what would you do.......?

[Pit Chick]

Originally posted by lv4dogs
Maybe the neck area is the only area that was near the dogs mouth? Since the man fell on him I would think that the dog just went for whatever was nearest?

jennifert9, I know you are right about wolves hunting behavior in packs but it makes me wonder about the behavior in dogs that are not in packs or domesticated dogs. Sadly but true & natural instinct I personally know/have known an awful LOT of dogs that will kill smaller animals, rabbits, woodchucks, racoons etc.. and every dog I have ever witnessed went for the throat, once experienced they held it there until it was suffocated or paralyzed.

I have to agree with you on this. Also, while dogs and wolves share a lot of behaviors, they don't share them all. I've had a few accidental fights at my house and the first thing they go for is the face or throat of the other dog. They know that those are vulnerable areas that will seriously hurt or bring down the other dog. A pack of wolves will bring down a large animal together and start eating while the animal is still alive because it's a race to get a belly full before there's nothing left. A dog that's fighting another dog, attacking a person either offensively or defensively is doing so out of instinct to protect itself. A dog that goes after a leg or arm leaves itself open to being kicked or punched or if it's another dog, bitten.

I also agree with BCkrazy about taking the dog to a behaviorist. This wasn't the dog's fault and really has nothing to do with breed, breeding, or training, it was an instinctual reaction to being fallen on while asleep. (I would have reacted the same way.) All dogs are different and will react differently to being disturbed while sleeping or in pain. I've accidentally stepped on tails and toes before and while some didn't even react, others jumped up with a loud yelp.