Just sharing a story on what happened to Apollo and I yesterday...

I was walking Apollo in my neighborhood (on leash of course). Across the street was a woman with a nice looking male Rottweiler. She had him sit and asked if I was going to cross to her side or turn up the street. Because Apollo is also a male Rottweiler, she wanted to make sure there'd be no chance for the two to possibly get aggresive with each other. I told her I was turning up, she said thank you, then...

... a third dog (mix breed of some sort), came darting out into the street off leash. I hear the owners calling for their dog. As soon as their dog gets into the street, he straight up went for Apollo's neck. There was NO hesitation in this dog as he came with teeth showing and immediately went for Apollo's neck area. The first several times, Apollo just kind of hopped around, as if he thought they were playing. Their dog looked to be about 60-70lbs and I tried to get him away from us by kicking at him. While doing so, the dog then came and bit me on the leg. Once that happened, apparently Apollo growled and snapped back at the loose dog. Eventually the owners FINALLY get a hold of their dog.

Apollo is fine, no bite marks that I can see. As for his behavior, he seemed to shake it off as soon as we got down the street and was back to his playful self. The whole time, the woman across the street watched the whole thing. I walked home right away to wash and clean my thigh which the dog bit. As soon as I got it cleaned and bandaged up, I went back to the owners house (where the attack took place) and spoke with them about what happened.

I filed a report with the police, but Im still upset. After all, I DID get bit...lol.

Sorry to hear that, Collin. I hope you'll be okay.

When you spoke to the owners, what kind of conversation was it? Were they supportive and caring, or dismissive and fearful that they would get in trouble? Were they defensive? Did they indicate that this was "the first time this has ever happened"?

The reason that I'm asking is that, if they aren't 100% responsible and attentive, you owe it to the rest of your community to follow up on your complaint. A 60-70 pound dog getting lose and acting aggressively is a serious threat to your neighborhood, and especially to children and other dogs.

ETA: I'm very glad that Apollo was able to shake that off so easily. Some dogs would be traumatized.

I'm sorry to hear about this, hope you and your dog are on the mend. In addition to the police report was a bite report filed, this requires that they show proof of rabies vacc. And the dog to be placed under quarantine (usually at home) and it gives AC an opportunity to educate as well as establishing a history. I'm sorry if I sound preachy, I don't mean too but a dog that blatantly aggressive needs to have a paper trail. When I did AC, I can't tell you how many times we had dogs that had multiple prior unreported incidents like this. Jmho.

 Quote: Webboard User

Just sharing a story on what happened to Apollo and I yesterday...

I was walking Apollo in my neighborhood (on leash of course). Across the street was a woman with a nice looking male Rottweiler. She had him sit and asked if I was going to cross to her side or turn up the street. Because Apollo is also a male Rottweiler, she wanted to make sure there'd be no chance for the two to possibly get aggresive with each other. I told her I was turning up, she said thank you, then...

... a third dog (mix breed of some sort), came darting out into the street off leash. I hear the owners calling for their dog. As soon as their dog gets into the street, he straight up went for Apollo's neck. There was NO hesitation in this dog as he came with teeth showing and immediately went for Apollo's neck area. The first several times, Apollo just kind of hopped around, as if he thought they were playing. Their dog looked to be about 60-70lbs and I tried to get him away from us by kicking at him. While doing so, the dog then came and bit me on the leg. Once that happened, apparently Apollo growled and snapped back at the loose dog. Eventually the owners FINALLY get a hold of their dog.

Apollo is fine, no bite marks that I can see. As for his behavior, he seemed to shake it off as soon as we got down the street and was back to his playful self. The whole time, the woman across the street watched the whole thing. I walked home right away to wash and clean my thigh which the dog bit. As soon as I got it cleaned and bandaged up, I went back to the owners house (where the attack took place) and spoke with them about what happened.

I filed a report with the police, but Im still upset. After all, I DID get bit...lol.

You were right to file a Police Report for a paper trail -- You should probably see a DOCTOR at the Biting Dog owner's expense, because a dog bite can result in an Awful Infection if not treated properly & thoroughly ... Am I correct to believe that there is still NO RABIES at all anywhere in Hawaii ??? If so, at least you don't have that to worry about !!! Sounds like Apollo was a good boy during the incident (I'm afraid that if some loose dog Physically Jumped me and Actually Bit me, that my Akita might have engaged the Aggro-Beast and sent it to Canine Heaven, despite her otherwise Dependable & Reliable obedience in the "Leave It, Behind Me, Down-Stay" commands.)

Thanks for the kind words and suggestions. The local community watch team has been notified. They will be the ones to hand down a warning. It's unfortunate that Hawaii Humane Society and Honolulu Police Department both said they can't do anything about it. :-( They HHS said it's no longer their jurisdiction and HPD said that because the owner didn't intend for his dog to attack, it's just a report that will sit on file. If it happens again, then they'll look into it. That sucks, but I just hope that the owners now understand the responsibility that comes with dog ownership.

And yes, they were apologetic and understanding. Now if it attacked my daughter, things may have turned out VERY differently...

Glad they were understanding. Is there no AC there? Hopefully it was a wake up call and won't happen again.

When the dog bit you, was it trying to get your dog and simply re-directed to your leg, or was he indiscriminate?

You probably should have some antibiotics and perhaps a tetanus shot, especially if there was any
"mashing" of the tissue of your leg.
At the very least you should watch your leg like a hawk and if it begins to pus up or any streaks appear to be moving away from the wound you need to see an MD asap.

Right now, there is no AC in Hawaii.

When he bit, he came for my leg specifically.

And yes, I went to the ER and got treated.

Quick update - I walked past their house again and now there is no sign of the dog..?? Either they brough him inside, put him in the back yard, or no longer have him??