[nagdu] what do you consider an attack?

[Tracy Carcione]

I consider it an attack if a dog rushes at my dog, growling or snarling, 
and makes contact with him, whether or not my dog gets hurt.  Ben has been 
attacked like that twice.  Both times, the dog didn't break Ben's skin, but 
the result is that Ben is now wary of strange dogs.  If there's a strange 
dog nearby, he will slow way down, and go way around, if he can.
If a dog rushes at us, barking or growling, but doesn't actually make 
contact, I guess I'd call that an almost-attack.  A dog did that on one of 
our normal walks around here, and I still pay more attention when we're 
approaching that house, though Ben doesn't pay it any mind.
If a dog comes up to us, bouncing around and acting happy, I don't have a 
problem with it, except that it can make it hard to get on our way.  I'd 
call that interference.
If a dog barks at us from a house or car, I call it nothing.  It happens so 
often, it's not worth thinking about.
Tracy

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Julie J." <julielj at neb.rr.com>
To: "the National Association of Guide Dog Users NAGDU Mailing List" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2013 12:14 PM
Subject: [nagdu] what do you consider an attack?


> We often talk about dog attacks on this list, but perhaps what I 
> categorize as an attack is different from others definition.  So I’m 
> asking, what do you consider an attack?
>
> Is it: a dog coming toward your dog
> a dog coming toward your dog growling/barking
> a dog coming close enough to sniff your dog
> a dog coming into physical contact with your dog, nose, tongue or feet
> a dog who bites, but does not break the skin with or without pain/bruising
> a dog who draws blood with a bite
> or something else?
>
> Does the intent of the other dog make a difference?  For example it is 
> fairly common for dogs to jump on each other and slobber all over each 
> other during rough play.  But jumping on another dog could definitely be 
> aggression in different circumstances.  Granted it is often extremely 
> difficult to gauge a loose dog’s intent without being able to watch their 
> body language.
>
> Would you consider a situation to be an attack if the other dog approaches 
> friendly, but your dog doesn’t appreciate it and reacts causing the 
> situation to escalate?
>
> Curiously,
> Julie
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