What would you do if a neighbor's dog attacked/bit your kid?

Ashley=) - posted on 04/24/2011

I have been bitten a few times all by runts lol.All animals can turn and bite, they do not have to be a particular breed.

Ashley=) - posted on 04/24/2011

I would report it.I would also make sure this dog never is allowed in public without being on a lead and muzzled.Sorry your little one had to experience such a horrible thing like this.My man was attacked and seriously injured by his cousins German shepherd.He was an adult when it happened..an animal lover but to this day is now so weary of others dogs near him or our children.:-(
The dog had to be put down.He was once a loving dog but he could not be trusted anymore unfortunately.My mans cousin pulled the dog off him and nearly lost feeling in his arm from the dogs bite.

Parrish - posted on 04/24/2011

59 year old mother of 4, grandmother to 4. If the ER did not tell you this..... I would get up to date records that the dog has had rabies shots and they are up to date. Your child's doctor may still want him to recieve rabies vaccines. Secondly, if the dog was not on a leash, you may want to contact an attorney to cover medical cost. I know this seems cold so if you are not confortable with this you may want to speak with the dog's owner to see if they are willing to cover all medical cost. If it were my dog, I would. Bless his heart. That is a very traumatic event for a 5 year old. He may also need some child counseling. Hope that helps.

Rana - posted on 04/24/2011

I know I will catch a lot of heat for this but the dog would probably disappear. I have many animals of my own and they are all well behaved and child friendly and so I expect the same from the other animals in the neighborhood. a dog that behaves like that should not be allowed to roam free in any neighborhood. I have had one of our neighbors bullys in our yard (not that breed matters cuz I love ALL animals) and he jumped in my then 8 year old son. He came back one other time and when the family came after him they got such an earbeating from me he never "got loose" again. And I told them in no uncertain terms exactly what would happen if any of their dogs came back to torment my kids. The same also went for our neighbor when I caught his feral barn cats stalking one of my boys. I just won't tolerate an animal the acts that way. Just sayin..

Renee - posted on 04/24/2011

Sue the owner and report it... your lucky your child was not killed.

Valerie - posted on 04/24/2011

Any dog that bites is a danger to our children and our society. The hospital or doctor should have reported the incident to the proper authorities but you should also call and report it to the police. The health unit needs to follow up with the dog owner to make sure its shots are up to date, otherwise your child may have to get rabies shots. The owners of the dog should be held totally accountable for their dogs actions as they were not in control of their dog! I own a large breed dog and although she is one of the friendliest dogs anyone would ever meet, I still would not put my dog outside unattended!

Stephanie - posted on 04/24/2011

this dog could kill the next child he bites, please report it to the authorities ASAP!

Amalea - posted on 04/24/2011

I'm really sorry to hear your baby was hurt. I would demand that the dog be confiscated for testing, make sure it does not have any sort of diseases. I would demand the owners of the dog pay for medical bills. In all truth the dog should be put to sleep bc of it's violent nature to children. I am a pit bull owner, and if my dog bit a child I'd put it down immediately, no questions asked. It's only right they do what it takes to make it right with your family. I personally don't believe in breed bans, but I do believe in getting incidental insurance for your pet. But that's a whole other debate. Hopefully things are going to be okay with your baby.

Johana - posted on 04/24/2011

Please don't judge, but I personally would get an attorney and make sure the dog was put down.

Kate CP - posted on 04/24/2011

*sigh* Okay. I'm trying not to lose my mind here but it's getting really difficult to keep it together.

I'm a professional pet training instructor and canine behaviorist. I have been a behaviorist for 5 years, a pet training instructor for 14. I do know what I'm talking about.

1. Dogs do NOT get a taste for blood. That's just a load of crap. They're not sharks, they don't get blood thirsty, and they don't "like" attacking people. A dog that attacks people is NOT a happy dog.
2. Jennifer, that information is over 5 years old. Five years ago labs and golden retrievers weren't anywhere near as popular and over-bred as they are now. That link is also not taking into account the fact that mixed breeds are often counted in the "pit bull" breed group (even though there may be absolutely NO pit bull in a dog). But it probably doesn't count lab or golden mixes.
3. Pit bulls were originally bred to be very docile and gentle with humans but to fight other animals like dogs and bulls. Any dog that showed aggression to a human was immediately culled.
4. Dogs that attack have either not be socialized properly OR have had a traumatic event. I would be willing to bet a large sum of money that THIS dog was not properly socialized.
5. This dog SHOULD NOT have been out of it's yard without a leash on and a human attached to the other end of the leash. That means the owner IS responsible for any damages.
6. ANY large breed dog can do the same amount of damage a pit bull can. They all have really big mouths with really big teeth and really strong jaws. Doesn't matter the breed AT ALL.

