Re: Neighbor's German Shepard bit the mailman

SANNA · ‎04-23-2010

The daughter is just an irresponsible owner. German Shepards are wonderful dogs but their purpose is being guardian dogs and they are very loyal and territorial.

To them it doesn't matter who you are if you enter their territory, you are an intruder no matter what.

Just the other day I spoke with retired mailman and he told me that he was bitten 3 times in his carrier by German Shepards. So it's a very common thing

But agree that people should follow the community rules about visitors with pets.

Isobel Archer · ‎04-04-2015

Pit bulls account for the majority of fatal dog bites. http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics.php

Now yes, the article goes on to say how wonderful pit bulls can be - and attributes their occasions of visciousness to bad owners. It also says that bad owners seem to flock to this type of dog.

And while it is certainly true that any dog will bite under the "right circumstances" I hardly think that delivering mail or walking down the street should put someone in that category.

NO dog should be running free out of the control of its owner - but clearly some owners are worse than others - and these seem to want the "bully breeds" as the articles says - so again, I hardly think that being wary of such dogs is ignorant hysteria.

CrazyDaisy · ‎03-20-2010

@Isobel Archer wrote:
Pit bulls account for the majority of fatal dog bites. http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics.php

Now yes, the article goes on to say how wonderful pit bulls can be - and attributes their occasions of visciousness to bad owners. It also says that bad owners seem to flock to this type of dog.

And while it is certainly true that any dog will bite under the "right circumstances" I hardly think that delivering mail or walking down the street should put someone in that category.

NO dog should be running free out of the control of its owner - but clearly some owners are worse than others - and these seem to want the "bully breeds" as the articles says - so again, I hardly think that being wary of such dogs is ignorant hysteria.

Lets just put it this way....if every dog owner was responsible we would not be having this conversation. SO is it the dogs fault or the owners (keep in mind no breed was ever mentioned).

Someday, when scientists discover the center of the Universe....some people will be disappointed it is not them.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

I love dogs... but... no dog should be loose and off leash except in a fenced yard. It is the owners fault, not the dog's fault. Now the poor dog will pay the brunt of the negligence and probably be put down. They should PUT THE OWNER OF THE DOG DOWN. Instead she will get a slap on the wrist and maybe a small fine.

That saying, I hope the poor mail person is ok both physically and mentally as being attacked by a vicious dog would be very frightening. Dogs need to be socialized and if you have a dog that is breed mostly to be protective... you MUST give the dog a lot of training and work with it all the time to not be vicious. I really doubt this dog had any training of any kind.

Isobel Archer · ‎04-04-2015

@CrazyDaisy wrote:
@Isobel Archer wrote:
Pit bulls account for the majority of fatal dog bites. http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics.php

Now yes, the article goes on to say how wonderful pit bulls can be - and attributes their occasions of visciousness to bad owners. It also says that bad owners seem to flock to this type of dog.

And while it is certainly true that any dog will bite under the "right circumstances" I hardly think that delivering mail or walking down the street should put someone in that category.

NO dog should be running free out of the control of its owner - but clearly some owners are worse than others - and these seem to want the "bully breeds" as the articles says - so again, I hardly think that being wary of such dogs is ignorant hysteria.
Lets just put it this way....if every dog owner was responsible we would not be having this conversation. SO is it the dogs fault or the owners (keep in mind no breed was ever mentioned).

Of course it is the owner's fault.

However, if you were walking down the street and a pit bull came running at you - seriously wouldn't you be more afraid that if it were a chihuahua?

nun ya · ‎03-09-2010

@Nataliesgramma wrote:
Everyone got along with the neighbor down the street until her daughter moved back in with her German Shepard. She lets the dog out the front door to potty without a leash. They have a FENCED IN back yard, so the only reason I think she does this is so she doesn't have to clean it up since the dog does it's business in everyone elses yard.

We spoke to her Mom (nicely) and she said she would talk to her....didn't help.

Yesterday the dog saw the mailman crossing my yard and ran over and bit him before he could get his mace out.The rest of the street did not receive their mail because the mailman went to the hospital. I saw the Dog Warden at the neighbors house later that afternoon.

