Media

‘The Top Part of My Lip Here Was Gone’: TV Anchor Recalls On-Air Dog Bite

The Top Part of My Lip Here Was Gone: Denver 9News TV Anchor Kyle Dyer Recalls On Air Dog Bite

Denver television anchor Kyle Dyer spoke publicly for the first time about her on-air dog bite. (Image source: Denver 9News)

The Denver television news anchor bitten in the face by a dog during a live broadcast earlier this month is on her way to recovery after two surgeries, more than 70 stitches and a skin graft.

Kyle Dyer of Denver’s 9News was conducting an interview about the rescue of an 85-pound mastiff from an icy lake when she leaned toward the dog, prompting it to lunge at her.

After two weeks of not being physically able to speak, Dyer recalled the incident in an interview with her 9News co-anchor.

“I didn’t realize the extent of the injury. I knew it was bad when my lips didn’t touch anymore,” she said. “I realized all the blood — the top part of my lip here was gone.”

The Top Part of My Lip Here Was Gone: Denver 9News TV Anchor Kyle Dyer Recalls On Air Dog Bite

Image source: 9News

She added, “First thing I think is, ‘I’m bleeding and it had to be live on TV.’ Then I thought, ‘I got to call my mom before one of her bridge friends calls her.’”

Dyer was in surgery for four hours after the attack, during which she received a skin graft and 70 stitches. She had a second reconstructive surgery Monday, when her 70 stitches were taken out and replaced with 20 new ones.

She told 9News it took her a while to understand the severity of her injuries.

“I was so out of it. You and the viewers knew what was going on with me before I knew,” Dyer said. “The problem was the lip. I didn’t have one. Plastic surgery also puts a face back together and that’s what I needed.”

The dog, Max, is now back with his family after being quarantined by animal control for 10 days, 9News reported.

“It was an accident and it all just kind of snowballed and perfect stormed into the bite,” Dyer said.

The Top Part of My Lip Here Was Gone: Denver 9News TV Anchor Kyle Dyer Recalls On Air Dog Bite

Image source: 9News

The injury, she said, may never completely heal: “It may be six months, or never, to get feeling back….I just wake up every day, take my meds, put on lotion and sunscreen, have to for all this new skin, talk with my family and pray.”

“I’m so lucky, and it could have been worse. It was bad, but just think if it was my cheek or my nose or my eye or throat,” she said. “I’m fortunate. I’m going to be fine.”

Comments (190)

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  • SerikFox
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:48pm

    I’m so sorry for her injury, but most dogs would have bitten at that point. Certain breeds won’t obviously, but a lot will. I‘m just glad it wasn’t something like an akita or a giant schnauzer. Having grown up with dogs (big, little, smart, dumb – pretty much everything) I can say I wouldn’t have ever made that mistake, but I know a lot of people who would. It’s not something I fault her for, but I‘m really hoping that the dog isn’t put down because she didn’t know how to act around it.

    Report Post »  
    • SageInWaiting
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 12:29pm

      Rule number one: stay out of a dog‘s face when they don’t know you. The dog felt threatened by her actions. Just as people have a “safe zone” that raises a person’s anxiety when entered, so do other animals. …and when they are large, with teeth; what did you expect?

      Report Post » SageInWaiting  
  • Broncobuster
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:42pm

    That dog now has the taste of blood and will bite again. Mark my words.

    Report Post »  
    • SerikFox
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:48pm

      You don’t know dogs obviously

      Report Post »  
    • MIBUGNU2
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 1:23pm

      Kyle is One Classy Lady…This should be a learning experience
      for everyone.. Some on this thread should learn form this woman..
      Bad things happen, deal with it and Move On.. Bless You Kyle !!!!

      Report Post » MIBUGNU2  
    • dugbru
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 1:40pm

      She made a stupid mistake, and you want the dog to pay for it.

      Mark my words, she wont make that mistake again, and hopefully others will learn from it. You on the other hand have not learned a thing.

      Report Post »  
  • MS-GlenNBC
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:37pm

    ~keep your hands off my RomneyCare~

    Report Post » MS-GlenNBC  
    • Uranium Wedge
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 1:35am

      I bet eating chicken nuggets would be more dangerous than petting that dog.
      Cause I’ve seen chicken nuggets take bigger bites than that.

