December 30, 2013

How do you deal with the owners of loose dogs that charge up to your puppy?

Full Question:
Owners of loose, undisciplined dogs apparently take it deeply personal when I prevent their charging dogs from "saying hi" to my 3-month old Malinois. It's always "Oh, they won't hurt him" and just now, it was "your attitude needs an adjustment, young lady." I haven't had to kick any (out of a grand total of five dogs) yet, but I can just imagine the city-wide outcry that would follow if I dared to use anything at all beyond body language. These have all been full-sized or full-sized plus obese dogs, by the way--four labs and something really big, ugly and curly, not a single owner raising anything but their voice, and that at me, not at their precious dogs. The "in training" line, given as politely as I can, was what got me advised to adjust my attitude. I'm a hoodlum for using a leash, apparently. This happens where I live. In town. I don't do dog parks.

How do you cover your butt in the event of some owner reporting you? Especially when it's America's Favorite Breed vs. Me.
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
I wouldn't worry about it. What are they going to report you for? All you do is say, "I was afraid for my safety, those dogs were loose and threatening me & my puppy." Whip out your phone and start taking video of their dogs, that's what I do.

I just heard a great idea on the radio, carry an umbrella. (One of the quick release kind). In the event of a dog charging you, pop the button and use it to block the dog from yours. It breaks the eye contact, makes a physical barrier and can be used as a weapon in case of an emergency too. You may want to practice popping it open around your puppy a few times, so it doesn't freak him out. 

Cindy Rhodes

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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