and socialize with. I didnt know she is in a class.. If not her Dad ,maybe her Mom after all GSD moms dont take no crap when it comes to their own, (Just kidding)

10-22-2011, 11:11 AM	#9 (permalink)
PaddyD Banned Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: MassaCHEWsetts Posts: 5,222	My dog was chased a few times as a pup at a dog park. I think it set her up to be fearful but it could also be her temperament. She fine with 'good' dogs but always steers clear on first meeting any dog. All I did was try to find places where I knew she wouldn't be challenged but could meet dogs with appropriate behavior. She never lost her playfulness but always starts out suspicious.. Dogs have a genetic predispostion regarding how they socialize. All you can do is try to adapt to the needs of your dog and try to get her to adapt as much as she is able. It's not the end of the world if she never meets another dog but I understand that many GSD owners want theirs to be able to play with others safely.

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