      Report Post » Uranium Wedge  
    • plang
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 7:02am

      @Rationalman and osgeek…it wasn’t a Pitbull, it was a Bull Mastiff! Number one rule with strange dogs….NEVER PUT YOUR FACE TO THEIRS!! Note: this rule applies to ALL dogs…even toy breeds!! This is the consistant ignorance that plagues society on all levels…not just pertaining to dogs. LETS FIND A VILLIAN AND PUNISH IT! Remember….what man doesn’t understand, man fears…and what man fears, man kills!!

      Report Post » plang  
    • MYHEROISRON
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 7:24am

      Whoa! Dog got you good, girl! You can thank God it didn’t get yer eyes!

      Report Post » MYHEROISRON  
    • Bluefish49
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 7:55am

      My grandmother told me as a child….never trust a smiling dog.

      Report Post »  
    • NOTALOTTAYITTAYADDA
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 7:59am

      The dog should be put down in front of mark levin.

      Report Post »  
    • davienne
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 8:00am

      RULE # 1…… NEVER PUT YOUR FACE IN THE FACE OF A STRANGE DOG… you may get bitten..
      RULE #2… YOU CANT CHANGE RULE # 1..
      i was told this at a very young age….. i have never got bit… CUZ I KNEW BETTER… its too bad your parents didnt teach you…

      Report Post »  
    • MastinoDF
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 9:16am

      First off, please learn your different breeds before posting publicly about one. This dog is a “Dogo Argentino” NOT a Pit Bull. I’m a breeder of Neapolitan Mastiffs, and yes the number one rule is NEVER stick your face in a dogs face unless you are immediate family and even then, don’t be suprised if your pooch gets scared and reacts. This is always a big no no with children and this reporter was way out of line doing that. I had a lady yesterday at the vet try it with one of my dogs. She asked is she was friendly and then pet her on the head and started baby talking and proceeded to try to move in for a kiss. I was watching closely as all handlers should and I put my hand in front of her face and told her that it was a big no no and to never do that again to any dog that is not yours. The owner of the dog should have been watching closely, although, I’m sure it happened very fast and he was not ready. If he was experienced, he should have laid out ground rules before the interview. He got her pretty good and typical of a lot of the knuckle heads on here that I hope do not go around calling themselves conservatives or Christians, you are showing no compassion for someone that made a pretty dumb but easliy forgivable mistake and paid a heavy price for it. Lucky for you all, your perfect and never screw up.

      Report Post »  
    • scruffycat
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 9:55am

      This just speaks to the stupidity of TV Talking Head news presenters. Weekend Fox and Friends comes to mind.

      Report Post » scruffycat  
    • oneshiner
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 10:39am

      I really feel sorry for this woman, but why do some of you blame the dog? He’s doing what dogs do. Did you watch the whole tape? She restrained his jaw and ear almost like she was pulling the dog to her. When he pulled his head back, that should have been a warning to anyone. But, no, she keeps on and then put her face right in the dogs face. This could have happened with any dog, large or small.
      Some small dogs would have bared their teeth quicker. Yeah, I feel for the woman, but I feel more for the dog that someone’s gonna put him down for her own stupid actions. Dogs are dogs, not lovers to strangers.

      Report Post »  
  • CanteenBoy
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:23pm

    I’m sorry she was bitten, but she obviously didn’t know dogs.

    One just doesn’t do that to an unfamiliar dog.

    Lesson learned, and maybe in the end she’ll adopt a canine companion.

    Report Post » CanteenBoy  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 6:37am

      Michael Vick? Is that you?

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • t00nces2
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 7:01am

      black9897
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 12:05am

      My sig sauer p229 says different.

      Unlikely you would have been on the TV set interviewing with your sig.

      Report Post »  
    • MittensKittens
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 7:30am

      @BLACK9897

      If YOU are that dumb to stick your face in the face of a pitbull and an unfamiliar one at that, you too would deserve to get bit…it’s an animal.

      Report Post » MittensKittens  
    • MYHEROISRON
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 8:58am

      @CANTEENBOY

      That‘s a nice lookin’ picture of a Land Shark you have there. Now that’s one dog I would NOT want to be bitten by!