Do you know how many dogs I've been bitten/nipped by? Lots! TONS! The one breed that has bitten me most and actually done damage (where I bled or it tore clothes, etc) is...

A CHIHUAHUA. I have also been bitten by:
A dalmation
A shiba inu
A maltese
A rat terrier
A rottweiler
A chow
Several labs and lab mixes.

I HAVE NEVER NOT ONCE IN MY ENTIRE PROFESSIONAL LIFE BEEN BITTEN BY A PIT BULL OR A PIT MIX. These dogs are NOT inherently aggressive towards humans! You see more about them on the news because they can do more damage than a chihuahua or a Spaniel. But I promise you they don't bite any where NEAR as often.

Karrisa - posted on 04/24/2011

If it where me i would of called the cops and had them quaritine the dog for while. What did the owners of the dog say?

Kathy - posted on 04/24/2011

That dog needs to be put down for sure and the owner's need to be held accountable!

Carissa - posted on 04/24/2011

and as a side note.... it doesn't matter what type of dog did this--for all those trying to make a point about breed, I'm sure she'd be just as upset if this was a non-aggressive breed. The point is, the dog attacked her child. It's not that anyone is trying to pick on pitbulls specifically.

Carissa - posted on 04/24/2011

I would file a police report as well as contact animal control. I would take pictures of the wound as well, and document all that happened in writing. I would not "confront" the owner of the dog personally.

Michelle - posted on 04/24/2011

I am so sorry to hear this! If you haven't already report it to the police or animal control. The dog is dangerous and it WILL happen again. If not to your son, to someone else and it maybe much worse. I was bit as a child as well as many of my friends by a neighbors dog that terrorized the neighborhood until my father called the police about the dog. Does not matter what breed, if a dog bites/attacks a person or animal unprovoked it needs to be put down.

Jenni - posted on 04/24/2011

So sorry about your son. Yes, definitely agree with the other ladies. Inform the authorities.



@Brittany- the breed does matter. In many areas pitbulls are restricted, including my area. Which means if they're restricted in your area they will not be given a 'second chance' and will be euthanized. The owners will also be charged for keeping a restricted breed.



You do not have more of chance of getting bit by a lab. Pit bulls have highly aggressive natures compared to other breeds. Not saying all pit bulls are bad. Of course there are individual personalities among the breed. But generally speaking, pit bull attacks account for far more attacks on humans than any other breed. Rottweillers are also notorious but still only have half the number of attacks on humans as pit bulls.



Pit bulls account for 1110 attacks causing bodily harm

495 child victims

397 adult victims

104 deaths

608 maimings

The second is the Rottweiler at 409 attacks causing bodily harm

231 children victims

109 adult victims

58 deaths

223 maimings



Now lets compare that to your average family Labrador:

26 attacks causing bodily harm

18 children

9 adults

2 deaths

20 maimings



hmmmm seems like a pretty big difference if you ask me. Now mix breeds of either pit bulls or rotties account for virutally no attacks.



http://www.dog-obedience-training-online...

Trisha - posted on 04/24/2011

so sorry to hear about your child. a friend of ours had a child who was bitten by a german shepherd and endured at least 7injections for anti rabies. it was a neighbor's dog who ran out when the maid opened the gate. the dog ran out excitedly and pounced on the kid who was walking past the gate and the mom just stood there terrified. she said she could not figure out what to do. the dog was up for observation and if it shows unusual behavior it will be put to sleep. it should be the case for every dog bite in any part of the world. man should reign supreme over all creatures don't you think? well, good luck and hope your son gets well

Diane - posted on 04/24/2011

make sure the dog is quartined ,boy gets all shorts needed. and then shoot the damn dog.

