For the second time in two months I've been bitten by a dog at the home of friends. Two different dogs, two different friends. I don't know why. I'm such a dog lover and I've felt guilty both times, like, "did I do something to provoke the dog?" Looking back, I don't believe so. Once the dog was a known bitter, the second time it was evidently the first time she bit. Any insight or experiences?
Dog Bite
- Thread starter BuffyR
- Start date
pink_fortitude
Banned
Buffy, how do your friends treat your dogs? I hate hate hate stereotyping, I really really do!, but the only dogs that I have ever been bitten by or nipped at are the small, pampered breeds like chihuahuas and yorkies. I do not know your friends or how they treat their dogs, but in my experience the dogs that bite are the ones that run the house and are treated like babies instead of dogs. There could also already be some existing aggression issues, especially with unneutered males. . My hunch is that it has absolutely nothing to do with you. 
Melissa
Melissa
sparrow13
Cathlete
Sorry this happened to you. I have to say that the unpredictability of situations like this is the reason I've always been a bit frightened of dogs.
That said, the dog bites I know of happened when the dogs felt unsure of themselves/the situation and reacted according to instinct. I doubt you did anything wrong!!
That said, the dog bites I know of happened when the dogs felt unsure of themselves/the situation and reacted according to instinct. I doubt you did anything wrong!!
buckeyegirl
Cathlete
Find better friends? Kidding! Seriously, it is *not* your problem, it is their problem that they have an aggressive dog. Having a biting dog is a liability and not appropriate. What kind of recourse did the friends take? They are the ones that need to fix the problem, not you. I know that doesn't help, but don't put this on yourself like you are exuding some sort of "anti-dog" karma that is getting you bit. Not all dogs know that you are a dog lover. Did you get the bites treated? Are the dogs up to date on rabies vaccines?
Getting bit sucks. Getting bit by friends' dogs really sucks. Talk to them and definitely have them crated or steer clear of them the next time you go over! (I know I'm stating the obvious)
Heidi
Kidding! Seriously, it is *not* your problem, it is their problem that they have an aggressive dog. Having a biting dog is a liability and not appropriate. What kind of recourse did the friends take? They are the ones that need to fix the problem, not you. I know that doesn't help, but don't put this on yourself like you are exuding some sort of "anti-dog" karma that is getting you bit. Not all dogs know that you are a dog lover. Did you get the bites treated? Are the dogs up to date on rabies vaccines?Getting bit sucks. Getting bit by friends' dogs really sucks. Talk to them and definitely have them crated or steer clear of them the next time you go over! (I know I'm stating the obvious
)Heidi
buckeyegirl
Cathlete
Didn't realize I was so "wink happy" this am in previous post..tee hee..maybe I have something in my eye
H.
H.
dreamyjeanie
Cathlete
Dogs bite for differenent reasons. Some bite as a form of playing. They don't know they are doing anything wrong unless they have been properly trained to avoid biting humans. Some bite out of fear. They think they are going to be hurt or threaten in some manner so they strike first so to speak. Some bite as a result of being startled. For example if someone were to step on a dog's tail or pull their fur too hard, a dog might react with a bite to let the person know "Hey, you hurt me". And the worst type of dogs who bite are the ones who bite out of agression. They feel they have to be dominant or protectiive over something or someone and bite to show where they stand. Try to look at the 2 times you were bit and see if you can tell which circumstance it was and then it might help you respond if you are in a similar situation. For example, if the dog bit of fear, the next time you are around a shy or fearful dog, try to give it its space and let it come to trust that you are not going to make any sudden moves etc. If you feel that either of the bites were due to aggression, I would avoid being around those dogs unless the owners have taken action/trainging to avoid a similar situation in the future. Unfortunately, not all dogs who bite can be trained to not bite, no matter why they bite. Years ago I had a Char Pei that had possibly been mistreated. We don't know his full back ground. He came to trust us and was even great with our DD who was around 2 at the time, although I never put her in a situation where I was fully trusting the dog around her. But he could never be trusted with strangers because every now and then he would act agressive out of fear. After 1 bite and several close calls we had to have him put down. That was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but we couldn't take the risk of someone getting seriously hurt.
Most dogs are good dogs and I hope these 2 situations has not caused you to mistrust dogs in general. Each one has its own little quirks and I hope your situations were just flukes.
Most dogs are good dogs and I hope these 2 situations has not caused you to mistrust dogs in general. Each one has its own little quirks and I hope your situations were just flukes.
What were you doing when the dogs bit you ?
Some dogs will bite if they have toy hoarding/agression, others will bite if you put your hand up to pet them on the head, some just get upset if you look them in the eye. Some might have aches and pains and if you pet them wrong they will bite. You never know with other people's animals.
Maybe you just have a sent of another dog/cat on you. Be careful !
Some dogs will bite if they have toy hoarding/agression, others will bite if you put your hand up to pet them on the head, some just get upset if you look them in the eye. Some might have aches and pains and if you pet them wrong they will bite. You never know with other people's animals.