      Report Post » MYHEROISRON  
    • black9897
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:20am

      Why do you take up for the animal? Yeah it’s dumb, so what? Did you call Steve Irwin dumb when he got killed? All the crazy stuff he did was “dumb” but you wouldn’t blame the ANIMAL for killing a human.? Not sure why everybody‘s priority’s are messed up. For those who are confused, humans are above animals, we have RIGHTS, God given rights, animals do NOT. We have souls, animals do not. It’s very simple. I love animals, I’ve had cats all my life, but I still understand that I am above them. Thanks JETMAN for showing some common sense.

      Report Post » black9897  
    • kevinj319
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 12:23pm

      @Jeetman & black9897

      Ah yes, of course animals don’t have rights like humans do, which means they also don’t have responsibilities, which means you cannot assign “blame” to an animal.

      She was bitten because of her own actions. She wasn’t walking down the street minding her own business, she restrained the dog‘s neck and put her face in the dog’s face. She put herself in the position to be bitten.

      Steve Irwin put himself in a position to be skewered by a stingray, now how exactly is this the “fault” of the stingray?

      If god gave man dominion over animals, that should include knowing how to act around them so as not to provoke aggression and get yourself hurt.

      Report Post »  
    • black9897
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 1:49pm

      You’re still not getting it. I never said we should go out and provoke animals then when they attack say see, look what it did. She did not provoke the dog, she was petting it and being friendly. If she had been beating it with a stick or slapping it in the face, (while I still wouldn’t blame someone for then beating the crap outta the dog), that would be understandable why it attacked.

      Swimming peacefully near a sting ray was not Steve’s fault. Yes, we should be aware of how animals act, but I will always side with a human who gets hurt regardless…why? Because human suffering is 1,000 times more serious than animal suffering and or how they act. I can’t believe people show more concern for the animal than for a human…I feel like I’m taking crazy pills!!

      Report Post » black9897  
    • Pianofiend
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 3:16pm

      @BLACK9897
      Um, yeah, she DID provoke the dog. If you don’t understand dog instincts and behaviour, that’s your problem, not the dog’s. Ignorance on her part (and on YOURS, I might add), does not grant you the right to place blame on the dog. You cannot apply human emotions/characteristics to a dog. Therefore, the set of conditions on what you consider to be “provocation” i.e. beating the dog (which surely would have created a much different, and probably more serious reaction) is not the same set of conditions the dog has. Study the way wolves behave in a pack, and you may gain a greater insight as to why the dog bit the reporter. Getting into a dogs face IS a threatening gesture, especially if you are not a member of that dog’s pack/family. I won’t even allow my kids to get in our own dogs faces, because I understand this basic principle of dog behavior. But, if you want to apply human emotions to it, surely you can relate to how uncomfortable, even threatened, you might feel if another human being you did not know and/or were not comfortable with put their face in such close proximity to yours. Dogs have varying degrees of tolerance, some would have given more of a warning than this dog did before taking it to that level, but the fact is ALLl dogs are capable of doing exactly what this dog did, if they are under enough stress and feel the need to defend themself. So the best rule of thumb is to treat ALL dogs as if you will not get a warning. Better safe, than s

      Report Post »  
    • black9897
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 4:35pm

      That’s not provoking the dog. That’s trying to be nice and sweet to it. To any normal person getting cuddly with a dog and getting your face close isn’t odd or threatening. Not saying you should. So maybe some dogs don’t like ppl getting that close, she didn’t know. I don’t care either. Maybe if you were the one attacked you wouldn’t be all “well it was provoked.“ Why not be on the human beings side instead of the ”poor helpless“ animal who was ”being provoked” I’m gonna pull a John Stossel and say give me a break!

      Report Post » black9897  
    • Rowgue
      Posted on February 26, 2012 at 4:25am

      The dog didn’t “ATTACK” her. It didn’t go chase her down and maul her relentlessly until it was pulled off her. It snapped at her and that was it. She was just unfortunate that the snap came from a very large and very powerful breed of dog. She didn’t realize what she was doing, but she backed the dog into a corner and made what a dog sees as an aggresive action towards it. Dogs fight with their teeth, when you bring your mouth close to a dog and especially when you’re baring your teeth by smiling, it thinks you are about to attack it.

