The three-year-old didn't cry once during the ordeal.(GLENN JEFFREY/STUFF)
Dietrich said he saw the dog "clutch" his son from the corner of his eye and instantly ran.
"It was still standing over him before I kicked it."
Dietrich yelled for his family to get into the car, and Lockley got in the back with Sabbath and put pressure to the wound with a bandage.
The New Plymouth family called St John Ambulance while on the road, asking them to meet at Urenui, and were told police, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand were coming, too.
Sabbath was attacked by the dog while trying to give it a 'nice cuddle'.(Supplied)