[Koayrbzh]

{Edit: This post was originally posted this morning containing an an explicative. It was removed for I believe that reason, here is the original post with the previously mentioned word removed. Also wanted to make clear, this is not a post intended to be derogatory towards APBT's.}

Hello

This is my fist post on this site and after much looking around the web I feel this is the place with the most educated, experienced, and loyal pit owners. Before I start I want to make clear I am not here to breed flame, instigate, or any other sort of downplay the AMPT as I'm sure most of you have plenty of that in your own town. I grew up in a small town and my next door neighbor had an amazing red nose whom I was very close to. He was huge, strong as an ox, and loyal to no ends, as long as he knew you. I feel I have a good understanding of the breed since I spent so many years living without a fence next to one.

My main reason for posting here is to question,,, if you were not a pit owner, and your dog was attacked by a pit, what would you do? The reason for this is, I have an eight month old black lab. This dog has doesn't have an aggressive gene in his body, yesterday I took him to the closest offleash park and within 45 seconds he was bit on the hind leg by a full grown unneuterd pit. I immediatly was seeing red having my dog hurt but kept my calm and spoke out to the 7 owners there saying whoever's dog this is need to control them. Not 10 seconds later after my puppy comes off of the table he jumped up on to flee the other dog, he gets attacked again, this time much more viciously. The pit had him pinned and a strong clamp on his rear leg which resulted in a four inch gash which bled profusely.

After myself and two others jumped on the attacker and pulled it off the owner finally came over and took him away. His only words were, "your dog was too excited". No kidding, have you ever experienced a dog under two years old that doesn't run and play the second it is let loose in an offleash park? After another horrified women went and talked to him he left, I was ready to throw blows with this idiot dog owner. My question to you responsible pit owners is, what would you have done if you were in my shoes in this situation, being the owner of the dog that was attacked by the pit? As of now I am in for $428 at the vet for my dogs injuries and I didn't sleep last night just replaying the incident over and over in my head.

I would really appreciate any advice from the experienced dog lovers here, obviously the owner of the attacking dog was far from that. Thanks in advance!

[Frannypaync]

I wouldn't go to dog parks.

If I were my dog, I would have offered to split the bill. There is no liability at a dog park.

This guy sounds like a real winner, though and really gives the breed a bad reputation. Also, after the dog attacked your dog the first time, why didn't you just leave? The guy obviously wasn't paying attention to his dog.

I agree the guy is an idiot, but again, dog parks suck.

[zzarratusstra]

In the hypothetical situation that I was in a dog park,the worst place to be,I would consider slitting the 'pits' throat but probably wouldn't because both are to blame. If I was in the street and my dog on a lead and my lab was attacked by a 'pit' I would slit the dogs throat.

[ovenco]

This is the exact reason that no matter what breed, dog parks are BAD ideas. As for the guy with the pit, unneutered male dogs I believe are responsible for the most dog bites, wonder if he knows that. I'm sorry your pup got hurt and hope he recovers fully but like it was already posted, you take that chance when you go to the dog park.
Also, to judge the entire breed based on this one dog and one owner, how is that fair? When I was younger I was bit by a neighbors Golden. I was scared of dogs for quite a while but never, even now, would I say all Goldens are mean attack dogs. Chalk it up to an irresponsible dog owner that should have a pit and don't go back.

---------- Post added at 03:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 PM ----------

In the hypothetical situation that I was in a dog park,the worst place to be,I would consider slitting the 'pits' throat but probably wouldn't because both are to blame. If I was in the street and my dog on a lead and my lab was attacked by a 'pit' I would slit the dogs throat.

Wow, really? You saying that a dog is in the middle of attacking your dog your going to reach down, going between them and slit it's throat?

[zzarratusstra]

Without a doubt.Done it before and would do it again.

[Gymnarnemia]

here's the thing about DOGS...they fight.

[mesZibeds]

I am sorry your dog got bit. Because we are APBT owners we are more aware of the dangers of dog parks. You I am sure know that it could have been any breed of dog that bit your lab while there with all of the loose dogs running around it is an accident waiting to happen. I have watched dogs of all breeds cause problems.

[xkQCaS4w]

I agree that by taking a dog do a dog park your risking the chance of a fight. Breed has nothing to do with it. If I took my pit bull to a dog park he would proabably play chase the entire time, if I took my LAB (yup I said LAB) to a dog park I guarentee you she would start a fight with the first dog she came to. Dog parks = dog fights waiting to happen (or have) you just need the right (or wrong) mix of dogs and it could get ugly.

Its a risk you take by walking into a dog park. As far as that one situation goes, that guy was an idiot. He should never have had his dog there and should have done something about his dog (offering to help pay for what his dog did would have been a great start, hell a sorry would have been nice) Unfortunatly people like that are why 'pit bulls' are looked at in such horrible light. Idiot owners. The dog was probably a sweet lovable dog who just was doing what years and years of breeding told him to do, fight other dogs and unfortunatly the dog gets blamed in most cases, not the owner who is truely the only one at fault.

