What techniques can I use to protect myself from dogs while walking?

Question

I walk alone or with my small terrior dog sometimes. The neighborhood I walk in has dogs and sometimes they are loose. I get more barks and curiousity from other dogs when I'm with my dog than when I'm walking alone. Usually dogs that were loose in the neighborhood would quickly go to my dog to smell him.

Or, when I'm alone, dogs that were loose, would try to walk up to me. But I'd yell at them and tell them to get back in their yard. Both times they responded and backed down.

Here's the question - how to deal with a vicious dog who won't respond to my commands or a dog who wants to attack my smaller dog while I'm on a walk - what other options do I have to protect myself besides the following:

Pepper spray (I hear that's effective)
Rambo Style (Carry a sharp stick and stab the dog to death)
Physical fighting (I might loose to a really crazy dog)
Shooting the dog with my gun (last resort)

What other methods can I use that you know are effective?

No people I do not want to kill a dog. That is not my intent at all. Any suggestions besides Cesar Milan- The Dog Whisperer

No people I do not want to kill a dog. That is not my intent at all. Any suggestions besides Cesar Milan- The Dog Whisperer. And NO, I'm not about hurting dogs or using a gun on them. I know someone (being funny) would probably suggest "shooting a dog" as one of their answers that's why I added that as an option.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Most dogs will turn back if you stomp your foot at them and tell them to 'get' in a loud firm voice. A dog that is intent on fighting probably will not be stopped, so carry pepper spray (if it is legal, otherwise carry vinegar in a squirt gun).

Isn't it sad that the roaming dog problem is so bad we should have to carry anything?

Answer 2

The only thing I can think of that isn't on your list is a dog treat.

I once invited my neighbors dog to come out and play while carrying a 2 foot length of 1/2 water pipe.

After I broke my foot, I was forced onto a cane for a couple of years. I used to tell people there was nothing really wrong, but it was a good excuse to carry a stick. So maybe a good walking stick would be a nice addition to you wandering wardrobe.

BTW, I would like to remind the lady above that when a dog has eaten half the meat off your leg it is a bit late for dog whispering. It may even be too late to shoot. If I were permitted to go back in time I could probably prevent just about every bad thing that ever happened to me. But in real time, you must deal with the immediate. So if a dog ever decides to tear your throat out, I want you to remember what you told this man and how utterly useless it was.

Answer 3

Personally, I believe that the person (the human) is the source of any and all problems.

I am a huge fan of Cesar Milan- The Dog Whisperer. He has shows on National Geographic Channel, and several books out.

He says (paraphrasing...) that dogs want to be part of a pack, and are naturally responsive to a human that is the pack leader.

In essence, if you are a good pack leader (and your pack can be one dog), you will have better chance of getting those pesky dogs to respond to you.

By the way, in most places in the US, if you shoot a dog, you will probably go to jail for having a weapon.

Pepper spray would work fairly effectively.

It almost sounds like you want to kill a dog.....maybe you should consider not going out of your yard. There are dog parks as well where the chances of running into vicious dogs are minimalized.

Good luck!

In response the the gentleman responding to me, my suggestion was for the future-maybe this person could get some helpful hints by watching a television program dedicated to people and dogs, or reading something helpful.

Sorry for your misfortune, no one can change the past.

As for your misguided reference to whispering to the dog ripping your body apart-watch the show-there is not really any whispering. It is a reference to what the man does-not how to get a crazed dog off your body. In your situation, I would have suggested a gun or stick, or if I had witnessed it, I would not have hesitated to assist you with whatever means I had available.

I am just a proponent of people and animals getting along, and using whatever means there are. I suggest one resource that I have found to be immensely enlightening.

Answer 4

Too long in a cage is not the place for an animal to develop good behaviour.. Formal training starts after the animal is protected by full vet injections usually at 6 months. Shepherds reach the intelligence of a 5 year old and need an owner who spends time with them. I certainly feel sorry that your Husband didn't educate himself about the needs of both you and the dog !!

Answer 5

While out walking i carry a tub of household pepper,
to tell u the truth im not caring if it goes in human or an animals eyes if myself or my dogs life in danger .