When a dog attacks another dog

You can’t be nonchalant about any stroll you take with your dog. Always keep an eye out for other dogs and try to steer clear of them. Photo: TNS/Dreamstime

Recently I received an email from an inexperienced dog owner, asking for advice about dogs attacking other dogs. She sent me a horrific video of a Golden Retriever being attacked by a Pit Bull outside a restaurant in Berkeley, California, back in August.

The video was disturbing and hard to watch; it showed the Pit Bull with the Retriever’s front leg in its jaws, refusing to let go.

As you can imagine, the scene is chaotic with people yelling and screaming, some stepping in to hit and kick the attacking dog or spray it with water. One man pulls on the dog, dragging the Retriever with it. Finally, some pepper spray is used, and the dog releases the now severely injured Retriever.

Although everyone in the video is trying to help, the chaos probably ramped up the attack.

I understand the panic that the attack created, and I can only imagine the horror and helplessness felt by both dog owners – one whose dog was being mauled and the other, who was watching what I’m sure was a loving pet causing such harm.

Telling people to remain calm seems ludicrous in this instance, but it would have gone a long way in stopping the attack. Both dogs were reacting to the fervour from the crowd, and the Retriever was caught in a tug of war.

It’s best to try to startle a dog out of an attack by throwing a bucket of water on it or spraying it with a hose. You should also give voice commands, which should be taught to the dog way before they’re needed.

A loud sound can often startle the dog out of its aggression, and grabbing the dog’s hindquarters and lifting them into the air can surprise the dog and throw it off balance, causing it to break off the attack.

Getting in the middle of the attack, as these bystanders did, was dangerous to them. Both dogs might have bitten them with serious results. Those of us who love our dogs might consider it unthinkable, but putting yourself at risk isn’t a good idea. If you’re injured, who’s going to help your dog?

Once the attack has stopped, getting the dog medical treatment becomes the first priority, but it’s also important to collect information about the dog and the owner, if he or she is present. Use your phone to take pictures and record important details, such as the dog’s name as well as a description of the breed, colouring and size.

As soon as possible, report the attack to police and to Animal Control.

You should also know that physical injuries aren’t the only wounds a dog might suffer.

The pet may become more fearful of other dogs and, in some cases, more aggressive. You might need to consult a dog behaviourist and do some retraining.

The Berkeley incident appears to be an anomaly. Both dogs were leashed, both owners were there, and there was no apparent trigger to the attack, proving that you can’t be nonchalant about any stroll you take with your dog. Always keep an eye out for other dogs and try to steer clear of them. – Tribune News Service/The Mercury News/Joan Morris