Kaige was in a fight & socializing with dogs?

[lv4dogs]

My poor boy was in a bad fight last night. Luckily there was angel looking over him. He was not hurt bad, just 2 small scrapes that barely bled and lost some hair. Thank god for his super long/thick coat.
A few of my friends came over for the super bowl. One of my friends brought her dog, no problem there she's a great dog & gets along great with my dogs and everyone.
Well another friend had a friend from out of state come with her. Since she knows I am an animal lover she assumed that bringing the dog would be ok. (It would of been ok if I had known about is so I could ask if the dog is friendly and housebroken & also so I could be prepared to do introductions properly). BUT no she just let the dog in the house with no notice (a few of my GOOD friends do not knock, they just come in). I didn't even notice that they pulled in the driveway, all of sudden I see this HUGE mastiff/american bulldog mix that I have never seen before come running into my house.
Well her friends dog is not all that dog friendly and she even tried to warn my friend about it (I didn't know about that until after the fight). Well my friend just kept re-assuring her that my dogs are all friendly therefore everything will be ok.
The dog is excited but seemed friendly. They were doing fine, playing & playing for about an hour. Things seemed to be going really well when litterally out of no where her dog play bowed & ran full speed across the room (running right on top of a friend & Raustyk) with NO warnings, no noises or anything, his tail was still wagging & his ears were in the playfull position & everything, so we all thought he just really wanted to play but instead as soon as he reached Kaige he just grabbed a hold of Kaige & started fighting and shaking. It was BAD. Kaige was literally being thrown in the air by his neck. It took all we had to seperate them, her dog would not let go of Kaige. Poor Kaige was whining & crying up a storm & shaking with fear. We really thought he would of been torn all up & we'd be taking a trip to the emergency vets but all we found was 2 little scrapes that barely bled and a few clumps of hair. Lots of slobber but no serious cuts or any bumps. Luckily he has such long/thick hair on his neck, if it wasn't for that I have NO doubt in my mind that he would be missing half of his body right now. .

The dog was moved outside for the rest of the night.
And Kaige was shaking for a while. But within 10 or so minutes he was back to playing with the other dogs. He was way more clingy than normal though, all night and even today as well.

I feel so bad for him. That scared the crap out of all of us I can't imagine how he felt. I could barely breath for about an hour my nerves were so shaken up. I feel so bad for him. Of course since his wounds were not serious what so ever & he was not acting hurt either I had to hold back the urge to baby him. He was SO clingy I had to kind of shoo him away a bunch of times (after I checked him over completely of course). I didn't want him to think that he is getting rewarded for whinning or for fighting or for being clingy. I wanted him to think that ok it's over lets go on with our normal life now. Did I do the right thing?


So now what do I do about socializing with dogs?
I am afraid this may have made some sort of negative impact on him but I don't want it too. Although he hasn't been around other dogs since this was just last night, so I really don't know if it did or not, It was such a bad fight that I am just assuming it probably had a negative impact on his outlook of other dogs.
I assume it be best to get him right back out there (with friendly dogs of course) to show him that not all dogs are harmful before the aggression really sinks in?

Has anyone had a friendly dog get into a fight before? How did it impact his/her outlook on other dogs from then on?

I've never had such a friendly dog get into that bad of a fight before.
Raustyk is the only one I've had get into fight before and she's already *sometimes* dog aggressive but none of her fights were serious, she just pins them down to show them whos boss. I've never had another dog, especially a very friendly one get into a fight before.

[luvofallhorses]

I am sorry, Sue. I would have been upset if I were in your shoes. The person who had the dog that got in a fight with Kaige should have asked if it was okay to bring her dog. :( (((Kaige & Sue))) I have never had any of my dogs get in a fight before. I hope someone has advice for you. Give Kaige a hug for me.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Poor Kaige! How stupid of that woman to assume she could just turn up with her dog.....

I hope this doesn't have too much effect on your darling boy - he may be a bit nervous of other dogs for a while (and who can blame him!)

[cyber-sibes]

((((hugs Kaige)))) Poor boy! Since he's had so many good interactions with other dogs, he'll probably be okay. I know how you feel - about a week ago at the dogpark I walked in with Star & Sherman & within two seconds a big mastiff-mix was growling & snarling and had Star pinned to the ground! (don't know him, never saw him at the dogpark before :( ) When we walked in, he was just standing there calmly, his owner even had hold of his collar- I turned my back to hang the leashes on the fence, & wham! I was really shook up, too. But she was ok. He left immediately.
Your friend really should not have brought her dog without checking, but I'm sure she's figured that out by now. I hope Kaige gets back to his happy little self soon!