If I were in your situation though, I wouldnt care what kind of dog it was, a nice foot to the head would have been my route. I defend my dog like I would my son, they come first, attacker last.

[Infiseeenvelp]

Agree with everyone on the dangers of dog parks.I would be devestated if my dog inflicted such injuries, and I would be the one at fault. Not my dog.

I would have booted that MFing dog across the park. I would hope in that instance that it wouldn't be only my dog needing to go to the vet. It doesn't matter what kind of dog it is, or what kind of owner it has, I, like others have said, will protect my dog like my child.

I also want to commend the poster on coming here, and asking, in a nice way, for our opinions versus just jumping to crazy conclusions. I for one appreciate it immensely.

Wishing your pup a speedy recovery.

[regfortruegoo]

Don't go to dog parks. With any breed of dog.

My dog was attacked on the sidewalk when she was heeling at my side on leash. She is exceedingly well behaved and we were minding our own business watching the squirrels go by. After the fact I wasted my time trying to educate a moron who was interested in absolutely nothing but making excuses for her own ignorance and stupid actions. I was calm and forthright about it too. In her case I shouldn't have wasted my time, but whatever. I do know that if I'd had a gun I would have shot that dog on the spot. Hell if I'd had a good knife I would have used it. Would have saved multiple other people vet bills too because she was that freaking irresponsible. Would have helped the "pit bull" breed types too because she refused to stop setting the dog up to fail.

Less than 15 seconds of contact and my dog endured a $500 emergency surgery and she still has nightmares about it if we happen to see any loose dogs on our walks. She knows and remembers exactly what type of dog it was too.

Also, even if you don't have a "pit bull" buy a break stick and know how/when to use it. Doesn't hurt to carry an extra slip lead either.

[MyOwnStyle]

I was at the family reunion on Sat. My Aunt told me to bring one of my dogs. I knew better than that, and left them home.

My Cousin's Old English Bulldogge (mix possible) got into a fight with my other cousin's GSD. So, it can happen with any breed, and I have seen a few dog fights (accidental) in my life, and most of them have been separate breeds, so, it happens. It's a shame if someone's dogs get hurt because of someone else's irresponsibility, but any breed can do it, so, if I didn't have the breed I do, then I would probably feel the same. Dogs can and might fight.

To answer your question, if someone's dog attacked my dog, and it was their (the other owner's) fault, meaning my dog was properly contained, then they would be responsible for the Vet bills.

[Nptxsews]

Well, I don't go to dog parks. But if any of my dogs (regardless of breed) inflicted damage on another dog that was worthy of vet bills, I would pay half at least, depending on the situation. If my dog defends itself, no way am I paying the bill at all. If my dog attacks, I'd pay half to the whole bill (if we were in a dog park, I'd pay half, because as someone said, it's the risk you take going to the dog park, if it was a friend's dog I'd pay the whole bill as the event would have taken place in my yard or in the friend's house).

[zdlupikkkdi]

Well...I am a pit bull owner...so how about "what would I do if my pit bull were attacked by another pit bull/dog"?

First off...I don't like situations where I have zero control...which means I hate dog parks. I don't say this because I have a pit bull and don't go to dog parks - I had a Basset Hound for 14 years and never set foot in a dog park. Too many idiots, too many uncontrolled variables. At the dog park you are at the mercy of the general public and have to hope they collectively have half a brain - good luck with that. I would go with private playdates with dogs and owners who's temperments and intelligence levels you can vouche for.

If my dog were ever attacked; I would make a police report and persue repayment of all veterinary bills from the owner of the attacking dog. I could possibly in the heat of emotion assault the other dog's owner. While I go (imo) above and beyond to ensure that my dog never poses any sort of danger to another; if the unthinkable happened I would pay for all vet bills and send the poor family a whopping big gift basket in apology.

Whenever you take your dog (of any breed) off your propery...you have to be on guard and you can't take anything for granted. That is simply the nature of the world we live in. Last summer at our local dog park a greyhound killed some little yorkie poo type dog while the dog's owner watched. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security just because no pit bull looking dogs are about.

[JewJoleSole]

If both dogs were off lead, then is it a "no fault" kind of thing when it comes to vet bills?
If it were a sidewalk and a leashed dog was attacked by an at large dog, that's a different story. (as in-there would be an at fault party)

That does suck tho, and I hope your pup will be okay. I have a 9 month old pup and I'd want to kill any dog that tried to do him harm.
That being said:
I would never even consider taking my Golden Retriever to a dog park, let alone any of my APBTs.
Those places seem to be a breeding ground for trouble, disease and fleas.

**sorry if this post is a bit incoherent, I have a migraine**

[CHyLmxDr]

I don't do dog parks to start... no matter the breed.
others have mentionned why

gotta learn dog behavior if you want to own dogs.
pack mentality doesn't mean throwing 10 totally unknown dogs from different packs together.