Rose - posted on 04/24/2011

'm sorry to hear that about your son I hope he will be fine. In alot of cases the child will become afraid of dogs for awhile. I would have the dog put down, becasue ocne they get the taste of blood they will do it again,no matter what the breed is. I was bitten when I was a child and to this day I have a fear of dogs. Where I live those kind of dogs are not allowed.

Kayleigh - posted on 04/24/2011

Honestly I'd report it to the police and expect it to be put down! If not I'd run it oVer! I'm 21 and was the child that was the victim years ago, it affects you x

Courtney - posted on 04/24/2011

First off, I am so sorry that this happened. I hope your son has a quick recovery. As for the dog and your neighbor, any dog, pitbull on down, must be properly restrained while outdoors. Whether they use a fence or leash, the dog is not allowed to be out off their property. Unless your son was on their property when he got bit, the dog's owner is in the wrong and needs to be reported so they can either learn how to be proper dog owners, or no longer be dog owners. I love big dogs, don't get me wrong, but the onus is on the owners to maintain their dog properly, for both their neighbor's wellbeing and their dog's. Again, I am so sorry that this happened.

CINDY - posted on 04/24/2011

As long as your son or any other children were not provoking the dog I think I would talk to the authorities about having the animal muzzled in public ( and if this is a regular occurance maybe even put to sleep) what was the dog doing out of the owners property alone any way? I would also approach the animals owner to see if they are willing to help cover medical costs etc. and if not I am afraid I would take it further. WhenI was younger a young boy down the road from us got attacked by his own dads dog, his face was bitten and he needed many stitches, they were advised to put the dog to sleep (although they had already decided that is what would happen) asap as apparently one they have the taste for blood they are no good (by they I mean the breed - pit bulls) especially around children!!!! Hope your little man is feeling better soon!

Jo - posted on 04/24/2011

First of all not every dog that bites has a bad owner, and second of all, did you really say that you are a pit bull? Seriously?

Jo - posted on 04/24/2011

File a report with your local police department and get a lawyer and file a lawsuit to compensate your son for his injuries and trauma. Do this both for your son and to prevent this from happening to another child. And I am very sorry for your little boy. Don't underestimate the long term trauma factor.

Carolyn - posted on 04/24/2011

It is terrible that happened! I have to say though, that we have a 3 year old pit bull and he has never bit anyone. We do have a fenced yard, but children come up to our fence and bother our dog and it has happened on several occasions. If any dog feels threatened, he will defend himself. I am not suggesting that what happened is okay. It should be the owner's responsibility if the dog was not inside their yard. I constantly have to tell children to get away from our fence. I am very aware of what might could happen. They come up and fake bark, hit the fence, and do pretty much anything to get him upset because he is a pit. If it happens again, I will alert their parents. I apologize for what happened to your son and I would be very upset if it happened to my 3 year old. I think that it is the owners fault and you should let the police know that they let the dog out knowing there were children playing in the area. Anytime our pit is out, he is on a leash, but he never barks at other dogs or people when we pass. He is very calm and relaxed. Just so everyone knows, not all pit bulls are like that. The dog should not be blamed for the owner's mistake.

Brittany - posted on 04/24/2011

First of all, it doesnt matter what breed of dog it was... the dog should have been in it's yard and not within biting reach of anything. Also, the 'family' LAB is more likely to bite you than a pit bull... Pits are more animal aggressive than anything. With that said- If my child was bitten i would firstly have then checked out at the hospital and have any preventative measures taken regarding infection, etc etc. I would also contact the dog owner and get the vet records so I know the dog is up to date on shots. I would be pissed off beyond belief that he/she was so irresponsible to have the dog in biting reach of people and other animals, I dont care what the persons excuse is. Next I would decide whether or not to press charges because NO ONE should have an animal that is going to bite someone, provoked or not. And the thing about kids getting bitten is that they usually provoke the dog, intentionally or not, because they are small and are not fluid with their movements.

Alex - posted on 04/24/2011

I am a pitbull when it comes to protecting my kids......and I would be on the offensive......first reporting the incident to the police, then animal control. I would then start making sure my son understood there are bad dog owners.....and dogs that bite are a result of that. You don't want a phobia to result from this. The other concern I would have is making a serious enemy of my neighbour.....having lived through that kind of thing I know the stress that goes with it........and it will now visit you daily. So do some thinking before you go ahead.

