Mailmen use this too. I like to take walks in my neighborhood but often encounter a loose dog and usually big ones like Dobermans, Rotwrilers, and Pitbulls. I have used the spray and it has worked however I worry about running out. It's awful that I have to resort to this but so many people here like leaving thier pets off leash. I think they do it to protect thier property.
2006-08-27 17:13:57 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
There are some good answers so far. I have a couple of answers I'm considering to pick but I'll wait till the last day before I vote. The question may sound silly to some but I assure you there are some folks out there who think it's bad. Case and point - I had a big biker-type neighbor who yelled at me for using it on his unleashed dog that was charging me. The idiot was standing right next to his dog when it happened. I'ts the owners, not the dogs I have a problem with. After I was bit by a pit I started to carry the pepper spray and was afraid to use it at first, thinking what if it don't work or I miss his head and they bite me for trying. I'll have to say thiough it has worked on some big ones like the Rot that is always out. I don't have to spray him anymore -- just point the bottle at him.
2006-08-28 07:01:55 · update #1
I want to make clear a few things. I don't want you to get the wrong impression of me. The only time I had used the spray was maybe 3 times and these dogs were big and showing me that they were indeed agressive and off their leash or not fenced in. And in response to one of the answers, I have every right legally to defend myself with pepper spray even if the dog was on his property. If the dog is charging you and he's not restrained you don't have time to see if he will stop before he leaves the property. They are not likely to stop anyway and how would you know who's dog it is if its not fenced in?
2006-09-02 17:18:18 · update #2
I've decided to let you guys pick the best answer. I found a couple answers I agree with but I'm interested in seeing the results of a unanimous vote.
2006-09-03 18:55:55 · update #3
Nope, I don't think you're a bad person at all. In fact, I think the idiot that would leave a large-breed dog unleashed to terrorize his or her own neighbors is worse than bad. Any dog can be dangerous, but some are much better at it than others! A Rott, Doberman or Pit could easily kill an adult. I honestly feel that whenever you see this happening that you should call the local SPCA and have the animal removed.
In California, it is illegal to let your dog run around unleashed. I'm not sure about where you live, but if you're Californian, and that dog bites you (or anyone else) it will be put to death. I'd rather be pepper-sprayed than dead :)
In the long run, your neighbors are being dangerously neglectful. Their free-range pet could end someone's life. I repeat, YOU are not the bad person.
2006-08-27 17:27:00 · answer #1 · answered by Umuru 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First -- Umuru -- I'm a Californian and not every dog that bites you (or anyone else) will be put to death. Don't give out misinformation about the laws of our state.
Second, no -- if you have menacing dogs in your neighborhood -- and the owners are doing nothing to resolve the problem then you absolutely have a right to protect yourself.
Lastly, an alternative to pepper spray is actually ground pepper. Try walking with a Ziplock bag of ground pepper in your pocket. If another dog does come out to cause trouble, simply throw a handful of the pepper in the dogs face. It burns slightly and causes them to sneeze. Trust me, that will take any interest that dog has in you away!
Hope that helps!
2006-08-30 09:54:19 · answer #2 · answered by Surfer_Girl_59 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually it's pretty smart. The only problem with only using OC is that a dog become very target fixated very quickly and with a small target area they are easy to miss!
I suggest a metal baton as well. Like an ASP or even an economy model. Not to strike the dog with, but they will only bite it once. IT HURTS!
Keep on sprayin' and if you need more come and see me. Fox Labs and DPS are two of the best.
2006-09-02 09:52:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as you can see by all your answers your question is not easy. My bichon and I have the same problem with unleashed big dogs in my neighborhood. A squirt of water to the face works and if that doesn't a bit of gravel thrown NEAR the FEET always works...no, don't hit the dog but the close noise near the dog will startle them and make them back off.
2006-08-28 00:28:45 · answer #4 · answered by Mindy Jo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Or the foolish dogs jump the fence or dig under. Make sure the dog is aggressive, not just curious. Is the tail wagging? are the ears up or laid back? Things like that. Don't use it on a curious or friendly pup. And you could show the dog who is boss without the spray... my Pit's brother isn't being treated great... he charged me in an obviously aggressive manner... when he jumped at me, I sidestepped him, scruffed him mid-air, and put him on his back. he still tried to bite me, but I was in control... once my knee was on his chest he couldn't get to me. I know that sounds awful, but my kids were with me, and I don't go by mMotherBear for nothing.
I'm just glad my own pup wasn't with me that day, He would have protected me, and I don't want him exposed to that sort of thing.
In response to one of your other answers... A pair of dobermans were the free range terrors of my neighborhood when I was growing up. bit more kids than I can count and Treed me in my own yard more than once.
2006-08-27 17:39:40 · answer #5 · answered by MotherBear1975 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes using pepperspray can blind this animal. dogs are very territorial they think they are protecting their property that you running past . there are other ways . take an empty can of pepsi put three dimes in it seal the top . keep it in your hand while you are running the sound is extremely annoying to the animal any animal they will not run towards you but away from you. will you enjoy your run dog free for the price of 35 cents. and the added bonus is you will never run out of it inmagine going to use that spray and the can is empty. shake and run and enjoy
2006-09-03 13:22:43 · answer #6 · answered by singleandback 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the dogs are off-leash and not fenced behind an owner's property you have every right to use the pepper spray.
Animal Control should be notified of this situation in your neighborhood.
2006-08-27 17:16:52 · answer #7 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wouldnt use it unless the dog was coming at me to attack me, but it would be better then getting biten without it. I would never use it on innocent dogs barking at me for walking by or anything like that though. I'd have to feel really threatened before I pushed the button on it at a dog.
2006-09-02 14:48:30 · answer #8 · answered by reasonable-sale-lots 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You had best make sure that they are off the owner's property. If they are just barking at you, then no, but if they are off their property, and you have reason to think they will actually bite you, then I would think that would be reasonable.
If you are spraying them preemptively than no, I don't think you are justified.
2006-09-01 09:14:15 · answer #9 · answered by Kelly S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Using it in self protection sounds reasonable. Carry an extra can with you, or come up with a strategy in case you run out.
2006-08-27 17:17:52 · answer #10 · answered by Ginger/Virginia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