[cloverfdx]

Oh no what a horrible thing to happen, poor Kaige :(. As for socialising from now on Kaige will hopefully let you know what he is ok with and what he is not. I too hope the attack has caused no lasting damage.

[elizabethann]

Poor Kaige. I'm so glad he is okay. I think the best thing is for him to be with other dogs right away. Perhaps that will make him forget what happened last night? What if you socialize him with small/medium dogs in the next few days and then socialize him with bigger dogs after that?

Fenway got knocked around a bit at the dog park. But being the Momma's boy that he is, I babied him. Now when we go to the dog park, he sticks by me like glue. Only once in awhile he will venture off to play with the other dogs.

He was beat up by this one dog that got him good. When he sees this dog at the dog park, he stays away from him and he eyes him and watches him. I know Fenway feels uncomfortable with him, so we leave when that dog's at the park.

I'm sure Kaige will be his old self again. I'm just glad he didn't get seriously hurt.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Oh no Sue!! As I can think of the same thing happening to Pistol and how innocent they are. They love everybody. How horrible for Kaige. My heart breaks for the little man. Please give him kisses and gentle hugs from us :(

[gemini9961]

Poor guy. :( I'm sure he will be fine, probably best to proceed as normal with him and carry on as if it didn't happen. Hugs to you both.

[lv4dogs]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone.
I am still shaken up over this. I hope he continues to love other dogs.



Oh no Sue!! As I can think of the same thing happening to Pistol and how innocent they are. They love everybody. How horrible for Kaige. My heart breaks for the little man. Please give him kisses and gentle hugs from us :(
How is that boy anyways? It's been a while since I heard of him. Do you have any new pics of him? I'd love to see what a handsome boy he has turned into. :D

[sandragonfly]

((((hugs)))) I know how shaky it can be! so glad kaige wasn't more seriously injuried. I still can't imagine he got into fight.

about clingy part, I think you did wonderful, tough love. hard I know but you see what my crayola does. :rolleyes: ;)

crayola, extremely friendly dog who wouldn't hurt an ant once had his ear ripped off by a boxer, he of course was shaky for not long than few days. surgery & pain made it longer, but with him socializing, he did great, fine still. I think since you've balanced kaige's good interactions than unfriendliest ones, he should be okay.

how is he reacting to you and others today? will you try have him playing ball this afternoon and see? know you both still are in my thoughts, hoping nothing will affect/change him from that scary fight! keep us posted, please. :)

[IRescue452]

This other dog has some issues. Its never a good thing when a dog snaps so unpredictably. I'm guessing it wasn't used to all the activity level. Poor Kaige. I hope it doesn't make much impact. You did good to not coddle him. Autumn took a few weeks after her attack to trust other dogs again. Often you find a few people at our dog park resocializing after an attack. We have so many visitors that even if 1% of dogs get attacked in a year its still about 10 dogs. They take a bit but usually take their cues from the owners about whether or not to be comfortable or scared.

[pnance]

Oh poor boy, I hope he's okay today. From experience I know how horrible it is to watch your pup get thrown around by another dog. My RB terrier X Sandy (10lbs) was attacked while we were on a walk by 2 full grown akita's. The male literally picked him up by his neck/shoulder and shook him around, it was horrible. The owner and I were desprately trying to get him to let go and control the female akita. When he finally did Sandy had some severe puncture wounds and was in shock. After a stay at the vets and a rather long recovery period physically he survived, but he was terrified of large dogs. Before this he was extremely friendly, outgoing and absolutely fearless. After this he wouldn't go near large dogs. It took about 3 years before he was again ok with them, but by the time he passed we had 4 large dogs and he was the boss. ;) I guess based on my experience I'd say get Kaige around dogs you know are friendly preferably a similiar size maybe even similiar breed to the one that attacked him. He may be a bit tentative at first, but if your relaxed and the other dog is obviously friendly he'll probably be fine. I didn't get the chance to do that because of Sandy's injuries, but I'm guessing it would have helped a lot if I had.