Largest concern is your son........his recovery and how he feels about what happened to him.......everything else is secondary........I wish you good luck and good sense in this.

Cynthia - posted on 04/24/2011

Call the police for sure....all dogs can bite and it needs to be documented. Also make a formal complaint against the owner to try to have the dog put down. It might sound harsh but the dog will probably bite again. I own a dog but dog take lightly to bad pet owners. Keep all the records from the doctor and think about getting a lawyer if the owner doesn't pay for medical expenses.

Sneaky - posted on 04/24/2011

I haven't read all the posts so i don't know if someone has already given you the link:
http://www.doggonesafe.com/my_child_was_...

Hope that helps. I'm so sorry your son got bitten :o(

Rebecca - posted on 04/23/2011

def call the police and have them deal with it no child,no person should be subject to an animal bite. this needs to be sorted. hope your son is alright.

Kate CP - posted on 04/23/2011

I'm just going to repeat that it's my professional opinion that you should not get your son a dog. It could seriously backfire on you and then you're stuck with a dog your son is terrified of.

Weny - posted on 04/23/2011

Report it to the authorities. Someone got hurt because of the owners negligence.

JuLeah - posted on 04/23/2011

Report the dog. The owners will be required by law to keep it locked up. If they fail, it will be put down. Make a police report if you have to. Make sure you have your doctors records and the names of anyone who watched this happen.
Get your kid a puppy :) You don't want him to grow up frightened of dogs. I know pit bulls that are real sweet - depends on who owns em and how they are treated.

Connie - posted on 04/23/2011

My neighbor's dog bit my son under similar circumstances. I presented the hospital and subsequent doctor bills to the dogs owners and made them pay for it. Good luck.

Corrine - posted on 04/22/2011

Talk to the police and if that doesn't work sue the neighbor. They should keep the dog caged up or inside when kids are around.

Jennifer - posted on 04/22/2011

yep. I would file a report with the police and the local bylaw authorities too - if you know the neighbour well and consider them reasonable you might want to approach them directly.

Natalie - posted on 04/22/2011

First of all. I feel for your son. What a terrible ordeal he must of gone through and I can't imagine what you're going through. Second. I'm an animal lover. I've had dogs all my life. I have friends who have dogs that I allow my child to play with. My day care lady has a boxer that Caelyn plays with... BUT if my dog seriously injured a child the way this dog did to your son, I would do the humain thing and euthanize my dog. This is of course after the recommended observation and testing of the animal. But I'm not talking about a nip on the leg where a simple band aid will do the trick, I'm talking major broken skin, stiches, in the faceCause you really never know if your dog will do this to another child or adult. If it means safety for your fellow neighbours, don't move into a neighbourhood where there are kids if you have dangerous animals. Any animal can turn on their owners or others. I say try to recogninze the sings that something is up with your dog.

Diana - posted on 04/22/2011

I would call animal control again and insist they come out immediately - 3-4 days is unacceptable when the skin was broken. They need to ensure that the dog has had his rabies shot and if not - that he is impounded immediately.

I agree with those who point out that the owners are at fault here for not restraining the dog and also that your son learned a valuable lesson - NEVER run (or ride a bike) away from a dog. Calmly - calmly - calmly back away from a dog. Dogs pick up on body language and the Pit most likely became excited at your son's quick movements. If the dog had meant to do serious harm - he would have done more damage than one bite on the rump. Once bitten I'm sure your son was unable to keep on riding his bicycle without interruption - the dog could have brought him to the ground. A dog doesn't deserve a death sentence because of one bite. The proper authorities NEED to investigate to assess if he has bitten before . They will need the names of those bitten so they can investigage though. Many states do have a three times strike that results in the dog being euthanized no matter what.

The owners of the Pit should definitely pay any out of pocket medical expenses and if not, you can file a claim in small claims court. You most definitely have the right to sue them for the medical expenses as well as receive monies for pain and suffering. Small claims courts are for people who are unable to afford an attorney - and even Judge Judy and People's Court are possibilities for those who decide to take it to court. You would easily win your case.

