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racheK
Hudson's Momma
Member since 10/10 2853 total posts
Name:
Rachel
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Question---what is the right thing to do?
My friend's dog (a pit mix) bit another dog at a dog park the other day. I feel that my friend can't handle her dog, but that's another story. The dog wasn't on a leash.
The owners of the other dog contacted her and asked her to pay for the $500 vet bill. I think she should pay this, she told me about it but didn't like my response when I told her that she should pay it. She is now ignoring the request.
Am I wrong? Shouldn't she pay for vet bill?
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Posted 4/30/13 11:12 AM  |
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halfbaked
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6937 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
That is sooo wrong. Everything about the scenario sounds like she's to blame. I wouldn't even hesitate to pay that money. She's very lucky they are only looking for her to cover the vet bills and not escalating this.
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| Posted 4/30/13 11:24 AM |
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dctead
It's 5 o'clock somewhere!
Member since 11/10 2139 total posts
Name:
Emily
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Question---what is the right thing to do?
You aren't wrong... she is. Yes, she should pay the vet bill.
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| Posted 4/30/13 12:49 PM |
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Traysee
LIF Adolescent
Member since 12/10 652 total posts
Name:
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Question---what is the right thing to do?
If her dog instigated the fight and the other dog was the only dog that was damaged then yes, she should pay the vet bill and be grateful that is all they are asking for. But if the dog was dominating and bullying her dog and the owners didn't step in to separate the dogs, then they should pay their own bills. If her dog was the sole aggressor then I do think she is in the wrong and that ignoring them may push them to escalate the incident. It could get very bad for her dog.
In all honesty, most pit rescue groups do not encourage bully breeds to be at dog parks at all. Bully breeds as well as many many other types and temperaments of dogs, would do better with steady play dates with dogs they know, where their place in the pack is worked out. Putting them in a constant state of having to "hammer out" who has the higher ranking in the pack and territory disputes is just asking for trouble.
I actually feel that way about all dogs in dog parks but especially for bully breeds. Going to a dog park you do accept responsibility that it's go at your own risk. Dog fights will probably break out, especially with dogs that don't know each other or when you add new dogs into an already established group of dogs.
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| Posted 4/30/13 2:32 PM |
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halfbaked
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6937 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
Posted by Traysee
If her dog instigated the fight and the other dog was the only dog that was damaged then yes, she should pay the vet bill and be grateful that is all they are asking for. But if the dog was dominating and bullying her dog and the owners didn't step in to separate the dogs, then they should pay their own bills. If her dog was the sole aggressor then I do think she is in the wrong and that ignoring them may push them to escalate the incident. It could get very bad for her dog.
In all honesty, most pit rescue groups do not encourage bully breeds to be at dog parks at all. Bully breeds as well as many many other types and temperaments of dogs, would do better with steady play dates with dogs they know, where their place in the pack is worked out. Putting them in a constant state of having to "hammer out" who has the higher ranking in the pack and territory disputes is just asking for trouble.
I actually feel that way about all dogs in dog parks but especially for bully breeds. Going to a dog park you do accept responsibility that it's go at your own risk. Dog fights will probably break out, especially with dogs that don't know each other or when you add new dogs into an already established group of dogs.
I could not agree with this more. We don't take our pit to dog parks anymore- actually, we only ever went to ones that were empty of all but us and our two dogs, but someone came in after us and there was an incident- a fight between my pit and a german shepherd. No one was hurt, not even a scratch, but I don't ever want to be put in a position like that again. Our pit gets along GREAT with my parents dogs and my neighbor's dogs, but she definitely is dominant and I'm afraid of what would happen in a dog park where she's off leash and out of my control.
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| Posted 4/30/13 2:37 PM |
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Traysee
LIF Adolescent
Member since 12/10 652 total posts
Name:
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Question---what is the right thing to do?
You know you just reminded me... as an add on to what I have already said same sex dogs, especially female dogs, are least likely to get along and at a dog park you don't have control over who is going to be at the park.
It is also my experience that dogs in general when they are young are more open minded to making new friends but as they start to age I have noticed that A LOT of dogs of any breed stop accepting strange dogs. Yet another reason why dog parks are not a great idea.
Here is a good article I had read a while ago about dog park bullying and recognizing the signs of pushy dogs at the park:
http://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-care/dog-park-bullies/
Message edited 4/30/2013 2:51:13 PM.
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| Posted 4/30/13 2:48 PM |
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Paramount
Sweet!
Member since 7/12 4287 total posts
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
Posted by racheK
My friend's dog (a pit mix) bit another dog at a dog park the other day. I feel that my friend can't handle her dog, but that's another story. The dog wasn't on a leash.
The owners of the other dog contacted her and asked her to pay for the $500 vet bill. I think she should pay this, she told me about it but didn't like my response when I told her that she should pay it. She is now ignoring the request.
Am I wrong? Shouldn't she pay for vet bill?
She is wrong for ignoring it. She is a disrespectful disgusting excuse for a dog owner.
I would be BESIDE myself if my dog bit another, and would go out of my way to make ure the others expenses are covered.
1. Because its the rightthing to do.
2. She is going to have her a$$ sued. So pay now pay later plus court costs.
She is disgusting. How she can ignore another dogs suffering.....I feel bad for HER dog.
ETA: With the caveat of above posts if her dog was bullied....But to not even answer the other person? She WILL answer in court no matter who was to blame.
Message edited 4/30/2013 3:25:59 PM.
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| Posted 4/30/13 3:24 PM |
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ttnkidz
LIF Zygote
Member since 8/12 19 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
are you suggesting dog parks in general are not a good idea or dog parks for Pit bulls?
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| Posted 4/30/13 6:46 PM |
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MandJZ
Time for Baby #2!
Member since 8/10 4194 total posts
Name:
M
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
Oy. She needs to pay the vet bill. She could face some serious, serious issues FOR HER DOG, not just for her, if she doesn't. We don't take Ozzie to the dog park anymore ever after one incident where he was the aggressor. I stepped in before any damage was done but we just avoid dog parks and unknown dogs completely.
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| Posted 4/30/13 6:50 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
She absolutely should pay. Would she like to get sued, b/c if she gives them a hard time, they may just try to sue her.
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| Posted 4/30/13 6:58 PM |
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racheK
Hudson's Momma
Member since 10/10 2853 total posts
Name:
Rachel
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
Right.
Now I find out the other dog was 5 months old.
Her argument is that they are both animals so both at fault so she is now willing to pay half. I told her she needs to pay the full bill.
Thanks all. I know her dog is good most of the time but she doesn't know how to handle her nor does she have the time to take care of her. Its a reason I didn't get a dog in the city.
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| Posted 4/30/13 9:52 PM |
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gdubs
This baby is awesome!
Member since 11/10 2467 total posts
Name:
Gina
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
Your friend is 100% to blame and should absolutely pay the vet bill.
Even though neither of my dogs would ever bite someone I still wouldn't let them off leash... you honestly just never know.
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| Posted 4/30/13 10:41 PM |
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MrsFrizzle
<3
Member since 9/09 4628 total posts
Name:
Kristin
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Question---what is the right thing to do?
I assume if the owners of the dog contacted her they swapped information, what did she think would happen exactly when she did this? A phone call saying all's good with their dog? Of course they would be expecting her to foot the bill, it's her negligence.
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| Posted 4/30/13 11:06 PM |
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Traysee
LIF Adolescent
Member since 12/10 652 total posts
Name:
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Question---what is the right thing to do?
I am saying dog parks in general are not a good idea, unless you are setting up a small playgroup at a dog park with the same dogs all the time.
There are so many breeds of dogs that when fully mentally mature (in the 2-3 year old range) they stop being so friendly. In a dog park most of the dogs are not regular friends and there are always new dogs being thrown into the shuffle. It better if the group remains small, the dogs are already introduced and friends with each other, all the dogs are the same size and have the same energy level. Even so much as some dogs that frequent the dog park regularly may start claiming that area as its territory. Some dogs guard their owners. I have seen male dogs pee on their owners to mark them. I have also seen owners seem to enjoy/ encourage their dogs being protective of them.
So many people misread their dogs and just do not understand dog behavior. Even if your dog is totally a mush and a go along, nothing bothers me ever kind of dog you still have to have faith in the other owners evaluation of their dogs. Doggie day care might be a better idea than a dog park because you remove the owner out of the equation, the staff *should be* qualified in dog behavior, they should hopefully have ways of dividing the room up so that there are multiple groups of the same type dog. But I think the best way is like I said, dogs that have regular visits with each other. Opposite sexes, small groups, same size, same energy level. Although, if your dog shows poor social skills I would also try to find dogs bigger than your dog to play with.
I'd say the dogs most likely to get along successfully at dog park would be a group of golden retrievers or labs and some of the happy go lucky smaller breeds like pugs.
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| Posted 5/1/13 10:15 AM |
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ttnkidz
LIF Zygote
Member since 8/12 19 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
Dog parks are absolutely beneficial to all dog breeds. There have been many studies done on the subject and it was because of the proven benefits that NYC created off leash in Parks that did not have a fenced dog park. All breeds if socialized well and early will get along with other dogs. They do not become territorial as they do with their own back yards, also they are exposed to more situations and therefore do not get startled and frightened as much, most fights and bites happen from a dogs fear when the fight or flight instinct kicks in.
While of course you are entitled to your opinion the facts are conclusive that dog parks are a good idea for all dogs and communities.
Sorry but I am a bit passionate on this subject.
Anyone who has gone to Prospect Park on a Saturday morning and seen the hundreds of dogs interacting would be amazed.
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| Posted 5/1/13 11:23 AM |
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SLPlady1984
She's here!
Member since 6/12 1207 total posts
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
She should not ignore this because if she does the person could sue for the money and demand the dog be put down.
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| Posted 5/1/13 11:24 AM |
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SLPlady1984
She's here!
Member since 6/12 1207 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
Posted by ttnkidz
Dog parks are absolutely beneficial to all dog breeds. There have been many studies done on the subject and it was because of the proven benefits that NYC created off leash in Parks that did not have a fenced dog park. All breeds if socialized well and early will get along with other dogs. They do not become territorial as they do with their own back yards, also they are exposed to more situations and therefore do not get startled and frightened as much, most fights and bites happen from a dogs fear when the fight or flight instinct kicks in.
While of course you are entitled to your opinion the facts are conclusive that dog parks are a good idea for all dogs and communities.
Sorry but I am a bit passionate on this subject.
Anyone who has gone to Prospect Park on a Saturday morning and seen the hundreds of dogs interacting would be amazed.
Yeah but that's assuming the dogs in question are socialized...I'm in favor of dog parks but its def not for every dog
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| Posted 5/1/13 11:26 AM |
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MandJZ
Time for Baby #2!
Member since 8/10 4194 total posts
Name:
M
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
Posted by SLPlady1984
Posted by ttnkidz
Dog parks are absolutely beneficial to all dog breeds. There have been many studies done on the subject and it was because of the proven benefits that NYC created off leash in Parks that did not have a fenced dog park. All breeds if socialized well and early will get along with other dogs. They do not become territorial as they do with their own back yards, also they are exposed to more situations and therefore do not get startled and frightened as much, most fights and bites happen from a dogs fear when the fight or flight instinct kicks in.
While of course you are entitled to your opinion the facts are conclusive that dog parks are a good idea for all dogs and communities.
Sorry but I am a bit passionate on this subject.
Anyone who has gone to Prospect Park on a Saturday morning and seen the hundreds of dogs interacting would be amazed.
Yeah but that's assuming the dogs in question are socialized...I'm in favor of dog parks but its def not for every dog
While I don't think dog parks are bad for all dogs, they are most certainly NOT good for ALL dogs either. Dogs can absolutely become territorial at a dog park, either of its owner or of the space - if they are there first and another dog comes in, the first dog can most definitely become territorial. While I am not anti-dog park for every dog, it is a very sweeping generalization to say they are GOOD for all dogs. Further, as the above poster said, not all dogs ARE socialized well or early. We rescued a dog who was no longer a puppy and though he is a complete doll, we are working hard to undo his early negligent socialization. Dog parks DO NOT work for my dog, unless he is there alone. He becomes VERY territorial/protective/possessive of me and the space. Sweeping generalizations in either direction are problematic.
Bottom line - if you go to a dog park, you assume liability for your dog's behavior in that space.
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| Posted 5/1/13 11:42 AM |
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halfbaked
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6937 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
Posted by SLPlady1984
Posted by ttnkidz
Dog parks are absolutely beneficial to all dog breeds. There have been many studies done on the subject and it was because of the proven benefits that NYC created off leash in Parks that did not have a fenced dog park. All breeds if socialized well and early will get along with other dogs. They do not become territorial as they do with their own back yards, also they are exposed to more situations and therefore do not get startled and frightened as much, most fights and bites happen from a dogs fear when the fight or flight instinct kicks in.
While of course you are entitled to your opinion the facts are conclusive that dog parks are a good idea for all dogs and communities.
Sorry but I am a bit passionate on this subject.
Anyone who has gone to Prospect Park on a Saturday morning and seen the hundreds of dogs interacting would be amazed.
Yeah but that's assuming the dogs in question are socialized...I'm in favor of dog parks but its def not for every dog
I think that comes down to the owners though. The blame shouldn't necessarily be placed on the dogs for being, well, dogs.
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| Posted 5/1/13 11:43 AM |
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ttnkidz
LIF Zygote
Member since 8/12 19 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
Agreed that you should always take responsibility for your dog.
However I stand by my statement that all dogs can benefit from dog parks. That is not to say that it would be easy to get an older dog and socialize it. Also dogs are like people there are some we like and some we do not. Also some days we and our dogs are grumpier and less tolerant than others.
There is no downside in trying to get your dog socialized I have not seen dogs become territorial over a dog park space, there are too many other dog scents to have them claim ownership. Your dog is claiming ownership of you.
In a dog park owners should always be paying attention to where and what their dog is doing, this enables you to potentially preempt any issues.
Additionally you should never have a dog on leash around dogs who are offleash.
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| Posted 5/1/13 2:07 PM |
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peanutbutter2
Carpe diem!
Member since 11/10 5287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
Posted by halfbaked
That is sooo wrong. Everything about the scenario sounds like she's to blame. I wouldn't even hesitate to pay that money. She's very lucky they are only looking for her to cover the vet bills and not escalating this.
ITA
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| Posted 5/1/13 9:02 PM |
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greenfreak
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Member since 9/06 11483 total posts
Name:
greenfreak
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
Posted by ttnkidz
There is no downside in trying to get your dog socialized I have not seen dogs become territorial over a dog park space, there are too many other dog scents to have them claim ownership. Your dog is claiming ownership of you.
In a dog park owners should always be paying attention to where and what their dog is doing, this enables you to potentially preempt any issues.
Here's the issue... Large amounts of dog owners don't educate themselves on training, dog psychology, what the early warning signs of an impending struggle for dominance look like, and use the term "socializing" as an all-around excuse to ignore all of these things.
All you need to do is go on a Saturday afternoon and count the number of owners who stay close to their dogs with a watchful eye, getting ready to respond to the hint of a bad situation. In my experience at Blydenburgh park in Hauppauge, most of the owners stand together drinking coffee bs'ing rather than paying attention. Their dogs don't listen when their names are yelled from 200 feet away. I've seen this every time I went, to all different parks, and when I had my arm bitten by a Mastiff while handling my own dog, that sealed the deal for me and we never went back. One of my dogs gets humped every time we go to any dog park because he's submissive and other dogs are always dominating him. With the humper's owners standing by letting it happen or saying a weak "Don't do that" because they see I'm paying attention.
