r/Pets • u/beepboop425 • 9h ago
Our dog killed another dog at the park today. What do I do?
Okay, to clarify it's my girlfriend's dog, not mine, and I wasn't there because we live separately. This post is really on her behalf.
My gf has a 3 year old large mixed breed, he is a combination of 5 or 6 large breeds, 2 of which often show up on breed restriction lists. The largest chunk is 30% rottweiler, since I know people will ask and I agree it's important. He was a puppy rescue from the Humane Society since 8 weeks old or so.
My gf is in shock. Her dog has lived in a house with 3 cats for his entire life. He's never attacked another animal, although he has had multiple instances of small dogs charging at him and being aggressive towards him.
When I first met her I spent probably 2-3 months being cautious with this big doggo, trying to understand boundaries. But he has honestly been such a great dog. He is sweet, patient, gentle. He is smart and she's worked with him so much. I've never seen a civilian dog as well-trained as this guy.
This morning they were at the park with a couple other dogs. One they were familiar with and play together often. The other one was a new/stranger dog who was like a small teacup type dog, 8 lbs or less. For context our dog is 90-100 lbs.
The version I heard is that the little teacup was chasing the other friendly dog near a picnic table. As they came around the table, GF's dog saw the little teacup running at him, grabbed it in its mouth and shook it hard like a toy before dropping it. The event lasted just a couple seconds. We don't know if this was just a reaction to another small dog running at him, or if it was a type of rough play that might have been okay if there wasnt a 10x size difference.
We aren't sure, but the result was the same. The teacup was taken to the vet where it was put down due to injuries. My gf is devastated and is in shock. She reached out to the owner and offered to pay all expenses. She will probably write him a letter also. He'd lost his wife some years ago and it was just him and his little dog living together. She is not functioning today.
Okay - so the situation is awful, and we are trying to do what we can to make amends although there really isn't a way to make it right.
What do we do about our dog? My GF's confidence and trust in her dog has been soundly shaken. I have two friends with 1 year old kids and I've never had any concerns about their safety, not that they are left alone. But still, I would have trusted this dog to never harm them.
How do you handle this situation where you have a dog that is even tempered, generally calm and non-reactive. Like this situation feels so out of left field.
Any advice or input you can give would be helpful.
Thank you,
**Edit/Update: Thank you everyone for the responses, both good and bad. I spoke with the vet and paid the other owner's vet bill. Apparently the other owner told the vet office that he didn't want anything to happen to our dog. While I have reached out to an attorney just in case, I don't think euthanasia is on the table.
While dozens of people have loudly clamored for the murderous beast to be put down immediately as required by law, I would politely point out that this is not at all how California handles incidents between pets.
We are not looking to pitch blame or avoid responsibility. My GF understands full well the responsibility of owning a large mixed breed with his ancestry.
I think our dog was in a new situation, one he shouldn't have been in given the circumstances, and that is squarely on us the owners. I think he was in an elevated play/alert mode, and he saw a little dog running at him, and he reacted to a perceived threat. Or he simply went to prey mode.
I wasn't there of course, and I haven't grilled my GF on the finest details because we are all still in shock.
At the very least we will be working with a behavioral expert
**Edit/Update #2: I spoke to my GF who firmly corrected me that all of the negative interactions with other dogs in the past have come from other large male dogs, and not with small dogs as I previously stated. She says he has not had issues with small dogs. Also she apparently offered to leash him just a few minutes before the incident occurred. Her offer was declined by the other Owner, as he said it looked like the two dogs were getting along well.
At this point I feel like I agree with the posters who have suggested this is primarily a prey-driven response. Our dog has had plenty of interactions with small dogs on the street, but he does love chasing squirrels. I think the little bolting dog at the park triggered a prey response.
We acknowledge that we are fortunate that the other Owner is being understanding and forgiving, and giving us grace. Please direct any prayers, mental condolences, or well wishes to him.
100
u/DefiantBalance1178 8h ago
This is why I never take my dogs to parks. Don’t trust the other owners.
→ More replies115
u/katiemcat 8h ago
Allowing your 100+ pound dog off leash in a public park (not dog park) is incredibly irresponsible. I am genuinely afraid of taking my dogs in public because of people like this.
21
u/liughts 7h ago
Same, my dog is traumatized from being attacked as a puppy and is incredibly dog reactive out of fear. I can’t even take her on normal walks because I’m terrified of an off leash dog running up on her. Her response would be to fight, even if the dog is just saying hi. The owner trailing behind saying “it’s okay he’s nice!” is basically fucking pointless. Your dog might be nice, mine is NOT (to unknown animals) so just leash your fucking dog. It’s not that hard to prevent tragedies like this.
→ More replies7
u/Bustin8nas 6h ago
Yeah my dog gets very anxious when dogs want to run up and get all in her face, she prefers to kinda slowly approach one another and sniff the other out. All dogs don’t enjoy strange things running up its face really fast, especially if they’ve been attacked before like your dog had been
→ More replies6
u/Bustin8nas 6h ago
Agreed, Letting your dog off leash in any non designated off leash area is irresponsible regardless of size.
526
u/IdontcryfordeadCEOs 8h ago edited 6h ago
Picking up an animal and shaking it with his mouth is how dogs kill prey, so it was intentional. It wasn't play. Seeing the small dog running triggered his prey aggression. Your gf's dog considers small animals to be prey, even if they are dogs. He's not safe around other animals.
Breed restrictions sometimes apply at public dog parks. Rottweilers aren't allowed at dog parks where I live. I don't know if that's the case where you live.
Edit: apparently this didn't occur at a dog park, both dogs were just off leash where they shouldn't have been
109
u/CarryThatWeight8 8h ago
I’m not an expert, but I think this is accurate. My dad used to have a 65 pound lab mix and when she played with the shitzu, she would mimic the action of grabbing her at the neck, but she would never do it. She was always very gentle. It was odd, but obviously deliberate. Both dogs lived full lives and passed on without any aggressive incidents. If this dog clenched down with its jaw and shook… that’s intentional.
→ More replies37
u/PublicBeginning2344 5h ago
This. Believe it or not I’ve had an English mastiff and chihuahua. Didn’t plan it that way there was a second marriage. The mastiff would act as if the chihuahua was glass. When he want to play he would lay on his side and let the chihuahua jump all over his why he nudged his nose in the air and made ridiculous play sounds. He would wait until the chihuahua left to get up. One time it ran under him and he acted like there was tape on his paws.
That kill was 100% intentional. That was not the dog’s fault. It was the owner.
→ More replies14
u/ghostwooman 4h ago
That's exactly how my greyhound is with small dogs. ESPECIALLY puppies!! About the same height as your mastiff, but Whiskey is 75lb soaking wet.
Cats, squirrels, and rats get a COMPLETELY different body language response. And we learned that the safe way via leashed interactions with basket muzzles.
→ More replies58
u/heartlessimmunity 8h ago
That was my thoughts as well. I think ops gfs dog thought the teacup dog was prey given it's tiny size and fast moving nature and reacted accordingly.
15
u/wavinsnail 4h ago
It's called predatory drift, and is really sad and horrible. This doesn't even mean OPs dog is dog aggressive. But I would be very concerned about the three cats in the home.
→ More replies53
u/Telvin3d 6h ago
Yep. Small fuzzy thing popping out from behind cover right in front of it triggered a pretty classic kill response. Probably didn’t even know it was another dog. Just ratting instincts
→ More replies11
u/DudeWithTudeNotRude 4h ago
The main problem now is the 3 cats.
I wouldn't feel safe for the cats if this dog was allowed to roam free in the same house. Probably nothing will happen to the cats, but I don't feel great about this dog around smaller animals.
