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19-11-2007, 02:34 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,837
| |  Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
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. |
19-11-2007, 02:49 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SE Northumberland
Posts: 2,164
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
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 |
19-11-2007, 02:52 PM
| | Officer of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: May 2007 Location: Caversham, Reading, Berks.
Posts: 534
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
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.
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19-11-2007, 02:57 PM
|  | Officer of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: west wales
Posts: 765
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
Quote:
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.  |
19-11-2007, 03:15 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,837
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
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... |
19-11-2007, 03:18 PM
| | Frozen | | Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 142
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
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 |
19-11-2007, 03:18 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,837
| | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
Quote:
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... |
19-11-2007, 03:19 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2,898
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
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.
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19-11-2007, 03:21 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,837
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
Quote:
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. |
19-11-2007, 03:48 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Nottingham
Posts: 1,107
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
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!)
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19-11-2007, 03:52 PM
| | Officer of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ipswich
Posts: 837
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
In my experience (I encounter a lot of dogs on my walks), dogs that bound toward you, barking, with their ears and tails up, are not likely to attack; they're basically alerting other "pack members", i.e. their owners, to the presence of a stranger in the vicinity, and issuing you with a challenge: "are you friend or foe?"
The one to worry about is the one that makes a beeline towards you, silent, with ears, tail, and head down, and then circles you, snarling. That dog clearly sees you as a threat (to its owner, probably) and is dangerous.
In either case, as demicav says, avoid eye contact. In the former case, avoid any threatening actions, ignore the dog and continue on your way. In the latter case, stand still and turn your back on the dog, and wait for its owner to get it under control.
If you have satellite TV, and want to gain a genuine insight into dog psychology, I can recommend a program called "The Dog Whisperer". It's on various channels, and it's extremely interesting.
Hope this helps.
T2
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19-11-2007, 03:55 PM
|  | Member of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 360
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
In my experience dogs seem more aggressive when I'm carrying a tripod. Usually I stop and let the dog pass and don't have problems.
However, in the spring I was trying to photograph Blue Tits feeding their chicks in a nest box and a dog did run up close and bark aggressively. As I was busy digiscoping it made me jump. I found the whole a huge intrusion into what should have been a really rewarding activity. I'm afraid I let the owner have a piece of my mind.
poschiavanus |
19-11-2007, 03:58 PM
|  | Wild Member | | Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: just off the border of Yorkshire/Aberystwyth
Posts: 116
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
my dog is an ex-police dog and so his background is a tad blurry but we've figured out he's not terribly fond of other dogs, usually big fluffy ones or border collies...he's about 5 now and is coming on ok, but our solution is simply to muzzle him should we see another dog and owner. as far as am concerned if we make the effort other people should too and there's nowt worse than a careless owner who dont take other owners into consideration. we don't let ours off the lead unless we are positive there's no one about  that way everyone's happy.
he's coming on good now tho |
19-11-2007, 04:15 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,837
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
Great tips - I agree, an aggressive dog can change a day of great photography into a case of looking out for dogs. I will turn my back next time and keep you updated. |
19-11-2007, 04:22 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kensworth, Bedfordshire - a village in the Chiltern Hills
Posts: 1,665
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
I do a lot of walking, and have had numerous unpleasant encounters with aggressive barking dogs icluding twice in the last fortnight or so.
What annoys me are the irresponsible owners. I don't mind if a dog runs at me barking, then the owner calls it back and apologises (someone mentioned it happening when they carried a tripod, I was given that excuse once when I was bird watching, and a couple of people have bizarrely said it was because I was wearing a hat!). But on several occasions I've had dogs barking at me, and the owners have walked by without saying a word!
I have remonstrated with one or two such irresponsible and thoughtless owners, but more normally have had to bite my tongue as if I started arguing with the owner, the dog or dogs might really turn nasty.
One of the the worst cases was a few years ago in Suffolk. I suddenly came across a dog blocking the narrow path I was on, snarling at me and with its tail down between its legs. I had to bravely push by it (I'd have a several mile detour if I'd gone back). It didn't bite, but it it then kept running up behind me, snarling as if it was going to bite. I had to keep turning and shouting at it. A few yards down the path I met its owner, an elderly woman. She just walked past with not a word of apology! I said 'If your dog is going to behave like that it should be on a lead!'. She replied 'He's just having fun!' and walked off! I was literally speechless! I'd been having fun until I met her her and her dog!
I also get annoyed when people order me to stand still while their dogs are leaping and barking around me! Why on earth should I need to stop and stand still because their aggressive dogs are misbehaving! And who do they think they are ordering me about anyway!
If a dog is going to bark at strangers, it should be on a lead. Simple as that. |
19-11-2007, 04:30 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2,898
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete Collins I do a lot of walking, and have had numerous unpleasant encounters with aggressive barking dogs icluding twice in the last fortnight or so.
What annoys me are the irresponsible owners. I don't mind if a dog runs at me barking, then the owner calls it back and apologises (someone mentioned it happening when they carried a tripod, I was given that excuse once when I was bird watching, and a couple of people have bizarrely said it was because I was wearing a hat!). But on several occasions I've had dogs barking at me, and the owners have walked by without saying a word!