Maybe you just have a sent of another dog/cat on you. Be careful !
Liann
Cathlete
Buffy - What were you doing when the dogs bit you? There are certain ways not to approach a dog. Without knowing what led to the actual bite, it's hard to tell whether you did something to provoke or if the dog is just a meanie. The biggest problem I have with people who aren't used to my dogs is that they go right up to them, lean down over them and roughly try to pet the top of their heads. Two of my dogs can handle this, but the third freaks out that some giant stranger is hovering over him that he doesn't know and putting their hand down on top of his head - which is actually an action of putting the dog in submission. Montana hasn't bit anyone, but he has freaked out and gone temporarily Kujo before running behind mommy and tucking his tail. He is a very insecure little wienie dog until he gets to know someone and people walking right up to him and going at him doesn't help. I was holding him in a store once with him facing behind me and some woman actually came up behind me and tried to pet him. Boy, did he snarl at her. He is VERY protective of his mommy, so someone coming up behind my back and putting their hand on his head will get that reaction. You just can't sneak up on a wienie. Again, he doesn't bite, but he has made a few people pee their pants. We don't take him to the store anymore.
The first dog that bit me was evidently sleeping and when I pushed my chair back (we were eating) the dog woke up and bit me. He has bitten his owners several times when he is woken up by them. So, the second dog I called out her name in a normal tone to make sure she wasn't sleeping. She lifted her head at which I reached over to stroke her head. She then bite me. I should say, I've been around this dog 2 dozen times with no problem. She is a Rotweiler (sp). No biting history. I don't wear any perfume at all.
I was talking to another friend who was present during the incident and she said she thought the dog didn't seem herself that night. The owner has called to vet to see whether the dog is ill.
I have to say, I'm very scared of that dog now. The owner tried to get me to pet her again that night but there was no way I was going near her. It's not a bad bit; really just scratched the skin and bruised the area. I really hope this doesn't make be afraid of all dogs. Like I said, I am a real dog lover and approach dogs easily after I confirm with the owners that it is a friendly dog. I'm not so sure I will do this in the future.
Thanks for all you feedback.
I was talking to another friend who was present during the incident and she said she thought the dog didn't seem herself that night. The owner has called to vet to see whether the dog is ill.
I have to say, I'm very scared of that dog now. The owner tried to get me to pet her again that night but there was no way I was going near her. It's not a bad bit; really just scratched the skin and bruised the area. I really hope this doesn't make be afraid of all dogs. Like I said, I am a real dog lover and approach dogs easily after I confirm with the owners that it is a friendly dog. I'm not so sure I will do this in the future.
Thanks for all you feedback.
Liann
Cathlete
I'd be scared of the dog too. Especially since you knew the dog and she just reacted like that. That's not good. Does make me wonder if something is wrong with her. It doesn't sound like you are doing anything wrong. Just in the wrong places at the wrong times!
lrayburn
Cathlete
I notice that both of the dogs were asleep or had been asleep when you were bitten. I would recommend not handling a dog that is asleep or in its bed or even asleep on the floor. Dogs will frequently guard their sleeping areas from people. Even though they may be good with their family, the view of an outsider ingfringing on the sleeping area is different.
I am not saying the behavior is okay, just suggesting why it may be happening. Honestly, in my house I could see at least two of my three dogs becoming defensive if a relatively casual stranger reached in to pet them while they were in their beds or crates.
Both owners need to be managing their dogs better. If you want to interact with a dog like that, call it to you so it is moves towards you before you pet it. This makes dogs less defensive than if you move into their space. Many animals are defensive when they are asleep or have just woken up. The Rottie may have been uncomfortable for some other reason that made her threshold lower that night.
Lisa
I am not saying the behavior is okay, just suggesting why it may be happening. Honestly, in my house I could see at least two of my three dogs becoming defensive if a relatively casual stranger reached in to pet them while they were in their beds or crates.
Both owners need to be managing their dogs better. If you want to interact with a dog like that, call it to you so it is moves towards you before you pet it. This makes dogs less defensive than if you move into their space. Many animals are defensive when they are asleep or have just woken up. The Rottie may have been uncomfortable for some other reason that made her threshold lower that night.
Lisa
Yeah, I am thinking that the Rottie not have been fully awake when I approached her. I did call her name to make sure I wasn't petting a sleeping dog and she did raise her head but maybe she was still in a sleep state. I'll keep that in mind for future visits.
One thing that surprised me in both instances is that there was a houseful of guests besides me and neither owner crated the dogs or put it in another room for the remainder of the evening.
One thing that surprised me in both instances is that there was a houseful of guests besides me and neither owner crated the dogs or put it in another room for the remainder of the evening.
pink_fortitude
Banned
hiitdogs
Cathlete
This is really wrong on so many levels!!!!
Can I ask what the dog owners did after the bite? Did they redirect the dog, did they even see it?