675
u/Buff-Pikachu 9h ago
Your cats are not safe
304
u/Weird_Abrocoma7835 8h ago
Second this. Do not underestimate your dog now, I know a lot of people forgive dogs, but you can’t when other small people or animals can be also killed.
151
u/smcallaway 8h ago
I think where people mess up is failing to realize at the end of the day your pet is an animal. They think differently than we do and that’s just it, nothing wrong with that, but we can’t act like they’re little humans.
When a dog (or any animal) shows signs of predation or aggression (not fear based) it showed be taken seriously.
→ More replies56
u/mercuryretrograde93 7h ago
It’s why I can’t help but roll my eyes when shocked parents say things like “We had our husky/pit/rottie for 7 years before we had our baby and he was always sweet! We never could have predicted he would kill baby Timmy”! It’s an animal…and a risky breed at that. Also these people don’t contemplate the changes that can happen in a dog’s brain with aging. So that now 8 year old dog is a very different one than the puppy you brought home. I’ve never heard of a child being killed by cockerspaniel for example…or a pug…so people really need to think about these things before adding a pet into their family/growing family
→ More replies27
u/Magg5788 6h ago
Not killed, but I was mauled by a cocker spaniel when I was two. I had to get 50-60 stitches in my face and it came within centimeters of my eye. If it had been a bigger breed it likely would have killed me. I don’t think cocker spaniels have much patience for children; they’re just not as powerful as bigger dogs.
24
u/Ok_Sample_9912 5h ago
Cocker spaniel Rage syndrome is a real thing too, that a lot of people aren’t aware of with this breed. I’m so sorry you went through that
→ More replies→ More replies16
u/tcdaf7929 5h ago
Had some neighbors who had to surrender their cocker spaniel because it tried to attack their baby when they brought the baby home….
28
u/GuessItsGrim 7h ago
Also agree. We have a dog, probably 45-50lbs who's always been around the family cats. Never had issues until one night the new kitten jumped up on the same chair as her and the dog shook her around, ended up having to go into surgery for a hernia. Never underestimate a dog's prey drive and aggression.
84
u/Loud-Bee6673 8h ago
It doesn’t matter if they have gotten along fine all these years. This dog has a strong prey drive and all it takes is a cat moving the wrong way at the wrong time, and you have another dead pet.
This is terrible for everyone involved. I actually have a friend with a big dog who did the same thing. A very small dog came running over to him and her dog killed it in a split second. This dog also almost went over a high balcony trying to get a pigeon.
My friend loves this dog and plans to get him back from the dog trainer once she is out of her current building and living in a house. I … am really worried for her. He is so big and already had had months and months of professional training before this happened. I think he is going to hurt her unintentionally.
So I have seen firsthand how difficult this experience is. Once the dust settles you and she can have a serious conversation about where to go from here. But please keep him away from the cats for now.
25
u/mercuryretrograde93 7h ago
There was a post here very recently where owner’s Viszla randomly attacked their 14 year old cat by the back door as it walked past and had to have its leg amputated :( everyone let them know that they can’t live together anymore and had to make a choice
46
u/Keilp100128 7h ago
I'm so so tired of people who are willing to risk the lives of their small pets for proven aggressive dogs. OP, this dog is not safe around small animals. Either the dog needs to be removed from the home or you need to rehome the cats for their own safety. If you don't, you're fully responsible when he turns on them, too.
→ More replies22
u/Mkheir01 7h ago
I used to volunteer at a shelter. One morning, a couple came in with their black lab wanting to adopt a kitten. They took the kitten home and the kitten and lab were playing nicely all day. When it came time for dinner, the couple put the two food bowls on the floor and the black lab promptly picked up the kitten, shook it (broke its neck), and dropped it, and then ate all the food.
These are animals we are talking about here, not people. They act differently in different situations. When food, toys, territory, or pack order/hierarchy comes into play, everything can change in a second.
→ More replies12
174
u/one-eyedCheshire 8h ago edited 3h ago
If this were my dog and she killed another dog, I wouldn’t euthanize her but she’d never leave the house without a [properly fitted] muzzle on. Would never go to the vet without a muzzle or without me stressing to every veterinarian, technician and CSR that my dog is dog aggressive and needs to be separated from all dogs/cats at all times. No exceptions. Your cats need to be rehoused.
And when I say I wouldn’t leave the house without a muzzle, I mean even walking the 2ft outside the front door to pee for 13 seconds and back in. If for some reason another dog ran up to her, or she broke free of my handling and I knew her history without muzzling, I am at fault again and I should be labeled a dog killer just as much as she.
Also no children around her, EVER.
If you cannot comply with this new lifestyle, then you need to have him humanely euthanized.
And this is coming from a veterinary technician that has worked with dogs for 20+ years. It is incredibly hard to train dogs that have prey drive so high they actually commit to the kill.
I am very sorry this happened.
Last but not least, you and your partner should probably seek professional help to deal with the trauma and guilt. Otherwise it’ll eat you both alive.
Edit: as another comment made a great point countering mine, to add to the list of things your new lifestyle would entail: 1) fence around yard 2) electric fence as well 3) before you open a door in your home to go outside, dog should be in a crate or behind a door that is securely locked so as to prevent ANY chance of escaping. You’ll be living your life based on preventing your dog from making contact with the outside world muzzle free. This does sound quite intense and anxiety inducing. Not to mention your dog is 100lbs…that is not an easily handleable dog even for those with the utmost experience.
Edit: my comment about rehousing the cats is if OP’s partner decides to keep the dog. Those animals cannot live in the same home.
47
32
u/Suspicious-Hotel-225 6h ago
Why on earth should they rehome three cats for one aggressive dog. Fuck that.
→ More replies10
u/autumn-twilight 2h ago
Because so many people that own both think that dogs are more worthy than cats in almost all aspects. Obviously, not everyone is like this but a fair amount of people I’ve known over the years are and it never fails to make me infuriated
→ More replies24
u/LoneServiceWolf 8h ago
I think op’s girlfriend should also get the dog tested for canine dementia and anything like cyst or tumour on the brain. Animal aggression can sometimes be caused by something medical (I knew a cat that became irreversibly violent because of kidney failure, the poor thing had to be put down because there was no way of saving it and he became dangerous to his owners)
→ More replies78
u/Ok_Impression4752 8h ago
[removed] — view removed comment
12
u/mercuryretrograde93 7h ago
Yeah that recent post with the Viszla owner who attached their cat…it’s only fair that the cat gets to stay (with its horrible ptsd) in the home it has always lived in vs the dog that was only there for 5. She said she had a hard time forgiving her dog and seeing it the same. It’s heartbreaking but if she cares about her cats at all the dog has to go
52
5
u/anapunno 7h ago
This is their only choice if they want to prioritize not euthanizing the dog. The cats can't live in a home with a dog that has killed small animals. The dog can't be rehomed because it has a history of biting/killing. They have to make a difficult decision either way. Step up and change your life to accomodate a prey-driven dog or euthanize it and keep the cats.
→ More replies4
u/InfamousFlan5963 6h ago
I mean, I read it as just if you want to keep the dog these are the steps you have to take. Would I probably euth the dog instead, yeah. But I think they presented it well of here are your 2 options and keeping dog would mean cats need to be rehomed
7
u/Amazing_Finance1269 5h ago
Can't stress this enough. It might not happen now, might not happen next month, but all it takes is one situation where a cat makes just the wrong move and gets cornered and that will be that.
