I have a problem in my area with off lead dogs. There are so many parks I can't walk in anymore because of this. Logan is aggressive towards other dogs and I can and do make him sit when I see another dog. He will even stay and let me chase the other dog away. Most dogs just run away if I yell at them.

But one day I was walking him at the park and a loose intact male lab charged us. His stupid owner was standing there yelling. The dogs hackles were up, he was growling charging strait at Logan's face. I knew if that dog got to him it would be a nasty fight. There was nothing I could do but kick the dog as hard as I could until it backed off. The guy got mad and I didn't care and went right back at him with "your dog wasn't under control, try using a leash!" etc.

This has happened three times with other dogs and stupid owners. One guy nearly got violent over it and started cussing me out after his two loose hounds were double teaming me. I don't like kicking people's dogs but its better than letting a fight happen. So other than kicking dogs, what is a good solution. Is pepper spray really effective or is a mean nasty dog going to just attack anyway? I'm surprised I haven't gotten bitten.

When it gets to the point that you actually have to kick/hit the dogs to keep them off, check into carrying an expandable baton. Folded up, they're about 10" in length, but expand with a flick of the wrist to 26". Check local laws, as they may be considered a concealed weapon, and can be illegal without a permit. A friend has used one and found it a lot easier than dancing around on one leg, holding his dog back and flailing at the aggressive dog. And if the other dog wants to chomp down on a steel bar, let 'em have at it. Check Amazon or google expandable baton for samples.

JMO

Mike

Tresa,

I like Mike's idea of the ASP. I would also look into carrying pepper spray or bear spray. I would call your local LE, explain the situation and see what your local laws are.

I know a couple people that carry a small "air horn" and this actually will stop a dog too (although I am not sure I would trust it too far. Maybe though, but I doubt it will drive them off, but it will probably stop them and buy you some time to leave. You would need to desensitize your dog(s) to it though.

Who was it that said to carry a small collapsable umbrella?

I've never tried it but I've been intrigued with the concept:

Something small, cheap and lightweight that with a push of a button becomes very, very large. It's unlikely the other dog has had an umbrella pop open in their face and I could see it easily scaring off many dogs, and for those that it doesn't immediately repel, it would make a useful barrier between you and your dog and the other dog and buy you some time until the owner retrieves him or you get your pepper spray ready.

Of course a determined dog could try to tear through the material, but I would think that if you also had pepper spray it would also be a handy way of shielding you and your dog from the blast should the air be blowing the wrong way.

Anyone ever tried this?

I have a lunge whip that is used for horses that I can carry on walks....it's very lightweight and even having both pieces put together its easy to handle. Initially I got it to stop the fence charging my guys were doing....having something about 4 and a half feet to 5 feet ahead of me extended my reach and impressed the dogs. For mine I used it mostly to poke them or crack it on the fence above their heads........out on walks it gives me the advantage of being able to flick approaching dogs from a distance......I'm not worried about other dog owners' reactions because they are responsible for their creatures and we have leash laws. Don't know if this is any help at all.....the umbrella idea does sound brilliant!

There is a little gadget called a no-bark box. It shoots a directed ray of high energy sound that you can point and shoot. There are some different brands and models. The one I am familiar with is about $35. My trainer uses one. When I see her I will ask more about it.
I carry a gun and walking stick when we go on walks but we have mountain lions to worry about.

The umbrella is an awesome idea. It never even crossed my mind.

It was only after I found this site that I "realized" I needed to protect my dogs when we go for our walks. My pepper spray just arrived two days ago, but I had been wondering if I might accidentally get it in my own eyes, or that of my dogs.

Great suggestion on the umbrella, Amber. Thanks!

The umbrella is an interesting idea. But, I would first teach my own dog to ignore it opening suddenly. No need to see it for the first time in an already tense situation.

 Quote: melissa hau

The umbrella is an awesome idea. It never even crossed my mind.

It was only after I found this site that I "realized" I needed to protect my dogs when we go for our walks. My pepper spray just arrived two days ago, but I had been wondering if I might accidentally get it in my own eyes, or that of my dogs.

Great suggestion on the umbrella, Amber. Thanks!

Here is what I was advised to do (on this forum): practice.

Get a second one and practice unholstering it and using it in one smooth motion and with good aim.