Approached by dogs - what do you do? - Page 1

As this hasn't been an issue until just the other evening, I hadn't given it too much thought.

We were out walking our dogs and came across two larger dogs (we run into smaller ones on occasion, but don't worry as much about them) outside, unattended, and without collars.  Fortunately, my husband was with me and had one of our dogs as it could have been totally different if I'd been alone.  So, the larger of the two approached me, as my dog is interested in meeting ANYONE and wasn't the slightest bit frightened/annoyed/etc.  The larger of the two seemed friendly enough, but for safety's sake I tried to keep us moving and steer them away from our GSD (who isn't so great w/ other dogs).  The smaller seemed fearful and held back, but stuck with the larger one.

By this time, the GSD was worked up, which started the larger dog barking and I heard growling.  She moved towards the GSD which only aggravated her more, while my husband was trying to keep some distance between them.  Finally, a car came through and spooked the two dogs and they retreated, albeit very slowly....actually, they were holding up traffic while we were waiting for some distance before we proceeded.  Had the cars not come through, I'm not sure how far it might have gone.  It was looking like the larger one was ready to get into it with my GSD, but I could be wrong.  It might have just been barking and posturing, but I'm glad we didn't have to find out.

I don't think these were 'aggressive' dogs, but obviously I don't know for sure.  I'm guessing they got out of their backyard and started roaming and were startled/curious/whatever by us.  No one was out looking for them and if we didn't have our hands full getting ours settled down, I would have tried to figure out where they lived.

Normally, we don't have a problem with loose dogs out and about, but it does happen from time to time.  I'm sure we didn't handle it the best way possible, so I'm wondering what others would do in such a situation.  How do you keep stray dogs from approaching you and/or your dog(s)?

Thanks.

I live in an area with a lot of loose dogs.  I carry a canister of dog repellent, which is basically the same size as a canister of pepper spray.  

I agree with Emoore. I also carry the repellent spray, BUT because of the area I live, I also have pepper spray as a back up. Just make sure if you're planning on using it, try to step  in front of your dog and block your dog before you spray it, there'd be nothing worse than spraying it and it coming back into YOUR dog's face. Seeing as you'd be spraying low to the ground, I don't think your own eyes would have much to worry about, unless it was windy.

Good luck!

Carry a pistol

Yes, brilliant 'Carry a pistol' nothing better than the cops getting involved and possibly being detained. Not to mention, if you don't know how to shoot a gun, ya might shoot yourself or the very dog you're trying to protect!

Seriously, if you have the repellent spray, it isn't considered inhumane when you're defending yourself nor is it going to kill the dog. God forbid your dog goes to attack the other dog first and you accidentally shoot your own dog, ya know?

I actually have a pistol carry permit, but just because you have a gun doesn't mean everything out there needs a bullet.  To me, my pistol is an absolute last resort to defend myself from being raped or murdered.  Not a first resort because that Labrador doesn't look so friendly.  

Same problem here. I carry pepper spray and a wiffle ball bat.

a big voice and maybe a stick is about all i'd need.  A pack of dogs? well all bets are off.  A pistol? really??  I love to shoot as much as anyone, but if a pistol is your choice for protection from dogs on a walk, you have issues.  for one, it's not necessary and two, you're probably going to hit everything else but the dog.  Great thinking.

Carry a big stick with you, and pop a dog who runs out at you.....they'll learn.  I personally don't carry one, but there are tons of off leash dogs where I walk. They roam the neighborhood at times.  In the past they would charge my guys, barking,  and even a Pit Bull attempted to attack.  With dogs who are coming towards me on the road, I'm really forward, I don't hesitate, and I walk towards them and I make them go back.  The whole "Cesar Milan"  (if you want to call it that) thing with body launguage and energy really does help in many situations......Or with some dogs  that are at a distance, but nervous about you and your dogs......I come upon that situation all the time (well, I use to) and I would just stop.....You could see the dog was sniffing up in the air, eventually he would relax, sit down.....and then I'd go on.  I did this in so many places around where I walk that most of the dogs just look at me when they see me now. They don't even get up....The ones that are behind a fence though...I always keep going so they always bark.  The Pit Bull who tried to attack though....I hit her hard on the side (she was going for one of my dogs so I got her before it got mine) and she ran off to her house.  People just don't care, they'll let their dogs do whatever they want.  There is a dog that I dog sit at times, who I've done some training with.....their owner said where they came from dogs were never off leash, but then they came here.....You can't walk any street without seeing them running around.

It`s dangerous to go alone, take anti-dog reppelent. But really repellent have no very intense effect. May be jet (against fog spray) will be more efficiently. Also, you may use it with adverse wind.