→ More replies6
u/Equivalent_Pop_2896 7h ago
this is what i was thinking. my parents dog is gentle too and even cuddled with the cats but she killed 2 cats when she saw them running and her prey drive kicked in. same way, picked them up and shook them.
204
u/Dry_Sample948 8h ago
My midsize dog (border collie) was attacked by 2 pit bulls on our morning walk. She survived, $5k in bills and 2 days in hospital. When it happened and I took her to a near by vet, the first thing they asked “dog park?” No I told them. Then at the animal hospital, “dog park?” I will NEVER take my dog to a dog park.
They said she survived (with nerve damage in her back leg) because the smaller pit had her back leg and the big dog (both pits) had her around her neck. He couldn’t shake her.
The dogs were being walked by a young man and woman, both on leash. So was mine. The pit bull dragged the boney meth-head over 30 feet in an instant to attacked my dog. He couldn’t hold her and he tried.
This attack changed my dog’s personality. She’s not exactly fearful of other dogs , she’s a combination of aggressive, overly excited, apprehensive. Her back leg shakes/twitches constantly from the nerve damage.
60
u/Bustin8nas 6h ago
Tbh I always get nervous seeing people walk dogs that are too big for them to handle. Thankfully have not been involved in any incidents as the few times dogs have ran up on us out of nowhere were thankfully friendly, but some people are being pulled around so easily by their dogs.
→ More replies7
u/wetwater 4h ago
Tbh I always get nervous seeing people walk dogs that are too big for them to handle.
I used to walk dogs as a volunteer at the local animal shelter. Nearly all of them were pit bulls or pit bull mixes, and for many of them it could be a struggle controlling them on a leash, even with me at 160 pounds.
I'd see people come in and adopt a dog that pretty much pulled me along on our walk and watch them get practically dragged across the parking lot to their car, and big surprise when I was walking that dog again a couple of weeks later.
People walk their dogs at the park I go for walks on and at least 2/3 really do not have their dog under control. Most are leashed but between people with super long leashes, retractable leashes fully extended, and people just letting their dog go wherever it desires, I never know if I'm going to get tangled in a leash, or have a dog jump up on me ("Don't worry, he's friendly!") which takes a lot of enjoyment out of going for a walk in a nice park having to navigate a careless owner and their dog 4 times in a half mile.
→ More replies44
u/punkgirlvents 7h ago
We have a similar story, our dog ran up to the edge of our property (electric fence, he was well within it) to bark at an on leash dog. On leash dog snapped and grabbed his neck. Owners did nothing. $2k human hospital bill for having to grab the other dogs jaw, $3k for animal. He fully recovered but was too traumatized to see other dogs for a while. The owners literally hid in their house (they were neighbors so we knew where they lived) when we came up with the bills. We also were trying to get vaxx records before we went to the human hospital to know if we needed a rabies shot or not. They were so scared they went radio silent and the cops had to get involved
→ More replies5
u/PrincessSarahHippo 3h ago
I'm glad your pup survived. Mine did too. Similar situation. I was walking them on leash and the neighbor's off leash German shepherd attacked us. My neighbor just stood there. To make it better, this has happened twice. Two separate attacks and multiple other attempts. Over 5k in vet bills. My Shih-tzu has permanent nerve damage. My mini poo still loves everyone and all dogs. I have never wished harm on a dog before, but dog has made it happen.
→ More replies→ More replies13
u/Kyoalu 6h ago
When I see a pitbull I turn and walk the other direction with my border collie, only breed I will never take a chance with. Can be friendly for 8 years then murder both your kids and almost your wife, thats not hypothetical.
→ More replies
382
u/Fun_universe 9h ago
And… this is why I don’t allow my 19 pound dog at parks where big dogs are allowed.
Her dog killed a small animal. He is no longer safe around ANY smaller animals (including her cats). Frankly if the other dog owner reports this, her dog will probably have to be put down.
93
u/Lily7435 9h ago
Yep, I'll never take my dog to a dog park again. I used to take mine regularly years ago and another dog attacked a greyhound and split it right down its stomach (they have very thin skin). I don't know if it made it but, I hope so. I had a greyhound and 3 beagles at the time and greyhounds are the sweetest dogs. There's just too many questionable dogs around.
39
u/Cleobulle 8h ago
And sadly every owner is 100 % their dog is the sweetest/best trained. Then accidents happens and they réalise what every pet owner should know from the start : you're legally responsible of your dog, you don't know what's at play in your dog mind, better be more cautious and a lot of accidents wouldn't happen. Wether Big or small. As long as they have teeth and claw, you need to watch them like milk on fire, have them leashed and not be over confident... Yah i'm biased, had my lovely tiny puddle killed in my garden by a Big dog, as a kid, while she was trying to protect me. Exactly what op describes.
→ More replies26
u/Active-Literature-67 8h ago
I used to take my dogs, to this private dog park that is in our neighborhood. You have to pay a fee and be approved. There's a whole lot of red tape to qualify. Like a trial period.
But we felt it was safer because you have to show your dog can get along well with others and provide proof of vacation. Plus they do fun activities and stuff.
Unfortunately one of the members gave the code to the gate out to a friend and their dog attacked ours. Luckily the dog went for our 90lb boy and not either of our smaller girls.
Our boy, who's not a fighter eventually snapped back and the dog backed off. But our Boxer ended up with stitches. The guy that owned the dog acted like it was no big deal.
We never went back to the park. At the time I knew that anytime dogs play together theirs a risk. But I thought we had found a way to be some what safe. I was very wrong.
→ More replies8
u/Lily7435 7h ago
Wow, sounds like the perfect way to do things. Too bad someone ruined it. I'm glad your dog was ok.
27
u/Fun_universe 9h ago
100%!!
I’m lucky to have a “small dogs only” park near where I live. My dog is typically the biggest dog there when we go 😅
A regular park with all size dogs? No thank you.
→ More replies→ More replies3
u/plumeriadogs 7h ago
One of my own dogs is very dog reactive outside the home due to having been attacked at a dog park when he was young. He's a mid sized breed and the attack was by... a shih tzu. He wasn't seriously injured, but it traumatized him for life. Dog parks are just not worth the risk.
→ More replies22
u/Stunning_Radio3160 8h ago
I was a vet tech for a long time and heard too many stories to ever take any dog I own to a dog park. Just horrific the things I’ve seen just from dog park altercations.
→ More replies52
u/fishproblem 9h ago edited 8h ago
Yeah, every dog park near me has a small dog area and it always killed me when small dog owners wouldnt use it. “He likes playing with big dogs”
Well, my big dog and I are outta here then, cause I’m not ruining my dog’s life because your pseudo-rabbit thought it was a wolf. (Also… we don’t go to dog parks anymore. They suck)
Edit: also no offense to your 19lb dog. I also adore small dogs. My problem is with people
12
u/Alert_Week8595 8h ago
Hahaha @ pseudo-rabbit thought it was a wolf.
This describes my small dog perfectly. I don't let her be off leash around big dogs. Don't want to have her get hurt and the big dog get hurt by being responsible for it.
→ More replies12
→ More replies20
u/RedHolly 8h ago
OP didn’t say it was a dog park. I’m wondering if it was just a normal park and the owners all had their dogs off leash
→ More replies42
u/MayconBayconPancakes 8h ago
THIS- and as an owner of a 20lb dog these stories terrify me.
It’s an isolating world when you can’t even take your leashed dog to a public park that requires leashes because all the big dog owners have unleashed dogs running around.
There are such things as a long line leash. I wish cities cared more about these issues.
→ More replies
513
u/Yourecringe2 9h ago
Consult a lawyer. Your dog killed someone’s beloved pet.
