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pixie bee
MH
Posts:4448
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| 12/05/2011 7:29 AM |
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The owner never did anything. She simply said, "Yeah, Marley just like collars. Your dog is timid. he'll figure it out eventually." We left of course and her dog proceeded the rough play.
Don't you just love it????
She and her dog need a good lesson in manners.
And I probably would have given those lessons.
Decent people like us are left frustrated with no closure.
Unfortunately, this dog and his owner will have more confrontations and possibly a legal suit in the future.
One thing I think you could have not done - was shivering in my arms.
I know the moment was scary but it was probably more scary for you. Next time,if there is a next time,hopfully never again - give the difficult attempt to not coodle.
As much as I wanted to run to my kids and soothe them when they fell - I wouldn't. I was there to support (and even ran to the doctor once) but let them handle it on their own. Coping skills are important for kids and dogs.
Anyway, I hope everything if good today.
No more doggy parks.
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"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle
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Ryder's Mom
Germantown, MD
JH
Posts:27
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| 12/05/2011 8:07 AM |
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I am looking into doggie play groups. In the meantime, my boyfriend and I have been giving him lots of love and plenty of play.
The wound seems to be healing alright, thought it is still oozing. He keeps licking his right leg near the elbow and has cried out when I touched that leg to dry his feet and to give him a bath. I don't see any cuts or wounds there. Called the vet on Saturday to check on cleaning it correctly and about the leg, she asked me to bring him in today. Everything should be fine, but it doesn't hurt to get him all checked out.
Pixie Bee: I totally agree with you! I actually walked him out of the dog park on his leash once the pit was being firmly held in place by the collar (not by the owner, but by a random man at the dog park who was trying to help). Picking Ryder up was my natural reaction to get him out of the pit's mouth and to safety. The pit didn't release his grip on Ryder's neck until I went to pick him up. Thankfully, Ryder wasn't shaking once we were in the car. |
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Everything changes when you get a GSP |
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Almost Heaven GSP
Springfield, WV
MH
Posts:731
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| 12/05/2011 10:45 AM |
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Since you are Germantown, if you are just looking for places to let Ryder run, may I suggest McKee Besher WMA, just down on River Road? There is actually a dog training area and some nice fields designed for Hunt Test and NAVHDA right off of River Road on Sycamore Landing road. If you Mapquest it using Poolesville as the city, it should get you right to it.
For socialization, perhaps a Petsmart, doggie daycare and if you'd like, I could even give you some names of other GSP owners in that area. 1 in particular, does a lot of Show, Obedience, Agility and the like, teaches the classes and would probably be thrilled to help you not only with the pup, but finding others to take Ryder to play with.
As for the other owner, dog and dog parks....it's all already been said. |
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Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.
Bruce Shaffer
Almost Heaven GSP's
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rockspring
maryland
MH
Posts:62
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| 12/05/2011 10:48 AM |
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I also had a bad experience at a dog park many years ago. A terrier grapped my boy my the throat and wouldn't let go. The owner was useless but another person sprayed him in the face with a water bottle and he let go. It had obviously happened before since someone else at the park made sure I got the owners name and phone# in case I had vet bills. I never went back. Since then I've found a training group to work with so my dogs can have space to run and play and heve BIRDS toowork with |
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tgatto
Lake in the Hills, IL
MH
Posts:411
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| 12/05/2011 11:47 AM |
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Hot topic!! Yeah, I won't pay and go to one of our dog-friendly areas for just that reason. Dogs run-a-muck that don't have obedience training at all, and do what they want. Not to mention, maintaining focus for my dog becomes more than problematic. AND, these areas are usually well-groomed (at least around my neck-of-the-woods), which is not the primary environment that Sadie will be hunting in.
I try to maintain a very basic set of obedience commands for the dogs that I have had. I have very little patience (truth be known) for people who marvel at how my dog comes and sits when it is called - even while being chased (usually by their dog(s)) - which, in my experiences, routinely happens at Dog-Friendly areas.
One thing that I haven't read in here (maybe I skipped, while I skimmed) - these "problem" owners are also the reason for Leash Laws by where I live. We used to have beautiful, local "Dog Training" areas where there were heavy-cover fields with paths cut through - Perfect for training an upland bird dog, like a GSP. Now, they all are closed (Spring Creek Forest Preserve), or have signs (as an example...):
City ordinances are the same. So now I have 3 choices... Leash the dog (kinda hard to train for upland hunting on a leash...), go to a DFA (Dog-Friendly Area), or break the law...
So, you will find me and Sadie just before sun-up, and just after sun-down strolling the neighborhood on our obedience walks, working in the retention ponds (recessed areas out of range of any headlights from passing cars...), hiding in the shadows... 
