Aggressive dogs - what do you do?

[Jason Green]

When I take my camera and tripod to the woods for the purposes of wildlife photography, I have been 'threatened' by loose dogs - they approach at speed and stop within two foot of me and bark with increasing aggression - I maintain eye contact and keep the tripod in front as a 'shield' and wait for the dog to get called away by the owner (though on one occasion it walked off then ran back to continue), but I am concerned one will physically attack.

Obviously the woods are a good location for walks - plenty of sticks and open spaces to run, but I would like to know what I can do to avoid these dogs and how to stay safe.

Thankyou.

[mh68]

If the dogs are that aggressive then i`d report them to the police.As well as being a threat to you theyre a very serious risk to any children in the area.Dogs as bad as that shouldnt be off their leads in the first place

Mark H

[m1.carson]

Hi Jason,

I'd like to think that if the dogs were truly aggressive they wouldn't be off the lead, kiddies to think about, the owners wouldn't let them off if they were going to attack all and sundry, ignore them.

Max.

[stripee]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

When I take my camera and tripod to the woods for the purposes of wildlife photography, I have been 'threatened' by loose dogs - they approach at speed and stop within two foot of me and bark with increasing aggression - I maintain eye contact and keep the tripod in front as a 'shield' and wait for the dog to get called away by the owner (though on one occasion it walked off then ran back to continue), but I am concerned one will physically attack.

Obviously the woods are a good location for walks - plenty of sticks and open spaces to run, but I would like to know what I can do to avoid these dogs and how to stay safe.

Thankyou.

I always have a very large stick. A friend gave me a personal alarm, which can be used for emergency defence against animal or human attack. They emit a loud piercing noise.Although I'm slightly worried about my own ears if I ever used it. you can take video clips for evidence, in case you need it, either on your mobile or camera. There's a pressurised can that can be bought from some garden centres for about a fiver which emits a whooshing noise that dogs find unnerving and sends them running off, you could ask in your local garden centre about these. If the woods are public, you could phone the local dog warden at your Council and ask for their advice. Also if these are the same dogs, you need to find the owners and speak to them.

[Jason Green]

Good advice -thanks. As I carry equipment, I usually take a personal alarm which is loud, but not deafening, so use it if you need to. Check it regularly though and replace the batteries after a few years in case they degrade.

I will perhaps use a stick next time. The council's head ranger knows of the problem with 'professional' dog walkers in the area.

The dogs come up in front below the camera, so I will take pics next time and post them...

[flowerofedin]

I think you will find that these "dangerous dogs" (who have never seen you before) are just sounding the warning and if you come any closer woe betide you..... I hope I'm right
Annabel

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Obviously the woods are a good location for walks - plenty of sticks and open spaces to run...

I didn't make this part clear - I meant for dogs, not me. I take photos...

[demicav]

Some dogs will bark at anything and don't really mean harm, but you shouldn't feel intimidated by them. If you feel very threatened and it's the same offenders then maybe you could report your worries to the police or even look out for the owners and have a word with them although I would excercise caution with the latter, some owners can be worse than the dogs. Remember direct eye contact to a dog is seen as a challenge. Some dogs especially males can see that as a sign they need to assert themselves as the boss. If a dog is already in an aggressive mood it could provoke further, although you obviously need to keep an eye on the dog at all times. I agree with someone else, I would carry a stick or/and a spray with just water to deter them.

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by flowerofedin

I think you will find that these "dangerous dogs" (who have never seen you before) are just sounding the warning and if you come any closer...
Annabel

Thanks. I am concerned in these circumstances that I may unwittingly do something to make it feel threatened, such as if I move.

[Venger]

Without turning this into a dog bashing session - if you buy a dog you should train it, and if you can't prove that its trained, it should be taken off you! (and the owners should be trained as well!)