[ashlyn]

Last night happens one of my longest fears since I walk my dog. Gina (my 3yo bitch) and I was walking on the sidewalk of a heavily loaded traffic avenue. Then I spotted a mixed rottweiler dog a few step ahead, he also spotted us and begun running toward us with the intention to attack Gina. I had Gina on the leash (though, she is trained in the basics) so they run in circles around me. Gina was crying and the other dog was trying to catch her. Then the collar got loose and she could escape with the dog tailing her. They cross the avenue several times and on several occasions I grabbed her. Finally, we got out without a bite or scratch but I have I big dough. I had 2 choices (at least)
1) Let her free during the attack
2) Keep her with me

On the (1) choice, which was what happened, I got scared that she might got lost, that some1 could steal her, that the dog catch her anyway, that she could get hit by a car, etc. Those were the thoughts I had.

On the other choice (2), she surely were attack and maybe myself would got involved in the fight and bitten.

My question is: what should I do in a similar situation? :crossfing

The dog wasn't a typical stray dog that was accustomed to see other dogs, it happens that was a dog that escaped from a garage while the owner was entering his car.

Thank you all

 

[ggd]

Pepper spray.

 

[missmarstar]

I agree with the above if you know how to use it. You can easily get it in your own eyes or your own dog's eyes if you aren't careful with it.

Carrying a bat or something similar could also be helpful in that type of situation. It sucks, but if dogs are typically roaming free in your area, it could save your dog's life.

Letting your dog run away is not a good idea because of the reasons you listed above. If you are on a busy road or near one, your dog can easily get hit by a car, or even just lost. And if your dog is injured by the other dog, AND lost, you may have a hard time finding her if she goes to hide because she's hurt and feeling threatened. Not a good situation.

Obviously having your dog leashed to you is dangerous as well, but I feel the better of the two options. Carry some sort of protection if you feel this is something that could be a problem again in the future.

 

[FlyingQuizini]

I'd never let my dogs go. If they're with me, I stand a chance of helping, plus I know they won't get lost or hit by a car. Some things to protect yourself from approaching dogs:

1. Deterrent spray. I like citronella spray better than pepper spray.

2. Toss a handful of treats in the face of the approaching dog - for some, they startle, eat the treats and that gives you a chance to escape.

3. I put myself between the approaching dogs and my own and get kinda big sounding and say "GO ON! GO HOME!" Sometimes, a big giant "SIT!" with an exaggerated hand signal (pointing from nose to tail as if to lure with a treat) works.

 

[goldengirl09]

I don't know about pepper spray but there is another sort of spray that is supposed to be good at breaking up dog fights. I forget what it's called but I think even petsmart has it. Sorry you had to deal with that and it is a good question. I wouldn't know what to do in that situation either.

 

[goldengirl09]

Yes, I just read the post above mine and I was thinking of citronella. Here's a link: https://ahimsadogtraining.com/store/proddetail.php?prod=MCH-0020

 

[MurphyTeller]

Pepper spray.

LOL...I was going to say Bear Spray - but that works too. Typically it's enough to spray AT the dogs (well in advance of hitting them) to stop them. Mailmen generally carry a product called "direct stop"....you mileage may vary - I'd never let my dog go though - stationary prey vs running prey for one (not to mention the other variables that are introduced with a loose dog: cars, lost, other dogs, etc)
Erica

 

[ggd]

As far as pepper spray look for something like this. Also I would never let my pup go and would not hesitate to get between them and an aggressive dog but that is just me and I don’t suggest for anyone else. Do be careful with the pepper spray not to be down wind if possible the good thing is it will do not permanent harm. You can use pepper spray that is made for use on humans but it is not as effective.

http://www.amazon.com/Deterrent-Pep...e=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1253646998&sr=8-1

 

[goldhaven]

After seeing this question posted in the thread below, I asked a trainer. She said that she makes sure that her dogs stay behind her and she steps toward the dog and sends them home. This works for her 99% of the time. She said that there are always the 1% that are determined to attack. For those times, she carries bear spray. It shoots a stream 30 feet and isn't lethal. She said that she gets it at REI. I guess you can order it online. Even that 1 % will stop for a second and that gives her the time to get out the spray. She did say to stay calm and maintain eye contact. Also, your dog must also remain calm. I would add that you check your dogs collar so that she isn't able to slip it again. I don't know about anyone else but under no circumstances would I let my dog loose to fight with any other dog no matter the size. You will be able to get some more suggestions on the other thread.

http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/showthread.php?t=64134

 

[ashlyn]

I appreciate all your answers. I haven´t thought about pepper spray :doh:, I will carry one with me because we enjoy so much our walks and you never know when this could happens (never before had happened in 3 years).
As many of you suggested a put myself in between both dogs and try to stop with a sound the other dog, but it worked once or twice and then he tried to reach her around me which made all of us turning in circles until Gina got loose. I will also buy a safer collar for her.

