I live in a condo community and I have lived here for years there is 3 large pet friendly buildings. I am writing this post to make awareness of what to do to prevent animal attacks before damage is done. Below is a email that I sent to our Building Manager in support of a dog that was recently attacked by a very aggressive dog in one of the buildings. This dog has attacked other dogs but everyone is very intimidated by both owner and dog so never reported. Please read my story below
When I first bought my condo 2 years he first awareness of this dog was one of my neighbours (who has since moved) warned me of this big, black dog that was walked by a tall, stocky women. Her words not mine she said this woman is nuts. My neighbour said she was walking her Golden Retriever, Lady and the owner and the black dog where approaching and the woman was yelling “Cross the street keep your dog away from my dog”. Thank goodness for the warning as I knew to keep away from this dog. You would think if she has to shout out warnings she would have the common sense and respect for others to keep this dangerous dog muzzled and on a short, controlled leash. This dog walks in ziz zags and is very intimidating. So from the beginning I did everything possible to avoid the owner and the dog
But this one day I came out the door to the right of the elevator with my Cocker Spaniel Marshall and I opened the door and because of the wall I did not see that dog coming. As we stepped out the owner came past the wall with this dog on a long leash so she had no control and the dog spotted Marshall I instinctively(don't even know how I did it) lifted Marshall up by his leash and swung him behind me as acting as a shield for my old, smaller dog. I figured if he bite me I could I would have a better chance then my dog. I was so scared and was screaming so loud the owner grabbed the dog by its collar and pulled him away and did not utter a word. I verbally reported the incident to my Property Manager but because dog attack had actually occurred it was just put on report. Since then when I see this dog I am so scared I just stay so far away from him. I am always in fear that they are going to come out of nowhere. I always mention to new dog owners that all the dogs in all 3 buildings as far as I know are very friendly and good with other dogs except I tell them to avoid that big black dog and the owner in building 151. That dog is a menace and it has been a miracle up to now that it hasn't attacked and badly injured another dog or even worse a child. It is just a matter of time because the owner does nothing to rectify the problem or control this animal so others are not in harms way. She has absolutely no regard for others safety. I am an animal lover and I am certainly not afraid of dogs but this dog I am terrified of.
Please address this issue promptly before there is a serious attack.
Tips on how to be aware of Aggression and ways to prevent acts of violence on behalf of your pet.
Learn to read signs your dog is communicating that aggression may occur. There are a lot of resources online to help. We include a signs of stress, anxiety and pending aggression in the The Dog Aggression System Every Dog Owner Needs e-book to teach you what to look for. This knowledge can help prevent aggression before it even starts.
Stop punishing your dog as not only can it make the aggression problem worse, your dog might bite you.
Invest in a basket muzzles or head collars such as the Gentle Leader (most recommended), Sporn head halter, or Halti head halter. Learn when to use them and how to use them properly.
3 Check your leashes, collars, etc. each time you use them and ensure they will not break. Color coded leashes and harnesses may help keep others away from approaching your dog.
4 Under no circumstances should your dog ever be given the opportunity to escape either from your home, car or room. If a door is going to be opened, put your dog on a leash secured to something, or in a crate or behind a metal gate (ideally you use a gate instead of a crate- and a well secured metal one at that), or another room before the door is open.
5 Make sure your yard/garden fences and gates are well secured. If your dog escapes anyway and is aggressive, you will be held liable. Make sure that there is no conceivable way your dog can get out, either by climbing, jumping, digging, etc. If your dog is destructive, be realistic about whether he or she can get through the fence
6 Examine any free space your dog is allowed to run in, and make sure there is no danger of anyone or anything accidentally coming into this space. Don’t assume that is you are there you can ask people not to come in. Sometimes they will not listen or believe your dog is a threat. Use locks on door in the house or gates outside and make sure they are child-proof. If you are at all unsure, use a leash and a basket muzzle if necessary.
7 Tying a dog up outside and leaving them there can make aggression worse. Some of the most deadly and severe attacks have occurred by chained dogs, or dogs who have escaped restraints such as fences, pens, or chains, etc. There are safer ways to exercise your dog.
8 Learn what kinds of behaviors commonly people do that can elicit aggression, such as stepping over a dog, hugging a dog, pushing a dog, and more. Again our e-book can help you there as well.
9 If your dog is aggressive towards strangers or guests, ensure anyone coming to the house will not have to confront your dog however accidentally by using a crate, gate (again, should be a metal one) or putting your dog in another room with something to do.
11 Never ever leave an infant or young child alone with any dog.
12 Don’t allow children to hug the dog or put their faces close to the dog. Be aware that children sometimes cannot resist hugging or kissing. Do the “Consent Test”: pat the dog for a few moments, stop and take a step back. Does your dog approach for more? If your dog just stands there, looks away, or walks away, they are only tolerating petting. Know that a dog’s tolerance can wane, so you may need to do this test more than once. Dogs who like petting make it very obvious they want more. Teach children how to be dog detectives by teaching them how to do the Consent Test. Here is a downloadable safety tip sheet for dogs and toddlers you might be interested in
13 Children have been known to open the doors of dog crates even when asked not to, so it is best to keep your dog in an area where children are not tempted.
14 Children may gain unauthorized access to a fenced area where your dog is kept. Never leave your dog outside without supervision.
15 Do not let your or children of relatives tease your dog or bark or growl.
16 Protect your dog from strangers or neighbourhood children teasing it.
17 If your dog has displayed aggression towards other animals, or people, a baby gate may not be a secure or safe way
to keep your dog away from children. However baby gates can be helpful to manage space, and reduce tensions, or give time outs. However, if the dog has a fear of stranger or children its possible the dog will react aggressively towards an arm or face reaching in, or someone pressing up against the gate. Even toddlers may climb the gates or even learn how to open them. Exercise great caution when using them to keep a dog separated for his aggression towards others on the other side of the gate.
18 If your dog is aggressive towards other dogs in the house, note that when the humans come home are often times when fights break out. Best ignore all dogs when you come home until the excitement level has died down.
19 Teach your dog alternative behaviors that are incompatible with aggression. The Dog Aggression System Every Dog Owner Needs e-book teaches you how.
source: https://k9aggression.com/safety-with-an-aggressive-dog/?v=3e8d115eb4b3