It's always hard to judge the reasons for a dog's behavior if not experienced first hand but from what you have shared it sounds like terretorial behavior. A lot of times that happens because the dog thinks he/she is the alpha dog because the owner does not give them rules, boundaries and limitations (Cesar Milan's favorite expression)
Dogs will bite for a variety of reasons fear, aggression, pain, the above mentioned alpha dog syndrome, etc. however, dog owners are responsible for their dogs' behavior and they are supposed to control it. If they know the dog bites they need to either keep the dog away from company or hire a specialist to help them identify the problem and work on it. It is unacceptable to have a dog that is a loose canon and put people at risk.
I don't think there is anything that you did wrong. Unless in rare instances of self defense it is never okay for a dog to bite. Period!!
Would I say something to the owner? I absolutely would! Just be aware that people often get very defensive when you say something about their dogs unacceptable behavior. Personally, I would not go to a house with a dog that is not under her/his owner's control.
Can I ask what the dog owners did after the bite? Did they redirect the dog, did they even see it?
It's always hard to judge the reasons for a dog's behavior if not experienced first hand but from what you have shared it sounds like terretorial behavior. A lot of times that happens because the dog thinks he/she is the alpha dog because the owner does not give them rules, boundaries and limitations (Cesar Milan's favorite expression
)Dogs will bite for a variety of reasons fear, aggression, pain, the above mentioned alpha dog syndrome, etc. however, dog owners are responsible for their dogs' behavior and they are supposed to control it. If they know the dog bites they need to either keep the dog away from company or hire a specialist to help them identify the problem and work on it. It is unacceptable to have a dog that is a loose canon and put people at risk.
I don't think there is anything that you did wrong. Unless in rare instances of self defense it is never okay for a dog to bite. Period!!
Would I say something to the owner? I absolutely would! Just be aware that people often get very defensive when you say something about their dogs unacceptable behavior. Personally, I would not go to a house with a dog that is not under her/his owner's control.
Last edited:
I am certainly gaining some serious dog insight here. Interestingly both dogs are very pampered; no kids in the house. In fact after the bites both owners were very concerned about the dogs' feelings (not that they weren't concerned about me). There was no disipline or correcting the dogs. I have a strong feeling I won't be the last bitten guest. I hope it is not worse next time.
hiitdogs
Cathlete
Somehow I expected that you would say that
Although for the life of me I can't figure out how the dog's feeling would be hurt by the dog biting YOU!!! Unfortunately I think you are absolutely right! I don't believe you are the first one and you probably won't be the last one.
Sometimes I just wish there was a requirement to complete mandatory training before people can get a dog.
buckeyegirl
Cathlete
I wholeheartedly agree with Carola - unacceptable on behalf of the dog AND the owner!
Heidi
Heidi
cindi1
Cathlete
I agree. We've had a similar situation in the past. We took our then toddler children to a friend's house and their chocolate lab was very active and almost aggressive and scaring our son. She didn't bite our son, but nipped a couple of times. We asked them to remove the dog to another room and they really didn't get it - they thought the dog could do no wrong. They would send her to another room but didn't take any steps to keep her there so she kept coming back. We decided we weren't going there again until the dog was controlled.
Later - the dog ended up biting their child and THEN they realized the dog's behavior was a problem. They got rid of the dog - which was really unfortunate. If they had worked with her from the beginning, it may not have come to that.
As a general rule, I don't approach dogs in their homes. I basically ignore them until they approach me on their terms.
Later - the dog ended up biting their child and THEN they realized the dog's behavior was a problem. They got rid of the dog - which was really unfortunate. If they had worked with her from the beginning, it may not have come to that.
As a general rule, I don't approach dogs in their homes. I basically ignore them until they approach me on their terms.
buckeyegirl
Cathlete
It definitely can be a tender subject. Hearing criticisms about your pet can be tantamount to hearing them about your children. People can really take offense to it. When I have an 8 week old puppy (usually a "designer" mix breed from a petstore that they paid $400 for -- a whole other rant) that is already growling at me, I really have to walk a tightrope of discussing this with their owner without offending. I want those first puppy visits to be positive all around, but over the years, I've developed a way to nicely but pointedly tell them they may have a problem. Usually most appreciate it. I also tell owners when their older dogs were particularly nasty for their vet work. I see no problem with being forthcoming about this - in a tactful way Owners NEED to know this, and your friends need to be fully aware of the problem - be friendly, tactful, and concerned. These friends have a liability on their hands - not good!
Heidi
) that is already growling at me, I really have to walk a tightrope of discussing this with their owner without offending. I want those first puppy visits to be positive all around, but over the years, I've developed a way to nicely but pointedly tell them they may have a problem. Usually most appreciate it. I also tell owners when their older dogs were particularly nasty for their vet work. I see no problem with being forthcoming about this - in a tactful way Owners NEED to know this, and your friends need to be fully aware of the problem - be friendly, tactful, and concerned. These friends have a liability on their hands - not good!Heidi