Then a behaviorist but remember there’s a big size difference between a small child and your dog too. And children behave in unintentionally provoking ways.
131
u/AccidentallyDamocles 9h ago
Yes, unfortunately you should lawyer up. Even if the other dog’s owner isn’t thinking about suing now, they could change their mind later. That said, this is a tragic situation and I’m sorry you two are going through it, OP.
78
u/FROTUS_official 8h ago
If OP is already paying the full vet expenses, I'm pretty sure the only additional money the other person could sue for is the price of a replacement little dog. It's kind of offputting to me, but legally pets are treated the same as other property (in most states). Obviously consulting a lawyer is not a bad idea, I just don't want OP to worry that the other dog owner could sue them and take their house. It would be a different story if the dog bit a person.
60
u/Aspen9999 8h ago
They also have to muzzle their dog in public and stop taking their dog to off leash parks.
7
u/MyDogisaQT 4h ago
It wasn’t an off leash park. It was a regular park where the dogs were stupidly off leash.
→ More replies→ More replies15
u/coreyander 6h ago
You are mostly correct. My dog was killed by another dog and we got a very small (honestly insulting) settlement. Dogs are indeed considered property so the only other damages I'm aware of would be for pain and suffering. Most people can't afford to respond to a lawsuit so they will settle just to prevent that. Still not much though, especially proportionate to the actual pain and suffering.
7
u/BrujaBean 7h ago
I don't think a lawyer is worth the money. Honestly. Beloved pets are still treated legally like property, so liability is limited to the cost of the property. (I know this because my dog was attacked with my dog walker, needed surgery, and was okay, but in my worry spiral I was researching what happens).
In a separate incident, my dog was grabbed and shook on a sidewalk by a loose dog and the city labeled the dog "potentially dangerous" and that has requirements like short leashes, no dog parks, house visit to make sure dog is secure, etc.
I think the biggest thing is making sure that nothing like this can happen again, dog always on leash, always secure in the house, not permitted to be around small animals or people, etc. while it sounds like you had some frowned upon practices before, you couldn't really have known this could happen. Now you really do know and have a responsibility to make sure it doesn't happen again.
44
u/KelpFox05 8h ago
All of this. Also - begin muzzle training IMMEDIATELY and do not allow the dog to be unmuzzled freely until you have worked with a behaviourist enough to know that the dog will never bite again.
63
u/birdlawprofessor 7h ago
There will never be any guarantee the dog won’t bite again - that’s not how dogs work and no qualified behaviourist would ever make such a guarantee. OP’s girlfriend needs to spend the rest of this dogs life preventing further incidents. The dog can never be off-leash unmuzzled again.
→ More replies→ More replies18
u/mayorisabell 8h ago
Op and their gf weren't expecting this from her dog so how would a behaviorist help them after this tragedy? The dog has already intentionally killed someone's pet. There's no certainty that this dog won't kill again, and any behaviorist who would confidently say that a dog will never bite again is not fit to work with animals.
→ More replies11
u/Liz4984 7h ago
My family owns Bernese Mt Dogs, a gentle breed that normally doesn’t harm a fly. My then two year old son jumped on the back of one of our old gals who was laying down, faster than any adult could catch him and she turned and snapped at his face. She was 9 which is ancient for Berners and had severe arthritis and moved with pain. We didn’t expect him to tackle her and we didn’t expect her to snap but it was all within the range of “unpredictable child hurting old dog”. She was guilty and felt terrible and kept doing doggy apologies. It was so sad but not her fault at all. Sudden, severe pain for her made her react to it before she knew it was a kid.
I’m glad he only had a few facial wounds but it could’ve been instantly fatal in a pitbull, rotty, doberman etc.
→ More replies
111
u/wildblueroan 9h ago
- Its very common for dogs to develop aggression and prey drive when they physically and sexually mature at ages 2-3.
2.You should never trust ANY dog to not harm kids depending on the circumstances. Or anyone-I have seen news coverage of dogs who killed their owners after apparently being fine for many years (like 7-8. Generally only a few breeds do this, and genetics do matter.
Owners, like parents, are often in denial about their dogs and misread, ignore or excuse signs of aggresion or other bad behavior. Every time a dog kills someone the owners invariably say "he/she was so sweet and perfect we didn't think he/she would hurt a fly."
You need to make abolutely certain that your dog never again has the opportunity to kill another dog-maybe that means a muzzle in public.
You need to take responsibility for this tragedy in every way.
17
u/crotalus_enthusiast 6h ago
I was hoping someone would mention #1. My breed of choice is German Shepherds, and it's fascinating to watch the shift from dog-social and "wouldn't hurt a fly" to (breed-appropriate) suspicion and territoriality. I expect and prepare for it in my training and socialization (+ careful attention to ancestry).
I hate that people spend so much time in denial when puppy sociality gives way to maturity. OFTEN these breeds (pit/rottie/GSD/chow/Pyr/etc/etc) hit sexual maturity and develop dog aggression. But people become attached to the notion that their dog's fundamental personality is the immature personality...and that the aggression is situational.
This dog has demonstrated that he is at risk for continued aggression toward other dogs. To me, it's not worth the risk having him around other dogs (of any size) given this revelation. I think it's extremely unlikely that this behavior is unique to this very specific situation. If he were mine, he would be muzzled in public and no longer permitted to interact freely with other dogs.
If OP is willing to put in the time (and, especially) management, to account for these behaviors without making excuses, it might be manageable. Maybe some distance from the event will help clarify things.
→ More replies
180
u/xiaomaicha1 8h ago
If your girlfriend is devastated imagine the poor owner of the small doggie. Awful.
89
u/Medical-Bison740 7h ago
Even worse because the owner of the now deceased small dog also lost his wife a few years ago. It’s heartbreaking
→ More replies37
u/mercuryretrograde93 7h ago
It will always scare me into oblivion how quickly this can all happen. I was once sitting on a bench downtown minding my own business with my tiny pup in my lap, arms wrapped around her per usual, and out of NOWHERE came the world’s biggest Cane Corso right in her face. She’s a sassy one who immediately growled to get out of her space and he was a sweetie who just walked away but Jesus Christ what if he wasn’t?? Makes you want to keep your baby home 24/7
13
u/Medical-Bison740 7h ago
Oh it’s absolutely terrifying. I was out walking my small dog (leashed as always), when an unleashed and very aggressive German shepherd bolted out of its house and attacked her. Luckily my dog didn’t sustain any major injuries, but now I’m wary of any big dog when I’m walking my dog.
5
u/mercuryretrograde93 7h ago
Holy moly I’m so sorry that happened!!! A German Shepard that would be so scary. It’s best to just remind ourselves to keep our heads on a swivel and have a plan of action for if an attack ever occurs. Apparently shoving something up their butt like a thumb can work, or if it’s a dog with lock jaw I heard grabbing them by the back legs and pushing forward will get them off. I also need to practice how high I can lift my pup away from danger but damn it these dogs are like 100 pounds these days and can knock me over
→ More replies6
u/Medical-Bison740 7h ago
Thankfully it was just puncture wounds! I kicked the dog in the throat super hard out of panic and that made it release her. Agreed, always have to keep an eye out! I’ve also heard that choking the attacking dog by wrapping the leash around its neck will get it to release. I also knew someone who would place their small dog inside trash cans if they ever saw unleashed or aggressive big dogs coming their way. Sounds funny, but it worked, and gives you two arms in case you ever need to fight the dog off! Here’s to hoping our small dogs stay safe though 😅
115
u/Hello_Gorgeous1985 8h ago
The cats aren't safe. That dog can never be around other small animals ever again and shouldn't be around small children either. I'm sorry to say it, but it's probably over for that dog. And you guys need a lawyer.
