Shouldn't…but Do

We take time out to bring you this public service announcement:

On walkabout last week, lost in thought on a lovely day, I had the misfortune to be jumped by what appeared to be a Pit Bull Boxer mix dog. This post intends to offer ideas about aggressive dogs and what you might do if threatened by one.

Too many people across the United States are attacked, bitten and sometimes fatally mauled by Pit Bull mix dogs.  About 1.7 million people are bitten each year by dogs of all kinds and approximately 800,000 require medical help.  From experience I can say it is surreal to turn and find the snapping jaws of an angry animal within inches of your face.

While begging the pardon of those who enjoy Pit Bull mix dogs, they seem to follow in the footsteps of other dogs kept for their cachet of danger including Doberman Pincher, Rottweiler and wolf-hybrid dogs.  Although I generally agree breed-specific legislation is a bad idea because it targets dogs and not the habits of owners, it must also be said Pit Bull mix dogs are bred to fight.

There is no such thing as a registered American Kennel Club Pit Bull dog.  Pit Bull dogs are a mixed lot, some small, some large.  Cross-bred with Terriers, Boxers or Bull dogs, there is no standard of the breed nor generally expected temperament and tendencies.  Possessing the musculature and jaws of a Bull dog or Boxer, along with the aggressive and changeable nature of Terriers, the resulting dog is physiologically intended for action and attack.

That said, history has it that they can be loveable, gentle dogs with the proper breeding, socialization and training, and I believe this is likely the case.

The dog that jumped me stood about 5’3″ on its hind legs.  It jumped on me repeatedly, as if to try and knock me down, but did not bite me, for which I am grateful.  Big, agile and aggressive, it jumped on, and at me for what seemed an hour, but was probably about five minutes.

In response to its sudden appearance and attack, I stood still and looked the other way.  Jumping on me from all sides, I tried to keep my back to the dog, but otherwise made no movement and no sound.  I did not make eye contact.  I believe this response may have made a difference in whether it bit me – -or not.

It is difficult to remain still when there is a dog of that size and state jumping on you,  hard not to react in either a frightened or defensive way.

When the owner finally appeared, the dog continued to jump until pulled off of me by force.  The owner apologized, explained it was a puppy and they were working with it.  Explaining carefully it was not personal, I said I appreciated the apology but would  follow up on the incident.

I contacted Animal Control who responded they would visit the premises, speak with the owners and let them know about local ordinances and state laws on the matter.

If it had to happen, it is good it happened to me.  My neighborhood is a lovely place to walk for folks of all ages.  Many young mothers and toddlers walk this place, as do the elderly.  I do not know any mother who would stand still as a dog jumped on their toddler, or stroller.  The resulting defensive action may, or may not, have set this dog off.  With luck, the owners of this dog received an important message and act accordingly.

If you walk, watch your neighborhood, know where the dogs are.   Loose dogs of any kind are generally prohibited in most municipalities.  For good reason.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming…