Aggressive dog

[Anonymous]

I was out walking in my neighborhood today with my 9 year old daughter when a dog came running towards us. I am not sure what kind of dog but it looked like a terrier, pit bull, or mix. The dog came very close (within less than a foot) and was barking aggressively. I tried backing away and yelling ‘sit’ and ‘back off’ but it kept coming closer. I was trying to stand between the dog and my daughter, who was already afraid of dogs. The dog was very focused on me so I told her to go. I think this went on for about 3 minutes but it felt a lot longer. In general, I am not afraid of dogs, but it was terrifying. Finally the a girl came and pulled the dog away. A guy followed (I assume her father) and asked me if I was ok. I was shaking and said no, I was not ok. He said that the dog had escaped and that he was so sorry (sounded sincere) and then left. I am wondering if there is any action I should take, and if so, what? My concern is that if my kids were out in the neighborhood without me and this were to happen again. The dog did not bite but maybe because I am bigger- it was super aggressive and scary. I still feel shaken up when I think of it. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was out walking in my neighborhood today with my 9 year old daughter when a dog came running towards us. I am not sure what kind of dog but it looked like a terrier, pit bull, or mix. The dog came very close (within less than a foot) and was barking aggressively. I tried backing away and yelling ‘sit’ and ‘back off’ but it kept coming closer. I was trying to stand between the dog and my daughter, who was already afraid of dogs. The dog was very focused on me so I told her to go. I think this went on for about 3 minutes but it felt a lot longer. In general, I am not afraid of dogs, but it was terrifying. Finally the a girl came and pulled the dog away. A guy followed (I assume her father) and asked me if I was ok. I was shaking and said no, I was not ok. He said that the dog had escaped and that he was so sorry (sounded sincere) and then left. I am wondering if there is any action I should take, and if so, what? My concern is that if my kids were out in the neighborhood without me and this were to happen again. The dog did not bite but maybe because I am bigger- it was super aggressive and scary. I still feel shaken up when I think of it. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Find out the family’s name and address and report to HRA.

[Anonymous]

OP, I would report it. I think that is concerning, aggressive behavior for a dog that has escaped a yard. I know the dog was probably anxious and scared, but the owners should be on notice that they need total containment over that dog or they need to re-consider whether they should have it.

Our dog is reactive in certain known situations, but the few times she's escaped it's been run, run, fun, fun...she's interested in hooking up with other dogs that she sees behind fences, not approaching people.

[Anonymous]

It’s a bit hard to tell what actually happened here. A dog ran up to you and your daughter and barked. You saw this as a very aggressive act and from the point of view of fearful people you were in fright. But barking is communication, not aggression. Barking can mean play with me, it can mean I’m lost, it can mean help me. There’s no point asking you how the dog was barking because I don’t think you have the experience to describe it.

As for reporting this incident, I don’t know what the point would be. It sounds like the dog ran off momentarily and the family ran after him. They weren’t neglecting him and he does not sound dangerous just because his bark frightened you. I’m really sorry this happened to you but I can’t agree that this is an “aggressive” dog.

[Anonymous]

Why did you stand there for 3 minutes while a dog barked at you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why did you stand there for 3 minutes while a dog barked at you?

I was told not to turn your back on an aggressive dog so I tried backing away, but it kept coming closer. What would you recommend doing in that situation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I would report it. I think that is concerning, aggressive behavior for a dog that has escaped a yard. I know the dog was probably anxious and scared, but the owners should be on notice that they need total containment over that dog or they need to re-consider whether they should have it.

Our dog is reactive in certain known situations, but the few times she's escaped it's been run, run, fun, fun...she's interested in hooking up with other dogs that she sees behind fences, not approaching people.

THIS. This dog needs to be reported ASAP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was out walking in my neighborhood today with my 9 year old daughter when a dog came running towards us. I am not sure what kind of dog but it looked like a terrier, pit bull, or mix. The dog came very close (within less than a foot) and was barking aggressively. I tried backing away and yelling ‘sit’ and ‘back off’ but it kept coming closer. I was trying to stand between the dog and my daughter, who was already afraid of dogs. The dog was very focused on me so I told her to go. I think this went on for about 3 minutes but it felt a lot longer. In general, I am not afraid of dogs, but it was terrifying. Finally the a girl came and pulled the dog away. A guy followed (I assume her father) and asked me if I was ok. I was shaking and said no, I was not ok. He said that the dog had escaped and that he was so sorry (sounded sincere) and then left. I am wondering if there is any action I should take, and if so, what? My concern is that if my kids were out in the neighborhood without me and this were to happen again. The dog did not bite but maybe because I am bigger- it was super aggressive and scary. I still feel shaken up when I think of it. Any suggestions? Thanks.

I'm sorry you were scared of a barking dog but I think you are overreacting. I would not report it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I would report it. I think that is concerning, aggressive behavior for a dog that has escaped a yard. I know the dog was probably anxious and scared, but the owners should be on notice that they need total containment over that dog or they need to re-consider whether they should have it.

Our dog is reactive in certain known situations, but the few times she's escaped it's been run, run, fun, fun...she's interested in hooking up with other dogs that she sees behind fences, not approaching people.

THIS. This dog needs to be reported ASAP.

+2 bad behavior will continue until addressed. once reported, first time offenders will receive a notice, so if it's not a a pattern, no biggie.

[Anonymous]

OP are you in DC? Can you share what neighborhood you were in? This happened to me, but the dog attacked my dog.

You must report - in DC it is not the police department but the Humane Society. The Humane Society in DC is very good. They have a scale on how to deal with this - it may not raise to "dangerous dog" but at least the dog will have something on file, and an investigator will come out to see if the family has the required fence/system in place to keep such a dog away from strange people/dogs.


Here is the relevant code form DC btw. I know others are saying you shouldn't be afraid of a dog barking but the stare is very concerning. I would describe it as the below.

(4)(A) “Potentially dangerous dog” means any dog that:

(ii) In a menacing manner, approaches without provocation any person or domestic animal as if to attack, or has demonstrated a propensity to attack without provocation or otherwise to endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals; or

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I would report it. I think that is concerning, aggressive behavior for a dog that has escaped a yard. I know the dog was probably anxious and scared, but the owners should be on notice that they need total containment over that dog or they need to re-consider whether they should have it.

Our dog is reactive in certain known situations, but the few times she's escaped it's been run, run, fun, fun...she's interested in hooking up with other dogs that she sees behind fences, not approaching people.

THIS. This dog needs to be reported ASAP.

+2 bad behavior will continue until addressed. once reported, first time offenders will receive a notice, so if it's not a a pattern, no biggie.

Also, OP I disagree with people who say the dog was not behaving aggressively. I think becoming confrontational with a person who is not in her space (i.e. her yard, house, territory, etc), when she is off leash is potentially aggressive. It sounds like the dog needs careful watching and containment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s a bit hard to tell what actually happened here. A dog ran up to you and your daughter and barked. You saw this as a very aggressive act and from the point of view of fearful people you were in fright. But barking is communication, not aggression. Barking can mean play with me, it can mean I’m lost, it can mean help me. There’s no point asking you how the dog was barking because I don’t think you have the experience to describe it.

As for reporting this incident, I don’t know what the point would be. It sounds like the dog ran off momentarily and the family ran after him. They weren’t neglecting him and he does not sound dangerous just because his bark frightened you. I’m really sorry this happened to you but I can’t agree that this is an “aggressive” dog.

I am going to assume the OP understands the difference between aggressive barking and barking for other reasons. I don't think this dog was asking for help, a playmate, or aid. Give me a break. It's an aggressive dog that got out of its yard or house and the family needs to help it with training.

[Anonymous]

I thought you were not to turn your back on bears, is it the same for dogs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s a bit hard to tell what actually happened here. A dog ran up to you and your daughter and barked. You saw this as a very aggressive act and from the point of view of fearful people you were in fright. But barking is communication, not aggression. Barking can mean play with me, it can mean I’m lost, it can mean help me. There’s no point asking you how the dog was barking because I don’t think you have the experience to describe it.

As for reporting this incident, I don’t know what the point would be. It sounds like the dog ran off momentarily and the family ran after him. They weren’t neglecting him and he does not sound dangerous just because his bark frightened you. I’m really sorry this happened to you but I can’t agree that this is an “aggressive” dog.

I don't think we should apologize for the dog or the owner. A moment is all that is needed for a pretty traumatizing attack. For such a dog, typically you would start with two types of barriers - a fence and a long lead for example. So if one fails the other is there to protect. Dogs sometimes are not aggressive due to fear or anxiety, sometimes the dog is just aggressive because of breeding. I really hate that we ignore that we bred dogs to do things - work, fight, guard etc. It really is important for proper training. Not every family should have a particular breed of dog, and that's okay. Sadly, we aren't at that level of specificity in adopting or purchasing a dog - it's hey I think a husky is cute I'll keep it in my apartment, but why is it destroying everything when I leave? Or an australian shepard is perfect with my 3 year old, why is it nipping them so much though?

[Anonymous]

Cross your arms turn side ways and do not look the dog in the eyes.

If you stand still and face the dog it is taken as aggression, if you deflect they are more likely to back off.

How no one has told you this (here) is beyond belief.