Shame too. I pride myself on training my dogs to Heel alongside me (with, or without a leash), and to come when called - but I am viewed as the law-breaker! Meanwhile, these owners with out-of-control dogs take them to the fenced-in DFAs, where they attack other dogs. Kinda defeats the purpose of the "Dog-Friendly" title - doesn't it (when that is where your dog is attacked)? |
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It is watching the dogs work that I thoroughly enjoy, and love. I could get by with just watching them work - if it weren't for all the training, and the joy they exhibit when they pick-up, and deilver to hand a bird that they pointed, and you shot. - Todd |
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DrWiffel
Prior Lake, MN
MH
Posts:175
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| 12/05/2011 12:04 PM |
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That’s a real bummer. I would have been totally pissed at the owner for sure. I would have also told her she needs to put a leash on the dog right now and that she needs to leave. Also I would have said “You need to give me your contact information incase my dog is injured and needs to go to the vet”. If she had refused I would have called the police on her the very moment the situation was under control. She seems to be the type that won’t take responsibility for anything unless the responsibility is forced on her by someone of authority.
I frequent the dog park near where I live, and have had few issues with other dogs. I’ve really started to pick up on the demeanor of other dogs before they get close. If I sense something’s not right with the other dog, I turn and go the other way. Although some encounters simply can’t be avoided, you just have to be ready and on it when they do, and don’t forget about your own safety. I think in your case, the other dog is just aggressive, and there was nothing you could have done. Thank god there was someone else there that was able to help you because there’s no telling what could have happened.
I had a cousin that was attacked by 2 Rottweiler’s and dragged 100 feet towards the woods. The owner even had them fenced in which they had jumped the fence to get her. She was just playing with some Barbie dolls in the front yard not even paying attention to or taunting the dogs. My Uncle looked out the window saw what was happening, ran out, picked his daughter up held her above his head, all while the dogs were jumping and biting him to get to his daughter. Once inside and safe, he saw that his daughter had multiple bites to the face arms and neck, which she had to get plastic surgery to reattach her ear. He also suffered many bits from trying to protect her. If my Uncle had not stepped in, there is no doubt in my mind that the dogs would have killed her. The dogs in this case were put down, but it goes to show you, something’s are just unpreventable.
Don’t beat yourself up about it. There’s nothing you could have done. But seeing as the girl visits the place frequently, I would either not go to that park anymore, or get her plate number to report it to the park so they can revoke her pass (I would do this anyway out of spite). If you see her again, feel free to speak your mind. She has to know what happened was wrong, if she refuses to listen be sure to let others know what had happened so it doesn’t happen to their dogs as well. It might not hurt to carry some pepper spray in case something like this happens. I’ll probably catch some flak for that statement, but it would help protect you and your dog. I hope this doesn’t affect you puppy in the long run.
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pixie bee
MH
Posts:4448
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| 12/05/2011 12:18 PM |
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What a horrific story.
How old is your cousin now? Is she terrified of dogs?
I'll tell a story about Haiko:
Haiko had been going to the dog park for a while and when he was about 12 months we visited the local dog park - mostly neighborhood owners,small neighborhood,not many dogs. A woman came with her golden mix about the same age as Haiko. The first 2 times they met she and Haiko would have a head on run,she always beat Haiko and I know this dog was trying hard b/c Haiko was waaay fast back then. the next 2 times she met Haiko during these races she attacked him - and she was winning! The owner said this never happened before, it must be my dog, yeah right lady. This dog had a few encounters with other dogs and she kept coming - to socialize her dog - get that! socialize her dog. this is NOT the way to socialize.
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"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle
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DrWiffel
Prior Lake, MN
MH
Posts:175
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| 12/05/2011 2:03 PM |
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Strange how it’s everyone else’s dog that’s the problem. They must work at Microsoft or something.
As for my cousin, she is fine; she was maybe 7 or so when it happened. She’s now 25 or so and married and with a kid on the way, and I believe they may have a dog too. It’s been a while sense I’ve talked to her, and I don’t think there were any long term effects mentally and her ear looks normal. There was a story published and was also in the news after it happened. I looked to see if I could still find it and I wasn’t able to. It happened in Zimmerman, MN if someone has more time to look it up. I believe it happened mid 90’s. I’ll take a closer look when I have more time to see if I can find it.
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Gunnar
MH
Posts:288
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| 12/06/2011 5:33 AM |
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Yeah I would go back, with the vet bill in my hand and say listen how are you and Marley gonna figure this out? Naturally you aren't going to get paid and small claims court is a major hassle but sometimes you just have to make a point.
Try and find a different place maybe a local GSP club. Or someone suggested supervised daycare.