I have remonstrated with one or two such irresponsible and thoughtless owners, but more normally have had to bite my tongue as if I started arguing with the owner, the dog or dogs might really turn nasty.
One of the the worst cases was a few years ago in Suffolk. I suddenly came across a dog blocking the narrow path I was on, snarling at me and with its tail down between its legs. I had to bravely push by it (I'd have a several mile detour if I'd gone back). It didn't bite, but it it then kept running up behind me, snarling as if it was going to bite. I had to keep turning and shouting at it. A few yards down the path I met its owner, an elderly woman. She just walked past with not a word of apology! I said 'If your dog is going to behave like that it should be on a lead!'. She replied 'He's just having fun!' and walked off! I was literally speechless! I'd been having fun until I met her her and her dog!
I also get annoyed when people order me to stand still while their dogs are leaping and barking around me! Why on earth should I need to stop and stand still because their aggressive dogs are misbehaving! And who do they think they are ordering me about anyway!
If a dog is going to bark at strangers, it should be on a lead. Simple as that. | The dog was just having fun  , now I'm speechless. If it had its tail between its legs it was clearly showing signs of fear aggression and these can be worse than the dominant aggressive ones mainly because they can be extremely unpredictable. Anoher irresponsible owner unfortunately.
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19-11-2007, 04:42 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,837
| | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
The woods feature a small cafe and the paid 'professional' dog walkers sit down in a gated section and let their dogs run about outside - I saw them follow a pram as well! Though those particular dogs were Ok, I think the walkers put the baby in danger had the dogs been aggesive - they weren't tethered at all.
PS Have you noticed the 'Ad by Google' are about aggressive dogs?!
Last edited by Jason Green; 19-11-2007 at 04:45 PM.
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19-11-2007, 04:45 PM
| | Member of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 394
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Green Great tips - I agree, an aggressive dog can change a day of great photography into a case of looking out for dogs. I will turn my back next time and keep you updated. | They don't have to be aggresive to spoil a day.
A couple of weeks back, i was on the mountain. Sat in my spot, veiwing the fields through bins. Then from out of no where, a big lollapin St Bernard. It bowled me down the mountain, and i smacked my knee on a rock.
I was frothing from the mouth, and all the owner could say was...he is only playing. That was it, loads of abusive words started to flood out. And the owner started to leg it across the mountain. 
Hobbled home, told the Wife. All the sympathy i got, was her rolling around in laughter. |
19-11-2007, 05:06 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: West Molesey, Surrey
Posts: 1,539
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 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. | Don't you believe it. Long gone are the days when you could assume that everyone gave a thought about others using the countryside.
Cheers,
Adam |
19-11-2007, 05:10 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: West Molesey, Surrey
Posts: 1,539
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Green 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 | This in all likelihood will encourage a dog to be aggressive. They do not like being stared at particularly from above - this is a threatening posture to them, a throwback from their pack days. The tripod as a shield could also be misconstrued as a weapon as dogs I know very well behave differently towards me when I'm carrying a tripod.
Cheers,
Adam |
19-11-2007, 05:19 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,837
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
I don't hold it up, I just keep it on the ground in front of me to stop it getting too close. I obviously wouldn't hurt it, I would just use it to create a distance. I don't know where I got the 'eye contact' thing from!
Last edited by Jason Green; 19-11-2007 at 05:21 PM.
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19-11-2007, 05:39 PM
| | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2,898
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Green I don't hold it up, I just keep it on the ground in front of me to stop it getting too close. I obviously wouldn't hurt it, I would just use it to create a distance. I don't know where I got the 'eye contact' thing from! | Eye contact in dogs isn't all bad, it would depend on the situation. For example I use eye contact with my 2 dogs all the time but I'm allowed to because I'm the leader of the pack, their pack and they know it but if I approached say a Rottweiler and stared into its eyes then I would be challenging the dog and its pack. I use Rottweiler as an example as some breeds are more genetically programmed to be dominent, that's why they often need a firm hand. Between me and my other half we've owned allsorts from terriers, greyhounds to Rottweilers. At the moment we have two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, not exactly guard dogs but that was the idea with 3 young children in the house. I won't take any messing off them though, they know their place.
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19-11-2007, 05:50 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: May 2007 Location: Hidden in the clover
Posts: 1,561
| | | Re: Aggressive dogs - what do you do?
I'm often infuriated (not particularly intimidated) by dogs and their irresponsible owners out on walks (as is clear by my post on dog mess).
That
"aaaahhh... he/she like you!" or
"He's/she's only playing" etc...
Drives me insane.
How would the owner like it if I jumped up at them, shouting loudly, covered them in sticky saliva and then defaecated a few yards from them, (which would not be cleared up).
Not a lot.
Especially if my girlfriend came up to them afterwards and told them:
"Aaahhh... he likes you". Train your dog.
Respect other people.
Doug | |
