Protection from unleashed outside dogs while walking your doodle.

[Theresa Nieman]

I have an almost 5 month 34 pound labradoodle. We go for walks around our neighbor. Today, we had an instance where the neighbor's kids let out their two LARGE male labs who ran straight for my little guy. He is way to big for me to life out of harm's way. He just crushed himself against me as they approached. My son was there and he was able to pick Dex up but if I had been alone (as I am usually), what should I have done to protect him until the other dogs' owner got them under control and out of the way?

What do you do? Do you carry something with you? A spray dog repellent? A big stick? What about something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNRVLZA?ref_=pd_sim_199_4&d...

Thanks for your help and advice!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I carry smelly wonderful treats in my pockets always.  If the owners are within site put yourself between your dog and the approaching dogs.  In a a stern "mom" voice tell the dog(s) to go home.  As owners approach throw the treat in the direction of the owners to help them corral their dogs.

If no owners in site don't use the treat trick, just put your dog behind you, not beside you, and face down the dog(s), saying 'go home" sternly.  Stand still and repeat "go home' until dog turns and wanders away.  Then walk away at a 90 degree angle( that is not with your back to the loose dog) with your dog on the side away from the loose dog.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is wonderful advice, and it has worked for me several times. I only wish I'd known to do this the first time JD was attacked and bitten by a dog who got out of his yard.