Hell, the last time I went to Blydenburgh, there was a dog in the park that had a huge collar on with the words DO NOT PET stitched into it in red. That's really a good candidate for a dog park?  Riiiiight.
To summarize... dog owners are largely irresponsible when it comes to real training and dog psychology and they are ruining dog parks for everyone. It doesn't surprise me at all about the original poster's friend because I've heard that cop out "They are animals" so many times as an excuse not to be responsible for their dog's actions. In a perfect world, all dog parks would only be frequented by responsible owners and (truly) socialized, well trained, stable dogs and I'd stand by dog parks 100%. That is never going to happen so I stick to playdates instead.
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| Posted 5/2/13 7:27 AM |
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greenfreak
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Member since 9/06 11483 total posts
Name:
greenfreak
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
I re-read my post and it sounds really negative so here's a caveat... If dog parks were monitored by trained professionals that could ask owners to leave if they are not doing what they should be doing, I'd totally go to that park.
I thought that was the situation with one of the first dog parks I read about, and a woman who was kind of leading the charge in getting more dog parks on the island... I don't remember her name. But she sounded great and like a really caring person.
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| Posted 5/2/13 7:36 AM |
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Faithx2
All good things in 2016!!
Member since 8/05 20181 total posts
Name:
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
Posted by gdubs
Your friend is 100% to blame and should absolutely pay the vet bill.
Even though neither of my dogs would ever bite someone I still wouldn't let them off leash... you honestly just never know.
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| Posted 5/5/13 6:59 PM |
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tara73
carseat nerd
Member since 11/09 3669 total posts
Name:
Buttercup
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Re: Question---what is the right thing to do?
Posted by ttnkidz
Dog parks are absolutely beneficial to all dog breeds. There have been many studies done on the subject and it was because of the proven benefits that NYC created off leash in Parks that did not have a fenced dog park. All breeds if socialized well and early will get along with other dogs. They do not become territorial as they do with their own back yards, also they are exposed to more situations and therefore do not get startled and frightened as much, most fights and bites happen from a dogs fear when the fight or flight instinct kicks in.
No, not true. I have yet to come across ONE pit bull rescue that would agree with your statement about dog parks OR socialization. Dog aggression is a GENETIC TRAIT of these dogs. Granted any dog can be dog aggressive, but this is a genetic trait bred in over generations. Traysee is 100% correct with everything she already pointed out, including age of maturity being when problems begin to arise. But because dog aggression has been bred in as a genetic trait, it can turn on at any time. Many bully breed dogs are dog selective, so they will enjoy some dogs, but not others, and even dogs they used to tolerate may fall out of favor at some point.
Dog parks are not recommended for bully breeds/pit bull type dogs or ANY OTHER DOG for which dog aggression has been bred into the lines for generations (this would include Akitas, Dobermans, Rottweilers and other "bully" breeds). The recommendation I have read over and over and over from numerous rescue and advocacy groups is supervised play dates with known dog friends and at least 1 person per dog, and both should have knowledge of how to break up a dog fight.
Part of the problem with dog parks is that you couple this predisposition for dog aggression with owners who don't know how to properly read canine behavior (because many folks think their dog being friendly with humans automatically translates to dog friendly) and it's a recipe for disaster. The OP's friend is a testament to this and one of the irresponsible people who give pit bull type dogs a bad name. More than likely, she failed to recognize her dog's body language and step in before it became a bite situation.
It's great to be passionate on a subject, but you should be accurate in your assessments as well. Just because you have seen some peaceful days on Sunday mornings in Prospect Park doesn't mean that universally all dogs can, will or even should, benefit from dog parks. Not all dogs belong in dog parks, and any dog who is dog selective or aggressive should never be in a dog park, especially one with untrained persons. Period. It does a great disservice to all dogs when irresponsible owners bring dogs that shouldn't be there in the first place.
To the OP: Your friend needs to pay the bill and learn how to be a responsible dog owner and especially a responsible pit bull type dog owner.
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| Posted 5/5/13 8:55 PM |
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