      Most dogs would do the same in the same situation especially having just been through a traumatic near freezing/drowning the day before and in the completely alien environment of a television studio. I didn‘t think there was anyone that still didn’t realize that you never stick your face into the face of a dog. I‘ve seen tiny little toy breeds take chomps at people’s faces that didn’t know any better, one who was about half an inch from losing an eye, but that was at least twenty years ago.

      Report Post »  
  • jb.kibs
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:22pm

    what did you learn?

    Report Post »  
  • CANADAUSAPATRIOT
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:17pm

    Those of you who would like the dog put down. Ever watch the dog whisperer? There are no bad dogs. Just STUPID PEOPLE!

    Report Post »  
    • anOpinion
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:55pm

      You mean like the stupid handlers of the dog who should have prevented her from putting her face so close to the dog in the first place. Not everyone owns dogs, and not everyone knows what to look out for.

      The dog handler is responsible for the safety of anyone interacting with their dog.

      Report Post » anOpinion  
    • joehanx2
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 5:18am

      to anopinion she says shes a dog lover has her own she knows the deal just a stupid move on her part.the dog was sitting handler had hand on collar the dog moved 4 inches

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 6:30am

      It was a rescue dog. I have a rescue dog. They behave in one of two ways: they‘re fearful and timid or they’re fearful and agressive. Mine is timid. After about 6 years, I have her where she’s only afraid of severe thunderstorms, cap guns and fireworks. I don’t have the patience to take her for a walk in a thunderstorm to cure that one. And I have a 12 year old, so she’ll probably never NOT be afraid of loud noises. This reporter just caught the dog before he was properly recovered.

      Report Post »  
    • bayoucityblues
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 7:30am

      Yes, let’s remember that this dog (Max) was rescued THE DAY BEFORE from freezing water in Denver. Max’s owner should be the one who we are putting under the microscope. Why on earth would you take your dog to do an interview for live TV the day after he suffered a trauma like that?!!!! As his owner said in this interview…:

      http://www.9news.com/news/article/247759/188/Dog-saved-in-dramatic-rescue-from-pond-

      …that his dog Max is “like a son in a sense.” Would you do that to your children? As a dog owner, I would never let my dog do anything out of her routine for months after going through something like that. I feel horrible for Kyle Dyer and will continue to pray for her and her recovery.

      Report Post »  
    • Freedombeliever
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 8:14am

      I find it interesting that everyone blames either the lady or the dog when the person to blame is the dog owner. He as a dog owner should have the knowledge and responsiblility to gently pull his dog away from the woman when she started gettiing in the dog’s face. He didnt even react after the bite! The guy doesn‘t have a clue and is damn lucky they didn’t put the dog down!

      Report Post » Freedombeliever  
    • oneshiner
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 12:08pm

      CanadaUSA Patriot: You said it best.
      Freedombeliever: The owner was holding the dog by the collar and had his head pulled all the way back
      away from the woman. She kept moving closer.
      Plus, if I remember the story correctly, he hadn’t had the dog very long, plus the rescue from the lake
      the day before certainly had the dog a little leery.

      Report Post »  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:13pm

    I pray for a quick & full recovery for this woman. Being attacked by a large dog is terrifying (I was bitten by a doberman when I was a little girl). She is so sweet for not blaming the dog. I am thankful to God & all of the good, loving, and non-judgmental people who have sent her get well & sympathy cards and letters. It did my heart good to see all of the beautiful pictures & letters from the children with their heart felt well wishes. God bless all.

    Report Post »  
    • janedough1
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 9:49am

      Wow, one nice person in the sea of nasty comments. She clearly shouldn’t have put her face so close to the dog, nor held his face in her hands for so long, which was clearly stressing him, but she is not the first TV personality to do so. I’ve seen it scores of times on many different stations. She just was the one unlucky enough to get bitten badly. Once it is done, there is no value in publicly excoriating her. Just pray for her recovery. There is also no point in spurious charges of leach law violations against the owner, when the dog was indoors and they don’t apply. Slinging blame is not helpful, and I commend you for rising above it.

      Report Post »  
  • SpaceRaider
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:46pm

    Ohhhh that scar’s going to be sooo gangsta!

