Quick question

[oakash]

So, my mom told me that when she was walking my dog, another dog attacked her. Apparently they were walking by a house and there was a car parked in front. When they got to the other side of the car, the dog, unleashed, ran at her barking and snarling. My mom panicked and tried to drag Suzie away while the owners were running to their dog. They got separated after a bit, after the dog nipped her flank. No real injuries.

The owners apologized profusely, saying that their dog really is nice. They think that the sudden sight of a dog on his property got him slightly territorial. They only had him unleashed cause they were taking him to thier car. They loved on Suzie for a long while. I believe them about their dog being nice, he is great when they run past our house.

Sooo, my question is this, what should you do if a dog comes running at you like that? Grab their collar? Yell at them? Pull your own dog away? I really want to know in case it happens again or to me.

Thanks for your time!

 

[MicksMom]

First off, I'm glad Suzi and your Mom are OK.

Now- contrary to what that dog's owner believe, your dog was NOT on their property. If they were taking the dog to a car parked in the street they were off their property. If there's a leash law in your town, they were violating it. OK, rant about them over.

What should you do if it happens again? You could try backing away slowly I guess, and hope someone comes out for the dog. I wouldn't grab its collar- you might end up getting bit. Maybe carry a spritz bottle of water and vinegar in it. If he comes after you, spray him in the face with it-like you would do with pepper spray, only have the bottle set on stream. Even a water pistol will work. One thing is for sure, if it happens again, you should report it to the police, animal control, whoever.

 

[Renee750il]

It depends on the size of both of the dogs!

If your dog is little, usually you'd pick it up. If the other dog is large, you've got the problem of whether or not it will attack you to get at your dog, but that's not normal.

If your dog is too large to pick up, first thing in my book is to get mine under control, but not so much that I can't let them defend themselves if necessary, then try to get the other dog's attention and calm it, distract it or scare the hell out of it. Sometimes you have to break the line of sight contact between the two dogs to do that, and you have to be aware of your own capabilities and how far you're willing to go.

 

[bubbatd]

I always put my Goldens at a heel , sit at this point and pray like hell !!!

 

[Xandra]

Pretty much like Renee said. Get my dog to behave, ie shut up and stop straining at the leash. Tight grip on his collar and turn so he's not staring, which can escalate things. I hold the collar up so that the side of his head is pressed against my thigh and he can't turn his head, then turn my body. So me and my dog are broadside to the aggressor. And I've never had anything go beyond that.

Now, hypothetically, If it looked like the other dog was going for serious contact and not just a barking dance, I'd give my dog his leash. He deserves to be able to defend himself if I can't. But this is obviously absolute last resort. And obviously keep him close enough that I can kick or grab the other dog off. Keeping in mind that if you grab almost any animal that is either scared or in the heat of battle it will flip around really quickly and try and nail you. (that last bit is from experience not a hypothesis lol)

 

[oakash]

Thanks! I really don't think my dog would protect herself, she most likely hightail it or hide between my legs. But those suggestions are good. I am going to tell my mom that and keep it in future reference. I personally wouldn't go as far as to call the police or AC. The owners were crazy sorry, petted Suz for like ten minutes.

Suzie gets this strange attitude when dogs sniff her. She kinda stops wagging her tail, looks kinda nervous, and tries to stop them most of the time. I guess she just isn't that comfortable with them.

 

[bogolove]

The same thing happened to me and Brady, except a few houses down. The pit from up the street came running at us out of no where. He attacked Brady and my body just reacted so I can't tell you what to do, because people can tell you one thing, but when the adrenaline runs through you, it is almost as if you don't really think. I broke it up and screamed bloody murder for help until someone came. I shook like crazy afterwards when I thought about what I did, because these were two big dogs and I am not that big of a girl (though I like to boast about my big biceps from the gym ;c)). So I never would recommend doing that, yet I did it. You just think to protect your baby and your body reacts.

 

[oakash]

Yeah, I would get so scared. She is my first real dog and I love her to bits.

 

[misfitz]

The same thing happened to me and Brady, except a few houses down. The pit from up the street came running at us out of no where. He attacked Brady and my body just reacted so I can't tell you what to do, because people can tell you one thing, but when the adrenaline runs through you, it is almost as if you don't really think. I broke it up and screamed bloody murder for help until someone came. I shook like crazy afterwards when I thought about what I did, because these were two big dogs and I am not that big of a girl (though I like to boast about my big biceps from the gym ;c)). So I never would recommend doing that, yet I did it. You just think to protect your baby and your body reacts.

So true. Sienna was attacked by a dog that escaped the owners' garage, and I didn't think either! I was dragging my poor dog around me in circles by her leash (she was in a harness fortunately) using my own body as a barrier. Not a strategy I would advise, but you just react. That other dog wanted to kill her. If it had made contact, I probably would have tackled it and pried open its jaws! LOL, and I'm not a large person but I was seeing red.

I finally managed to pick Sienna up, which they tell you not to do - the other dog might attack you to get your dog. Though I don't know any small dog owners that wouldn't pick their dogs up just as a reflex. The incident has inspired me to train her to jump into my arms on cue.