[K9karen]

:eek: :eek: You have to know that just reading the tread before the story physically shook me up! First and foremost, I'm so relieved that Kaige is fine or I would have had a heart attack. Special, precious boy.
You have bundles of more experience than I, but it sounds to me, that you did the perfect thing but not coddling him (hard, huh?). And just like people (get back in the drivers seat) I think you're 100% correct to immediately socialize him with other dogs.
Having made awful socializing (or lack of) mistakes with Cody, and not quite sure of Logan's past, we try to take her everywhere. First and foremost, when we know another dog is coming over, regardless whether Logan's met them before, we always have her on lead until after the introductions and we all feel comfortable. I think that friend of your friend, owes you a huge apology for not asking your permission, assumming all would be fine and not following doggie ettiquet. I'm as dumb as a rock and even I know better.
The main thing is that our boy is fine. I hope, Sue, you're doing ok now too. See? If I had kidnapped him when I said I was gonna, this wouldn't have happened! :p
Endless hugs and kisses on everyone!

[Daisy and Delilah]

Pistol is doing great Sue. He hurt his back left foot rough housing with his cousin Jake(Golden) but after my son painstakingly kept him off of it as much as possible, he's okay now. As active as he is, it was very very difficult, as you already know ;) The vet said if he didn't stay off of it and let it heal he might have to have surgery. He has turned into a very handsome young man. My son has a ton of pics. I'll get him to give me some of them so you can see how he looks now. Thanks for asking about him. :)

[new mom to a veiled]

Ahhhh poor Kaige man.......I hope you BOTH are okay. My guys have never been in a fight, so I don't know what to say. Poor, poor baby.......Thanks goodness he wasn't hurt any wosre

[Jadapit]

Geez, I'm sorry that happened Sue. I know how scary that is. When we got Ebony, Jada was fine with her the first day. The second day she almost killed her. Stuff like that is so scary. I'm so glad Kaige is ok. :)

[RobiLee]

Oh no! I'm so sorry this happened. It sounds like you handled it right, especially by not babying him afterwards. That had to be so hard to do. I'll bet Kaige is still going to be fine with other dogs. I'm a big fan of Cesar Millan and he says never to baby them that it only encourages the fear. I think that is pretty much true. He also says that dogs don't hold grudges. I'm not so sure about that one.

Gosh, I hate to think of Kaige getting attacked and hurt. I just love that boy. I know how scared and upset you must have been. I'm sending out big hugs for you both.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Here is a recent pic of Pistol eating a Frosty Paw, Sue. It's the best one I have right now. Sorry you can't see his face very well. I'll post more soon :)

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/Delilah6/pistol2-6-06.jpg

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Poor Kaige! That must have been terrible. I think he'll be ok, maybe it will just take some time for him to be completely trusting again.

Marta got attacked at the dog park before, out of nowhere. There was this spot that all the dogs were interested in, and Marta was sniffing next to it, this dog (much larger than her) ran over and grabbed her by the scruff of the neck and threw her! I was so glad my husband was there to grab Marta and shoo that other dog away. I know this sounds awful, but I really felt like shaking that other dog myself, but we just left the dog park quickly to get away from it. The owners didn't do anything though, I think they were one of those people who come to the dog park without registering their dogs. I was SOOOO upset, I can completely understand how you must feel. I think I was more upset than Marta! Luckily she didn't have any injuries, and she still likes other dogs and plays with them (although she has always been more interested in people). I hope it's the same with Kaige.

Poor little Kaige! I'm very glad to hear he wasn't hurt badly, and that he's doing ok.

[Ginger's Mom]

Wow Sue, how scary!!! I cannot imagine what is was like having to witness that. Poor Kaige!!! Big hugs to him. I am sure that if you take it slowly at first everything will be alright. As someone else said, Kaige will let you know how much socialization he wants/needs with bigger dogs.

[.sarah]

Poor Kaige!! :(

Nova has been attacked by Mandy twice. Nothing serious happened -- a bite wound the first time and nothing the second, but Nova was pretty shaken up both times. She's also been bitten by a few other dogs. She's just so friendly that it's usually too much for some dogs when she comes running up to play. Each time she was fine, she actually tries to "apologize" to the dogs. It's never dampered her spirit towards other dogs.

I hope he does okay. I agree with everyone when they say to get him out ASAP with friendly dogs. I don't think size should be an issue when choosing them, though. If you keep him away from big dogs now only to introduce him later I would think that would almost make him think that big dogs have gone away. I'm not sure, but I think it would just enforce the fear more and when he saw another big dog after a long while of not seeing them he'd probably be even more scared than if you re-introduced him right away.

