Advice For Helping Puppy Recover From Dog Attack

[thommomac]

Hi there

Not sure if this is the right area to post, I haven't been on here for a while. I have a beautiful 8 month old French Bulldog Sid (picture attached). He's an absolute delight and we have spent a lot of time socialising him and training him. He is the most friendly, confident and happy little pup and plays very well with other dogs. My husband had him playing at our off lead park with a group of dogs he has played with since he was first old enough to go to the park the other morning. A strange dog approached (a mastiff cross) and attacked our poor little Sid (sid was playing with a stick with a staffy which they often do). Once the mastiff had Sid pinned to the ground the other dogs (including the staffy he always plays with) joined in the attack. The other people and my husband managed to get them off Sid (my husbands jeans ripped to shreds). he rushed Sid straight to the vet and Sid had surgery once they were able to get his vital signs regulated.

Two days later and Sid is recovering, all his stomach was ripped, he had 3 hernias and a bruised spleen. It's all been stitched up and he still has a drain in as well as stitches around his face and chin. He's a lot better but there is still the concern of infection as the dog's teeth went right through the abdominal cavity. And after that a long road to recovery - how we will keep him still and quiet for 3 weeks is a big question, but we'll deal with that when we get to it. I'm just so relieved he made it, my poor little baby.

I have a few questions for those who have been unfortunate to go through a terrible experience like this, I'm hoping someone can give advice:

- did you report the attack to the ranger? The person walking the dog has been calling to offer to help with the bills (almost $3k to date) but they also say they are unemployed, so I don't know whether to insist they help with bills? I'm more concerned with making sure the dog is never off the lead again. This person seems to think the dog was just playing but my husband (and Sid's injuries) tell a different story.

- did your puppy become timid and /or agressive after the attack?

- How do you go about re introducing the puppy to dogs? And how can I ever let Sid off the leash to play at a dog park again? Or should I just never let him play at a dog park again?

- Do I ever let him see the staffy that was his regular playmate but who turned on him once the mastiff started attacking?

I'm sorry this is so long, it's just been such a traumatic few days and I can't imagine how scared Sid has been. I just want to make sure I can restore his confidence and get him back to the happy outgoing little dog he was (if that's even possible).

Really appreciate any advice.

thanks

[daisygirl]

My 12 year old Sharpei was attacked several times over her lifetime but thankfully nothing as scary sounding as Sid, mainly just skin shredding.

I still took her to dog parks and off lead areas but was careful to monitor any approaching dogs and if she looked uncomfortable I would intervene early and leave the park. Overall she recovered pretty much fully and went on to do obedience and agility training without any problems.

I think the main thing is that if you feel confident in your body language then your dog will feel confident. If you hover and bend over her and feel anxious it is amazing what your dog will pickup on.

Are you already going to obedience classes?? If not maybe that would help both yourself and Sid gain confidence around other dogs because they would all be on lead and in a controlled environment. You might meet some other doggy friends that you then feel comfortable meeting for a play date as well.

[Danois]

Sorry to hear what happened to your puppy.

From my experience the hardest 'challenge' that you will have is your own emotions and mental state. Your emotions will be going down the lead to the dog when you enter the park. If you tense up and send that down the lead then your dog will think there is something it needs to be worried about and behave accordingly.

Its hard but you need to be calm and relaxed about it.

My dog was anxious the first couple of times back in the park - submissive and did a nervous pee but I ignored it. After that he bounced back fine but I ensured he played only with dogs I knew and was comfortable with initially.

I reported it - even if nothing comes of/ you don't pursue it the report then at least the council have a record of an issue with the dog in question. It means the next time it happens, your earlier report will help the owner of that dog who might not have been so lucky.

There always seems to be park talk re which dogs to avoid and who attack etc but no one ever seems to report it to council.

You may want to consult with a trainer/ behaviourist re the reintroduction and have them with you on the first trip back to the park to help you understand the body language etc. That might help keep you calmer too.

[Cosmolo]

I'm so sorry to hear what has happened to poor Sid. I would suggest that once he is fully recovered, your first re introduction to other dogs is supervised by an experienced trainer/ behaviourist and perhaps not in a park- going for a controlled walk with a couple of calm friendly dogs would be a better start.

I would definitely report it too. With regards to his friend the staffy- while its not uncommon for dogs to join in, i would take care when re introducing them- again, a nice calm on lead walk together would be a good start, starting at a distance and gradually getting closer. I would not do this until Sid has met a number of other dogs in a controlled manner though.

Do you go to training at all? Group training with someone experienced can be a good way to encourage controlled socialisation after such an experience.

