dog nipped someone, what to expect next?

shandyclover

We are looking after a westie dog for a friend for a few months. DD19 took westie for a walk today, while walking along an alley 2 joggers came running round the corner almost running into and startling both westie and DD. Westie was on lead but nipped one of the joggers ankles. Jogger had long pants on and no skin was broken but jogger demanded DD address and threatened to have the dog put down. She must have been quite forceful as DD came home in tears. Technically westie is not our dog and we are not able to contact the owner for a few days. Westie has never, ever gone for anyone human or canine so we are really baffled, other than he must have thought DD was being attacked. Can we expect that someone is going to show up and take the dog into custody? We have never been dog owners ourselves so very worried.

Gingham_R

Unlikely. Don't worry. The dog gave a warning, that's all, probably because he was frightened. If it wasn't just a warning, it would have broken the skin.

Unpleasant for the jogger, something that will need work on with the dog, but he won't get taken away for that, I'm sure. For now the dog will need to be walked somewhere that is a bit more open perhaps, where he won't get a shock if someone approaches quickly.

I'd tell your friend about it and ask her if there has ever been anything even vaguely similar happen before as he may need some counter conditioning or other support.

System

i wouldn't worry too much ,the dog was startled and reacted but didn't really injure the jogger , westies are not known for their aggression i doubt the police would get involved.

meritaten

it depends on whether they report it to the police and when you give your DDs side they believe it was an unprovoked attack by the dog.
They may or may not prosecute. as the skin wasnt broken and the dog may have been acting under the impression it was being attacked (or your DD was) they may decide to take no action! tbh - the jogger may not even have reported it!
Don't despair hun - nothing may come of it!
Known a few westies and for terriers they are not the most agressive dogs - usually they are playful, delightful little dogs especially with humans.
btw - tell DD that no member of the public (or even a police officer) can demand that a dog be put down - that decision is for the owner or the court.

hareng

First thing get a muzzle on it, not only for your assurance but for the muts as well.
My dog does exactly the same, its being protective.

Unfortunately it will happen again. Is it ok when passing other dogs and people? Mine dont like chavs just lift the lead up vertical when passing.

patchwork_cat

If the skin wasn't broken then presumably very little evidence and so no case to answer.

Gingham_R

hareng wrote: »

... just lift the lead up vertical when passing.

I would be wary of going down that road - that sounds like a sure way to make a dog more reactive.

gettingready

Change "westie" in the OP for "rottie" or "GS" or "doberman" and you will get very different response to the same scenario.

*************

OP it is not your dog but if you are looking after it - you must have a contact number for the owners? Pls do let them know. They may/may not be aware of dog having isue with joggers or may be a genuine one off.

Dog was on a lead. End of. Do nto worry.

krlyr

gettingready wrote: »

Dog was on a lead. End of. Do nto worry.

Not really. If a child ran up to an on-lead dog and had its face bitten, the dog being on lead doesn't make it OK. On-lead doesn't necessarily mean under control, and as the jogger was in a public place, you can hardly blame them for it.

Technically, with no skin broken there's no proof. However, I would suggest that you/the owner considers a muzzle for the dog at the very least (introduced slowly to prevent the dog disliking it, check Youtube for video instructions) if not then always using a short lead (as opposed to a Flexi) and maintains strict control of the dog, not letting people approach, pass by too near, etc. You could always carry a muzzle on you to use when in a situation where you can't change directions or duck down a side path.
You could try the Doglaw website for more advice, I think they give free initial advice over the phone or by email.
I'm no expert but I'd say that if it was reported and you did admit that it happened, the fact that it was only minor and no blood drawn, you'd just get a verbal warning. Possibly requested to muzzle the dog but not sure they'd even go that far.

ali-t

OP, if the jogger contacts the dog warden you may get a visit. I have had the dog wardens on my case as one of my dogs growled at a dog. Beware, it may stretch on for a while if the complainer is persistent.

Welshwoofs

Has the dog's owners ever mentioned a problem with joggers? I found out mine had a problem with joggers the first time one ran past when he was off-lead and he hoofed it after them. He didn't try and bite or anything, but 12 stone of Mastiff in hot pursuit scared the bejesus out of the jogger. Now if I see a jogger I slip him on a short lead until they're past.

Personally I doubt this one will complain because they'll look a little silly if the skin wasn't broken and the dog certainly wouldn't be put down if there was no definite injury. You definitely need to talk to the owner though and let them know.