Protection while walking your dog

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Now that I've been able to safely get out in the neighborhood and walk Yogi, I hear and see many mean sounding dogs. So I naturally wonder what I'll do if we are charged by an aggressive dog somewhere, sometime. Yogi is 20# now, probably get to 35#.

I think I will naturally want to pick him up if it happens, because I can't see him versus an GS or Rottweiler, or even small aggressive chihuahua lol. I don't think I'd fare well either. Do you guys take anything with you as you walk alone with your dogs just in case something like this would happen?

[Breanna]

I get nervous when I see any dog running around unattended because you just never know. I know any dog can be aggressive, but pit bulls are especially good at fighting.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I should add that in the two cases where I confronted an oncoming dog, the dogs in question were pet dogs and not pitbulls, lol. But it was also a pet dog who attacked and bit JD last spring. My huge mistake was to allow JD to think he had to defend himself and to engage with the other dog. 

Subsequently, when I saw a Lab who had gotten out of his yard coming at us in "fight" mode, stepped out in front of JD with my hand out and shouted No! in a firm but confident tone, the dog immediately backed down. What was most fascinating was that JD remained calm, rather than reacting to and matching the other dog's level of excitement. When I told Jane about it, she was not surprised. She said that JD had seen that I had the situation covered, lol, and didn't need his help. 

[Breanna]

I know the dog's can sense your emotions and I fear that my panic would make Crush panic. I am a jumpy person and I freeze for a moment when I get scared. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's what happened to me when JD was bitten. I froze up. After that, I felt so guilty for having let him down like that, I became Xena, Warrior Princess, lol! 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

way to go Karen Xena! I just got a flash of you in costume!  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LOL! 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Actually, I was thinking more of a female version of

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LOL this too! 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

LOL...stay clear of the sword!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Wow, that is amazing Karen and something to keep in mind when walking Libby.  The only thing with me is, I would probably panic and I know that is the worst thing to do.  Most of the time my DH is with us, so I have a back up!  

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

When we were living in Texas, my Golden and I were attacked a number of times. One Rottie and twice by the same Boxer whose owners thought it was funny.
If you see a suspect dog, stand tall, clap your hands and yell "NO" at him. May or may not help. Cross the street or head in the other direction...do NOT run. I started carrying mace attached to the dog leash. It can be bought in any Sporting Goods store. Be sure not to spray onto the wind! ;). The Rottie got a face full when he charged us and I got knocked down. It stopped the dog dead in his tracks. I would have rather used it on the owner, who told me he was calling the police. I told him I'll do it for you....and did. Since I had bloody knees and my dog needed medical attention, the owner was ticketed and dog guarantined. He paid the Vet bills. After that, I started carrying a walking stick. I decided I never wanted a attacking dog to get that close to us again. About a year later, enter the Boxer. He got whopped twice on the head in 2 different instances. This all happened in a very
elite, gated neighborhood whose owners had no common sense and too lazy to walk their dogs, so just turned them loose. So thankful we no longer live there!

Thankfully, no even close aggressive encounters with Enzo

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

OMGosh Rosemary that is horrible and so scary.  So glad the owner of the dog had to be held accountable for his dog's aggressive behavior. Sorry you were injured in the situation, but good for you for calling the police.  I just don't get people at times!