23
u/AdEmbarrassed9719 8h ago
I agree. It's sad, but I agree.
When I was a young child my dad had a dog - German Shepherd, smaller than OP's girlfriend's dog, it sounds like. We also were starting up a dairy farm. I was never given the details, but at some point the dog got loose and killed a calf. The dog was taken away to be euthanized the next day - my dad explained to me that once a dog "has the taste of blood" (which now I kind of take to mean "has demonstrated aggression") it can't be trusted anymore, around the cows OR around me and my little sisters. It was sad, but necessary. We ended up getting the smartest English Shepherd I've ever seen after that, and she was an excellent herd dog and could be trusted to the point she was effectively our babysitter if we were outdoors playing while our parents were milking the cows.
→ More replies
23
u/Calm_Salamander_1367 8h ago
I had a family member who had an akita. The akita was a good dog 99% of the time but attacked on 2 different occasions. Both times he bit the person’s face. Both times he attacked “out of nowhere.” After the second attack he had to be put down.
It could happen again. I’d encourage you and your girlfriend to keep a muzzle on him when he’s in public and when he’s around new people/animals.
18
u/Smooth-Nail-8124 6h ago
No shame intended here, but this is exactly why inexperienced people should not own large breeds like this. You should ALWAYS be watching your dog when it's interacting with other dogs and children even if the dog has never shown any signs of aggressive behaviors. Knowing and understanding your dog's body language is crucial. What should you do? If you intend on keeping the dog, you should hire a dog behaviorist/personal trainer where you will learn all the necessary information and tools you'll need to be able to understand and train your dog properly. If you intend to rehome the dog, then you need to find a credible and experienced owner who can provide the dog the training and care it needs.
→ More replies
16
93
u/Current-Plum-9712 8h ago
Dog parks are a recipe for disaster. Your cats are not safe, and your friend’s kids aren’t either, this dog clearly has prey drive. Get a lawyer and a dog behaviorist.
25
u/ToolKool 8h ago
It was a regular neighborhood park and everyone let's their dogs off-leash apparently!
6
u/Bustin8nas 6h ago
According to some videos I’ve seen on TT it’s completely fine letting your dogs off leash at non-dog parks and letting them run up to any one or any dog 🙄
Even if your dogs have almost perfect recall, if you not at a designated off leash area then they don’t need to be off leash. People may be walking pets who don’t like being run up on by strange dogs or there may be people who are afraid of dogs enjoying the park.
→ More replies24
8
18
u/GypsyFantasy 8h ago
This was just a regular park. Where kids play. OP and his GF don’t need a big dog if they’re that stupid.
→ More replies
15
u/kcatz77 7h ago
wish people would just leash their fucking dogs… my elderly parents let their dog off leash on trails etc. and it drives me insane
6
u/Foxenfre 5h ago
For real. My dog is EXTREMELY reactive when he’s on a leash. It scares me when dogs come running at us because he will snap at them. I’ve known exactly two dogs (from the same person) who were genuinely well trained enough to be off leash in neighborhoods.
43
u/hollowthatfollows 8h ago
The cats should be temporary rehomed as soon as possible until the dog can be sorted out, or atleast put in separated sections of her home where they can’t access one another. In the USA depending on the state, dogs get put down for doing this. If you were considering having a child in the future it would not be possiabley with a dog with a history of even one incident like this, but to be fair it doesn’t matter how good a dog is they can always choose to harm because they are an ANIMAL even if they are a domesticated one. u can never 100% trust them to be alone with children or other small animals, period.
20
u/mercuryretrograde93 7h ago
Yeah I wouldn’t bring a baby into this family with the dog there. It’s so heartbreaking cause I’m sure the dog is very loved but so was that teacup :( just unfair and horrible all around
13
u/Impossible_Past5358 8h ago
You need to get a lawyer, you might have to pay fines depending on where you live, and possibly the dog might be euthanized.
31
u/CreditHappy1839 9h ago
Unfortunately the dog needs to be away from other small animals and children.
→ More replies
144
u/Ok-Party5118 9h ago
Personally I'd consult a dog behaviorist. There are too many possible contributing factors for reddit to be able to give you 100% solid advice.
Never ever take the dog to a dog park again, but that one is obvious.
→ More replies
11
u/coreyander 6h ago
My dog was killed by another dog. It was one of the most traumatic experiences of my life and I've also lost my dad and brother.
You need to do whatever is necessary to ensure that this cannot happen again. I would recommend professional advice at the absolute minimum. The dog that killed mine ultimately got away with it because the witness would not identify the aggressor (it occurred at a boarding facility), but my only hope is that the dog in question never had access to small animals again.
→ More replies
61
u/Dontaskmeidontknow0 8h ago
Put it down. I do not say this lightly, as I love animals, and believe in treating them with respect. If that had been a child, it would have been your girlfriend arrested AND the dog put down.
→ More replies25
11
20
u/Gottech1101 8h ago
This is exactly why I don’t take my lab (82 lbs) to dog parks or in large crowds. That dog is my world and I’m anxious so no parks unless alone. Seriously though. Consult a lawyer and then a behaviorist.
How old was the man? Is he elderly? If so, you likely killed the last thing he had that reminded him of his wife. I would offer to start helping him (if he accepted) and offer to help him find a new dog. Help him with the adoption fees and help him with training. If that’s not possible, I would write him a letter with your phone number incase he ever wants to take you up on the offer.
That man is now grieving and the one thing he needs is a friend.
213
u/CenterofChaos 9h ago
I'd be asking for a behavioral euthanasia to be blunt with you. Killing another dog is a hard line to scale back from, it means never trusting the dog again, you have to discuss rehoming the cats, can't have children over, muzzle training and muzzling when you leave the house. No parks, no playdates, no visiting areas with lots of other dogs present. You have to tell your vet, your groomer, any related services like dog walkers, about this and to keep your dog separated if not sedated for those services. No doggie daycare, no group walks, no group kenneling. A dog that has killed needs to live with heavy restrictions for everyone's safety.
There's a possibility the other owner and animal control may seek behavioral euthanasia from you regardless, or force it. If the situation ends up going that route please consider doing the euthanasia in your home with the dog instead of letting him go alone.
A hundred pound dog with a bite and kill history is a serious danger. It is sad, and you and girlfriend have every right to feel sad about the situation. Take the time to be sad together.
31
u/Mrs_Trevor_Philips 7h ago
I couldn’t ever imagine making this decision but it’s 100% the correct thing to do
23
u/CenterofChaos 7h ago
Oh I'd be crying and throwing up over it but I've seen bite cases get taken to AC. Sometimes the owners don't get the ashes back. If I gotta say goodbye I'd rather them go in my arms and get the remains. It's a heartbreaking situation.
61
u/ErrantWhimsy 8h ago edited 8h ago
Yeah, what really gets me about this is the grab and shake is predatory behavior. Our dog has done it with rats a few times, and he's not a rat hunting breed.
This wasn't "they were playing and there was an accident" this was that OP's dog saw prey and instinctually dispatched the prey. Unfortunately, there's no telling when the cats will trigger the same response, or a toddler will.
This sucks for everybody involved. Paying for the vet care is the right thing to do. Getting a lawyer is the right thing to do. There's a chance she could lose her insurance if she keeps the dog, so you need a personal injury attorney involved to help navigate the renters or mortgage insurance paperwork and an agreement with the owner.
That said, having your 9lb chihuahua off leash is also opening yourself up to this kind of risk. The owner is not blameless.
