Rex bit a dog

Just now, about 11pm when we took the bus on the way back home from our evening walk, Rex (on leash), absolutelly unexpected, bit a dog.

When we entered the bus, Rex simply rushed to a dog that was lying under a seat, draged her, from there and didn't want to let the dog free. Was horrible! We both owners were too chocked! I apologized. The woman said nothing. The dog was wounded and crying; I went to the back of the bus and could not see the wounds at the other dog. I am so sorry and scared and very sad.

There was no way to prevent, I only saw the little dog after we were in the bus.

Today we rode a lot with street cars and buses, and he behaved so well. He also had his second class in obedience course, and he played with his classes camarades, like I had never seen before, he was having so much fun, and I was so happy because of him.

I ask myself now if he is normal. When that was happening, only came to my mind the image if he has to be put down because of his behaviour. If the woman reports to the police, I fear what could happen to Rex and to me.

I also wonder if he knows what he did, in the sense that after the attack, he like cryied a little bit.

I feel hurt and miserable. And I am questioning myself if I am investing my feelings, time and money in a lost case.

Should I tell the obedience instructor? I am afraid he could ban Rex from the classes???

Thank you very much.

Rosana
and
Rex (German Shepherd, 3y)


ps: Rex was neutered last April, 27.

Dogs live in a sensory world we can't imagine. While you were looking to find a place on the bus Rex and the other puppy may have been exchanging signals that Rex didn't quite take as friendly. Just a wild guess but the other dog was probably male?

Since you own the larger dog another problem us humans have managed to introduce into the canine world is... pure confusion! In Wolf society if you are small you are a puppy, and you are expected to be submissive. If you are large then you are obviously an adult. But look at what we have done to that strict social and simplified order with our dogs! I've seen 50 lb puppies trying to be submissive to 15 lb adult dogs. It's a sight to see. In your Rex's case he is a large dog at 3 yrs, possibly being challenged by signals you did not catch by this small dog. To him it's a puppy. The small dog on the other hand is a big adult wolf in a tiny dog's body. The other dog tried to stand its ground and things didn't turn out too well for it. You may have noticed it's the smaller dog that tends to be barking or making aggressive motions towards the larger dog than the other way around.

I think you should chalk it up as a chance occurance, but keep an eye on future scenarios where Rex meets up with a dog previously unknown. Likewise since he knows the other dogs in his class, it shouldn't be a problem there.

Thank you very much for your reply, it calmed me down.

Today we rode with a street cars again (no dogs in sight, no problems), but at the park, for my surprise, he sniffed and wanted to play with two other dogs that were already there together. He was extremely friendly. The ladies said I could off leash him, because he wanted to play (I didn't). When told to came, he sat before me, waging his tail. One of the ladies said he is cute, good, etc. Their dogs were middle sized.

Other dogs he growled or barked and lunged (I controlled him), other he ignored.

Is a growl a kind of a greeting?

The dog at the bus looked like a beagle, was small enough to lay under the seat.

In a similar occurence, I posted in General: "Scared: was it a play or a fight?"

He is my very first dog, I have him for only one month now; the former owners never bothered to give him any socialization when pup, or after that.

Thank you very much for answer.

Rosana
and
Rex (German Shepherd, 3y)

Yes, always the small ones challenge him (or other big ones), and mostly don't obey their owners, etc. Sometimes their owners find it is cute their little babies challenging the "big beasts".

So, after he bit and wounded the other dog, did you and the other dog's owner exchange names and phone numbers? Is the other dog going to have to go to the vet? If so, did you offer to pay for the bills? The only reason I'm asking is because it seems more likely that she will report it and be hateful about it if you didn't offer to help. That's how a lot of people are, and, I'm just curious what you and the other owner did and/or said after the attack. I would tell Rex's instructor, though. I mean, he should know, that way he's able to make his own assessment on whether or not Rex should be in the class. Maybe he could do one on one classes with you. I don't know what the laws are over where you are, but, maybe (just to prevent something like that or something worse from happening) you could put Rex in a muzzle when you walk him. I'm sorry that that happened to the little dog and his owner and to you and Rex. That's scary on both sides! Let us know what happens.

Maybe you should tell the instructor and see what they think about it, I don't think they would ban him from the classes. Of course dogs think so much differently than us.. he may feel bad for it or may not understand, but I don't think dogs do things to intentionally harm anyone or anything the way it may seem. Of course he shouldn't be put down! Just be more cautious when taking him out.. give him more attention. It may never happen again. I'm sorry it had to happen and I really hope the other dog is alright.. No animal is ever a lost cause, just remember that and it may help.

After I separeted the dogs, went right alway to the other side. I could not talk to the lady, I had to calm down Rex, and could not let him alone. That lady said nothing, didn't complain, she stayed calming down her dog. Except for apologies I didn't speak to her. I was trembling, so nervous for what had happened, I didn't know what to do. The lady aparently was drunk or under drugs, she was crying more than the dog, and I tough was better to keep away my name/phone nr. I am expecting be reported and will keep my eyes on the newspapers, where they print occurences, in this case, of course i will present myself.

Her dog looked like a beagle, small enough to fit under the seat. In the begining I tought it was a lop (floppy) rabbit.

When I say I am afraid he would PTS is in case if this kind of "attacks" will repeat, and police reports, etc, they can consider him unable to live in society, being a danger for other dogs and consequently people in general. I am thinking maybe to ride with public transportation Rex has to wear a muzzle. For me, it is ok. i will call the instructor today.


Thank you all.

Rosana
and
Rex

I called the instructor yesterday, he said that what happened is absolutelly unpredictable and that I should be more alert, when around people (possibility to have dogs nearby).

Is not a case for a muzzle, yet.

In the next class I'll talk more about it with him.


Thank you all for the replies.


Rosana
and
Rex