Self Defense

[denise]

Right now we cannot get our dog “used” to other dogs and so her socialization skills are almost nil at this point, Yesterday we were walking our dogs on leash back to our house after a walk when an off leash dog came charging up to us. Our puppy freaked and my husband picked her up to avoid the charging dog and I was trying to keep the charging dog away from the dog I had on leash. I stood still and yelled “No” at the charging dog. my dog on the leash was freaking out and barking wildly and upset for many reasons at this point; his “sister” was scared, my husband was getting shredded by her nails in his torso and I was yelling.

What pointers can you give us about how to do this better next time? We have been attacked by a vicious dog in the past, so I am sure that weighs heavily on our anxiety when we see an off leash dog running towards us.

Thanks,

Denise

Discussion

[Pamela Chandler]

This is always such a difficult situation. It frustrates me to no end but accidents do happen and dogs get out. For YOUR dogs…because they are on the smaller side….the best thing you can do is carry pepper spray with you. You want to shoot the spray toward the charging dog’s feet as the spray will rise. It is your best defense. With bigger dogs that you can not pick up I often suggest dropping their leashes so they can defend themselves and the humans are not hurt. This also gives you time to get your spray out and use it! There is just never a good answer here except to do your best to keep yourself safe and keep the spray handy. I have had to use it before to keep a charging dog at bay and it worked like a charm. It can backfire on you on a windy day so keep your eyes closed and turn your head.

[denise]

Ok, good, I didn’t want to use pepper spray, and still may need to ask about the legal issues of using it, but your idea of pointing it at the ground is great. AND paying attention to the wind; BONUS. YIKES.

I know our goal is to get our dogs comfortable with any other dogs in the vicinity and for US to have OUR dogs under control. That will go along way on handling the situation of an off leash dog charging towards us.

I think we can practice with each other, but that’s not going to be the real test. Getting back out in the REAL world once it’s safe again will be the best practice ground.

Thank you so much for your reply.