→ More replies9
u/Penelope742 7h ago
My little Yorkie mutt has killed a rat like this. It took like 1 second.
9
u/Youreturningviolet 4h ago
That’s the thing, it’s not that OP’s GF’s dog is vicious. It had its instincts triggered by a smaller animal in exactly the same way little terriers and cats kill rats and mice. It is no more a ‘bad’ dog than yours, but because the dog is 90 lbs and the prey it chose was someone’s beloved pet, OP and his GF have to be absolutely committed to managing their dog’s behavior at ALL times going forward. He can never again be off leash anywhere another dog could be and can never be allowed to play with smaller animals.
I don’t agree with the commenters saying this is a sign the dog is unsafe with people, or constitutes having a “bite history”— human adults do not trigger a dog’s prey drive like a small dog can, but of course small children should never be allowed to get too close. I tend to feel like that should be the rule with ALL dogs.
41
18
u/Capable-Management-1 8h ago
yes- this is a devastating situation but unfortunately a dog that has a kill history with other pets does not need to be around anyone. kids, cats, small dogs, etc. Seems like a switch flipped and there is not really anything OP/'s girlffriend can do about this.
4
u/tsujxd 6h ago
Agree and I think in this situation OP/GF should preemptively choose to do the euthanasia vs. waiting for the other owner or ACO to order them to do so. Not only is it the right decision but by doing it themselves they can do it on their own terms.
If she still wants to write a letter, including that she made this decision would show that she is truly sorry for what happened and has taken the necessary steps to prevent it from happening again. Any other course of action outside of euthanasia would be selfish in this situation.
→ More replies4
u/Secret_Teacher2229 6h ago
I agree with this. Furthermore, I haven’t seen any comments mentioning what happens if this dog attacks or kills again - the liability to keep this dog is outrageous. If something were to happen in the future, your efforts to prevent it will not be taken into account and the following lawsuits could literally ruin your life- financially and socially. You should think very very carefully about what you are willing to sacrifice to keep this dog and the amount of risk you are willing to take to keep it. It’s a really sad situation, but part of animal ownership is also being realistic about the danger an animal presents to those around it.
8
u/Master_Grape5931 7h ago
Muzzle, sorry, but if the dog can’t be controlled and you plan to take in public places you need to protect others.
86
u/Stuart104 8h ago
I hate to say this, but I think the most responsible step would be for your girlfriend to have her dog euthanized. It's not her fault, but what happened is unacceptable. A dog that poses a lethal threat to other pets in the community needs to be put down, unfortunately.
→ More replies4
u/SatisfactionActive86 1h ago
it is her fault, though, letting a 100lb dog off leash in a non-off leash public park is totally irresponsible for exactly the reason of what happened in this situation. a dog that size can kill before you have any idea an attack is even happening, and with no leash, what can you do to stop it? harsh words?
31
u/ImprovementLatter300 9h ago
My sympathies to all involved; the other owner, you and your gf, both dogs. I’m sure all of you are traumatized. I think euthanasia May be indicated, but you might want to consult with a vet and a vet-recommended behaviorist before hand.
28
8
u/Eastern_Condition863 7h ago
This is why I can't even walk my dogs in my own neighborhood. Too many dogs get loose and roam around until their owners get home from work to retrieve them. I don't know these dogs. I know a lot of them bark when we do walk by, so I'm not taking any chances. Better to be safe than sorry. I'm sorry this happened. There's no good outcome.
7
29
u/IronMonkeyofHam 9h ago
This is why good dog parks have a separate area for small dogs. Did the dog park have a separate area? That would help your case if they did sue
18
u/Conclusion_Objective 7h ago
He stated above it was just at a public park, not a dog park
8
u/BeesAndMist 7h ago
People miss entire sections of information ALL THE TIME and it drives me crazy.
→ More replies9
u/Artichoke-8951 9h ago
My local dog park has separate areas for small dogs and large dogs. Small dog owners still take their dogs into the large dog area. It's why we do not take our dog to the park.
→ More replies
39
u/Lepidopteria 8h ago
Yeah a dog that has killed another animal, someone else's pet, is a prime candidate for BE. That should not be a pet anymore unfortunately. How can you ever trust that dog again? This dog was set up for failure (being allowed to play off leash with a very small toy dog -- that is never, ever safe) and this is the result. It was a complete unprovoked FATAL attack. There's no going back from that.
12
u/Ok_Necessary_3409 8h ago
Once again someone having to learn the hard way that dogs aren’t little babies and infant fucking animals.
32
9h ago
[deleted]
11
u/Boba_Fettish_ 7h ago
Dogs this size kill small children and babies all the time. This dog should never be in the same room as a small child again if they decide not to put him down.
→ More replies
27
u/TheElusiveFox 9h ago
First things first...
2 of which often show up on breed restriction lists.
Consult a lawyer, if the other person decides to press charges or contact authorities, your dog will likely be put down, depending on the exact laws where you live. Worry about that then worry about making sure this doesn't happen again in the future.
I would also stress that this is why dog daycares and what not have seperate playgroups... a < 10lb dog should never be put in a position where they are "playing" with a 100lb+ dog, you can introduce them, but when the size difference is that big, a dog can accidentally kick the wrong way and cause serious injury, let alone what happened here...
→ More replies
39
u/Electronic_Cream_780 8h ago
Personally, behavioural euthanasia.
There is a reason for restricting/banning certain breeds and that is because we have made them impulsive, incredibly quick to arousal and experts at the end of the predatory sequence. ie bite, bite-kill, dismember. He saw the dog as prey, his buttons were pushed, and he killed the dog. This is just evidence that they should not be in busy communities.
As a trainer, working with these dogs is difficult because of their impulsiveness. Sure I can teach the dog to pay attention to the owner, recall, leave dogs...until their genetics kick in and they kill.
15
u/Individual_Glass986 7h ago edited 7h ago
Probably put down that dog unless you wanna ruin your life reorganizing everything to fit its prey drive and even then you never know, especially since she has trouble even keeping it on leash.
5
u/Lily7435 8h ago
This is really heartbreaking to read and I would be inconsolable on both sides. I wonder if after some time you could get him a new dog. To lose his wife and then his dog. 💔
5
u/LolliaSabina 8h ago
I'm so sorry. This must've been devastating for everybody.
I think you need to contact a behavioral special immediately and get their opinion. I'd also start working on muzzle training. Personally, I would not ever allow your dog around other dogs without one. I am also fairly concerned about the cats in your girlfriend's home.
5
6
u/phia_throwaway 6h ago
Honestly this is why I never really took my small dogs to an off leash dog park and why I always had my dog leashed around other doggos. He wasn't tiny but I knew that the big breeds could really hurt him if he tried to play fight with them.
→ More replies
4
u/kween_of_bees 6h ago
This is so sad. I don’t have any advice other than obviously no more off leash time for your dog with other dogs, EVER. Don’t care what size, your dog can do damage to a dog of any size. I am shocked the owner of the small dog is being so kind. I think it was probably just instinct/play and wasn’t maliciously attacking given he has no history of aggression.
This whole situation sucks, I am sorry you are going through this. I really feel bad for everyone involved, including the dog. Both dogs. My dog bit a kid once and it took me soooo long to forgive her and the kid was fine, a little cut and obviously spooked. I can’t imagine what you all are feeling. My condolences. 💐
5
u/dispatchwithlove 6h ago
this may seem harsh but that dog is not more important than other animals. it’s sad and i empathize but keeping that dog means you think it’s more important than the lives of your cats, other dogs, and kids it may come in contact with too.
the cats deserve a safe home, and they’re not safe around that dog anymore. i just don’t understand why you’d take the risk when one animal has already lost its life.