Maybe the local ASPCA is the way to go, police are good with Dog's V people not so good Dog V Dog.
I avoid those places like the plague for the same reasons, sickness and idiots. Believe it or not there are a lot of folks who like aggressive dogs and take a kind of sick pride in " my dog can kick your dogs ass".
Buddie of mine has the sweetest lab which got mauled buy some idiots German Sheppard. No offer of gee I'm sorry or can I help with the vet bill, nada. The GS finally got so out of hand a few people in the park got together and asked the man in question to find someplace else to run his dog. Seems he took their advice. |
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MelB
MH
Posts:1217
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| 12/06/2011 12:43 PM |
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| I refuse to go to dog parks. Heard too many stories and seen too many horrific injuries come from them. I take my dogs to the local park tennis courts and shut the gate and lock it with a clip. Many people here do this at the same park and we respect that someone else might not want your dog in with theirs and wait our turn to let our dogs in it. I will call a friend who I know has a friendly dog and we meet up there and let the two dogs play, but I never trust when someone says "Oh no he's friendly." I've learned that their 'friendly" and mine usually aren't the same thing. |
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rebelyell
Iowa
MH
Posts:176
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| 12/06/2011 5:12 PM |
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Dr Wiffel--I agree 100% with you on carrying pepper spray. It could be a life saver if you or your dog is every attacked by a stray/loose dog. I actually carry the Bear Spray, which is mostly pepper spray only in a much larger can and sprays a lot farther.
There were many of us at the dog park that carried bear or pepper spray.(before I got smart and stopped going). I also take it with me on all of our walks, especially around town...as I feel that when you have a dog by you, it attracts stray/loose dogs that are running around! |
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Jolene
-- Rebel (GSP 2010)
-- Shila (GSP 1988-2006 17 1/2 wonderful yrs  )
"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." -Ben Williams
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Max2
Oneonta NY
MH
Posts:1106
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| 12/07/2011 3:25 AM |
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Scary stuff ! Ryder's misfortune will help save a lot of others from the same type of thing. I am sure a lot of folks will re-think the situations that may pop up at dog parks or out in life in general. Hope Ryder is feeling better today.
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Chris |
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TessaGA
Georgia
MH
Posts:2387
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| 12/07/2011 10:20 AM |
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Not much I can add that has not already been said.
I was just at a dog park with a friend and her little dog - I left Tessa in the car, and she said, why don't you let her play with the other dogs? There were about 15 dogs in there all unknown to me and owners not paying any attention while the "pack" was running wild. Most of them I thought were actually fairly nasty. Why in the world would I toss my dog in there? I don't care if "it's fine most of the time" or "I never saw a fight there". Sure enough, the next day there was a huge fight when a pitbull jumped another dog. No. Thank. You.
I am fortunate that I have access to a plantation where I train with my hunting/training buddies and their dogs. We sometimes have 20 dogs out there, and never had an incident of any magnitude, because we the people are in control at all times, and the dogs for the most part are obedience trained.
We also have rental dog parks - love those - $ 1 per hour in a fenced 3-acre area, and you decide who gets to join (I always get together with friends/dogs I know). It's padlocked so nobody else can get in. Very popular with responsible owners of aggressive dogs, because there is no danger of their dog hurting another.
I am not sure where you live and if it is possible, but maybe you can look into establishing rental dog parks at a local park. Ours are at a 800 acre city park and are low-maintenance and bringing in much need extra money.
Also, I would probably take Ryder to a vet for a checkover, if only to have something in hand that he was actually injured, and turn in a copy of the vet bill when reporting the owner/dog.
Don't blame yourself for anything. It's the owner of that pitbull that is totally out of line. What makes me so mad is that idiot owners (and there are so many) of assertive breeds not only don't seem to know what they are dealing with, they also often are just irresponsible dog owners to begin with. And when something happens, they ALWAYS blame it on the other dog or the owner of the other dog. Happened to me more than once and it is simply ridiculous! |
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To live without dogs would mean accepting a form of blindness. [Thomas McGuane]
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MLGore66
Atlanta, Ga
MH
Posts:72
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| 12/07/2011 12:16 PM |
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| I joined up with my local Wildlife Action Group here. If you research for your area there are usually groups where they have memberships usually like 30-40 a year. Gives you access to lakes,woods,hiking, etc and they are dog friendly. That is what I do with my crew. They have tons of trails and they get to run leash free. |
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DrWiffel
Prior Lake, MN
MH
Posts:175
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| 12/08/2011 10:55 AM |
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Got rid of the spam Dr. Wiffel. Edited your post to so the topic could remain completely on track
Thank You for the heads up!