    Report Post » SpaceRaider  
  • THXll38
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:43pm

    Dogs rock and people SUCK!

    Report Post » THXll38  
    • CanteenBoy
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:34pm

      Dang, don’t work yourself into a frothy discharge passing judgment on us heartless turds.

      Report Post » CanteenBoy  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 9:36am

      FROTHYDISCHARGE, I have to agree. Don’t get yourself so lathered up. She should have been the ADULT in the room and not been so stupid to be as reckless as she was around any unfamiliar animal. I certainly do not wish any such injury upon anybody, but hopefully she will take this incident as a lesson learned. Apparently she is.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • icebergslim27
      Posted on February 27, 2012 at 6:52pm

      Frothy discharge? You mean a santorum? Zing…… If it’s over your head just google it.

      Report Post »  
  • Collbuzz
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:35pm

    I wish her speedy recovery, despite the fact I think she was verrrrry stupid putting her face that close to a dog she did not know. What the heck were the handlers doing? Perhaps a little word of warning to her from them when they saw how close she was getting in the first place? I have had horses for several years now and as animals, they are inherently dangerous if you don‘t know what you’re doing with regard to behavior. Whenever I invite a non horse person to see mine, I give a brief safety inservice first and have never had a problem.

    Report Post »  
    • abbygirl1994
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:50pm

      Your absolutely right.. not to mention she was looking straight into his eyes. That is a direct threat to a dog like the one who bit her. I wish here well to.. but she’s not very dog savvy!

      Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • ThePostman
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:19pm

    So overly dramatic, he nipped at her and caught her lips. She had her face right in his. She has a minor flesh wound and now she is trying to make herself out as the baby jesus. This station, and she, is trying to milk this minor incident for all it’s worth.

    Liberals. So sad. Always worrying about themselves.

    Report Post »  
    • ThePostman
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:23pm

      “70 stitches”? That is a bald-faced lie,

      She had 10 on the outside and 10 on the inside, and that is just plastic surgery stitches, they do a lot of fine ones instead of a few big ones. Most people would get 10 stitches and that would be it.

      She’s hardly the victim of a typical car wreck.

      She really only had one of his teeth pierce through her upper lip, and it didn’t even rip through.

      Drama Queen!

      Report Post »  
    • Weiners Wiener
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:37pm

      @THEPOSTMAN — What the hell is wrong with you? She‘s not being a ’drama queen’. I‘m so sorry you can’t read well enough to have noticed her own words: “I’m so lucky, and it could have been worse… just think if it was my cheek or my nose or my eye or throat,” she said. “I’m fortunate. I’m going to be fine.” — She is not being a drama queen. YOU are.

      Report Post »  
    • RLTW
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:53pm

      I’m glad she’s doing well, but let’s be clear…never stick your face into the face of a dog that doesn’t know you. I have a young girl dog sitting for me who did the same with my German shepherd and got the scare of her life, he would never do that with me and my youngest daughter could lie on his back without incident.

      Report Post »  
    • FROTHYDISCHARGE
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:21pm

      Hey DrPostman she had a through and through laceration in both lips crossing the borders not to mention the cartilage in her nose. This is a complicated repair that has to be done in the OR. What a lovely person you must be. You probably smack your kid when they spill their milk.

      Report Post » FROTHYDISCHARGE  
    • FROTHYDISCHARGE
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 2:16am

      haven’t you ever been lied to by someone with a bald face?

      Report Post » FROTHYDISCHARGE  
    • JACKTHETOAD
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 8:53am

      WARPHEAD-’Bald-faced lie’ is the more correct of the two usages. Google or Wiki it up if you don’t believe me. I give you an ‘A’ on spelling, vocabulary, punctuation and usage, but an ‘F’ on content.

      Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
  • nosycophant
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:17pm

    IDIOT! You dont know dogs do you?

    Report Post »  
  • ThoreauHD
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:13pm

    Reality bites.

    Report Post » ThoreauHD  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 5:07am

      Yes but the dog looked so friendly and cute and cuddly with a big smile just like a teddy bear..kiss kiss smooch smooch..nice doggy. Dog was still smiling as it licked his chops.

      Seriously though I think the surgeon did a great job on her. I hope she heals well.
      And I‘m glad they didn’t do something stupid like put the dog down.