[king2005]

oh no :( poor guy :(

I kinda know what its like to see another dog attack your loved one. During the 1998 ice storm, we took in my friend & her small dog. We went out & bought 2 treats that would last then 2 dogs hours. Well Max started to lick his across the floor & I didn't notice it (he "can" have aggression with treats, but hes just fine when hes in his own corner & left alone, I can even call him off of it & pick it up & walk off with it). Well we had NO idea the small dog was treat/dog aggressive, as in the 10yrs they had her, she showed none. Well Max's treat bumpped the tip of her tail & she tried to attack him in a NASTY way! However Max was MUCH larger then her & he just grabbed her by the back of the neck & litterly sat ontop of her, while she still tried to attack him. It scared the HELL out of us & both dog were puniched & made to site outside for a few mins (they are the type that HATE being outside with out us, so its a wonderful punishment, with out being physical (no it wasn't tool cold out & they were only out there for 5 mins). After that they both came in & layed down... Both dogs were fine after that, they just stayed away from eachother after that.


The above dogs BIG brother was in a really nasty fight. It wasn't his fault at all & he even tried to get away when called off... This lady (who had beaten the Rottie we babysat with a baseball bat, as he was tied to a tree on our yard 20 feet from the road) bought a Mastiff & made him mean or had someone train it, or borrowed it (not sure really). This nut bag came up to our yard (really my friends, but I was living there during the summer) & released her dog & told it to attack our Rottie :mad: Rocky has always been dog aggressive, but he never left his masters side after training. Well my friend ran, the rottie was attacked by the mastiff & he faught back & when he was called off (right away, duh), he tried but was attacked along the way. Luckly my friend was able to get him in the house away from the mastiff.
I wasn't there at that time, I was at home. She called me & I had to bike 20km to get to her house (in the country) to help her look over our big baby. He was covered in blood, as his neck was a mess. The vet cleaned him up & he didn't change towards dogs at all.

I don't think dog fighs upset the one being attacked if the dog understands it did nothing wrong & that what happened wasn't good either.

[k9krazee]

:( ((((Hugs)))) to you and the little Kaige man

I don't have any advice or anything. The only one of my dogs that have been in a nasty fight is Micki, and he was never really dog friendly to begin with :rolleyes: I would just pretend it never happened and move forward...I am soooo glad he wasn't seriously hurt :(

[slleipnir]

I'd watch him around other dogs to be safe. Just let him sniff any new dogs...Josie use to be really friendly. I took her to the dog park a lot, and she was in a couple (not serious) fights because of other aggressive dogs. I don't know the reason, but Josie is aggressive now.

[bckrazy]

That is SO, so scary!!! I'm really glad Kaige is ok, give him extra hugs and cookies for being such a tough boy.

>_< I really can't believe some one would just let their dog loose in your house. Especially since, I'm sure they've seen hints of erratic behavior from their dog, and with those breeds he could've really done damage to your little Aussie boy.

Gonzo was jumped on by a Black Lab when he was about Kaige's age - and he is still very wary of Black labs (not yellow, or chocolate.. Black :rolleyes: ). Like, he'll be playing with a Yellow lab, and Black lab will come over and he'll shrink down and act very scared. He was also attacked by a Rottie last year. He's been much more intimidated when he meets unknown large dogs, but with a slow introduction and after some time he's usually playful. I really think going out of your way to find trustworthy, mellow large dogs to socialize him with would be a good idea! His Brother and Sis are big dogs, too, so that should reinforce that not all big dogs are scary.

[KYS]

Very scary situation. You must have been so shaken up.
I probably would have sent the woman home with her dog after that.
Sending oodles and oodles of hugs to Kaige.

[CathyBogart]

How terrifying!

You do such a wonderful job socializing him that I suspect he'll be okay after a few days of fun play. Fingers crossed that I'm right!

[pitc9]

Ohhh poor baby boy!!! :eek: :(
SO glad to hear he's okay! I sure hope you gave that dog's owner an ear full!! :mad:
I think as long as you don't let yourself get nervous next time he's around dogs everything will be fine. He'll feed off of you and if you're nervous, then he'll think "Oh.. is there something I should be afraid of??" But if you just keep your cool, and stay calm he'll be fine.
(sure... easy for me to say :p ;) )

[lv4dogs]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone.
Now here comes the hard part, I only know of a few people that have friendly dogs that we are able to play with, none are that large. I guess we'll be visiting them often hoping that the fact that there is no BIG dog around won't cause a problem later in life.
We'll be hanging out at the park more often too, busier parks that is, hoping for more friendly dogs! ;)

Kaige seems to be doing great, he's acting compleltely fine. He's still a little more clingly & lovey than usual but thats ok, I like it like that. He's usually too wiggly to cuddle with. ;)

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Glad to hear he doesn't appear too traumatised - kiss that lovely head for me