Had a run in with a poorly trained aggressive dog today.

[AndyS]

My dog Jack weighs about 20 pounds. This dog was about 45 lbs and came over the picket fence to get at Jack. I started by picking Jack up and holding him in my arms but the other dog jumped high enough to grab Jack by whatever part he could reach. Plan B was drop to the ground put Jack between my knees and basically put my body between Jack and the aggressive dog.

Fortunately the aggressor had a collar and I was able to get hold of it and sort of control him, at least enough to protect Jack. The owner came out and took his dog, offered to get me to the doctor and do whatever necessary to make amends. Jack was fine but my left arm from the elbow to the tip of my little finger kinda messed up. No deep tissue wounds, all skin deep but there's a LOT of skin between the elbow and finger tip. Blood running down my arm dripping off my fingertips.

Plan C was to twist the collar like a tourniquet and hold it until the dog was unresponsive. I was in the process of implementing C when the dog's owner came to everyone's rescue.

Some people don't deserve dogs.

[CountAllVotes]

1. Go to the hospital!

Report the dog and its owner to animal control and the police!

[AndyS]

7. The owners are late 20s and instead of doing that I think I'll

go back and visit with them. I've had more companions than I have fingers and toes and never was one of them agressive. We teach our dogs. Even when we don't know it we teach them. The average dog has the vocabulary of a 4 year old human and the comprehension of a 10 year old. Let to themselves they become The Lord Of the Flies. Raise them as you would a child and they behave like a child.

It would be better to teach them than report them. For them and for any other animals they come in contact with.

[questionseverything]

8. Ummm what about any child that has the misfortune to walk by?

[AndyS]

16. This dog and almost all others aren't agressive to people, only to other dogs.

Usually when I encounter a free roaming dog I simply face them, put Jack behind me and tell them to GO HOME! You'd be surprised at how well that works.

Of course I'm sure that I'll find the exception to that rule if I keep walking several miles a day . . .

[True Dough]

15. This sounds like an admirable approach

providing that your neighbors are reasonable and open to learning.

[iscooterliberally]

2. Damn. Sorry to hear that. I hope your arm will be OK.

I'm glad you were able to protect your dog Jack too. I once got shredded by a Chow. I had him hanging off of my left forearm. The dog had been abused and ended up being put down. I went to the ER and got checked out. Fortunately I didn't need any stitches or anything. They did give my some antibiotics though. Again, I hope your arm heals quickly.

[AndyS]

9. I'll be okay. Just skin wounds, no deep tissue injuries. Lots of Neosporin

and bandages to keep it in contact with the scratches for the next few days. I've been around the block a few times so a few scratches although deep don't bother me.

[Silent Type]

3. Glad you are OK. I used to ride bicycles in rural areas. Can't count the times a big dog

tried to ram my front wheel. It was tough trying to outrun a dog on a steep hill.

In any event, sounds like you might need to get things checked out. Good luck.

[AndyS]

10. I rode motorcycles most of my life and actually had a dog jump out of a

moving car to get me. Didn't work out to well for the dog . . .

I also had one get wedged between the front fender and tire. Not the best smell I've experienced; a mix of dog hair and rubber. It took the fight right out of him tho.

[GenXer47]

4. it's almost always territory or food

protection. I'm always amazed at how well all the dogs get along at the beach. I finally realized it's because in the huge open space, there are no territorial indicators of any kind.
Kinda makes you want to eliminate all human borders too!

[AndyS]

11. Yeah, I hate privacy fences. I'm talking my neighbors into replacing them

with chain link. Still a fence but not a wall.

[True Dough]

5. Good fences are supposed to make good neighbors

Obviously you are going to need assurance from your neighbor that his dog will not be able to get over your fence ever again, if the aggressive dog gets another chance at all.

[AndyS]

12. See my reply to #1, I think it's a better solution. nt

[Unwind Your Mind]

6. Dog bites usually get infected

I’d get the antibiotics if you can. It might save you from scarring

[AndyS]

14. I've got topical antibiotics that work well when applied immediately.

As for scarring I grew up on a small farm in S Texas and at 75 I'm not the least bit concerned about appearances. I'm way past worryin' 'bout bein' purty.

[CountAllVotes]

18. or it could result in a nasty infection

Like cellulitis!

I would not ignore this bite and yes, that is what it was a bite.

If the op has blood dripping down his arm, it means it was a bite that punctured the skin.

[Rebl2]

13. Agree with

your last sentence.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

17. How awful for you! As well as scary.

But you know what to do and that will do the trick.

Do take care!

I'll call later.

[Marthe48]

19. You should see a doctor

For your own health and well-being, avoid infections. In my state, reporting dog bites are mandatory.

I've had more than one run-in with dogs. And know people who have had horrific encounters with aggressive dogs. If the dog came over a fence, don't leave your little dog out by itself.

[CountAllVotes]

23. +1

n/t

[RT Atlanta]

20. depending on your state, dog bites are strict liability

Go to the hospital.

I'd counsel you to take it a step further and consult a personal injury attorney - your hospital bills, emotional damage, etc.

Finally, file a police report.

Having a verified 3rd party record and report is essential for future issues and for any further action.

[Trueblue1968]

25. LISTEN TO YOUR DU FRIENDS !!!!!!! Go to the hospital ---- NOW.

Go to the hospital.

I'd counsel you to take it a step further and consult a personal injury attorney - your hospital bills, emotional damage, etc.

Finally, file a police report.

Having a verified 3rd party record and report is essential for future issues and for any further action.

[CountAllVotes]

21. Texas law re: Dog bites

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/IDCU/health/zoonosis/animal/bites/information/animal-bite-2020-revision-June-2020.pdf

Do the right thing would you?

[CountAllVotes]

24. +1

n/t

[CountAllVotes]

22. Some people don't deserve dogs.

No kidding.

Get to a doctor would you?

It is required that this dog be quarantined in YOUR state!