Thank you!!!!!

PS: Here I post it some pictures and vidz of gina hope you enjoy http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/showpost.php?p=932226&postcount=1

 

[Debles]

I agree with the above replies and also I would not walk my dog on a busy street where if she did get away, it would be highly likely she could be hit by a car. We walk in residential neighborhoods with low traffic.
Even if you live in a high traffic area, I'd drive somewhere safe to walk my dog. So sorry this happened.

 

[ashlyn]

Carrying a bat or something similar could also be helpful in that type of situation. It sucks, but if dogs are typically roaming free in your area, it could save your dog's life.

I think that a bat could put me in jail instead of protecting my dog . Luckily this isn't a typical situation, but it is typical to found dogs roaming free that where accoustomed to do it. I think what are really dangerous are those dogs that don't usually relate with other dogs and owners allow them to relieve themselves for 10 to 15 min on the area around their houses.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Bock]

I think that a bat could put me in jail instead of protecting my dog . Luckily this isn't a typical situation, but it is typical to found dogs roaming free that where accoustomed to do it. I think what are really dangerous are those dogs that don't usually relate with other dogs and owners allow them to relieve themselves for 10 to 15 min on the area around their houses.

Thanks for the advice.

If you're walking around with a bat, be prepared to be talked to by the police and explain yourself.

 

[alanckaye]

I had two pit bulls bum rush me and the girls one day when we were walking. They were on us so fast I wouldn't have had time for spray. They wrapped their leashes around my legs trying to get away from the other dogs. Turns out they were not aggressive but I didn't know that at first and the way Karma has been acting lately she would have become aggressive then who knows what would happen. We discussed this before and I decided what I would carry with me because the chance of them being there before you can react is better than seeing them coming if you are watching your dog(s). I know some will condemn me for this but I have a switch blade knife in my hand all the time while we are walking. I would never want to hurt another dog but if it came to my girls or them...that's all I'm saying. You have to protect yourself as well.

 

[Bender]

First off get a collar that the dog can't slip out of. If it were me, I'd step in front of my dog and use whatever as a block - stick, handful of gravel, whatever's around. If needed step into someone's yard through a gate... if nothing else, hold the leash close to your dog and then use the other end of the leash to flick at the other dog (twirl it around if you can) to get it through to them to get back.

Banging a stick or garbage can lid against something to make noise usually works pretty well, but the leash has worked for me once.

In general almost every approaching dog will back off if you take an offensive stand to them, and using your body as a block at the same time speaks to both dogs - I'm not going to allow you to attack MY dog!

Sadly this happens here too often, neighbor's dogs will go on the 'attack' if they're out and there's no back fence. So if I'm walking my guys they'll come flying out of the yard...

Lana

 

[Bock]

I had two pit bulls bum rush me and the girls one day when we were walking. They were on us so fast I wouldn't have had time for spray. They wrapped their leashes around my legs trying to get away from the other dogs. Turns out they were not aggressive but I didn't know that at first and the way Karma has been acting lately she would have become aggressive then who knows what would happen. We discussed this before and I decided what I would carry with me because the chance of them being there before you can react is better than seeing them coming if you are watching your dog(s). I know some will condemn me for this but I have a switch blade knife in my hand all the time while we are walking. I would never want to hurt another dog but if it came to my girls or them...that's all I'm saying. You have to protect yourself as well.

Read my post above yours...

 

[Evil Eagle]

I had a giant lab (Im talking 110lbs-ish) rush me and Sam one day when he was about 3 months old. Being the friendly puppy he is he wants to go up and lick its face, I pulled him back got out my CRKT My Tighe (3 1/2" high grade stainless blade) I thought it was gonna get ugly because it was growling with the hair on its neck standing up. But I slowly kept walking and it ended up running off. I hope to never be in that situation again.