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!

[Deeann Roesser]

My husband and I use a stun gun that has a very loud warning so you may not have to actually stun an aggressive dog. We also use a well made walking stick to redirect any dog who gets too close to our 1 1/2 year old Goldendoodle.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

There was an extensive discussion on this very same topic not too long ago. Cheryl (of Cheryl and Finnegan) posted it, and it generated a lot of valuable information and perspectives. Take a look: My community is up in arms after an unleashed dog attack! - Dood

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks for re-posting this, Laurie.   missed it the first time around.  Of course, it now made me afraid to walk around my block . . . . . :-{

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I carry a small can of HALT which was recommended by local police after Charlie and I were attacked by two pit bulls.  They recommended Halt (or carry a gun was alternative). Yikes!  It has been 4.5 years since that happened and I have not had to ever use the spray.  

[Theresa Nieman]

My concern about sprays like Mace or Halt are that I might be affected with breathing.  I have a reactive airway issue.  I wouldn't want it to turn into a medical issue with me during the attack as well.  ;(

[Lynda Kamrath]

Well, I would suggest pepper spray.  It is good for some other things also.  We have no problems in our neighborhood but I'm sure it could be a problem in other neighborhoods.  Good luck.  Usually labs are just friendly, but your little guy did not know that.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There's a female Lab in my neighborhood who regularly escapes from her yard and attacks any other dogs walking by. Here's what she did to my friend's dog. Three separate puncture wounds, $200 vet bill. Not all Labs are friendly. Even doodles can and have attacked. 

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I don't know how effective it would be against aggressive, off-leash dogs, but my first thought was, The Pet Corrector. It's a can of air, basically, and emits a loud hissing sound that dogs hate. It stops my 2 in their tracks for things like nuisance barking. It comes in 2 sizes, one of which is small enough to pack in a pocket. Chewy.com carries it. Thankfully, we've never had any problems in our neighborhood, but I've heard of people or dogs getting bit or killed by off-leash dogs in neighborhoods throughout my city.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I carry Sabre Tear Gas/red pepper personal self defense spray.  I've never had to use it, thank goodness and I'll admit I'm terrified to use it - but I know my instincts would kick in.  In the woods, I usually pick up a large walking stick to fend off a smaller or medium size dog if I'm alone with my boy.

[UggaMugga]

This is very concerning. I'm a lab lover and a doodle owner but yikes this situation sounds as if it could go bad quick. If there is a way to avoid these dogs on your walk I would try that first. If not,pick him up or let him be safe near you. As far as the dogs to, I suggest loud noise. Whistle, keys, tell them to go home. The noise will help to do 2 things. 1)bring attention to you case the situation becomes unsafe. 2) hopefully deter the dogs. Dogs don't appreciate loud and unpredictable noise. Hopefully it will encourage them to make their way home.
My SIL was accosted by a neighbors dog routinely growing up. It is completely irresponsible. However, unless the situation is unsafe, care and thoughtfulness must be used. The dogs you are dealing with might be annoying but gosh I would consider my options before carrying pepper spray. Good luck!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I carry the spray as a "last resort." I've never had to use it and hope I never do. I started carrying it when 2 rescued pit bulls escaped their yard in a really nice neighborhood where we sometimes walked and killed a leashed dog. Most dogs we run into in the park or at the lake are leashed (because the fines are so high). Or an owner will leash their dog when they see another dog approaching and we'll wait.  If someone doesn't leash their dog, I will ask them to. If a dog comes out of nowhere - I'll put myself between Finn and the dog and try a loud command or stamp my feet.  This usually slows or stops a larger dog. Sometimes we'll come across lab owners exercising their labs in a field with a game of ball.  These dogs have never been a problem, maybe because they are so well trained and focused on their ball.  

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

Great question! They just updated walking trails at a local park and while I didn't take any of my dogs yet I want to. But, the friend with me said the problem usually lies with the off leash dogs.