I also know that dogs (no matter their breed) can be DA and that is something that should be managed responsibly (no of leash time, etc) but also respected (meaning you do not force your dog upon other dogs if he doesn't like em)

I understand that dogs (no matter the breed) are under the responsibility of the owner, they are and will be animals no matter what.
no matter what happens, it is always the consequence of human error/negligence or however you want to call it.

so my conclusion:
I would be happy that it wasn't any more serious than that as you were both at fault as both dogs were off leash (IMO NO dog should ever be let of leash in an uncontrolled and/or unfenced area).
I would quit dog parks and avoid off leash dogs as much as possible.

another thing: use your leash for the safety of your dog, and possibly the well-being of your wallet if something like this should ever happen again (God forbid)

[casinobonuscxz]

I agree with everyone else. Stay out of dogs parks, with any breed. They're an accident (as you found out) waiting to happen.

Too many WAY over excited dogs with irresponsible owners who stand and talk on their cell phones or to each other the whole time. Half the people don't know the signs to look out for when it comes to dog behavior, so the dogs just go absolutely nuts. And, they're breeding grounds for Parvo, worms, etc. One of the parks near me has closed down like 5 times already this year due to a Parvo outbreak. No thanks!

Sorry your dog was attacked though, that sucks. That owner sounds like a real winner.. intact male Pit Bull at a dog park.. sounds like a great idea
Actually, an intact male is what caused a huge fight at my local dog park (that involved my dog, this was before I read that dog parks = bad idea). He trotted in and started marking everything in site, mounting other dogs, and just being a jerk in general. Other dogs finally got sick of him and all ganged up on him. No blood or anything, but I bet that dog never came back to the park, as the owner had numerous people yelling at her (she was on of the cell phone talkers, didn't even know her dog was underneath about 10 others til we yelled at her) to get her dog neutered if she ever wanted to bring him back. For the record, intact dogs are not allowed at our dog park, so I'm not sure how she got her license to go (she probably didn't..) in.

If I were there owner, I would offer to pay half the bills, although everyone else who has said this is a 'no liability' situation, is right. You're taking a risk anytime you let that many over excited, sometimes rude dogs 'play' together, and sometimes, that will end in a bite.

[Thifiadardivy]

the original post was not removed because of an expletive..
it was removed because we thought it was going to bring you a lot of insults.
NO intelligent person who knows dogs is going to take their dog to a dog park, and NO intelligent person who knows dogs would have their dog off leash and not under control around strange dogs....
in simple terms what happened to your dog should have been expected and it was YOUR fault... it was easily preventable and your irresponsible actions allowed this to happen....
we hope you at least learned form this experience and that in the future you will act in a more responsible fashion.

[Koayrbzh]

after the dog attacked your dog the first time, why didn't you just leave? The guy obviously wasn't paying attention to his dog.

Crazymikie, wish I could have but after the attacking dog first bit he turned and walked the other way. I'm the time it took to get my dog off the table to put his lead back on, chompers was on him without me even seeing him coming.

If I was in the street and my dog on a lead and my lab was attacked by a 'pit' I would slit the dogs throat.

Jim, extreme but I can't say in my red flash that if I was carrying a blade I wouldn't have done the same.

I also want to commend the poster on coming here, and asking, in a nice way, for our opinions versus just jumping to crazy conclusions. I for one appreciate it immensely.

Christine, thank you, like I said in my post I didn't come here to flame pits, the media does plenty of that already. Even after this experience I still have a little soft spot for pits after growing up with one. Just not the ones taking out pieces of my dog!

Less than 15 seconds of contact and my dog endured a $500 emergency surgery and she still has nightmares about it if we happen to see any loose dogs on our walks. She knows and remembers exactly what type of dog it was too.

Monkeys23, I'm sorry for your experience, I am now so much more aware of devistation that can be inflicted in a short amount of time, scares me to think what would have been the outcome if he had 10 more seconds on my pup. I feel for you.

in simple terms what happened to your dog should have been expected and it was YOUR fault... it was easily preventable and your irresponsible actions allowed this to happen....
we hope you at least learned form this experience and that in the future you will act in a more responsible fashion.

Obed, point taken, but I don't understand you use of "we", do you have an imaginary friend that types with you?




Thank you for all that have posted, my pup is slowly on the mend. His leg was pretty mangled, but the vet says he should be back to normal in a few weeks!

[Serereids]

I believe when Obed says we he means all the Mods on this site.

I agree with everyone, dog parks are trouble for any breed. Keep your dog away from there and this could be avoided in the future. Dogs fight, and APBTs were bred to fight, so this is not surprising. It is not the dogs fault. It is your fault and the dogs owners fault.

[Singukil]

Well, I am going to avoid mentioning why dog parks are bad and getting into any defense of the breeds of dogs involved. Frankly, I have seen nasty lil buggers of every breed and have no prejudice (cept Chows..I really hate Chows).

In an situation where two dogs aren't uner the direct control of their owners and fight I think both owners are responsible for any resulting vet bills.

If one dog is under the direct control of its owner (who is not acting like a fool) and the other dog is not under control and the dogs fight then I think the owner of the loose dog is responsible for vet bills.