Speaking of dogs...I walk with my 4 year old in her stroller and..?

Question

have encountered many dogs off their leashes either running towards the stroller,trying to jump in,just sniffing around and barking. How to handle this? I know to try to remain calm and firm but when they come so fast,my 1st reaction is to sheild my daughter with my body. I now carry a stick but am afraid that if I strike a dog (must be a threat to do that) that it will anger them to attack further. Should I get pepper spray? Will that have the same effect? Where do I get pepper spray? We've had some scary incidences and have changed our pattern several times but it doesn't matter where we walk. I don't want to stop walking all together,just want to be prepared to defend us in the right manner.

Please dont advise me to walk elsewhere,I've done this. I walk within a 5 mi radius of my home and have walked several routes in different directions weaving in and out of other streets and neighborhoods.

Answer 1

If you are nervous about an approaching dog stand up very tall, put your hands on your hips (to appear bigger) and say "No!"/"Stay" very firmly. Do not shout, do not sound panicked. Stare the dog directly in the eye. If you do end up in a situation where you must hit a dog aim for the nose and the eyes as these are the most sensitive. If a dog attempts to bite your hand attempt to force your hand down their throat, dogs have a gag reflex.

If the dog is sniffing around and being friendly but you do not appreciate that you can either ask the owner to back off. Or take a look at the dog and firmly say "Sit". I see no need to be terribly polite or address the owner, but as you are likely to see them again perhaps some politeness may be needed.

If this is not an off-leash park you may report it to the authorities, almost all locations have leash laws. If you are referring to dogs on the street ALWAYS report it. There is no excuse for having a dog off a leash and not under control on the street. There is very little excuse to having a dog out of your control in a park, but I know many very well behaved dogs that generally listen while off leash occasionally will not respond to a recall. However if you don't even hear the owner calling, and preferably heading towards you do what you have to and THEN report it. Program your local police NON-emergency number into your cellphone (if you have one). If you say that your child was just approached by a dog that isn't under control they will generally respond in less than 5 minutes. Just wait for them so they know which dog. Don't dial 911 unless you encounter a dog that is clearly a threat (growling etc). But it is key that you use the word CHILD when you call, gets their attention.

I have a dog and a toddler and I do let my dog off-leash he is not allowed to approach people on the path, and he knows it. Very rarely he doesn't listen. I am disgusted by irresponsible dog owners and much as I love dogs I would not hesitate to injur a dog that is a threat.

Answer 2

Find out if your city/town has a leash law, most do. If they do carry a cellphone and everytime you see a dog not on a leash call the animal control. They will pick up the dog and if the dog has identification they will call the owner and give them a citation which costs anywhere betwen $15.00 and $100.00 depending upon how many times the dog has been caught, sometimes animal control will not allow the owner to get the dog back. This is not only for the communitiy's safety but the dog's as well. The owners of these dogs are guilty of neglect...would they allow their children to run wild in the streets?

Answer 3

This is a tough question - if you use the pepper spray, you are in danger if getting it on yourself and /or your little one.

If you try an airhorn or whistle - that might scare off the dogs - but I think a large stick - like a walking staff - or something like a police baton is really the only thing you can use that is portable enough and wont cause your baby harm.

You could probably find a cattle prod (animal stun gun) in a mail order catalog - but I dont know how well that would work - trying to zap a 90 lb dog instead of an 1000 lb steer.

Answer 4

Been there i hate dogs they are super scary when u have a small baby.... i wouldn't hurt an animal unless it was attacking me or my baby...... BUT

go to lakeside.com click the pet section theres this device that u can carry to ward off dogs its a low whistle and dogs HATE the sound ppl use them for tis purpose and to stop a dog from barking at them.:)

Good Luck and if u see an owner with the dog id let them know they need a leash or u can report them .

EDIT- how dumb of me i could of posted the link LOL forgot .. here it is:
http://www.lakeside.com/details.asp?I=UT9&N=36+208&Nao=7&R=11205

Answer 5

One of the things to do is just stand still...the dog will sniff and probably go on...Just think, if you take a walk the same route meeting the same dogs...you might even be protected...
Pepper spray: Cooking spray comes in a red pepper added in. Read the label...about $1.50/can
If it need be: Dogs hate being hit on the snout...

Answer 6

carry pepper spray. try to get stream not fog type. you don't want it to blow back in your face or that of your child.
you might want to keep a cell phone on you to call the police or spca if you encounter a persistant agressive dog.
you might want to keep a pen and paper on you to jot the address, if you know them, of dogs that aren't properly restrainted/ie loose. you might have leash laws in place that your neighbors aren't following.
also try, if you have one, to have your civic association mention in a flyer that dogs should be leashed/restrainted/contained to avoid problems.

pepper spray is available online and thru police/medic supply companies that you might have in your area. you can call a local police dpt for info... or local private security companies.
galls.com carries it

dogs don't usualy become more agressive once sprayed... it's an irritant... they usualy run off to deal with the irritation and don't normally attack after being sprayed...

Answer 7

http://search.ebay.com/sjambok_W0QQfnuZ1QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ3QQxpufuZx

Get a sjambok. Nowadays they are made out of rubber. These things truly hurt when you hit something hard enough. They are used for self protection in parts of the world.

I've got one that I take with me when I walk my dog because he has been attacked by another (loose) dog several times. These things HURT if you hit hard enough. Though I've never tried, I've read that they can kill a snake.

Answer 8

Don't try to hurt the dogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's animal abuse, and it will be a threat. Take your daughter on a walk somewhere safer!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

Don't take her with you if it's putting her life in danger.