I do own dogs but have never owned a Pit (but I am well aware of the breed and their strength). I have worked as a vet tech for many years and heard all the nightmare stories. My own granddaughter was bitten in the face by a neighbor's Rottweiler when she was about your son's age. We spent several hours in the ER before someone told me just how serious it was - the bite itself wasn't severe but where it was located made it an extremely serious matter. It was a little below her temple area - between the eye and hair line. There is a direct blood vessel supplying the brain located in the area and it could have even resulted in her death. After several hours observation with no signs of this they released her. I was later told by the owner that her own mother had encouraged her to get rid of the dog as the grandmother didn't trust them around her three small girls. THE OWNER made the decision after a 10 day observation to have the dog euthanized.

Diana - posted on 04/22/2011

I would call animal control again and insist they come out immediately - 3-4 days is unacceptable when the skin was broken. They need to ensure that the dog has had his rabies shot and if not - that he is impounded immediately.

I agree with those who point out that the owners are at fault here for not restraining the dog and also that your son learned a valuable lesson - NEVER run (or ride a bike) away from a dog. Calmly - calmly - calmly back away from a dog. Dogs pick up on body language and the Pit most likely became excited at your son's quick movements. If the dog had meant to do serious harm - he would have done more damage than one bite on the rump. Once bitten I'm sure your son was unable to keep on riding his bicycle without interruption - the dog could have brought him to the ground. A dog doesn't deserve a death sentence because of one bite. The proper authorities NEED to investigate to assess if he has bitten before . They will need the names of those bitten so they can investigage though. Many states do have a three times strike that results in the dog being euthanized no matter what.

The owners of the Pit should definitely pay any out of pocket medical expenses and if not, you can file a claim in small claims court. You most definitely have the right to sue them for the medical expenses as well as receive monies for pain and suffering. Small claims courts are for people who are unable to afford an attorney - and even Judge Judy and People's Court are possibilities for those who decide to take it to court. You would easily win your case.

I do own dogs but have never owned a Pit (but I am well aware of the breed and their strength). I have worked as a vet tech for many years and heard all the nightmare stories. My own granddaughter was bitten in the face by a neighbor's Rottweiler when she was about your son's age. We spent several hours in the ER before someone told me just how serious it was - the bite itself wasn't severe but where it was located made it an extremely serious matter. It was a little below her temple area - between the eye and hair line. There is a direct blood vessel supplying the brain located in the area and it could have even resulted in her death. After several hours observation with no signs of this they released her. I was later told by the owner that her own mother had encouraged her to get rid of the dog as the grandmother didn't trust them around her three small girls. THE OWNER made the decision after a 10 day observation to have the dog euthanized.

Sara - posted on 04/22/2011

I have experienced a dog hitting my daughter. It's the most horrifying feeling and I hope nobody ever has to experience going through this. My daughter put clamp on a friends half Pitt and half bull mastiff and he turned around and bit her in the face. She had to get 12 stitches in the face frOm his eye teeth. Since we knew the dog we didn't press charges or put the dog down. Now in the time of moment if I had a weapon on some sort I would have done some damage on that dog. Now since you don't know this dog, I would report it and have it put down. Dogs are replaceable, kids aren't. Sara

Jessica - posted on 04/22/2011

yes like the others said get the dog put down and personaly id sue

Fran - posted on 04/22/2011

Sorry. I would speak to your neighbor first calmly to let them know that you are calling police and animal control. Let them know this is not ok. A child should not be put in that position again..

Zenaida - posted on 04/22/2011

you did the right thing, i will do the same thing coz dog bite may be fatal

Ann - posted on 04/22/2011

It is hard to say that he could have done anything to stop what had happened. If he did not provoke the dog Our neighbor dog from 5 lots down from us excape from his robe that he was tied to and was traveling in the neighorhood. he ended up in our next door neighbor's yard barking at our do. i wento to get a lease and headed next door. meanwhile the owner of the baring dog met me in the neighbor's yard with a rope, got his dog, and togethet we were walking up the driveway en the dog who was on his owners right side came around me who wason the owners left side and bite my ankle. The owner probably shoud have had shorter rope or lease and beter control. i was in my 60s an d NEVER had been bite before and did ot know this dog.

Murphy - posted on 04/21/2011

I don't know and hope I won't have to find out but will cross that bridge if it comes. Sounds like your child and family went through a terrible ordeal but you handled it with grace and your son seems to have taken your que and is doing well, that's a tribute to how you handled it. I always remember, dogs are animals that were once wild, I am mindful and respectful of this and try to behave accordingly. That being said some owners are just idiots who shouldn't have animals in the first place....but that's a whole new can of worms I'm opting not to open!

