Doodle Attack

[Julie and Moose]

We recently had a little mishap. Moose, my 1 year old labradoodle, was playing innocently in our yard when a neighborhood dog came charging in and attacked. This little dog chomped down on Moose's leg so quickly we didn't even see it coming. Poor Moose did nothing to defend himself, he simply sat down and cried. Luckily the other dog's owner wasn't far behind and was able to pull her dog off of Moose fairly quickly. Moose had stitches in 3 places and is on antibiotics. He is healing nicely now, although he really hates the "cone of shame" that we have to put on him when we can't supervise him to make sure he doesn't lick his stitches. The owners of the other dog were really nice and appologetic. Thankfully, Moose is not afraid to go outside or timid around other dogs. This experience has shown me that my sweet boy really has no clue that other dogs can be mean. There is not an aggressive bone in Moose's body, which is a good thing!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

We have an aggressive dog in our neighborhood who, unprovoked, attacked another dog, causing amputation of part of the dog's tail. The neighborhood is in an uproar because the owner lets the dog out, unleashed, to potty at night. It runs off. Then she advertises it's missing. People with aggressive dogs need to keep them away from other dogs. The definition of dangerous dog in our county, is a dog that has bitten and drawn blood. I think animal control needs to be aware of the dog that attacked Moose. Being sorry isn't good enough.

[Julie and Moose]

Wow... thanks for all the good comments. Yes, we are considering a fence, however I think that it is against our hoa rules. Right now we have an underground fence. It works wonderfully for keeping Moose in the yard, but does nothing to keep others out! That is a good idea to take Moose to a play group so that he can learn doggie signals. He currently walks several times a week with a group of dogs, but there aren't alot of opportunities for play time. I will have to see if I can find a play group in this area. Thanks for that suggestion! When I said that Moose will approach any strange dog I mean that he pulls on his leash towards other dogs we see while walking or out in the community. Moose does a play bow and then prances around like he wants to play. I dont let him actually reach the other dog (unless of course we already know them). So this could be good or bad... after our recent experience I am glad that I prevent Moose from meeting strange dogs because he has no idea how to defend himself. On the other hand, without practice interacting, how will Moose ever learn acceptable doggie behavior. I guess we need more training! I really like the idea of finding a play group to work on his social skills. Thank you everyone for all your kind words. I hope we never have to go through this again!

[Adina P]

I'm so sorry that happened! How frightening. Poor little guy.
You say that Moose will approach any strange dog...are you referring to pulling on leash or at the park or where? I personally don't believe it's EVER a good idea for my dog to approach strange dogs if I can help it (leash, training, etc).

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I hope Moose heals very soon!!! I bet that was scary - sorry you went through that.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I'm thinking about this again now as I find it so upsetting that Moose can't even play safely in his own yard. Does Moose go to any sort of doggie play groups. I'm just thinking that might possibly be a good idea at least a few times so there could be some supervised interaction with other dogs so that he can learn doggie signals for whats ok and what isn't acceptable doggie behavior. If it were me I'd select one with some good, quality, trained people on staff and I'd explain upfront what my reasons were for bringing him to play group.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Speedy get well wishes to Moose. Although I have no experience with training in this area, the first thing I wonder about is that if Moose had fought back, could it have actually of been worse? I think this other neighbor does have some issues that need addressed though and if possible I'd be considering a fence for my yard.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I hope Moose heals quickly!! I don't think apologies are enough from your neighbor. I hope she is paying the vet bill. Has this dog ever been loose before? Is your neighbors dog up to date on all his shots? Is this dog normally a bully? Do you think it should be reported to the police? This attack was out of the blue and I would be afraid for any dog or child. Just saying,,,

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Hope Moose is feeling better quickly. Give him a hug for us.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Julie, is there any way you could fence your yard? That would prevent this kind of incident. Your neighbor is very lucky you are so understanding, I don't think I would have been as gracious about the neighbor's dog entering your yard and biting poor Moose as you were. I hope he heals quickly and doesn't have any lasting effects from this. Hugs to you both.

[Debbie and Thomas]

Yesterday at the school yard, a black lab tried to "mount" our goldenddoole Thomas. Well as laid back as he is, he was not impressed and snarled at the lab. The lab tried again and Thomas growled. Then the lab just wanted to play and they ran off together. So I was happy Thomas stood up for himself and handled things in a very dignified way. He is ususally just like Moose..very non aggressive.