Wrestled a pit bull today :O

[alaskayorkie]

A worst nightmare situation happened today. As I was walking my two Yorkies and Chessie leashed at the park today, an unleashed dog I later found out was a pit bull charged us and pounced on Eddie.

To make a long story short, I dove on top of the pit bull and grabbed his collar with both hands. Fortunately, he hadn't bitten Eddie yet and he was OK. The pittie snapped at me but I was able to keep his head away from me. Only got a scratch from his nails.

His owners had been chasing him since he escaped from their yard, and they leashed him as I was holding him down and apologized.

It was terrifying, but we came out of it unscathed. It seriously has me considering the wisdom of three dog walks, though. It's nearly impossible to protect 3 dogs in a situation like that.

I wrote a too-long blog about it if anybody wants more details.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/blo...l-today-o.html

[Marhcarter]

I'm glad everyone is ok. What a scary situation!

[my2boyz]

Wow, Mike, I'm glad everyone is o.k!

I'm with you..I don't walk ours unless my husband can go with me for that very reason...I know I couldn't protect them if we were threatened by another dog.

[MandiesMom]

That is TOO scary, Mike! I'm so glad it ended well. I agree with the reconsidering walking all at the same time. It's sad that you would have to break them up on walks but it's just safer in such a public area.

Way to spring into action!

[richards6402]

Glad everything turned out OK. I bet your heart was racing a mile a minute. Also glad you were strong enough to hold on to the dog.

A pit jumped the fence at a dog park at went after Macy and me. I am considering carrying a small bottle of mace when if I go back.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Glad you are okay and you saved those precious dogs of yours. Since my Jilly's dog attack, I use an auto-open umbrella to whoosh open into a huge black target that seems to dissuade even the most ardent approaching dog if I have enough time. It has backed off approaching pits and others for about 15 years now and worked great.....so far. I'm so glad you all are okay and hope the dogs don't keep fearing walking in that area.

[R_Z]

Holy cow that's scary. I'm not sure what I would have done in your situation. Glad all ended well.

[Wylie's Mom]

Omg, Mike - I'm so glad no one was hurt. You are one brave dude! And to react so swiftly too...I probably would've felt paralyzed.

I hope the owner fixes the yard for however he got out.

[DBlain]

wow that was scary, you are very lucky that your dogs did not take off after the dog when they first saw him, most of my past yorkies and probably Lola would have ran to the dog, Lola in friendship my other two to attack. I read the blog, I am not sure if you let them all down that there would have been happy sniffing on the part of the big dog. No matter where we are unless it is fenced as much as I would like to I will never let Lola off leash because I know if she sees something of interest she will be off like a like. This summer we have plans to finish off fencing our back yard but I know that is not possible for everyone. You have to believe you did the right thing because everyone came out unharmed but you are right managing three dogs at once is much harder. It sucks having to think about changing a routine that has worked for you for many years

[Verbena]

I am glad everyone is safe. When you walk them again though you need to take a deep breath and remain calm. They will follow your lead.

[Britster]

Oh, man, Mike! That is scary! I am so glad it didn't end worse.

It's so hard to say... you're right, I don't think you could have done anything 'better'. And I think if that Pit had REALLY gone in for a 'kill'... he may have succeeded. You are lucky you were able to get him off so fast.

In situations like that, my instinct kicks in. I had an incident somewhat similar where a Lab (not being friendly) charged us on a walk. It took me .2 seconds of not knowing what to do... then I, like you, lifted him up by his harness into my arms and THANKFULLY, my step-mom and her friend were walking with me. Otherwise, I'm not sure what I would have done. Jackson of course was thrashing around in my arms trying to fight back. Especially being up in my arms, makes him even more vulnerable and goes into 'attack' mode. So then you're trying to deal with TWO dogs acting aggressively.

There was a separate time where we were visiting a friends townhouse, standing in their front yard, and the neighbors small dog (20ish lbs) came bolting out the door straight to attack Jackson. Before even thinking twice, I leaped onto the ground after him, and separated the two dogs. Lol, it's funny thinking back now. But really, something just kicked in, and I knew I had to protect MY dog.

I met a lady at the dog park the other day who said her Chi mix was attacked by a big dog on a walk, and needed surgery. She was by herself but thankfully, somewhat close to home. And this is a neighborhood I walk in frequently. It makes me nervous now... I don't like walking by myself w/ just him as much as I used to. Because I honestly don't know what I'd do if another dog charged us. I was considering buying some pepper spray or something too.

But, wow... so glad everything is okay!

[kjc]

Wow! So glad everyone is okay! And I was worried that one day you all would encounter a bear! So glad Eddie wasn't bitten. Oh and you too! Sounds like you have very quick reflexes for an old man!

I have stopped walking my four together, sadly. Sometimes I do four individual walks, but mostly I take two then the other two. And sadly, I've never felt safe having them off lead, not even when my GSD was alive as she was very protective of us all.

Odd thing though, the other day I was walking Sapphire in a very brightly patterned dress, and one PB that has chased us on prior walks just stood there dumbfounded, cocking his head from side to side looking, and made no effort to chase or even approach us. I'm sure if she had worn her rabbit fur coat or had gone nekked instead his interest would have been sparked.

Going to read your blog now...

[AngelFae]

Those instincts are an awesome, wonderful thing! SOOOOO glad everything worked out ok for you!
Not long after we got Buddy (our GSP,) he was about 4 months old and I was in the last month and a half of my first pregnancy, DH and I went for a walk with Buddy. We were walking along minding our own business and this dog (some sort of a Lab mix, I'm sure) came charging us full boar trying to get to Buddy. DH didn't hesitate in the least, he scooped up Buddy, turned away, and kicked his leg out at the other dog. The other dog couldn't put his brakes on fast enough and skidded out into the road and just about got hit by a car. Thankfully, no one got hurt but the other dog's owner just stood in the door of the house and yelled at the dog. DH shooed the dog home and we continued on our walk, shaking the whole time. We never saw that dog again because the owner quickly put up a fence to keep it in the back yard.

[LunasMomma]

How terrifying! So glad all turned out well and hopefully those owners will secure their dog better in the future.

[kay6688]

Holy cow - I would have wet myself....so glad that everyone is fine!