What happens now...does anyone know? It is a beautiful dog, but the owner is an idiot. We are all nervous about being out in the yard now....

The dog warden, the Health Dept and police will be involved. If the person bit seeks hospital care, it is a mandated report. Hopefully the dog has a valid rabies vaccine. The dog will be quarantined for 10 days ( if in Pa)

They will probably be fined for the dog running at large. You are at fault if your dog is not tied or under control, even in your own yard.

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

In my opinion, there is no such thing as a totally safe dog/breed. Yes, some may be more prone, but I owned one of the cute, small brands, the kind little ones on the street seem to want to pet. I never told parents the dog would not bite; I always said he has not bitten anyone so far.

I walked him on a leash for his protection - but certainly that lease could have also been protecting others. I expect that much from other owners. Unfortunately, there are more irresponsible owners than there are dangerous dogs.

AngusandBuddhasMom · ‎03-10-2010

@Isobel Archer wrote:
@CrazyDaisy wrote:
@Isobel Archer wrote:
Pit bulls account for the majority of fatal dog bites. http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics.php

Now yes, the article goes on to say how wonderful pit bulls can be - and attributes their occasions of visciousness to bad owners. It also says that bad owners seem to flock to this type of dog.

And while it is certainly true that any dog will bite under the "right circumstances" I hardly think that delivering mail or walking down the street should put someone in that category.

NO dog should be running free out of the control of its owner - but clearly some owners are worse than others - and these seem to want the "bully breeds" as the articles says - so again, I hardly think that being wary of such dogs is ignorant hysteria.
Lets just put it this way....if every dog owner was responsible we would not be having this conversation. SO is it the dogs fault or the owners (keep in mind no breed was ever mentioned).
Of course it is the owner's fault.

However, if you were walking down the street and a pit bull came running at you - seriously wouldn't you be more afraid that if it were a chihuahua?

Um I have been bitten by a neighbors chihuahua, a poodle and a beagel. So I would be leery of any dog running at me.

I feel thankful that their are people who do realize these supposed horrible breeds need protection more so then the adorable breeds since they continue to get bad press. And so the Insurance industry and lawyers are benefitting from it.

I now own a cat for the past twelve years he has chased after two german shepards as well as a lab and a bull dog. Maybe he should be considered dangerous because in his mind he is protecting his home. He also will punch unassuming animals who are trying to make friends. My point being all animals can be defensive if they feel threatened. On the other hand he is very sweet to humans which I wonder about.

nun ya · ‎03-09-2010

@millieshops wrote:
In my opinion, there is no such thing as a totally safe dog/breed. Yes, some may be more prone, but I owned one of the cute, small brands, the kind little ones on the street seem to want to pet. I never told parents the dog would not bite; I always said he has not bitten anyone so far.

I walked him on a leash for his protection - but certainly that lease could have also been protecting others. I expect that much from other owners. Unfortunately, there are more irresponsible owners than there are dangerous dogs.

Agree, ANY dog will bite.

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

@Nataliesgramma wrote:
Everyone got along with the neighbor down the street until her daughter moved back in with her German Shepard. She lets the dog out the front door to potty without a leash. They have a FENCED IN back yard, so the only reason I think she does this is so she doesn't have to clean it up since the dog does it's business in everyone elses yard.

We spoke to her Mom (nicely) and she said she would talk to her....didn't help.

Yesterday the dog saw the mailman crossing my yard and ran over and bit him before he could get his mace out.The rest of the street did not receive their mail because the mailman went to the hospital. I saw the Dog Warden at the neighbors house later that afternoon.

What happens now...does anyone know? It is a beautiful dog, but the owner is an idiot. We are all nervous about being out in the yard now....

Petition the neighbors, present at your town meeting. Or call the police when the dog's not obeying the leash law. Evidentally the daughter doesn't care what her mother said, if she talked to her, or just plans to do her own thing and doesn't care about others. That daughter's going to mess it up for her mother, since her name is on the house, I'll bet ya!