Is this true? I was told elsewhere that Teagan, b/c of how she attacked the small dog,

 Quote:

she's a predator, through and through. Dogs that intend to kill other dogs go for the belly, hindquarters and anus."

I always was so thankful she didn't go for the throat - I did some googling and didn't find much about this. I've always thought prey drive was a big factor in the attack - but is the comment about going for the kill, and her methodology, correct?

Dunno. Ask Teagan, LOL! Prey drive IS with the intention to kill...prey....as in food. Fighting for dominance definitely has a different look, but as far as the quote, I think it would depend upon several factors. Dominance wars typically involve a lot of posturing, grabbing by the throat, attempts to put the other dog on their back, etc. Certainly different than the way an animal would attack another animal it had the intention of eating.

I think that an inexperienced dog will grab any part of another dog that they can get a hold of. Throat, head, front legs, or back legs would be obvious targets.

Dogs that have killing experience, such as Foxhounds attacking coyotes, will go for the throat.

I think it really doesn't matter her intent, any attack can be fatal and you are wise to take the precautions you have to avoid any more.

Jenni, I think Teagan's answer is 'I was having fun!!! Why'd ya stop me? Didn't you see???' That's my girl, sigh....

Debbie, watching Teagan, she struck me as extremely efficient, and in that sense, experienced, but I also thought the throat would be the killing spot. She sliced through the fatty and muscle layers, front of the thigh to the anus, in a few seconds. I always thought I was lucky that's where she attacked.

You are right though - any attack can be fatal, and no matter what, we'll stick with the precautions that are in place now.

I/we (though I'm sure Teagan would disagree) are truly lucky in that the dog was fine, though it did obviously need an operation and vet monitoring. We've seen it since (though not near our house) and every time I'm just thrilled to see it. Poor dog.

They did have a good suggestion though, in terms of rewarding Teagan while we're outside since she's muzzled - I always give her toys to her mouth, which doesn't work with the muzzle - this person suggested working with her so that she can catch the toy with her feet, or roll on it, that kind of thing - so that toys can be used even while she's muzzled. I thought that was a great idea.

Should have been more clear-holding by the throat is quite different than tearing at the throat! I am quite sure your interp. of Teagan's response was spot-on, LOL!