Mod |
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Ryder's Mom
Germantown, MD
JH
Posts:27
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| 12/08/2011 11:11 AM |
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Almost Heaven GSP: Yes, I would love to set up any contact with other GSP owners. Mind you, I am not a hunter and Ryder is not being trained for that. I know that some GSP owners can be offended by that or think it is not right for the dog, so if your contacts feel that way, I may not be too welcome  I don't have anything against hunting or having him around other owners that hunt!! Just a heads up! Feel free to send me a personal message.
tgatto: We totally do the same thing. We are moving to Southern Illinois in a little over a month, so I'm hoping I won't be breaking the law there. Whoops 
DrWiffle: So so so sorry to hear about your cousin! I'm to glad to hear she recovered well! And I second your thoughts about the spam below.
Gunnar: He only had one puncture wound. Almost a week later it is scabbed over. Once his hair grows back at that one wound and the four other tooth marks where hair was ripped off, but no blood was drawn, no one will be able to physically tell he went through the trauma. Vet bill was techincally $0 because I have a monthly payment health plan for him that allows me to go in for a visit for "free" any time I want.
TessaGA: I don't think we have those here, but I will look into it. We are right outside of DC, so there isn't so much space to roam that isn't government operated and owned. |
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Everything changes when you get a GSP |
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Ryder's Mom
Germantown, MD
JH
Posts:27
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| 12/08/2011 11:20 AM |
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TO UPDATE ALL ON OUR SITUATION:
We have not returned to the dog park and will not again. Ryder's wound is healing nicely and the vet said he looks great. He has (so far) not had any change in demeanor.
He has interacted with both known and unknown dogs (including a pitbull) on the leash in the neighborhood and is still his same goofy, friendly self. Hopefully we never see any emotional impact from this incident, but I am aware that this could show up at anytime and will be on watch.
Today my walk with Ryder, I met a young, married guy who is only a year older than my boyfriend. His wife is 8 months pregnant, but they share our interests and active lifestyle. They live right down the street from my house. They have an 8 year old Corgi and a 2 year old German Shepherd-Black Lab Mix.
Both are female, but the mix is super fast and loves the water. Ryder and her just ran side by side the whole time and kept going head first into the freezing water together to chase some ducks. The Corgi is friendly and mothering. I witnessed her tell Ryder she had enough and then proceed to lick him in his face and keep happily watching the other two play. He needs a dog in his life that will tell him when enough is enough, and help him learn that he needs to treat older and smaller dogs differently than just the average dog he meets.
Both dogs are very well trained, but the mix is literally with the young guy all day, everyday. He gives guided kayak tours of the Potomac and has somehow made it so that she rides the kayak with him at work when they are at less dangerous portions of the river. Her obedience was a good example for Ryder and I surprised that he actually was more obedient while we were with them.
TO SUM UP: This is awesome news and we will be meeting them every week day that we can in the late afternoon to let the dogs run in this area around the lake in my neighborhood. AWESOME NEWS! |
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Everything changes when you get a GSP |
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everbell
Kanata, ON
MH
Posts:3162
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| 12/08/2011 11:52 AM |
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This is awesome news and we will be meeting them every week day that we can in the late afternoon to let the dogs run in this area around the lake in my neighborhood.
That's the best situation of all IMO. We try to meet like-minded dog owners in the neighbourhood and get our dogs together. Bo and Razzie's niece lives in the neighbourhood and has been coming over for play dates since she was 10 weeks old  Since she was a singleton puppy, it's great exposure for her, plus Raz doesn't let her get away with anything. Bo on the other hand ... |
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Joce and Rich
Bogart and Shiraz (GSPs)
Roxane (RIP: 1995-2009) and Tiger Lily (Cats)
The Everbell Adventures |
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tgatto
Lake in the Hills, IL
MH
Posts:411
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| 12/08/2011 2:51 PM |
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Posted By Ryder's Mom on 12/08/2011 11:11 AM
tgatto: We totally do the same thing. We are moving to Southern Illinois in a little over a month, so I'm hoping I won't be breaking the law there. Whoops
Nah... Lived down in Southern Illinois for a while (during college  ) Although I don't remember too clearly , I believe it was OK to have a dog off of the leash - just not on SIUC campus (so depends on where...).
I was talking more about around the Chicago area (and suburbs). Total rash of ordinances on "Leash-laws". |
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It is watching the dogs work that I thoroughly enjoy, and love. I could get by with just watching them work - if it weren't for all the training, and the joy they exhibit when they pick-up, and deilver to hand a bird that they pointed, and you shot. - Todd |
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DrWiffel
Prior Lake, MN
MH
Posts:175
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| 12/09/2011 10:48 AM |
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| That is GREAT news! Hope it all works out for you! |
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