For those who don't know, I foster for a breed rescue (Catahoula Leopard Dog). One of the dogs I fostered in 2006-2007 (had him 11 months) was adopted and returned. He was in his home for 10 months and I just got him back on Sunday. He is 2 1/2 years old neutered male, weighing 65 lbs and very fit. I've included some history at the bottom in case it helps. (Sorry for the long post).
I've been keeping him crated and leash walking him, to help him adjust. This morning on our walk we were attacked by a huge mastiff type dog that was off-leash. (The owner got his dog, put his dog in the car and drove off after the attack). My dog was bitten about 3 times on his head and ear.
I took my dog to the vet and the bites are mainly bleeding cuts and surface wounds, he didn't need any stitches. (For the record I also called the police and animal control).
My dog does not have a bond with me yet. I did try to stop the other dog from getting my dog and eventually was able to drive it off, though it probably weighed more than I did. The fight did not seem like the dog was very aggressive, since he could have probably killed my dog if he wanted to. It was really more of a brief scuffle. I have my theories as to why the dog might have attacked my dog but that's not important. What is important is that my poor guy was bitten.
Anyway, I have 3 other dogs that I have been trying to slowly introduce to this dog and I am wondering now if I should change things. When we were at the vet's there was a little mini Schnauzer in the waiting room and my dog acted like he wanted to sniff her, not really defensive or aggressive. (I didn't allow him to sniff). I found in general he dealt with the attack better than I did. Catahoulas are tough stock dogs used on cattle and for hunting hogs, so he didn't really seem too upset by his blood being everywhere. Since the other dog did leave, do you think his confidence was shaken by the attack or he felt that he dealt adequately with the situation?
Is there any special way I should now act when we see a strange dog, or will he be OK? This has never happened to me before so not sure how to proceed with him. Anything special I should do?
** history **
Dog was a neglect case in Florida and came into rescue at about 8 months of age. He suffers from extreme and irrational fear of objects, especially inside the home, and he is also afraid of wind noise. (This is the reason he was returned, owner could not deal with his fears any more). His reaction is similar to dogs that are afraid of thunderstorms. He has always been fine with all people, friendly. He is good with cats. He's generally good with other dogs both male and female, when properly introduced. Sometimes he growls a bit until he sniffs the dog then he is fine. When I had him and the previous adopter had him, he never attacked another dog. He generally plays with them. At this time he is an unhappy dog, he is missing his family and he doesn't really remember my house or me yet.
Anyway, I have 3 other dogs that I have been trying to slowly introduce to this dog and I am wondering now if I should change things. When we were at the vet's there was a little mini Schnauzer in the waiting room and my dog acted like he wanted to sniff her, not really defensive or aggressive. (I didn't allow him to sniff). I found in general he dealt with the attack better than I did.
Hi Angela,
Sorry to hear about such an unpleasant walk - I'm glad it wasn't worse, and it sounds like your new boy is actually dealing pretty well with it (given he has a shaky past to begin with) - love those stubborn hounds! I'm certain that MY nerves stay off the charts much longer than my dog's whenever those types of situations occur, though any attack has the potential to be devastating and set back a lot of training... so you're right to assess things now and make sure you can move forward with this dog with as much confidence and stability as possible.
How were the slow introductions to your other dogs going BEFORE this incident? What was the new dog's reaction to each of your current dogs and how were you controlling the "meetings"? You described him as pretty good with most dogs, so I'm assuming things were OK...
I'm NO expert, but if it were me, I would maybe keep the new guy separated from the others for a few days (give the meet-ups a little break) and keep up the bonding with YOU to strengthen his trust in you as the pack leader. Do a little extra walking or obedience with him (but I would avoid all neighborhood dogs - work on focusing his attention on you and keeping the other dogs well in the background). Then, when you're feeling better about his settling in, and he's confidently looking to you for cues, THEN go back to your introductions to the other dogs. Slowly. If you have a softer or more submissive dog in the pack, let him meet that one first, then work your way through. It will probably be quite obvious what his comfort level is during that re-greet with the first dog, so you'll be able to see if he's doing well, or still dealing with a little fear, and adjust your course of action accordingly.
My guess - he sounds like a good stable dog with other dogs, but the fact that he's new to you (relatively) means that you might want to put in a little extra time after this attack firming up your relationship with him before he gets to socialize with others. He'll feel more comfortable with you watching over him, you'll have more control, and things will hopefully go smoothly.
I'm sure you'll get some good advice from other though...
The way I see it his pack of two beat back the aggressor. His pack won and he wasn't badly hurt. Time will tell if his confidence is shaken.
If it were me I would wait to introduce other dogs until your bond with him is stronger.
I would stick to your original course of action and introduce them (your other dogs) slowly. The incident doesn't change that in my mind; it's a good path to take regardless of the dog's history and temperament. The work bonding you and the dog is, of course, way more important than bonding him with the other dogs. Once you have his trust and respect, all things will go more smoothly, IMO.
And you know, some dogs respond in totally different ways to the exact same situation. I think it's great that your dog is shaking this off. It sounds like you and he handled it well.
As for other strange dogs, I wouldn't push them on him, but if they come up in daily life (as they sometimes do) just treat the situation as if he had never been attacked. Don't anticipate anything and just stay as calm as you were before the attack happened. Keep moving forward. Nothing is to be gained by rushing things, but there is a lot to possibly be lost if you do.
Right now, just as if you had a pup...the focus should be on you bonding with the dog.
You sound like you're doing really well with this guy. Slow and steady!
Just want to say thanks for the advice. This dog can't be off leash even in my yard (since he is a fence climber), so I had to take him for a few more walks since then. I took a big male (human) friend with me when we went back to the park, and the dog acted fine. For myself, I won't go in the park anymore alone and we just walk in the streets, and I didn't sleep last night, but at least the dog is OK!! I have been giving him a few minutes of "house time" with me and the bonding is going well. Seems like he did indeed "shake it off" but I guess time will tell.
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