I walk my 12-year-old dog every morning and night on a short leash. We pass several houses with dogs kept in electric fences. Several of these dogs will bark incessently with all of their weight on their front two feet, and show their teeth. Other times, they will run back and forth and growl at my dog and I. However, it is sad for me to say this, but these dogs will run out of their fences and attack my dog and I, when we are across the street minding our own business. (I don't allow my dog to relieve himself near their houses because I originally thought it was a territorial problem.) I also know that these dogs attack other people as well. My family and I have taken these families to court, in hopes of them realizing that their dogs are a nuisance. If these dogs get out of their fences again, how do I keep them from attacking my dog, and possibly attacking me as well? I am simply outraged that I cannot walk in my own neighborhood without worrying that a dog might attack mine. What do I do?

Carry pepper spray, a walking stick or an asp and let the dogs have it when they come near you. Sorry to say, it sounds like this is going to be the solution.

Don't be afraid to haul off and whack the dog a good one or give them a good dose of the spray.

A paintball gun with frozen paintballs works great too. They hurt, I know from experience....

Is there ways you can walk without going by the other dogs?

Talk to the authorities about what the laws are and what rights you have to protect yourself and your property (dog) from these animals.

http://www.leerburg.com/dogattack.htm

It's got pretty much the same info as what Carol said, but still worth reading.

 Quote: Carol Boche

Carry pepper spray, a walking stick or an asp and let the dogs have it when they come near you. Sorry to say, it sounds like this is going to be the solution.

And PRACTICE.

This was pointed out to me by two members of this board: they told me to order two of the pepper containers and use one for practice --- to practice getting whatever you decide to carry out of your pocket or off your belt (or whatever.... getting ready quickly and without fumbling, and being in the right frame of mind).

I'd choose another route, if at all possible.

Oh yeah, and don't spray into the wind....or you will get yourself and your dog.....

Mallory, you've gotten some really good suggestions.

The one thing I would add is that whichever method you choose, be sure to REALLY go full out and hurt the attacking dog the first time around.
I don't mean this in a nasty way (by all means avoid causing serious injuries to the other dog unless it's absolutely necessary), but the more pain you cause it, the more likely it is to remember and avoid you next time.

For example, if you use pepper gas don't just squirt it until the dog backs off. Empty the entire container point blank in the dog's nose and eyes. Heck, take two or three containers and keep spraying the dog while you chase it back into its yard.
Yell and kick it too while you're doing this.

Chances are if you do this full out the first time, that dog will keep its distance and never come after you again.

I know it's frustrating when you have to deal with other people's irresponsible mistakes and negligence, but do what you have to in order to keep yourself and your dog safe.
Good luck, and be careful!

(Also I couldn't tell from your post but if you're in real danger from these dogs, just avoid walking your dog on your street. If they're just a nuisance, then by all means go after them with the methods described. No sense in putting yourself into unnecessary danger though...)

Mallory, in my neighborhood, people don't use electric fences, they keep them in their backyards. However, these dogs are escape artists. I, too, walk my dog every morning and night, one hour each. I've had numerous encounters with stupid dogs who believe that the whole block is theirs.

As many have already suggested, carry pepper spray. I have used pepper spray on stray dogs before, and it really does give them something else to think about. I also carry a stun gun if pepper spray does not do the trick. In my experience, the dogs I have sprayed backed off, and totally forgot about my dog and I.

Connie also pointed out something important. Buy two cans, and carry your spray on a pouch, exposed and ready to be taken out at a moment's notice. ALWAYS carry your spray on the same spot, and think about where you're going to carry it. For example, if you're right handed, chances are that when you see a dog heading towards you, you're going to hold the leash with your right hand and deploy the spray with the left hand. Personally, I carry my spray on my left side, not far from my belt buckle. Practice taking your spray out of the pouch for at least about a minute or three, 2 or 3 times a week. Get yourself a good spray, and get one that is 10% concentrated, it will say so on the label. Good brands are Sabre, First Defense and Fox Labs, I use Sabre.

There are also different spray patterns, cone and stream. Stream is much more accurate, longer distance and less affected by wind conditions. This particular spray pattern is similar to that of a squirt gun. A cone spray pattern can be compared to a hair spray. I use the stream spray because it is much more accurate, shoots at longer distances and I don't have to worry too much about the wind shooting it back at me. Hold the can with your thumb on the spray lever/button, similar to the way you click a pen open.

When you encounter a strange dog, stand between your dog, and the stray dog, and yell at it. If it doesn't leave, spray it. I like to hold the very end of the leash, to the point where I can feel the hook of the leash. I do this because I can keep my dog close to me, as some dogs attempt to circle behind us.

I don't care if it's a little chihuahua, or a cute looking poodle, if it's off-leash and attempting to approach us, I'm going to spray it. If the owners call the police, tell the police that you were afraid for your safety because you felt that the dog was going to bite you (Not your dog).

Connie mentioned to choose a different location for walks, and this is good advice. Because of the problem with stray dogs in my neighborhood, I decided to walk my dog elsewhere. When there is no time to drive elsewhere, then I'll have no choice, but to walk in the neighborhood. It's not really such a big deal.

Julio,

Great post. Thank you.

Everyone here gave you great advice. Yuko is right, go all out on attacking dogs. Some will run away by simply yelling, but many won't.