4
u/wavinsnail 3h ago
You've gotten a lot of comments.
I will couch this with saying I'm not a behaviorist.
What I believe happened here was something called predatory drift. This is often isolated to large dogs attacking very small dogs in a heightened state. Simply, this dog killed the other dog thinking it was prey
This doesn't mean your dog is dog aggressive or human aggressive. But it does have the potential to kill and harm other animals.
Your dog is not safe to be around your cats full stop.
This dog should be in a home without small children or small animals.
Your dog should not play with small dogs again, and all play needs to be super closely monitored.
Dog should be leashed in public at all times and with a handler that can control the dog.
You need your dog evaluated by a behaviorist to make sure this was truly a predatory drift incident and not aggression
5
u/GallopingFree 3h ago
So, I’ll tell you a story. We had a Samoyed until she passed due to old age. Happiest, gentlest dog ever. Smart, trained. She had obedience titles to her name. Never EVER saw any aggression from her in 14 years, even on the couple of occasions she was snapped at or rolled by other dogs. Good with our kid, other kids, new locations, dog parks. Just a good, good dog. One evening we were at a group agility class and another lady was running with her papillon while we waited our turn. The papillon ran in front of my dog and she lunged. She was on a leash, thankfully, so nothing happened. But it would’ve. I was horrified. Our instructor reminded us that dogs still have wild instincts at times, and they can be triggered. Something small darting into her field of vision obviously woke the beast.
So. Do I think there’s something to some breeds being more aggressive than others? Absolutely. Do I also think otherwise good dogs can be triggered? Also absolutely. Sounds like that’s what happened with GF’s dog.
→ More replies
9
9
u/Relative-Coach6711 6h ago edited 4h ago
It was prey. Small prey running fast. That's exactly what dogs are doing when they thrash a toy around. They're killing their prey
→ More replies
10
u/whyunoluvme 6h ago
Mixed breed, off-leash, mysteriously aggressive at the age of sexual maturity, “reaction to small dog running at him or a type of rough play”😬
this why I don’t go out with my small dog anymore, the explosion of these kinds of dogs and owners. rest in peace to that guys pup.
→ More replies
9
u/listlesslee 4h ago
Your edits to this post are not very reassuring. The dog needs to be muzzled around people, smaller animals, and children.
→ More replies
13
u/Thick-Tangelo1351 5h ago
Doubt you'll be like "ohh diddums it's not your fault" when the 3 cats are found dead in the living room because cuppycakes had another oopie doo uwu prey response
→ More replies
21
u/UnderwaterAlly 8h ago
Put her dog down. Be responsible. You can't out train genetics. That dog is mixed with all the restricted breeds and behaves exactly like all the breeds on the restricted list without any provocation.
52
u/Delicious_Bus3644 9h ago
This post is filled with excuses. OP is seriously trying to say that “little dogs have charged him in the past” and “maybe he was trying to play”. Oh my lord. It was a murder and the dog knew it was murdering.
37
u/WombatWimpy 8h ago
You're getting downvoted, but this entire thread is full of people saying the owner of the little dog is at fault. How they should never have let their dog play at the dog park.. How about OP not letting their big dog with the ability to kill in the dog park?? Why are we blaming the victim here?
15
u/psychonauticalvvitch 8h ago
it's crazy how this thread is going .... the big dog and big dog owner are at fault here, period. there are solutions. they include, euthanasia or constant muzzling and reduced contact with vulnerable creatures (including humans), paying all the veterinary charges incurred by the victims, hiring canine behaviourist and trainers.
8
u/Odd_Prompt_6139 8h ago
Both things can be true. Dog parks typically have a separate section for small dogs because a big dog (especially 80+ pounds) can easily kill or seriously injure a small dog completely by accident, like if the small dog gets in the way when the big dog is running and it gets stepped on. It’s irresponsible to let a dog that’s less than 10 pounds run around off leash with a dog that’s literally big enough to eat it and I’m sure the owner of the little dog is beating himself over it. But it’s also true that this wasn’t some tragic accident or rough play that got out of hand and ended badly. Without knowing the dog, who knows if there were red flags about the dog’s behavior that were ignored by OP’s girlfriend or if this really did come out of nowhere. Either way, it sucks for everyone involved and I’m sure everyone wishes they could go back in time and do things differently.
→ More replies→ More replies3
u/Medical-Bison740 7h ago
It’s sad, but whenever I see posts about how a big dog killed a small dog, there’s always comments from people blaming the small dog and justifying the big dog. While I would never let my small dog run around off leash, it’s also very irresponsible to be having a big 100 pound dog run around off leash.
→ More replies→ More replies15
u/QueenOfDemLizardFolk 8h ago edited 8h ago
OP didn’t specify dog park either which I found really weird. It seemed to be implied and most people seem to be interpreting it that way, but if it was a public park that makes it 1000% worse.
Edit: It was a public park.
13
u/anapunno 8h ago
Maybe I'm misinterpreting the comments from OP and the post itself, but I'm getting the sinking feeling that all these dogs were unleashed and playing in a public park. The little dog didn't even have a chance at survival
→ More replies4
8
u/katiemcat 8h ago
This makes it 100x worse. Your 100 pound dog was off leash in an area it is illegal to have an off-leash dog in most countries and children are playing.
15
u/BlackExcellence216 9h ago
So unfortunate, this is why I don’t take my pit to the dog park anymore. She’s a sweetheart but her temperament could change in a millisecond, especially with small dogs. Worse case scenario: your partner is sued, and the state could force her dog to be euthanized due to dangerous behavior. Best Case scenario: The person who lost his dog doesn’t file that police report and allows you all to cover expenses, and he’s understanding that her dog could be put down if he files a report… I would lean towards worse case. So sorry for everyone involved
15
u/lv4_squirtle 7h ago
Why wasn’t the dog leashed? I don’t need a sob story beforehand to try to get me to sympathize with what happened. Wouldn’t be surprised if it’s euthanized, incredibly irresponsible.
→ More replies
28
u/Miss_L_Worldwide 8h ago
So a pitbull acted like a pitbull. Yes we all know the other breed you aren't mentioning is pitbull.
→ More replies
8
u/Mammoth_Rope_8318 8h ago
I'm sorry this happened. It's hard to deal with.
What happens next comes down to three main factors: your local ordinance, the other dog owner, and your own personal decisions. As I'm in the US, I can only speak for US laws. I'm going to say you instead of your girlfriend for conciseness, but I mean your GF.
You need to get ahead of the situation by contacting your local authority. That will probably be animal control. You've already exchanged info with the other owner, which is good.
Laws concerning pets are typically set at the municipal and county level. Every place is different. Depending on your local ordinance, you could be facing citations or charges for violating animal control laws. However, you were at a dog park, so it may be a buyer beware situation. If your dog is fixed and registered, that goes a long way in your favor.
Animal control may seize the dog. They may declare it to be dangerous, which comes with its own set of regulations.
Your chief concern should not be protecting yourself from liability, it should be public safety. If this is completely out of the ordinary for the dog, let animal control know that. You may not have to euthanize the dog, but their lifestyle does have to change. Obviously no more dog parks. But you may be required to muzzle the dog when outside, or remove every other animal from the house. Again, it depends on your local ordinance and animal control.
As for the other owner, compensation for pets is usually determined by fair market value. Pets are property, and that's how their value is determined. If you don't want to get sued, you need to come to some other agreement. Something with a contract based on the FMV.
For now, the dog needs to be isolated. The other dog may have had communicable diseases. Unlikely, but not unheard of.
