How do I change how I react?

M

Muskrat

Senior Member
Location
Mainly arizona
So I am on a roadtrip that includes my elderly dog. At a campground another persons huge dog (at least 100 lbs) jumped over their short fence around their camp trailer and attempted to attack(??!!) my dog who was being walked on her leash. I jumped between her and the huge dog yelling NO NO No and lucky for me the owner was able to intervene and gather up his dog. Today walking down another well populated path it was two pit bulls who were loose dragging their leashes. Again I jumped in front and started yelling . This time my dog growled. About two weeks ago in az there was another death by pit bull of an elderly woman and her dog…with another person in critical condition. I cant seem to quit reading these dog attacks and I am SURE jumping in front of my dog to protect her is not the answer and yet I cant stop myself. It happens so quick. Help!!
 

I was always successful just standing still and letting the dog approach. No yelling. Then I would slowly and calmly block access to my dog. Usually the other dog(s) would back off when I just stood there. Depends on how high energy the other dog is, there may be some barking and pushing from the other dog. Patience and quiet has been the key for me.
 
Naturally said:
Maybe carry Bear Spray, pepper spray?
Click to expand...
Keep the mace excessable, carry in your hand or on a clip hanging from your belt or pocket. Be prepared to mace the dog owners as well. A small air horn helps as well, scares aggressive dogs and alerts everyone something is happening.
There are also armor or spiked collars and coats to put on your dog, won't stop an attack but helps protect your dog.
 
Jules said:
At least some kind of device like Naturally suggested. Maybe an electric zapper.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, to effectively use a "conducted energy device " you need to be CLOSE to the attacking dog....Like FIVE FEET CLOSE. And as Police have learned in hundreds of uses of the TASER, they only work about HALF the time. A big stick works all the time, ON THE DOG OWNER. JimB.
 
jimintoronto said:
Unfortunately, to effectively use a "conducted energy device " you need to be CLOSE to the attacking dog....Like FIVE FEET CLOSE. And as Police have learned in hundreds of uses of the TASER, they only work about HALF the time. A big stick works all the time, ON THE DOG OWNER. JimB.
Click to expand...
The type that I was thinking about are part of a walking stick. Use the stick first if needed and the energy part if more is necessary.

Wasp or bear sprays need favourable wind conditions and a little practice.
 
Here are two examples of practicing/rehersing to hone your reaction skills.
At fitness centers, children are taught the following and they practice it for fun all the time:
When a scary-looking adult is coming at us, and looks like he might touch us, what do we do?
WE TURN AROUND AND RUN AWAY AS FAST AS WE CAN!
Another example is learning how to fall properly, and actually practicing it.
 
gruntlabor said:
Here are two examples of practicing/rehersing to hone your reaction skills.
At fitness centers, children are taught the following and they practice it for fun all the time:
When a scary-looking adult is coming at us, and looks like he might touch us, what do we do?
WE TURN AROUND AND RUN AWAY AS FAST AS WE CAN!
Another example is learning how to fall properly, and actually practicing it.
Click to expand...
What a crock........The "Stranger Danger " nonsense, again. Statstically MANY kids are sexually molested by RELATIVES, and close neighbors. Look it up on Google if you don't believe me. JimB.
 
Muskrat said:
@Judycat I used to be able to do that…but now I cant seem to stop my reaction. The two dogs were rather impossible as they were coming from two angles but the bigger single dog actually lost steam being yelled at. But this is dangerous. And fueled by my obsession with these horrible death by dog stories.
Click to expand...
I would be afraid of using bear or wasp spray. The way things go for me, the wind would blow it back in my face. Or I'd miss the dog, giving him time to chomp on my arm. I know what you mean by multiple dogs though. They do look scary when running at you like that. I don't know, when threatened I tend to calm down and think clearly. People have asked me if I'm nuts. Probably.
 
Gaer said:
Not bear spray! It goes all over and you can't control it.
Get WASP SPRAY! You can direct it exactly where you want it
and it will stop the attack.
Click to expand...

Thanks @Gaer ... I've never used Bear Spray or pepper spray.
I've used Wasp Spray with excellent results ... on wasps.
The Wasp Spray is a narrow stream and best when carefully aimed well.
A spray with a wider stream (Bear Spray) MIGHT be more prudent in a panic situation ... but I have no experience.

One thing about Wasp Spray is that it does contain pesticides.
And there is a caution on my can ... "It is a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling."

Don't know if Bear Spray and Pepper Spray contain pesticides or not.

Another consideration is size of the product container.
My Wasp Spray is in a spray paint size can (actually slightly larger) and might not be handy to carry on dog walks.
 
What about an ultrasonic dog repellent? Something that bothers a dogs ears like ambulance sirens. Might bother your dog a bit, but better than the alternative.
 
Dustbunny said:
What about an ultrasonic dog repellent? Something that bothers a dogs ears like ambulance sirens. Might bother your dog a bit, but better than the alternative.
Click to expand...

Works best as a training aid for nuisance barkers. Every time they bark, it emits a short burst of ultrasonic sound.
The distance it works is relatively close but some have distance settings.
A focused and determined dog acting on instinct ... would have no effect what so ever.
I've used the ultrasonic devices as a training aid but would never trust one as an aggressive dog deterrent.
 
Muskrat said:
But this is dangerous. And fueled by my obsession with these horrible death by dog stories.
Click to expand...
I don't think it's an obsession at all... I think it's preparing to be proactive about protecting yourself and your dog. There have been some good suggestions here and I can't really add anything to them. I will say that my niece was walking her dog a couple of years ago and what you mentioned happened... a pit bull attacked her dog and started on her when she picked him up to protect him. Sadly he didn't survive... so it's definitely something to keep in mind and be prepared for.
 
You will lose in a dog fight with a Pitbull if your choice to protect yourself and your dog is 'words'.
A spray bottle with vinegar and water. Spray it in their faces....and get a stun gun.
Or move to a better neighborhood
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top