Dog attack provoked by owners.

[Camus]

Please help! Advice needed.

We have been going to dog parks and dog beaches for a couple of weeks. In total for at least 10 times. Met many dogs w/o problems. Camus is very friendly and never shows aggressiveness toward any dog, he plays with big and small dogs very well. Never humps or tries to dominate (he is young but pretty big: 36 lbs, 20.5'). He licks every dog's face, which is a submissive behaviour. Some adult dogs don't like him b/c of this puppy behavior, but usually they just warn him by growling and then just stay away. 

Unfortunately, last Friday Camus was attacked by two pit bulls. Camus ran like crazy and screamed terribly. He hid under the bench and was shacking and screaming non-stop. It wasn't a scream-complain it was a scream of horror (I had never heard a scream like that before). I was sure at that moment that he had been wounded. I left immediately b/c pit bulls were trying to get him even when I was holding him on my arms. So, I didn't speak to the pits' owner. It all happened very quickly.

On the next day I started to analyze the situation because I had a strange feeling that something wasn't normal in that situation.  Now I conclude (for sure) that that attack was provoked by pits' owners (it was a young couple). A friend of ours with big dog experience told me that yes, there are some sick people, usually young, who get pit bulls and then want them to fight, they go to places where their dogs can fight, they provoke fights.  

Ok. I'll tell you why I think it wasn't an accident. When pits came, I noticed that they were aggressive and the owners - young girl and boy - first kept one of them in a separated zone. That pit looked aggressive and owners barely could hold him. I heard (even though I was far) that they interchanged some comment about a puppy (my dog was the only puppy in the park that day). They didn't come and say anything to me. Then, they let the pit into the main area. The girl stood about 30 feet far from where we and other dogs were and started trying to catch Camus's attention (not loudly, she didn't ask me his name, didn't come to us, she was saying "come, come" and making this sound to attract dog's attention). That isn't a normal way to pet a puppy you like, right?  Her pits weren't near her at that moment, they were with the boy, I think. I noticed that she was calling Camus and I didn't suspect anything bad ( I am vey naive, I know). Although Camus loves all people and come to everyone to greet, he ignored her. I said something to that girl and when Camus heard me speaking to her, he finally went to greet her. That's when the attack started. 

Another detail. The pits owners didn't try to call or take their dogs away. 

I regret very much that I didn't talk to those people that same day, but I couldn't. What if I see them again? I guess, they won't give me their names or address. What do you think I should do or tell them? Of course, I won't let Camus near them again. But I would really like to do something about it. To tell the policy to keep an eye on them. I don't know.

I think their dogs are dangerous and not only for other dogs. They shouldn't be at dog parks. And I know that the dog park rules are that the aggressive dog must leave, not the attacked one. 

So, what would you do in my place? Thank you very much in advance for your advice. 

P.S. Please forgive me my broken English (I am pretty new in US).

Camus is doing fine. He wasn't injured. We went to the dog beach on the next day and he had great time with many dogs. 

[Pat and Traveler]

So sorry you had this awful experience, and so glad Camus is okay.  That's my fear about dog parks--you can go many times and everything is fine and your dog has a great time--but then there's that unexpected moment when bad owners with aggressive dogs show up and suddenly your dog is under attack.  It's probably too late to catch that couple, unless you happen to see them again.  Even then you'd probably have to catch them causing trouble before anyone would take action against them.  You might just have to chalk this one up to experience.  I'm sure you'll be very cautious in that dog park in the future.  Your English is great! 

[Camus]

Thank you all! You helped me a lot! I really feel like I don't know how it works in this country, where to go to be heard, if I can go without knowing their names or addresses, etc... 

Thank you again!

I will report that case at least to the dog park authorities and I will tell those pits' owners that I reported them if I see them again. 

[Julie, Boomer, Milo & Casey]

Thats horrible and sorry it happened to you.  I didn't read all the responses but a trainer gave me great advice...take out your cell phone and snap a picture of the dogs and owners.    MOST owners (normal ones...) would not want their picture taken after their dog(s) had attacked and this may get their attention enough to grab their dogs and leave.

[Camus]

Great idea! Thank you.

[Camus]

Yes. It's was on Golden Lantern. Yes, I will definitely talk to other people. We already know many good people and dogs who regularly go there.

[Joni & Parker]

I live in the state of Maryland and pit bulls are not allowed in any of the parks.  It is so sad - when I was looking for a dog I checked out the local animal shelters and there were so many bit pull dogs up for adoption.  I have six grand children and would be afraid to adopt.  It's usually the people that own them that make them mean.  I'm glad your dog wasn't harm.  Some dogs would be afraid to go back to the park.  I would definitely notify the authorities.