[dancinbcs]

Get the owner of the attacking dog to pay as much as possible and then maybe the fact that they own an agressive dog will sink in.

Definitely report the incident, take photos of your dog's injuries and get a report from the vet to go with it.

Don't let your dog play with the Staffy again. Once there has been a fight the friendship will never be the same again.

Never let your dog go to a dog park again where there are strange dogs. If you must use a dog park try to get to know a couple of owners with friendly dogs around the same size and work up to letting them play together in twos or threes, provided no strange dogs are there.

Even in a private yard with an established pack of dogs that know each there is a risk running a large group together. If a fight starts others join in and it escalates but if they are all the same size the damage is minimised. Letting a group of dogs of different sizes, that don't know each other, run and play together is just lunacy IMO. It is a disaster waiting to happen and very unnatural for dogs from different "packs" to socialise in that manner. I do not understand how the idea of dog parks as a free for all, ever came about and my dogs will never set foot in one. Other than running up a busy highway, a dog park is the place your dog is most likely to get badly injured.

There is no way to know how badly this will affect your boy but many DA dogs are that way because they were attacked. Hopefully with patience and help from friends with friendly dogs you boy will recover from both his physical and mental scars from the attack. Obedience classes would also be good as he would be around a lot of other dogs that are all under control.

[Skruffy n Flea]

well damn! your sid is just the cutest lil guy!!!

and it's just the baddest thing that happened to him

personally and until he's bigger, i'd be taking him to a small dog off leash park; get him used to puppy-size playmates --- but keep him close by until he's rebuilds his confidence and so he doesn't become stressed...

my lil girl bella had an experience, no attack, just a big dog unfamiliar with how to play properly with a small dog --- bella, some time later, began to anticipate bigger dogs' behaviour and so would correct them and she is vocal too!

we now only take her and byron, her housemate, to small dog parks --- she's happy to greet big dogs thru the fence but she is still wary of the activity around her in the small dog section of the park...

i wish you luck with sid's rehab

[thommomac]

thanks so much for the responses, it's reassuring to hear that other people have been through similar and their dog's have been ok. We have actually just finished an obedience course (ironically Sid was one of the dogs she used to help some of the dogs with anxiety issues), I was thinking I might call the trainer and ask if she had any other sessions or if she could help with a re introduction to dogs. I know that my husband and I are going to be the biggest issue, it's just so hard when we nearly lost him not to panic that it might happen again or to trust even a dog we know given that the staffy turned. Yes, you are all right, I think we need to call the trainer.

[harley]

Poor Sid, I am sorry he has had to go through this. Is your husband ok, you said his jeans were ripped?

I haven't had any direct experience in this but I think you should definetly report it to council/rangers. Take photos like someone else has suggested and maybe get some legal advice about the owner of the other dog. Even though they have been ringing and seem concerned now, things could change once they find out the total bill.

[aussielover]

OMG that is just terrible!

I hope your poor baby recovers quickly, they sound like serious injuries.

Definitely report the attacking dog. If it caused that much damage it should be made to wear a muzzle in public especially if your dog did nothing to provoke it.

I also wouldn't let your dog play with the staffy again. I think there is a good chance that your dog will remember the attck and be quite nervous around it which may lead to another fight.

[OSoSwift]

Definately report it - no question. There are many great suggestions for you.

I just want to say I am so sorry you and Sid had this happen - He is just so darn cute ! - and I cannot even begin to know the trauma you have been and are going through.

I wish the best to all of you and of course your poor husband, it sounds like he really had to fight to save Sid, that will probably be with him forever.

Lots of Whippet hugs and kisses from us to you all.

[Lindainfa]

OMG poor poor Sid, and for you and your husband too, what a traumatic experience. I have never been in this situation, but I just wanted to say that I hope he recovers well. Sending lots of healing vibes his way.

[_PL_]

That's awful. I'm so sorry. Report the dog. And ask for vet bill help. Owner needs a wakeup call.

We don't go to the off-leash nearby and won't until they have a small dog section. Maybe try a reputable doggy daycare or a few playdates with just a couple of small friends to keep him socialised?

[SkySoaringMagpie]

- did you report the attack to the ranger? The person walking the dog has been calling to offer to help with the bills (almost $3k to date) but they also say they are unemployed, so I don't know whether to insist they help with bills? I'm more concerned with making sure the dog is never off the lead again. This person seems to think the dog was just playing but my husband (and Sid's injuries) tell a different story.

Yes report. From what you say it seems unlikely that they will come through with the cash and I'm afraid anyone who says "just playing" about those injuries is in denial and trying to minimise what has occurred. This is really hard, but Sid is unlikely to be the last dog that gets attacked unless the owners really have to face up to the consequences.

- did your puppy become timid and /or aggressive after the attack?

Our Afghan was attacked while out walking and also ended up surgery, a drain etc. He has very good temperament, but someone commented to me at the time that he may now "get in first" if he's in a situation with a rude/aggressive dog. That has been true to a minor extent, he is more wary and reactive around dogs that resemble the breed mix that attacked him. Afghans are not Frenchies so I can't even begin to guess how your boy might react, but the attack will have an impact. How big the impact is and its effect on the rest of his life is up to you. Remember tho' not to "overdo" it - an experienced trainer friend once said to me that apart from appropriately planned introductions to dogs again, the rest is a matter of benign "neglect". Ie, just try to treat him confidently and normally as you always have.

- How do you go about re introducing the puppy to dogs? And how can I ever let Sid off the leash to play at a dog park again? Or should I just never let him play at a dog park again?

Cosmolo's advice is good. With our boy we picked one nice, laid back, incredibly well tempered slightly flirty bitch for his first free-run with dogs after the accident. He had a ball. We did NOT do it at a dog park, reintroductions to dogs have to be controlled by people who understand what they are seeing and are able to intervene if things are heading south before it gets into a fight situation. Dog parks are a terrible idea for this reason, and worse for puppies. There are just too many idiots with dogs at most dog parks. I second the advice to join an obedience club, there your dog will learn life skills that will give him and you confidence and you can free run him on their grounds.

- Do I ever let him see the staffy that was his regular playmate but who turned on him once the mastiff started attacking?

I wouldn't.

EFS

Edited July 31, 2010 by SkySoaringMagpie

[spottychick]

Awww the poor little guy! He looks like a sweetheart and I really hope he recovers well from all this!

Definitely take photos etc and report this. With bills that high you may be in for a fight and the owner of that DA dog SHOULD pay for the damage he/she inflicted. The fact that they are keeping in touch may just be a ploy to stop you reporting it and they are already setting you up to wriggle out of helping you financially by the sounds of it. And as others have said - they need to understand the consequences of their "denial".

I wouldn't let him play with that staffy again, I just wouldn't trust it any more.

Everyone is giving you great advice. If you lived near me I'd offer to have Sid play with Pepper because she doesn't have an aggressive bone in her body. But I'm sure there are dogs like her near you and I'd stick with them.

Good luck and my sympathies to all of you - that's just terrible. I am so lucky I can take my dogs well away from other dogs because I live in the country.

[corvus]

Poor Sid.

I swear, adolescent dogs around 8 or 9 months do weird things to groups of dogs. I have witnessed this myself at the dog park. Dogs I know and trust and are usually great with other dogs of all sizes come on really strong to a dog around that age. It's usually one dog that will get the young dog on the ground and all the others suddenly jump in. I've seen the same thing happen to older or younger dogs over and over and never turn serious, but when it's an adolescent dog it's a whole different story. There's this one dog that is we guess about 8 months old who comes to the dog park and before he can do anything at all another dog will come and push him around. I swear, there is nothing in this dog's body language alone to incite that kind of reaction. He looks to me like he's minding his own business. It is definitely improving over time.

Sorry, that's probably not much help. My last dog was attacked a few times by the dog next door, although he never managed to seriously injure her. I don't think she ever quite recovered, but at the same time as that was happening she was engaged in a far more serious "war" with our other dog that did land her at the vets a couple of times. I think that was more traumatic to her. We didn't have dog parks, but over a couple of years she slowly relaxed around larger dogs. The more nice dogs she met the more she relaxed.

[jesomil]

So sorry to hear what has happened to your beautiful puppy.

My little Corgi sustained very severe injuries from 2 dogs when she was about 2yrs old. She was in the vet for over a week and had a few surgeries.

The owner of the other dogs paid every cent of her vet bill as they were the ones that caused it.

She was nervous of other dogs for a while but I made sure I was confident and happy (which is hard when you are still traumatised about what has happened to your dog) and she became fine pretty quickly. She is 12yrs old now and happily interacts with all dogs and I am sure she wouldnt even remember the incident but I do!!

Edited July 31, 2010 by jesomil

[Hafhafa Hounds]

- did you report the attack to the ranger? The person walking the dog has been calling to offer to help with the bills (almost $3k to date) but they also say they are unemployed, so I don't know whether to insist they help with bills? I'm more concerned with making sure the dog is never off the lead again. This person seems to think the dog was just playing but my husband (and Sid's injuries) tell a different story.

- did your puppy become timid and /or agressive after the attack?