      Report Post »  
  • collectorbob810
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:08pm

    i still believe the lady was foolish for getting so close. but i had no idea that she was hurt that bad. i’m so sorry this has happened to you. i would hope the dog is not to pay for this with its life. but understand if it needs to be done. and would support the ladies choice.

    Report Post »  
    • Weiners Wiener
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:39pm

      Can’t you read? The dog isn’t going to be put down, and the lady never said she wanted any such thing. The dog was held for 10 days to make sure it wasn’t diseased, and is now home with its owners.

      Report Post »  
  • dealer@678
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:07pm

    You’re a dam idiot. It was’nt the dogs fault. The woman did’nt have a lick of common sense

    Report Post »  
  • bankerpapaw
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:06pm

    I’m glad you are doing better, but don‘t ever stick your face in a strange dog’s face. Hold out your
    hand and let him smell it, then try to be friendlier. However, I’m preaching to the choir, aren’t I?

    Report Post »  
  • omgfolks
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:01pm

    It is good to see she is healing, her own stupid actions brought this to her though. For someone to place their own face to the mouth of a huge dog that is not familiar with them is one stupid act. When I was a child I got bit by my own dog, Dad wanted to put it down but I refused, even though I stood there bleeding from my ear, crying from the pain ( 6 yrs old) I couldn’t let my Dad put him down. I was playing with the dogs food, pretending to eat his food and the dog snapped at me. I knew then it was not the dogs fault, it was my own. The dog lived a full life, my ear healed and we became good friends. This dog didn’t seek out to hurt her, it sat and allowed her to show affection, but when the reporter crossed the line, the dog corrected her rather quickly. Maybe next time she will use head instead of her face.

    Report Post »  
    • Warphead
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:11pm

      Thank God for people like you. A dog is a dog. He doesn‘t think like we do and he can’t understand all the weird things that we do. A dog feels many things that humans do. I am sure the dog that snapped at you felt remorse afterward, but he only did what a dog knows to do. You, being a more intellegent human realized this. You are to be commended.

      Report Post » Warphead  
  • Warphead
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:01pm

    I have eight dogs and they love me as the leader of their pack. I can put my face directly in front of theirs only because I am the pack leader. Face to face with my dogs is a disciplinary measure, along with showing my teeth. In the dog world placing ones face directly into the others is considered a threat or challenge. I only do this when one of them challenges me or my pack leader position. A stern stare is usually all it takes to re-establish dominance. The moment the dog breaks eye contact, if only for a second, he is signaling submission. At that point I do place my face to his but it is the side of the face to side of the face, kind-of likes a doggie hug. Happiness is then displayed by furious wagging of the tail. Only momentary eye contact is allowed. The reporter broke every rule in the book when interacting with a strange dog. I noticed the dog panting as well. In the dog world panting indicates three things. It is either from heat, nervousness or pain. I do believe the dog was nervous. The handlers of the dog are total morons and should be educated in handling dogs like pit bulls. They should never have allowed such interaction. Pit bulls are the same as any other dog except in one area. When a pit bull bites it is serious. You can see that example in the damage to the reporter’s face. That was just a warning nip from the dog. If he began to battle the reporter would have more than just the lip to worry about.

    Report Post » Warphead  
    • ADNIL
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:07am

      You know your dogs, and I agree. I have always had dogs and am still learning but I know that any direct attention to a strange dog can be percieved as a threat or a challenge. Especially to one who has been abused or rescued. I have a rescued dog, now, and she is overly aggressive from fear. Will not tolerate strangers, kids, or other animals. She was 5 weeks old, abandoned, half frozen and starving when I found her, in the winter. She is very loving to her pack leader but I feel that I have to constantly keep her in her place as beta female. I will not take her out in public without a muzzle because people are so stupid as to do what this woman did to that mastiff. My dog has never bitten anyone but I would not give her the chance. She is mostly black lab so you might expect a mild temperament.
      The woman was lucky the dog only gave her a little warning nip. He could have taken her face off if he was really serious. I hope a lot of people have learned something from her mistake. She sure paid the price. I hope she heals well.

