Samantha was bitten by a doodle at Dewey Romp

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Samantha is ball obsessed. She has never taken a ball from another dog - that's not her way. If a dog gets to her ball first, she will just follow that dog until the ball is dropped by the other dog and then she quietly takes it. She is so anti confrontational about anything, including her ball.

We were playing on the beach yesterday at the Dewey Beach romp. A doodle that we know well (family is not a member here of DK) was playing ball with us.  I will call this doodle Jane (this is not her name). Jane would get to the ball first and bring it back. Samantha would get to the ball first and bring it back. This went on for over an hour. This particular time, Samantha got to the ball first and the other doodle wanted it and decided to go after Samantha. We didn't see what actually happened since it happened so fast. I heard Samantha scream and saw Jane's mouth clamped on Samantha's face and her nose and cheek bleeding. Samantha had a slice under her nostrils and a deep puncture wound on her cheek. It did not pierce through her cheek but I could see the tooth mark on the inside of her cheek. There was no warning to this attack - they have been playing ball together for so long no one ever thought this would happen.

My friend who is a trainer keeps an emergency kit in her truck so we washed it off with bottled water right away. When we got back to the hotel, we washed it with antibiotic wash and put antibiotic ointment on it. She was not happy about us touching her cheek but she was so good about it.

I am telling this story for only one reason - anyone who has a doodle that resource guards a ball, toy, food or their human MUST get professional help to make sure that their doodle never does this to another dog or human. Don't think that it is 'cute' how a dog 'protects' their ball, etc. It is not cute, it could be dangerous to another dog, child, human and in the end, to your doodle.

If Jane was going to go after a dog it's a good thing that it was to a dog that her DM knows. I know that this is a good DM. If Jane attacked a dog that was not a friend of her DMs it might have not been such good outcome for Jane. .

Samantha will probably have our vet check her out. I am keeping an eye on her wound but it seems to be healing with my washing it and the antibiotic ointment. Not sure what else the vet could do but stress her and shave her face. If it continues to heal without any signs of infection then I will not add to her stress. Only time will tell.

[Stella]

Hartley is very sorry to hear that his 'sister' got bitten.  Hopefully she is feeling better now.  The same thing happened to Hartley at the dog park in our old town.  This woman had a border collie there that resource guarded really badly, the dogs owner threw a ball, Hartley went to go pick it up and the collie just attacked him.  He ended up with cuts on his nose and muzzle.  Luckily it didn't affect him at all.  But, the same dog did the same thing to Chase a few months later and we now have huge problems with Chase and other dogs.  Kisses to Samantha!!

BTW - Charli is huge now!!  I can't believe how big she has gotten!!

[Michael Gurley]

Oh, poor Samantha!!

 

When I brought Sunny home, I found out that my other dog who was an only dog for 11 years, is possessive over her food and edible treats. She ended up biting ME when I stepped in to prevent her from biting Sunny. Lots of training hours later, Reba no longer guards her things from Sunny but will guard them from other dogs. Reba is not allowed to meet other dogs off leash and does not come to the dog park with Sunny and me. Of course, she's just as happy being asleep at home. Also, the only time she gets any edible treats is during training time and when Sunny is out of the house. I simply can't take any risks!!

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Poor baby Samantha! That must have been frightening!  I hope she recovers quickly:)  {hugs}

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Give Samantha a hug for us.  Hope she feels better quickly.

[laurie lehr]

I'm sorry That Samatha got hurt , we also encountered something at the romp . A man brought his labradoodle that was in heat to the romp . At one point there were many dogs at this dog including mine  and there could have been a fight  . Very Dangerous ! My poor Jasper wouldn't stay with us because of this dog . People should use there head sometimes . Instead of asking if my dog is neutered  maybe he should have skipped this romp instead !

[Jersey, Jasmine, Jypsy and Diane]

That was crazy that someone would bring a female in heat to a romp or any place in public with dogs. They should have been asked to leave.

 

[Adrianne Matzkin]

At Dewey?? I missed that one. I would have definitely have said something to that owner. Sometimes I just don't understand people - a doodle in heat to a romp on the open beach?? Seriously - WTD??? Were they looking for problems? I just don't understand how this person could put their doodle and all the others at the romp into that situation.

The reason I posted this discussion is not for sympathy for Samantha - she doesn't need it but truly appreciates the good wishes! I just wanted to remind all of us as to what could happen if they don't train their doodles to be good doodle friends and we must watch our doodles at all times when they are playing. It only takes a split second for something to go wrong.

[Jersey, Jasmine, Jypsy and Diane]

Since I was there and know "Jane"  well. I think the reason why there was no problem with the dogs involved before was because of the "special ball" that was being used. Jane doesn't do it with a regular tennis ball. It is just a special rubber squeaky ball that sets her off. It has a real loud squeak.

This is the ball I am talking about, next to my Jasmine, who doesn't chase balls. On a happy note "Jane" is going to get help from a professional trainer so this doesn't happen again.  Hopefully, all of our eyes have been opened because of this incident.

Glad that Sammie has had no lasting problems from this and remains her sweet self.

 

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Thanks Auntie Diane!! I didn't realize that Jane might have an issue due to the 'special ball'. When we meet at the beach that ball will stay home. No more squeaky balls!! I am thrilled for Jane and her DM are seeking the help of a professional trainer. It will make for a happier doodle and DM!!!

Sammie is still her sweet self. I can't imagine anything that can change her heart!

See you soon!!!!

[Jersey, Jasmine, Jypsy and Diane]

Are you going to O.G. this Fri?