- How do you go about re introducing the puppy to dogs? And how can I ever let Sid off the leash to play at a dog park again? Or should I just never let him play at a dog park again?

- Do I ever let him see the staffy that was his regular playmate but who turned on him once the mastiff started attacking?

I'm sorry this is so long, it's just been such a traumatic few days and I can't imagine how scared Sid has been. I just want to make sure I can restore his confidence and get him back to the happy outgoing little dog he was (if that's even possible).

Really appreciate any advice.

thanks

Firstly, very very sorry to hear this - happens too often. My father in law was walking his little dog 3 years ago, when a larger Dane-X attacked. Abby was very lucky to survive, but still carries the scars to this day. My father-in-law had the first of a series of strokes shortly after that incident and passed on about 12 months later.

So, to answer your questions.

YES, report the attack to the ranger. Insist on follow up and follow up if you don't hear back. A dog at the vet for emergency surgery is rarely (if ever) the result of *playing* with another dog, no matter what the size difference. Is it fair that these people continue to let their dog play unleashed, given the unsocial behaviour it has exhibited? These are not responsible pet owners and need to be held accountable, regardless of their personal situation.

Abby was generally fairly outgoing, but is much less responsive to other dogs she doesn't know after the attack. it doesn't help that my FIL became ill and could no longer walk her afterwards, so she missed out on getting back out there to socialise.

Playing at the dog park needs to be your call. Personally, Abby isn't walked in the street anymore - she was attacked only 7 or 8 houses down the road from where she still lives. She is an older dog now, so missing her walks isn't that big an issue as far as exercise goes, but socially it's not helping. Having been attacked with my own dogs always makes me rethink going to the beach for several weeks, but then I get back out there, because the dogs need the exercise & stimulation and because my dogs (that I walk at the beach) are big (& Salukis can outrun *any* other dog that tries to get them). I don't walk my little dogs out in public. Too scared of dog attacks!!

Reintroduce your dog to dogs you know are safe. Have play dates with friends' dogs and join an obedience school (dog attacks can still happen there, but are generally less likely).

Again, seeing/playing with the Staffy has to be your call. I think that's a "let's see what happens" but keep them onlead scenario. It sounds like pack mentality kicked in, but would you truly be comfortable seeing your dog romp with that particular dog again, given what happened?

I wish Sid (& you!) all the best for your recovery.

Sonia

[Guest]

well damn! your sid is just the cutest lil guy!!!

and it's just the baddest thing that happened to him

personally and until he's bigger, i'd be taking him to a small dog off leash park; get him used to puppy-size playmates --- but keep him close by until he's rebuilds his confidence and so he doesn't become stressed...

my lil girl bella had an experience, no attack, just a big dog unfamiliar with how to play properly with a small dog --- bella, some time later, began to anticipate bigger dogs' behaviour and so would correct them and she is vocal too!

we now only take her and byron, her housemate, to small dog parks --- she's happy to greet big dogs thru the fence but she is still wary of the activity around her in the small dog section of the park...

i wish you luck with sid's rehab

Sorry to hear about what happened to your baby. He IS adorable!!!

Thankfully, I haven't had such a traumatic experience like yours as yet, and pray that it will stay that way. A small dog park sounds very good. I did not know there was something like that in Sydney. How could one find out where/whether there is a small dog park in any of the States/Cities?

[Poodle wrangler]

My dog was attacked as a pup, requiring abscesses to be drained on his face.

Nasty.

He's such a laid back personality, it seemed to have ZERO affect whatsoever on him!

I was worried, but he went back to puppy class the next evening, no problems.

Beware of your anxiety affecting your dog.

Also, attack is a risk at dog parks.

My bigger dog loves them and is a laid-back personality, so I figure is worth the small risk.

Smaller one is just as happy with a walk and run elsewhere, so I don't take him to dog parks.

People can be blind to aggression from their much-loved dog.

I also wear sturdy shoes when walking.

My small dog attacked from nowhere by another dog that I had to kick to get off him.

[Brennan's Mum]

Sorry for your horrible experience ;)

I agree that you should contact the Ranger and local council. What if this happens again? to an older person or a young child?. Personally I am not a fan of dog parks. In theory they are a great way for socialisation and also to meet new people. However I just do not like the risk of not knowing who will be there and what sort of dogs will come through those gates.

I took my girl to one a few months ago and she was playing happily with a Labrador/ Rottweiler cross and a Deerhound, until all of a sudden her tail went down and she started to fall on the ground. I was lucky in that I am quite vocal about my dog and just shouted at the other dogs owner's tp ''get their dogs away from my dog as I got her out''.

All the best

Sid is a cutie