I realize this has been an issue discussed several times but as I am starting to take my GSD on more more walks at the park it is an issue that concerns me. We are running into more and more loose dogs at the park. Posted everywhere in the park are signs that say dogs must be on leash at all times. Last week, while I was walking my GSD we were litteraly charges by a dog off lead. It was not a friendly charge but one that included growling and snarling at my GSD. I started yelling at him to go away. meanwhile the owner is screaming his name but standing there like an idiot instead of trying to get a hold of her dog. My GSD stared the other dog down as if trying to dominate the other dog. What surprised me there was not one sound from my GSD but he seemed to be ready to pounce on the other dog. When my GSD did this the other dog stopped dead in his tracks and ran back toward the owner. We never moved from our position. The he charged again, but this time he turned back at a further distance. The owner then finally put the dog on a lead. Once the dog was secure we moved past. The other dog was some kind of golden retriever mix. My GSD kept the other dog in sight the entire time we moved past the women, her two kids and her dog. My GSD is a very dominant male and I think even if it was a friendly strange dog making contact with us there would be a problem. He has no problem with dogs he knows, including those at the club. However dogs that are strangers and loose are another thing.
Would pepper spray stop another dog in full charge? I saw in the thread about racoon attacks that the spray should be above their head so that it will get into their eyes. Is this try for attacking canines? Should I also carry a walking stick to repel or discourage loose dogs from approaching? I would rather take action to protect myself and my GSD or loose dogs from getting insured by my GSD, than worry about legal stuff and not take action. Besides if the owner is already violating the leach law in the park, would they not be at fault if their dog attacked?

Yes it would be their fault if the dogs got into a dog fight. In most areas they would be responsible for any vet bills and if your dog killed the other you would be in the clear....also there would be criminal penalties in most areas for a loose dog......but...If you can avoid it thats all the better.
I had a similar situation...pepper spray may help but it's not a definate on a dog in a charge or a fight.
If a dog fight does ensue, and your by yourself, you should probobly just get out of the way..your dog wont even know who you are in a dog fight...remember that it's not your fault when your dog kills the other, it's the ignorant owners fault.
Good luck,

Patrick

yes, not being in the situation in the first place would be better. I would prefer to turn away the dog rather then to let them get into a fight. Any recomendation on the most effective spray for this purpose? I even thought of perhaps a loud fog horn to scare away another dog or would that even work?
I think I will carry spray with me as well as a walking stick. What is stupid is that this would not even be an issue if people would simply obey the rule and put a leach on their dogs but they think it is so cool for their dog to be free running in the park. I would never dare let my GSD run loose in the park no matter how well trained I thought he was.

I would recommend a 10% OC (Oleresin Capsicum) FOAM. Spray / Stream / Fog will effect all present, the foam sticks. Choose one with a dye for later identification if the authorities get involved and be the first to bring the situation to their attention. Also be advised that OC does not work on all dogs, the foam will blind the offending animal ( and Owner) only for a short time, full effects set in at about the 8-10 second mark with lasting effects for as long as 45 minutes. It really kicked my knuckle dragging butt! The butane propellants also leave a nasty burn.

trooper how does foam squirt out? Does it shoot out like the cans of crank shaving cream we used on halloween when we were kids.

AZtrooper, where do you get the foam? All I could find here in Vegas was the 10% stream. I bought it but if it is not effective, than I don't want to have a false sense of security. Oh yah, don't spray it in the wind everyone...lol

an umbrella is a good deterent.most dogs get scared when one pops open. I can think of a few other uses as a weapon.

In the event you can LEGALLY posses OC foam or spray in your area, try a law enforcement uniform store.It is also available in mail order. There is a spray by the brand name of "Muzzle" sold by some pet supply places, don't know if it foams. The foam does work like the old style shaving cream cans, DO NOT get this shit on your own hands cuz your hands will go to your face before your confrontation is over, you will learn the functional definition of Whoop ass in a can. I hate using the stuff because I am so vulnerable to it. The umbrella is a good idea, however, in our society with the over whelming number of "personal injury type lawyers", OC spray is strictly defensive.

Philippe, do yourself a favour and do a search on Google for a Dazzer. Costs about $30 and is the size of a large pager. When a strange dog comes into range about 25 -40 feet point and press the button and guess what 999 out of a 1000 dogs are going to stop dead in their tracks and some simply run away. It works off high pitch sound and it is now a favorite of Mailmen and the like.

I have used them with great success when training client's in public parks where the nimmeys let their dogs run and scare the heck out of folks.

Works on dogs that are bitting a person and will not let go. Same thing point and press and the dog is off in a nano second. Even works on dogs that will not out in regular training of protection dogs but has no residual. In other words only works if you are there and press the button to out the dog.

Jerry Cudahy

Does the Dazzer work on raccoons?

I have my pepper spray, which actually comes out in a heavy stream that will not easily blow back at me. My concern is that it could get in my dogs' eyes if I aim poorly in the heat of the moment, or, as mentioned, if I were to get any on my hands.