Stopping a Charging Dog

[Julie and Charlie]

This is more about training humans than dogs, but what's the best method of stopping a charging dog? For instance, today Charlie and I were out on a walk, he was on leash. A dog bolted out of the owner's garage and headed for us. I stood firm between the dog and Charlie and yelled out a sharp "HEY!" to get it to stop. It worked, dog stopped. If we would have kept going and paid no attention, I'm not sure what would have happened. Charlie actually behaved admirably during this- he didn't bark, snarl, pull, or the like.

I don't think this dog was aggressive, it certainly wasn't in the body language after the stop. Once the owner heard me, he came running out saying "he won't hurt you"-- but in the heat of the moment, you never know. Is there a preferred method to get a dog that isn't yours or under your control to "freeze" or back off? Or is it better to totally ignore?

I've seen the "treat explosion" but I didn't have enough time to rummage through my pocket and throw a few treats the other dog's way to get him or her to stop.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

I was chased by a pit bull last December.  I saw him coming and got between Bailey and the other dog, yelled as loud as I could NO!  and got into a stance that made me look big, hands on hips, legs spread shoulder width apart...It stopped the dog and then we walked away..he followed us for about 2 blocks then left..

I'm not sure if this was the smartest thing to do but it worked...I will be curious to see what other people think.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think that was the perfect thing to do.  You don't want to act afraid or run away.  Staying calm and acting "in control" then calmly walking away is exactly what my trainer has said to do in this situation.

[Adina P]

I think if a dog is determined to start a fight or attack, then he will no matter what you do.  Most dogs aren't in that category so if you just walk the other way, quickly, they will probably not follow you forever.  A person and leashed dog walking away can't simultaneously give 'I'm gonna fight back' signals so it's a fairly safe move to just walk the other way. 

[Jen and Annie]

reading the experiences here, it made me think that dogs (mostly) see humans as their superiors, and that most times, a dog WILL heed your "HEY" or "NO" shouting at them. But as Adina says, if this dog is determined to attack - he will do just that. Maybe pepper spray as a last resort, if they don't respond to the shouting and making yourself appear larger...

[laurie Wells]

I was out on a walk with my two dogs and a Pit Bull attacked us. I didn

t know what to do so I grabbed the back of his collar with my two hands and tried to pull him off. I didn't let go. He was determined to attack . My daughter ran away with our two hurt dogs and I managed to get the Pit Bull to his home. He was one of those "gentle pits that never hurt anyone" The owner said we must have done something to provoke her dog that was running free in her front yard. I now carry a stick but am not sure how I would disable a dog. The pits owner never paid for my expensive Vet Bill altho asked repeatedly. Both my dogs passed CGC but my female did try very hard to defend herself while I was trying to restrict his breathing and pull him off. He was at least 80 lbs.