Dog Killed on Mesa Lane by Ridgebacks

I knew a ridgeback many years ago at Elings. This was an absolutely beautiful dog who answered it's master every time. Would I ever have one? At that time I would have been so proud to own a ridgeback and have it under my control. What I am reading about is dogs in a pack with no training. I live next door to two pits that I love. People, train your dog or go to jail and learn how.

According to the American Temperament Test, the standard in breed specific behavior analysis, the Pit Bull passed 86.7%. This is two points ahead of Labs and one point higher than Goldens. The dogs that scored the worst on the temperament test were Bearded Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Lhasa Apsos, Chihuahuas and Bichon Frisées. In the United States 66% of fatalities are caused by Pit Bulls not 85% as mentioned above. German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Dobermans are listed next. Every one of these fatalities were preventable. Children and Mail Carriers accounted for the most bites. Chihuahuas are 75% more likely to bite you than a Pit Bull, the difference is, their bite won’t kill you. There are no bad dogs. There are bad owners, bad breeders and bad situations. The death of the little dog in this article is tragic and purely the responsibility of the person walking the Ridgebacks.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally called African Lion Dogs. They are good dogs. It is the responsibility of the owner(s) to train them properly. My understanding that they are used for police work in South Africa.

Weren't they originally bred to kill lions?

It’s always sad to see this happen, but you are dealing with people, not dogs. Dangerous people who don’t train their dogs. People who don’t take the time to learn how to lead the dog instead of letting the dog do what it wants to do.

Consequences folks, we need consequences for people who don’t manage their dogs correctly. And no social justice intervention please.

Of course you could just put up a dangerous dog free zone sign. That’ll work, right?

A stun gun is great for detouring dog attacks - esp. if it has a strobe light. It is also one of the only ways to get a Pitt Bull to let go. It also won't hurt the dog and will give you time to get away.

Pit bulls and ridgebacks are two of the most-similar dogs on the planet. Both are great companions, but Xtremely protective. If you have the most basic information about dogs, both pits and ridgies are known to cause mayhem. Nearly 85% of human fatalities caused by dogs are caused by pits. I grew up on farms, and have traveled the world to live on various farms, and when/if a "farm" dog nips/bites a human....that dog is sent to doggie heaven very quickly. I've witnessed this no less than ten occasions. Quite sad, yes, but very true.....and ultimately.....necessary. One of those dogs was one of my favorites, "Dozer".... bit a two-year old on the face after the kid grabbed at the dog's food. The child needed about 20 stitches. So, dog owners, please lease your dogs and prevent them from harming/killing other dogs.....Please!

These dangerous dogs sound like they are in the same category as Pitbulls. Yes, they are "lovies" & are good around the kids until one day when they snap and that day WILL come. It never fails. Then the cries, "But he's always been such a good dog around children; I just don't know what got into him."

just a small error to clarify. the Nextdoor post said "2 ridgebacks" NOT 4. sorry for the loss

I’ve seen it way too many times...large off leash dogs attacking a small dog that was on a leash. Why even have leash laws if they aren’t enforced. There are places to take dogs off leash but for the people who abide by the law, they shouldn’t have to worry about an off leash dog attacking. The dog owner should at the very least be fined.

Another tip, albeit a bit unsettling...if a dog has something by the neck and won't let go, poke the dog in the netherest of regions, right in the butthole. I am not joking in the least, it will not hurt the dog but the dog will release whatever is in its mouth.

The problem with using Pepper Spray, it can spray back into your own face.... and it's hard to direct the spray, especially if the target is moving.
Instead, use a nice strong stick with metal prongs on the end.

I only walk my small dog, at Shoreline...on leash...
This is sad....dogs are pack animals...
The owners, should be responsible...

Due to the little dog being killed, the dogs will be quarantined, most likely at the County Shelter, and they will be the subject of a Vicious Dog Hearing. This will end up with a recommendation to euthanize them, and the owners will have to take the case to Superior Court to save their lives. Usually the only way to save them is to send them to a rescue outside of the City, along with lots of money for their care.

Carrying pepper spray is must whenever you walk somewhere with off leash big dogs. Too many idiot dog owners out there who could give a dam about you are your small dogs safety.

Dogs need to be put down sadly. Or rehomed to someone who knows how to handle them.

That's horrible I'm sorry for that little dog and it's parents..

Thank goodness they did not attack a child. Some dogs do not realize children are human, and strictly off limits. Could have been a terrible tragedy.

These dogs were the subject of an incident reported on NextDoor a few weeks ago. There were part of a pack of dogs brought to Douglas by a dog walker and they had bitten a smaller dog. I believe they knew the walker's name and car license and reported it to City Animal Control. Hopefully this will be the last time these dogs and this walker are threats to other people and dogs in the City.

I used to live at the first home address on Mesa Lane across the street from the steps. Between the Steps and Douglas Preserve, dog central. I saw it all. 99% of SB people who own large dogs are idiots who cannot afford dog training and do not have a big enough house to exercise the dogs. The dogs get to the Beach and go wild. Not their fault, it is not the dogs, it is the idiot dog owners. How many 19 year old City College coeds did I have to deal with, with their doberman pinchers and whatever else untrained big dogs who these people had no business owning in our Community. I had a trained Beagle who never pooped on the Beach!

Dogs are a leading cause of injury, yet people worry about much lower risks like sharks and snakes. What will it take before existing leash laws are enforced?

Owners should be arrested. It’s night he first time these dogs have attacked. More self centered people who are oblivious about others.
“ neighbors confirmed these same dogs have gotten into fights with other dogs on the beach and the Douglas Preserve.”

Was the small dog also off leash?

Perhaps 2 pepper sprays. One for the dogs and one for the out of control owner.