How Should You Deal With a Dog(unescorted)

[nightshade]

While out walking I was intercepted by an aggressive dog which seemed intent on nipping my ankles,I do not usually have any problems.
I had not provoked it in any way and was on a well walked public path,what would you do?

[digi]

Originally Posted by nightshade

While out walking I was intercepted by an aggressive dog which seemed intent on nipping my ankles,I do not usually have any problems.
I had not provoked it in any way and was on a well walked public path,what would you do?

I had this happed to be and the breed was a Rottweiler, I contacted the Council Dog Warden and they came within 30 mins to pick the dog up and try and find its owner.

[nightshade]

Unfortunately on a weekend public services of this sort cease,and it is difficult to explain a location on a rural cycle track/footpath,coupled with the worry of suffering bites which could reduce your mobility

[Wild-Woman]

I think this will turn out to be a very interesting thread. For my own part, I've got to be completely honest and say that I don't know how I'd deal with it. The only thing I have 'heard' is that eye to eye contact is seen as an agressive stance from a dogs point of view and they would be more likely to attack.
I always carry a small hairspray in my bag (no good to the chaps here I know) so that if I ever felt threatened by a person, let alone a dog, I'd give them a puff of that in the face. It may give you those few moments needed to leg it!
Mind you I'm 5ft 10'' which may put them off in anycase!! ww

[Alan]

I have to say the times this sort of thing has happened to me, I've give the dogs as good as I've got and put the boot in, and on certain occasions have chased the culprit accross fields! They soon turn into a scared pup with their tail between their legs when you do this. Not to be recommended to everyone though. I know they certainly don't like tripods being pelted at them! It's either this or try to ignore them, which can also work. I suppose it depends on your attitude.

[rlchew]

Originally Posted by nightshade

Unfortunately on a weekend public services of this sort cease ....

Nightshade

I think this probably depends on where you live and the attitude of your local Council. I work for a local authority (nothing to do with dogs) and our dog warden service can be contacted out of hours and at weekends. It may be worth trying the Council's out of hours emergency number which should be in the local phone directory and/or may be published in any kind of freebie Council newsletter.

I grew up with dogs at home all the time but ours were also trained and well behaved. I am becoming increasingly frustrated at the number of escorted dogs that seem to bark furiously for no apparent reason and come bounding towards you at some speed and then jump all over you .... and then there is me out and about trying to enjoy the countryside, watch wildlife and take photos. Apology from irresponsible owners? .... no chance !!!

Richard

[Oy]

I'm afraid I'd consider my safety before the dog's.

Small yappy dog? Stamping feet and an aggressive attitude works well.

Big Rottweiler intent on biting me? I'm afraid it'd have to be a pretty harsh response propbably ending in the dog's demise. Not something I'd relish but as I said - my safety first. Moreso if I had my family with me.

[Ollie]

With a small yappy dog I would as much as possible try to ignore it. If this doesn't work and it is still intent on having a go at your ankles then I would resort to aggresive behaviour myself. Run if possible towards the dog making as much noise as possible, stamping feet as mentioned earlier is a good tactic. Most small dogs take the hint that they are onto a loser and turn tail and flee. A bigger dog, can be a very different prospect and unless I was armed with something fairly substantial to protect myself I would not recomend agressive behaviour towards it, more on the lines of tying to calmly walk away whilst watching my back, difficult I know if you feel threatened.
Ollie

[Leanne the fox fan]

Been a dog owner/lover i would recommend taking maybe a cheap pack of dog treats along walks with you you can buy them for 50p.And throwing treats on the ground to a dog,also a spare slip lead and if possible catching any stray/aggserrive dog with the treats and lead then calling the local dog warden.As any owner who allows there dog to be unattended and esp an aggresssive one shudnt be allowed a dog.Just kicking or chasing the dog away couls result in it scapering off elsewhere,been shot by farmers,run over or biting some kid ect...and all because none of it is the dogs fault. It simply shudnt be out alone.

[Boddie]

Nope

Stare it out and if that does not work give it a slap. Still getting static? A punch in the chops will guarantee it chips and does not come near you again. Then seek its owner and have a word, illustrating your distress at being hassled by the dog and suggesting they are more responsible in future. I dont condone hurting dogs but you should be allowed to walk in peace

[Jonny]

Did you know that if you hold a dogs lower jaw with your thumb inside the mouth pushing down, it can't bite you.
Its going to take a brave person trying that one on an aggressive dog.

Personally I think a good kick on the beak (or is it snout Boddie), or trying to ignore it without making eye contact, or shouting HELP, or get up the nearest tree. Depends on the dog I suppose..................Jon

[Boddie]

Yep, a good kick in the beak, or a punch in the swede.

[Bucknallbear]

What sort of dog was it? It's strange, but it my experience, it is always the small yappy dogs that behave like this and are nigh on impossible to control. I once had a Wiemeraner (apologies for spelling) adopt me on a walk and just wouldn't go away. We called some local agency and the owner had already reported the dog as missing and was delighted to collect him within 30 minutes. Now a small terrier type dog would just of bitten me or run away. I have just thought that this is going to annoy anyone who owns a small dog but it's just my experience. My dog (labrador) would only bother you if you had a biscuit!

[pheonix]

i would be careful with staring a dog in the eyes, it is seen as a threat and could fuel the aggression, and may even make your face a target.
i find distraction works, or if the dog really is being a pain a sharp (not too hard though) kick to the ribs normally works.
the trick with holding the lower jaw works (i tried it with my dog!).

i get this alot when im out with my dog and others are lose, and my dog just wants to fight (but i wont let him off incase he seriously harms the other dog) and i just end up wih me or my dog getting hassled, so what can you do?

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Jonny

Did you know that if you hold a dogs lower jaw with your thumb inside the mouth pushing down, it can't bite you.
Its going to take a brave person trying that one on an aggressive dog.

So you're then stood-standing with a dog on the end of your hand - what do you do next?

[Jonny]

Originally Posted by Alan

So you're then stood-standing with a dog on the end of your hand - what do you do next?

Errrrrrrrm........................HELLLLLLLP...... .......Jon

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by nightshade

While out walking I was intercepted by an aggressive dog which seemed intent on nipping my ankles,I do not usually have any problems.
I had not provoked it in any way and was on a well walked public path,what would you do?

I find that turning to the dog and talking to it in a stupid voice (like you do your own pets or a baby) seems to help. It seems to sort of unerve the dog and some even then calm down or it walks off confused.
Worked like a charm on the pub's old border collie she used to ankle nip and growl but a few magic words in a stupid voice and she was putty in your hand.

[Leanne the fox fan]

I wish half of you knew why 99% of dogs acted aggressively...Its not nastyiness..Manily fear.

[pheonix]

i can understand a dog thats scared but i also know enough about dogs to tell the difference between a scared dog and a dog up to mischief.
i would never use harse tactics on a dog that is scared or just wants to play, its the ones that are persistantly pests.

and dont get me wrong i would never hold the dog responsible most actions are down to natural behaviours and instincts, its the dogs owners fault most of the time for not being responsible for their pets.

[nightshade]

One good piece of advice I recieved was to carry apocket full of corn(not dog treats as they could mug you for the smell of treats and it become a habit)
Pelt the dog with corn as you chase it down the road,no damage to dog and feed the birds as they destroy the evidence of cruelty!!