What to do in Pit Bull Attack?

[Jan]

It's a myth that pit bulls can lock their jaws. Pit bulls have very strong jaws and do not want to let go, so the result is the same.

 

[Shanz]

cant citronella poison/kill a dog? And wouldnt spraying it with water make it more agressive? Jan is right they cannot lock their jaws, they just have extremely strong ones I think its something to do with their strength and the size of their head (the way it is structured). Anyway Im glad you and your dog are ok.

 

[kweisner]

Lock Jaw and Citronella

Good to know about the jaw thing. The lady at the Humane Society was keeping that myth alive.

The product that I puchased is called Direct Stop. The label says that it does not harm the dog. As far as making the dog more aggressive by spraying it, my dog trainer said that it was possible that it would not stop the dog at all but she said nothing about making it more likely to attack.

 

[marciafinn]

Glad to hear that your neighbor and Watson are feeling better. I am also glad to hear that the authorities stepped in to make sure the dog is up-to-date on his shots. Hopefully the owners of this dog will become responsible and keep their dog properly contained so he will not be able to attack again. Even better would be to bring the dog to a behaviorist and work with him through this.

cant citronella poison/kill a dog? And wouldnt spraying it with water make it more agressive? QUOTE]
Citronella is actually used in some training devices that I have seen marketed. I don't think using it on your own dog for training is appropriate, but it can act as a deterrent with another in case of a fight. I'm not sure if it would make the dog more aggressive. I guess it would depend on the dog's attitude. I've heard of people being sprayed in the face with Mase and kept going after police during an arrest while it knocks others to the ground. :confused:

 

[Tricia77]

a little off subject of pits

We rescued Eagle several years ago and it was several months before he and Tess were involved in a fight in which he locked on to her. My hubby had to actually punch him in the face and still he would not release her. It took us both prying on his mouth and squeezing his nose to get him to release her.

After several such fights we finally learned he had this history of similar attacks. He was starved before rescue and may have been further abused to create this.

Though it is hard (emotioanlly) we keep him comletely seperate from Tess and Curly as it is just too dangerous to risk.

Point being I doubt therre is any good method to break up a dog fight with this type of dog. We will protect Eagle by keeping him fenced/leashed and he has NEVER bitten or attempted to bite or snap at humans.

 

[Shanz]

I think the citronella thing I read was the citronella used in mosquito candles and coils--i guess its the fact that its mixed with other chemicals and such?

 

[Rileyboy]

So I'm so late at posting.. I had my own dog bite issues that I was dealing with, so I never posted to yours.. I just wanted to say How sorry I am that this awful thing happened to you both. Hope that everything turns out ok. (((( Healing Vibes )))) to all. I can't even imagine how horrible, and plus you saw no signs of aggressive behavior before being attacked, just out for a walk with your babies. this was a real eye opener. I've learned so many unknown things from your ordeal. thanks for sharing this terrible situation. by making us on BW aware of the dangers and what things can help..

 

[kweisner]

Thanks to all

Thanks for all the helpful advice and concern. Our neighborhood is really pulling together to address these aggressive/abused dogs. I've heard so many stories around from my neighbors.

As it turns out a similar attack happened 8 months ago to another neighbors beagle, and he was more seriously hurt. Yet another neighbor who has an American Bulldog (158 lbs, big for the breed and a VERY strong dog) had someone throw a fighting Pit Bull over the 6ft fence into the yard to "attack" my neighbors dog. Lucky for "Benjamin the Bulldog" he could defend himself and he was not hurt. Now that we are aware of the problem we just have to stay on top of it and keep our pups as far out of harms way as possible.

 

[FrequentFlyr]

Thanks for all the helpful advice and concern. Our neighborhood is really pulling together to address these aggressive/abused dogs. I've heard so many stories around from my neighbors.

As it turns out a similar attack happened 8 months ago to another neighbors beagle, and he was more seriously hurt. Yet another neighbor who has an American Bulldog (158 lbs, big for the breed and a VERY strong dog) had someone throw a fighting Pit Bull over the 6ft fence into the yard to "attack" my neighbors dog. Lucky for "Benjamin the Bulldog" he could defend himself and he was not hurt. Now that we are aware of the problem we just have to stay on top of it and keep our pups as far out of harms way as possible.

OMG just read this whole thread for the first time....So scary! I can't begin to imagine the fear of witnessing something like that. I saw 3 guys the other day watch and I think encourage a pit bull to play with a tire a full size car tire like it was the most natural thing for him to play with...Made me so mad at the guys ruining this dogs life, to promote, what? A tough fighting dog?? Really what's the point?? I don't get it~

 

[Jan]

Some aggressive is genetic, but most is learned behavior. Often, if a too aggressive puppy is put in his place, by an older dog they will learn to be nice.