This dog tried to attack me tonight and it wasn't wearing a leash? What do I do?

Question

Apparently, this dog gets loose a lot of the time. I was leaving my friend's house and the neighbor's dog decided to follow me around and growl and bark at me (the dog was HUGE and I'm a minor). The owner was trying to get the dog's attention, but it ignored her the entire time and was following me and stuff. She got the dog's attention for a short amount of the time, and during this, the dog was glaring at me. I walk a bit across the street, and the dog runs after me barking at me. I thought that it was going to take a bite out of me. I have never felt so afraid in my life. I practically saw my life flashing before my eyes because I was POSITIVE that the dog was going to attack me. The dog wasn't wearing a leash. What should I do? No one should have to go through that.

Answer 1

Please report this to your local animal control officer. It is simply a matter of time before the dog actually does decide to take a bite out of someone.

Hopefully the owner will confine the dog better if she's been warned by animal control. If nothing else, a couple of warnings and the dog will have a record so may not be allowed a free bite.

You're right, noone should have to go through that and I'm glad you emerged unscathed... I worry about the next person.

EDIT: PLEASE Do NOT attempt to intimidate or dominate a dog you do not know unless you are a professional trainer. You could very well meet a dog who will decide its worth it to give you a fight.

Answer 2

For a solution training-wise, "confront" the dog.

When you said that the dog ran after you after you turned away, it was a big clue for me. Dogs feel more confident when something is "running away" or afraid or them, and when you walked across the street he felt that he was winning this mental battle with you.

So, what I suggest is just to stand your ground. Don't be afraid, it seems as if this dog is only confident when people's backs are turned.

Just stand wherever you are when the dog is near you. Face the dog, and don't turn away. If you think you can, take a confident step towards the dog. He'll become intimidated because you aren't leaving, and he'll back off.

This dog has learned that every time he growls or barks at someone, he "wins" and gets left alone, or someone will step out of his territory. When you show him that you are not afraid of him, he'll in turn yield to you, and give you the space you demand.

Answer 3

You should report the dog to the humane sosciety or the Police. If the dog comes after you, no matter what, DO NOT RUN. This will make the dog think that you are afraid and as soon as the dog senses your fear, it will become more agressive and confident to attack you.

I saw a movie called The Gods Must Be Crazy. In it, a little boy escapes from a cayote or wolf simply by making himself appear larger. He did that by putting a stick above his head.

I have actually found myself doing that and it worked. Just like in nature, the more you puff youself up and make believe that you are huge and scarry, the more they loose confience.
Also throwing rocks helps in many cases and yelling. You have to pretend that you are the biggest and meanest dog in the neighborhood.

I called the police to complain about a horrible dog that would run out of its driveway with its teeth bared and hair standing! I had my new born baby in my arms! But I stood my ground, puffed myself up and made a loud noise.
It is really disgusting if the owner doesn't help you when their dumb dog is scarring you.
That happened to me too, (with a little dog that actually bit my leg in front of the owner). Definately call the police or humane sosciety and report them!
good luck! love!

Answer 4

Make a complaint to your City animal control. These are irresponsible owners who are not in control of their dogs, are aware their dogs are getting out and growling, acting threatening to people. People like them are the reason so many dogs are getting a bad rep. Sorry that happened to you and you should not have to go through that. Most cities have leash laws. If you have a camcorder, take it with you and record what that dog does. It will help the city take action.
The owners clearly are NOT taking any action to control their dogs.

Answer 5

Hi honey creep show, lots of advice here about what to do AFTER the event - but that wasn't you question.
Over here in the U.K. the Kennel Club run a 'be safe with dogs' programme. Their advice, if this should happen to you again, would be to get on the floor and cuddle up in a ball with your face down and covered by your hands. Don't scream, shout or yell ! The dog will lose interest and go away.
Certainly don't wave sticks or run etc, as this will only encourage the dog.
P.S. EDIT;
Here honey, take a look for yourself

http://www2.the-kennel-club.org.uk/sashi_code/

I know this page is for kids, but the principles are the same.

Answer 6

you probably did the appropriate factor i might of completed an analogous to guard my canines. ive been out a pair of time with my own canines and been attack via an analogous labs fortunate a mate lab became there so no person have been given harm, i do canines strolling it slow for persons i became strolling a lab and jack russell terrier that dont sociallize as much as mine. we've been strolling up the song while this great dane come strolling up (i knew this canines) so i've got been given the canines to take a seat so the different canines and his proprietor ought to stroll previous which they did no sound in any respect properly this gtreat dane jumped on the lab and seriesley had him interior the back all of it went speedy i had to %. the jack russell up my mate had the lab on the time after that we had blood coming if the labs back yet while we appeared on the canines he had a small pucher hollow in his back success yet my mate hand became bleeding the owner of the great dane tried pinning our canines to blame and stated it became the lab that bit my mate it became'nt the chew mark became to important i finished doing canines wlking for a collectively as as he informed all people that it became my canines that began it while it became'nt i might do something to guard my canines mika and alfie are no longer warring parties alfie dont comprehend how mikas purely a puppy he loves any canines i comprehend what people say approximately pitbulls i comprehend they continually get the blame regrettably. i stay in uk have been won't be able to have them and quickly in the event that they get there way we wont have the staffie the two you probably did the appropriate factor so do no longer feal responsible good success and that i'm hoping you're ok

Answer 7

Carry a stick and whir it a few times through the air if it approaches. I find that this does the trick. Most dogs seem to understand that a solid whack is not worth hassling someone cause you are near their yard. Call animal control if it gets out of hand. Many cities have leash laws with fines in the hundrends of dollars. The owner will get the picture once they get hit with one of those.

Answer 8

Call the POLICE, it is against the law without the leash anywhere in the US. All dog owner are responsible for their dog out in the street even they are not home.

Answer 9

that depends on the laws where you live. A dog actually has to bite you where ilive. tehre is no leash law.
First a dog acts like that the best thing for you to do is STOP in your tracks.
Stand perfectly still, do not look at the dog look striaght ahead. Slowly fold your arms in front of you.

Answer 10

i would call the humane society and have them come out to have a little talk to the owner about leash laws in your town. i would hate to know that the dog bit a child because nothing was ever done about this problem.