Gavin was attacked today, he is NOT hurt, but I am upset!

[BG and Gavin]

We were walking through the neighbourhood park towards the garbage can to make a deposit and a man and a black mixed breed 50ish lb. dog sort of emerged from the tree shadow all friendly and saying "hello." Well the dog was off leash and made a b-line towards Gavin (who was on leash) and attacked his face and neck. Gavin cried like I have never heard and tried to hide behind me. I made myself big and backed that (female dog) off until the loser, I mean owner could grab her. I dared not drop Gavin's leash because the small park is not fenced and bordered by busy roads on three sides. Gavin cried and cried. Loser: "I don't know why she did that. She never does that. We sent her away to be trained for doing that." I just put on my happy face and kept going with Gavin acting as cheerful as I could. After we got a block away I examined him for any damage. He looked ok. Then I cried and cried lol. I stopped a couple of times to visit people on the street before going home to try and keep thing positive. I kept thinking if that loser and his dog traumatized my sweet Gavin I can't be held responsible for what I do.

[Andrea, Belle and Honey]

Pet Corrector also makes a very small can that fits nicely in my pocket when I walk Belle in the nearby state park where people frequently take their dogs off leash. I've never had to use it, but a friend who saw mine and thought it was a good idea used it on an unleashed German Shepard that attacked her schnoodle, and the Shepard ran away, chased by his furious owner.  Too bad for him!!

[Diane and Alma]

 I had never heard of that product.  I read some of the reviews on Amazon.  Seems that most people use it like you do - to train their own dogs out of a behavior.  I really wonder it it would scare aggressive dogs away for good.

[Diane and Alma]

Yep, that's my biggest fear too.  Maybe I should just carry a big stick.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Just saw this.  So sorry BG.  I hope Gavin is still doing well with no problems. It has been 4.5 years since Charlie & I were attacked in the neighborhood by two visiting pit mixes that came running out a home and ran down the street after us!  OMD - yes it is so scary.  I was not as nice as you were - and I totallycame unglued!  I had to call my husband for a ride home because my knee was sprained trying to protect Charlie, and then my husband went up to the door and talked to the guy who was babysitting the dogs!  We then called the police.  Since then, I always carry Police Magnum spray, but have never had to use it! Thank goodess,

[BG and Gavin]

Linda, I remember the scary incident that you had.  I would have been terrified.  Luckily our incident was less serious. Thanks for the good wishes.