      Report Post »  
    • ADNIL
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 11:37am

      Another story…. I was dreading my last visit to the vet with my aggressive, fearful, and intolerant dog. You know, lots of people and other animals there. So I put the muzzle on her in the car and brought her into the waiting room. I was amazed, she as nervous and shaking but no barking, snarling or show of aggression. I lead her over to the weight scale which was next to the lobby/waiting area, there were several people with animals and vet staff comming and going. It was a busy morning. My dog was busy sniffing everyones ankles as they were passing but she showed no aggression. You know why? NO ONE paid any attention to her. The technician was talking to me and was not soliciting the dog’s attention. Nor was anyone else.

      I remember the dog whisperer advising people who were entering a friend’s house who had a nervous and aggressive dog “don’t look at, touch, or talk to the dog. Do not face them directly but keep your side or back toward them. Anything else is a threat. Allow them to sniff you while you, essentially, ignore them. Ignoring the dog sends calm assertive messages.” I have advised visitors to my house of the same before I let them in. It helps. But I still had a hand on my dog, just in case.

      Report Post »  
    • Jenny Lind
      Posted on February 25, 2012 at 6:02pm

      What makes people stupid enough to put a rescue dog in the position of dealing with bright lights, unfamiliar territory, and strange people who know lttle about dog behavior? It was a recipie for diaster. Myself and my oldest daughter both have permenent scars on our faces from german shephards as little girls. Both were provoked and we got in the way. As adults we have had many dogs and have never been bitten. We have respect for our canine companions and have made sure with the correct training they have respect for us.

      Report Post »  
  • thetreyman
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 9:57pm

    you dont know much about dogs do you?

    Report Post » thetreyman  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 9:43pm

    Snagglepuss…

    Report Post » Rayblue  
  • G man
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 9:40pm

    She looks pretty good in the first photo! God speed!

    Report Post » G man  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 9:33pm

    Now News anchor bites dog would be some news.

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
  • THXll38
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 9:31pm

    Hey lady! How would you like if some stranger put there face in front of yours? You may not bite them, but it would freak you the hell out — kind of what you did to the dog. As a matter of fact, the dog did nothing wrong in this situation.

    Report Post » THXll38  
  • marthasusan40
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 9:28pm

    God Bless her, she is very brave to go on TV and be interviewed at this time….I am a huge lover of dogs and we recently rescued a puppy at a shelter..She was 3 lbs when we got her and now at 6 months she is a huge 85 pounds…I ask my 9 year old to watch this video so that she realizes that any dog can react in this way….I want her to know that she needs to be careful…this is a good lesson to teach everyone. Love your dog, but remember they can have bad day too.

    Report Post »  
    • THXll38
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 9:32pm

      Don’t forget to tell your kid people can and will do the same thing — only it can be worse.

      Report Post » THXll38  
    • Warphead
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 10:24pm

      The number one cause of dog bites to children is; the child is at eye level, grabs the dog‘s face and places their face to the dog’s. It is instinct with the dog and it cannot help it. Please educate your children aboiut this. Some dogs have a mental disorder known as food aggression. Be safe, keep the kids and the dog seperated when fido is eating. If you do as I do and keep an unlimited amount of food out for the dog to eat at anytime, the food aggression usually goes away. While you have young kids its best to just keep them away from each other when the dfog is eating.

      Warphead  
  • CatB
    Posted on February 24, 2012 at 9:25pm

    What idiot puts their face in the face of a pit? I guess a news READER … aka lamestream media type.

    Report Post »  
    • crosbycat
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 9:49pm

      It was a mastiff not a pit.

      Report Post » crosbycat  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 9:56pm

      I would say if it may be part mastiff … but look at these photos .. doesn’t look much like this dog … a variety of mastiffs in photos …

      http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=mastiff+photos&qpvt=mastiff+photos&FORM=IGRE#x0y0

      My vet says that lots of people are claiming their dogs are breeds they are not .. especially if they fear they might be banned or increase their homeowners insurance.

      Report Post »  
    • Warphead
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:27pm

      Crosby Cat, May I recommend a good opthamologist.

      Report Post » Warphead  
    • macpappy
      Posted on February 24, 2012 at 11:33pm

      @osgeek
      “they all should be put down, even if they look remotely like one. Pits are worse than a loaded gun around children.”

      Funny, thats exactly how I feel about liberal trolls.

      “

      Report Post » macpappy  
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