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While doing umbilical with my 2 dog's yesterday, out of nowhere come's a loose pitbull. Went right for my 9 mos old (65 lb) female's neck. My 2 yr old (80 lb) male grabbed the pitbull with all his might, in which the pitbull turned on him. By this time, both leashes are wrapped tightly around my legs. (I'm sorry if this isn't making any sense, the pain medication I am on is kind of clouding my thoughts) but I will try to keep it simple and to the point..... My young one is laying still on the ground and my older male is stuck to my side (because the lead is so tight) trying to fight off the pitbull. I'm punching at the pitbull, which was enough to turn his attention to me, and latches on to my arm. I don't know where I found the strength, but was able to kick him with everything I had and finally he ran off.

So after a trip to the vet and to the ER for me, Sammie-Girl received 8 stiches at the back of her neck (she's doing remarkably well), Pete, my Hero, not even a scratch and well me...9 stiches in my forearm.

I have called the police and animal control. They are searching for this pitbull. Last I heard, witnesses (don't know where they were when this was all taking place) saw a man putting a pitbull into a car and driving off. Unfortunately, the car's licence plate was from a different province and is probably long gone by now.

Think my umbilical training is over. The fear of this happening again is too great.

If I hear any news, regarding the whereabouts of this animal, I will let everyone know. As for now, I think we all need some rest.

Just got off the phone with animal control. They found the pitbull just up the street from where this took place. He has been locked up. Feel so bad, I know his fate. Just glad he will not be able to do harm, again.

Wow, it's horrible that there are owners of dogs out there that just don't feel the need to train or fix bad behaviours. I'm so sorry you had to go through something like that, as it can be quite a terrifying experience. It's great that you and your dogs weren't more hurt than you are, and I commend you for responding the way you did.

For yourself, and your dogs, there are a few things to remember over the next couple weeks as you are all healing. Stay positive, and try to keep things as normal as possible. Don't give up on umbilical, as it's still an important part of training. Think of it this way. If your dogs wouldn't have been on umbilical, they could have ran out into the street away from the pitbull and into traffic. I can understand how you'd be extremely scared, but you need to ease back into it, take shorter walks, take your husband with you if you're nervous, and try to keep in mind that any nervous reaction you have will have an effect on your dogs and their behaviour. Again, I'm so sorry you had to go through that, and I hope you all pull through ok!!

Thats terrible!
Im so sorry to hear that.
I hope you all a speedy recovery and hope you stay positive with your training. I know this is a hard time for you, but we are all here for you.

All the best.

Katie
-x-

That is aweful! A couple weeks ago my girlfriends dog was killed by a large breed dog , People need to train and contain there dogs big or small. Hope you can still continue with your training , umbilical is so important it made a big difference in my training! Best wishes for you and your dogs.

I'm sorry this happened to you

It's owners who allow their bully breeds to become agressive, that make everyone hate our big guy. One more nail in the coffin for a great breed, when these things happen. Really gets under my skin, when owners don't take the time to train, or train for agression on purpose.

I hope you all have a speedy recovery and are able to ease back into training and overcome the fear you've now got.

I'm so sorry, Munko. I shouldn't have named the breed who attacked my dog's and I. Wasn't thinking clearly.

Bully breeds do get a bad rap. I know first hand, as I was once an owner of a pitbull. She was a sweet, well trained, well controlled dog for the 7 years she was with me.

I feel for the dog, that is now going to be put down because of it's owner's lack of control and training. I'm really struggling with that and wish there was something else that could be done.

Thanks everyone for your support. After much needed rest, I know what I have to do. I have to keep up my training with my 2 dog's as it wouldn't be fair to them if I didn't. They have been working so hard with me and I am very proud of them both.

Will just take a little time of healing first.

I don't know what else to say other than I know there are people on this site that can help you when you have your fears, and give out advice where possible on anxieties and nerves. From the very little I know about you, you do seem like a strong person, and you'll conquer your fears, however hard it may be. Like anything else, it takes time to adjust. Don't worry, you'll get there, and you're dogs will be all the more awesome for it. It's just one more reason to enjoy every moment we have with our little (or sometimes big) buddies, cause you never know what's going to happen. Just try not to let it get you down!

So sorry to hear what happened We send you wishes for a successfull recovery. Keep up with the umbilical- it's super important for both dogs and yourself to gain back lost confidence now. Won't happen overnight, but it can come back. Do you have any neighbourhood friend's you can buddy up with for walks?

For yourself watch for PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) which can show up months later especially as the legal proceedings occur. And don't forget we're all hear to listen and encourage too!

That is scary and I have been close to a dog attack while on umbilical. It is why I would like to learn a quick release knot for the leash rather than being looped in. At all costs I will hang onto my dog, but there are times when I think for the safety of one's self, you need to be able to get out of the leash.

Guess I'll find a sailor or a boy scout to show me some knots.

It might be hard to get past this, but do your best and get some support around you for walking the next little while. And remember that it's not your fault that this dog will be put down. He won't suffer and it is the people who raised him that need to be held accountable for not controlling their dog and making sure they have a socialized animal.

Heal well!! Keep us posted.

Oh, please don't be sorry! I think mentioning the breed was crucial to the details of the story. Being attacked by a pitbull is vastly different than a chihuhua.

I think it's great that after a little rest you've decide to begin training again when you're all ready. If more owners were as dedicated as you, we wouldn't have to worry about our 'bullies' being under constant fire.

Hope you're all doing well and are able to work past this.