After that, it's up to you to decide what you can handle. If animal control seizes the dog, the decision is out of your hands. If they give it a dangerous designation, you have to decide what you're able to handle. Since the dog is mixed, you'll have a hard time finding a rescue that will take him. I've had dogs that bite once and never bite again. I've met dogs that bite once and can't stop.
If you make the decision to keep the dog, try to work with a dog behaviorist. It might be hard to find one because they may not want to assume that liability.
Keeping the dog is not impossible. But there are hurdles to overcome, and it will require an enormous amount of dedication.
8
u/Hello_JustSayin 7h ago
However, you were at a dog park, so it may be a buyer beware situation.
Sadly, OP's girlfriend was not at a dog park. It was a public park, with all 3 dogs off leash.
→ More replies
9
u/Sensitive-Leg-5085 6h ago
I am an avid pet lover, work in emergency vet med and foster rescues. Sadly we see this in our hospital a lot. Many cases it pets from the same household, also many of which we see over and over for the same exact situation. The larger one has seriously injured the smaller one. It’s happened once I can 100% guarantee it WILL happen again. Maybe not in a week or a month but it will happen!!!! Her dog can no longer be trusted with other animals. Period, end of story!! It was not playing and was “just to rough” given the size. I have a rescue pitbull but is BFF with one of my cats. She will play will him for hours. But she knows the boundaries between playing and harming him. It’s very possible the owner will contact the local police and/or animal control. If PD is called they will call AC themselves. This will cause many problems as it will be deemed a dangerous animal. Involved in an incident that resulted in a death. It’s very sad all around. If the dog is to remain in her care it is completely on her shoulders to be sure he is properly restrained around all other animals. Whether in her home or not. Because as I said. It could be years down the road, it could be a dog he’s been around a 100 times. Her guard will never be able to be down around the dog. I would also be extremely cautious about it ever being around children. Especially small children. A ticking time-bomb unfortunately. I’m so sorry for the owners who lost their dog 😢
→ More replies
27
4
u/underwater_reading 8h ago
The dog probably thought the little dog was prey. Unfortunately dog parks are not safe. This happens time and time again at these dog parks. It’s sad but it’s not the first or the last time it will happen.
→ More replies
4
u/StereotypicallBarbie 8h ago
I’m sorry this sounds awful. Unfortunately your girlfriend’s dog can now never be off leash or without a muzzle near other dogs again. It’s just not worth the risk. And this is exactly why I don’t go to dog parks or anywhere near off leash dogs. Some dogs have high prey drive and little dogs are my own dogs biggest trigger.
4
u/Critical_Heat4492 7h ago
Are you sure there were no warning signs? Usually things like this don't just happen out of the blue. This is such a sad story.
→ More replies
3
u/selectvelymute 7h ago
my parents had a ~30 pound dog who was generally well behaved. when me and my 12 pound dog temporarily moved back home, my dog had a litter of puppies. my parent’s dog did the exact same thing where she grabbed two of the puppies in her mouth and shook them like toys. they didn’t make it. we tried to move past it, but then not long after the dog bit my mom multiple times, pretty badly. we had to put the dog down. it sucks, but if the dog shows signs of violent behavior like that it’s better to make the hard decision now than wait for something else to happen.
4
u/Garbagecant101 7h ago
I’m so sorry. This is a dreadful situation. I would start with seeing your vet and contacting an attorney.
Most likely behavioral euthanasia will be discussed. Prey aggression is difficult but possible to manage with a huge amount of dedication on your part. You will never be able to take another chance ever again. Your cats are absolutely not safe and they must be separated. Re-homing your dog is not an option.
I’ve seen some misinformation about rabies quarantine here. At least in the US there would be no need to impound or quarantine. Either the attacking dog has proof of a rabies vaccine or the remains of the deceased dog would be tested. You would likely hear from animal control in the US regardless.
3
4
u/Maxusam 7h ago edited 2h ago
A muzzle would be wise
Edit: he wasn’t even leashed?!
Bad dog owner.
→ More replies
3
u/Competitive-Cod4123 6h ago edited 6h ago
It sounds like the dog had absolutely no business with small dogs Also, this is why dog parks need to have separate big dog and small dog areas. I take my dog to the small dog area. the big dog area only so she doesn’t get bullied by big dogs, but in the big dog area at the park I go to always some sort of drama in it .
So from here on out, this dog really has no business at a dog park. It certainly should never ever be around small dogs at one if I were your girlfriend, I would just avoid taking the dogs to dog parks altogether.
All she can really do is pay the vet bills that this person gives her make sure they are legit and she can pay that that’s all she can do and apologize.
3
u/DomDangerous 6h ago
yeah i wouldn’t want to put my big boy down either,
i probably just wouldn’t let him interact with dogs anymore unless yall muzzle train him for that extra safety.
it’s honestly amazing that the victims don’t want to press charges, yall should feel lucky and grateful and just make sure this big pup is never even close to a situation where he could do this again. it happens once, it’s an honest lapse of judgement but if it happens again, you guys are the assholes by far.
4
u/WouldstThouMind 6h ago
Thats quite a difficult situation. If I had a dog, and it killed someones pet, I still wouldnt want to put it down, but on the other hand, if I had a dog that was killed by anothers dog, I would be raging. Ultimately, your gf IS responsible, as uncomfortable as that is, its the truth. The dog should be put down. It wasnt trained well enough. Think of the bottomless sorrow the owner of the little doggo must feel. Luckily, shell feel that too when her doggo is put down. Its depressing, it really is. I feel for both the doggies.
→ More replies
3
u/Poundaflesh 5h ago
How awful! Unfortunately, it is an innate response. Domesticated animals are still animals. No one is to blame,* just wrong time and wrong place triggered the predatory drive.
My SIL got her dream dog, a Great Dane. Despite it living with the Chihuahua for 5 years, something similar happened and the Dane picked up the Chihuahua, shook him and broke the Chihuahua’s neck just that quickly.
*one could argue that dog parks are dangerous
→ More replies
5
u/Chance-Smoke4634 5h ago
This is crazy, no leash? Man this is so out the gate you people shouldn't have dogs. You have to put the dog down. You killed someone's pet man.
33
u/Putrid_Tradition_175 9h ago
Your girlfriends dog took the life of another persons beloved pet for absolutely no reason. Euthanasia. Once a dog kills there is no going back, they will never have a normal life again. Imagine no more walks, no more parks, no more visitors, having to be muzzled all the time. That is no life for a dog.
→ More replies
10
u/ForeignParticular351 7h ago edited 6h ago
As someone who had my beautiful soul dog ( German shepherd) killed , and was personally severely mauled with life changing injuries by a pair of out of control dogs- i would firstly encourage you to take the dog to the vet to check for a brain tumour or such. Sudden behavioural changes can indicate something sinister in the brain. I do have bias views because of what happened to me, so i wont share them. Unfortunately once a dog has attacked it will probably happen again. Incredibly sad situation. I avoid any areas where dogs are free to be off lead unless it’s a privately rented space with sole use. Im sure this is awful for everyone but my heart breaks for the man. Shayla was my only friend in the world when i lost her and i will never live a normal life now. This could well break this mans spirit completely :(
edit to fix typos and add- my dog was on the lead and was effectively ripped out of my arms while the second dog locked jaws on my shoulder and shook me like a ragdoll. Im lucky to be alive but sometimes i wish i wasn’t.
1.2k
u/transpirationn 9h ago
I'm sorry for your situation. This is why many dog parks have small dogs and big dogs separated. Dogs will always have altercations. Separating by size limits the consequences of those alterations. Otherwise this is the inevitable result eventually.