What is the best way to protect yourself from dogs when walking?
♥*Nicknames[are over-rated]*♥ asked:
I live in a neiborhood where more than 50% of people have dogs. More and more people are buying dogs and letting them outside without leashes and chains while they are inside, or when they are not even there. Just last week, I almost got attacked by a dog that ran across the street to attack me while I was walking. A majority of the dogs are big, but even the small ones try to attack me. What is the best way to protect yourself from dogs when walking? Any tips or advice? Thank you.
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I live in a neiborhood where more than 50% of people have dogs. More and more people are buying dogs and letting them outside without leashes and chains while they are inside, or when they are not even there. Just last week, I almost got attacked by a dog that ran across the street to attack me while I was walking. A majority of the dogs are big, but even the small ones try to attack me. What is the best way to protect yourself from dogs when walking? Any tips or advice? Thank you.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:37 am
Mace or pepper spray. Make sure to get the owners too.
April 21st, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Pepper spray. It works on rapists, it works on dogs and it’s far too close range to be seriously considered as an offensive weapon. The owners are violating leash laws, and have no business suing you for defending yourself.
You may also try one of the high-pitched dog training whistles, but that is ineffective against some pooches.
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:04 am
I used to have the same problem when I rode my motorcycle. What worked for me was amonia and a squirt gun.
The amonia will neutralize their sense of smell (it doesn’t hurt the dog) but they will remember you and not want to go up against that again.
Remember, animals sense of smell is keener than humans, so they naturally can smell you before you see them.
I also agree, if you can get an address of the owner, then take it to the local authorities and file a formal complaint, especially most communities have leash laws.
April 26th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
this may sound weird but you could carry around a dog treat or a bone and hte second a dog looks like its about to attack throw it onto a lawn a ways away..
think about how if you had peper spray, you would have to get close enough to the dog to spray it, and you probably dont want ot get too close.
April 28th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
As a dog owner, it drives me crazy when people just turn their dogs out and don’t watch them. It’s very irresponsible, and owners seem to forget that they are in fact liable if their dog injures somebody, even if it is not on their property.
In general, *most* dogs are not vicious attack dogs; if a dog approaches you, it is generally not fearful of you and is likely just investigating to find out if you are friend or foe. If you look the dog in the eyes to acknowledge him, but otherwise ignore his presence, he will likely leave you alone–he’ll figure out you’re just minding your business, and he should do the same.
Often when you walk, you find dogs will run out of their yards towards the sidewalk or the street to ‘protect’ their yard or space. Territoriality is common among dogs, but it should never be aggressive–most territorial dogs will simply give you a warning bark or growl, but leave you alone if you pass on by.
If a dog should charge you aggressively, as hard as it is, DON’T RUN. Aggressive dogs typically have a very strong prey drive, and if you turn and run, they will chase you. Stand your ground–I would recommend purchasing a little keychain container of pepper spray (which is legal, as opposed to mace, which is not legal in some states). Pepper spray will turn a dog away temporarily and allow you to get to safety. It will not permanently injure the dog–the pepper spray effect lasts 10 - 15 minutes and is very uncomfortable, but not debilitating.
If you are encountering the same aggressive dogs over and over again, I wouldn’t hesitate to contact animal control or the non-emergency police number in your area. Having animals under your control at all times is a legal requirement–if owners are not doing that, it’s time for some intervention. If the neighborhood isn’t safe for you as an adult, imagine what could happen to a little kid riding a bike.
Hope that helps–good luck!
April 30th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Domestic dogs are wimps. If they sense fear though, they can be aggressive. Kind of like a pushy panhandler. When a dog runs up on you turn & face it, stand firm keep your breathing controlled. This lets a dog know you are not scared. Personally, I’m always ready to boot ‘em back across the street but if you’re not ready to do this at least keep some bear spray or mace in your pocket with your hand on it ready to go. Never pull it out unless you’re going to use it. My favorite is a skinny cattle prod or shock bar, one zap from that & they probably won’t leave the yard again.