Cherie - posted on 04/21/2011

Hi Aliah, First i am very sorry to hear that this has happened to your son. I have an experienced something similar.
My son was 11 at the time, my son was over at his friends house and they where out back playing, they had all went over to pet and play with the dog (which by the way was a white German Shepard) and he couldn't come to them because the dog was chain up. They where all done petting and playing with the dog and all ran off to go play else where, but while my son was running away to go play the dog bit back of his leg just below the butt cheek, this dog was being agressive and did some pretty nasty damage and the bites where so bad that there was fatty tissue poking out, the parents of the child that my son was playing with called to let me know what happened, once i got there i looked at the bite and told them that i was taking my son to the hospital and they would have to pay for the medical expenses, i also found out that this wasn't the first time that the dog had bit someone, once at the hospital my son had to have stiches to close the wounds, the doctor told me they normally do not stitch dog bites up because they have to drain, but when they are that bad they have to close it up but they leave a little opening for drainage.
I live in the state of missouri and the doctors did not notify anyone. So you can demand that they owners of the dog pay for all medical bills and if they refuse you can take legal action, i found this out from a lawyer. So the owners of the German Shepard payed for every medical bill, now it wasn't easy getting it from them but they promise of a lawyer and a lawsuit which they knew they wouldn't win was enough to get compensation.
The dog was never put down but was rehabilitated. My son was afraid of dogs for a few years but grew out of it and is now 18 and no longer has any fear of dogs big or small.
But you need to take what ever action you feel is right for you and your family. If it was me i would see that the dog was removed from the people that own it and that the dog was rehabilitated, most of them can and then they are placed in a more caring and loving enviroment.
Hope some of this Helped

Kathryn O - posted on 04/21/2011

Honey, it's heartbreaking when children suffer this way. My heart goes out to you and your lad.
Any breed can turn violent, not just pit bulls. I'm a farm kid. When I was growing up, any dog that bit a child was shot by the victim's dad or older brothers. I'm a proud PETA member but children are so much more precious than any critter could ever be. As much as I love animals, I can tell you this: The owners are likely not responsible enough to train their dog. That's why it's viscious. Don't waste your time or efforts on the owners. That in itself could turn ugly. Just report the incident to the police. The courts will put the dog down and likely slap a heavy fine on the owners. That's what they get for allowing their dog to turn so mean and for letting him out to bite small children. If the dog is not put down, he will attack again and next time it could be much worse. You could be saving a child. The child you save could be your own son. Motherhood has some tough decissions Honey. This is one of them. Put your foot down and leave it there.

Melissa - posted on 04/21/2011

I would report the dog to police/animal control. I love animals and hate to see bad things happen to them but obviously the owners were irresponsible. depending on where you live, If the temperment of the dog proves to not be "vicious", he may just get a dangerous dog label and have to be contained behind a fence, muzzled outside. Or he may need to be euthanized. Although you're son's bite wasn't minor, it could have been a lot worse and that's not something any parent should have to worry about.

Wanda - posted on 04/21/2011

hope he's a quick healer. Same type of incident happened to my daughter about 3 weeks ago except her bite was very minor but I took her to the doctor immediately anyway. After they checked her THEY called animal control (it was not a pit bull). Animal control came out took a report quaretined the dog in house for 10 days (she was current on shots) this dog was on a leash she just got a little excited & nipped my daughter. ER should have reported it

Kate CP - posted on 04/21/2011

Obviously not many people know about canine behavior here.

ALL dogs *should* show bite inhibition. What does that mean? It means IF they snap it should be a gentle nip that doesn't break the skin. Preferably, a dog will show EXTREME bite inhibition and won't bite at all but will instead bark or growl or bare it's teeth as a warning. The fact that this boy had to get stitches says to me that this dog has POOR bite inhibition. He bit him on the ass because that's all he could grab. If the boy was running backward the dog probably would have gone for his face or hands or whatever was easily accessible. It doesn't matter the size of the dog...ALL DOGS were bred to have bite inhibition. It's part of their genetic make-up as canis familiaris.