Chewie attacked by 2 dogs. Advice on self-defence?

[Kimmy & Chewie]

What a traumatic start to Valentine's day. Chewie was attacked by 2 dogs on our walk this morning :(

Every morning I take him for a walk down our street and there're these 2 dogs which always barks (at anyone who walks by). One's a Jack Russell and the other a Spitz. They bark a lot from behind the fence/gate, but I never ever see anyone come and go from that house in the 2 years I had Chewie. I assumed no one lived there and dog is there to guard the place.

This morning, the (remote controlled) gate opened just as we walked pass. A car was backing out of the driveway. Both dogs came charging at me and Chewie. They looked really aggressive, so immediately carried Chewie off the ground. But both dogs surrounded me, jumping to take a bite at Chewie's dangling paws and tail, so I couldn't really get away. Chewie weigh around 22kg (44lbs) so I couldn't carry him for long and he was slipping out of my arms (butt first to the floor). I kicked the Spitz in the head...he was unfazed and kept charging.  At that time, the Jack Russell bit Chewie's tail, he yelped. So I turned to shout and shoo him away, but then the Spitz came in and bit Chewie's leg. Another 2 more yelps. I was on the verge of tears. So carried him up again. All the while, yelling and kicking at the dogs to go away.

Just in time, someone from the house came out and chased the dog back into the house. 

After a thorough check of Chewie, he's fine. No blood. His tail and legs were damp from the attackers drool. I think his thick fluffy fur protected him

I plan to walk with a stick from now on as this could happen again. But I just want to ask the group if there are other ways to better-handle incident. What to do, say or act in such situation?

 

[DJ & Chance]

I am so sorry this happened to you and Chewie. There are a few dogs in my area that cause me to be concerned about the kind of situation you encountered. I don't have any good advice but I am sure that other DK members will have useful things to say. I hope to learn from them with you.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I guess my first question would be did the owners offer any apologies or stay to make sure he was ok?  I'd also be considering contacting authorities to make sure the situation isn't more serious next time.  Certainly doesn't seem like the owners had control of their dogs.  Secondly, I'm wondering if there is some sort of pepper/mace type spray that you could spray that wouldn't permanently hurt the attacking dogs but distract them long enough for you to get away with Chewie.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

I didn't hang around long enough to hear any apologies. Once owner came out to round up his dogs, Chewie and I ran straight back to the house. Didn't even look back. Chewie's tails was tucked between his legs all the way home.

Spray/mace is a good idea. Is there a special kind of pepper spray for dogs or can I use the "human pepper spray"?

 

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Yes there is..From what my trainer told me..and he trains police K9's.  Mace does not work well on dogs.It is a spore and when a dogs eyes sense it their 2nd eye lid comes down to protect their eyes.  He recommends HALT.  It's the same spray that the Post Office uses.  It is ment for dogs...

So sorry this happened to you and Chewie

[Camilla and Darwin]

I'm just worried that if you did this it might accidentally hit you or Chewie?

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

The saying "no bad dogs, only bad owners" comes to mind.  Not a nice Valentine morning-so sorry to hear.  A stick sounds good.  I was thinking of a fog horn-but that would likely scare your dog, too.  

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Yeah. Fog horn will spook Chewie for sure. He's quite jumpy when it comes to noises.

And yes, bad owners for sure. 

[Becka]

I'm so sorry that this happened to you and Chewie and I'm glad to hear there's no major damage. This happened to me and Sadie last year--a dog came charging at us out of nowhere. Carrying mace/pepper spray or a big stick were some of the suggestions I got. It was also a very long time before we walked that particular route again.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

First of all I'm so glad you and Chewie are okay, although I'm sure you were so frightened.  I would definitely report the incident to your Animal Control.  I'd be worried about trying to use pepper spray correctly in such a frantic incident.  I think a walking stick might be a pretty good idea....and I'd avoid walking by that particular house if at all possible.

[Kelly]

This has happened to Skeet and me in our neighborhood. I carry a small baseball bat ( the kind they give away at games) haven't had to use it yet but certainly will if necessary. It is only about a foot long but quite dense so would certainly get the dogs attention if I did use it.

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

What a horrifying experience, so glad Chewie wasn't hurt too badly.  Poor fella....

 

I totally agree with many things said but most importantly, if you can avoid going that route, avoid it.  These two dogs will be on the lookout for another chance to charge and attack.  A walking stick is a fine idea and if you think it's possible, maybe speak to the neighbor and ask that they not open their gate if the dogs are out.  And if it happens again.....kick harder!

 

Doodle hugs to the both of you! ♥

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

What a terrible way to begin your day. I have a Dog Halt spray, but I have never used it before. My husband carries it with him on his bike rides. I am so glad Chewie was not hurt and I would report this to Animal Control.