<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> I suspect Fetz would have that special desk right up next to the teacher. In that seat, the nuns could reach me...er..I mean the troublesome students easily with their blackboard pointer. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

This is off-topic for the thread, and really nitpicky, but I couldn't resist:

 Quote:

The majority of Americans can't be buggered to train their dogs.

I really, really, really think you meant "bothered". Like Will said, it's a family forum... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

this "park" is actually a recreation area that allows dogs off leash. it's like a 600-acre bark park. you'd think it'd be big enough to contain all the dogs without so many problems, but now that it is winter, everyone is congregated in the meadow, where there is sunshine.

i think it's a great idea to show by example, dennis. unfortunately, so many idiots don't even recognize they have a problem. just a week ago i ran off a wolf-dog that was threatening my dog. and his owner, who just kept on going up the trail as if nothing was happening, became outraged that i was chasing off her highly dominant male. she screamed at me that i should neuter my own dog! (btw, my dog was very good and quietly held his down and let me handle it).

some people will never have a clue.

Carry a "weapon" of some sort! Next time it happens, if you have a chance to, inform the owner to control their animal, if they cannot, inform them you will be taking steps to defend yourself, then have at it and call the authorities afterward so it's all documented. I'd hate to see what would have happened if that wolfdog decided not to back down. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> How'd you shoo it off?

Diana,
I can relate to where most of us would want to do that, but if you show someone a weapon, it'll become their word against yours and you'll be cited for "aggravated menacing" so fast it'll make your head spin ( that's why they're called "concealed" weapons permits )

Honestly, that tactic will be used against you, I'd scrap that idea, ok?

but hasn't it been recommended on this site before to carry a walking stick to defend pups against aggressive, uncontrolled dogs? or is that just pups, not "grown-up" dogs?
and to report to the cops that the "other" dog was menacing you (not your pup)? and wasn't that you that recommended it, will?

or maybe i'm trippin'.....

Walking sticks have been recommened on this forum and most all agree. I think Will was thinking of firearms. There's a couple of other threads on using pepper spray you might want to look at.

diana, i had ski poles. i made myself big and menacing and growled at the animal to "go home" in the most fierce voice i have (i can sound pretty fierce). i have never seen any dog hold its ground the way that wolf did. he just stood there. i intensified my growling (i use "uh-uh" to make a truly ugly sound.)

finally he decided, on his own sweet time, to leave, and trotted after his owner, but i watched him hang back and look back at us every so often. i just waited until i calculated he was too far out ahead for us to catch up to him. i know that if my dog had shown the slightest sign of aggression, there would have been one ugly fight. that wolf wanted to pick a fight with my boy because he is a big male. it was strictly a turf issue to him, and it was scary. my ski poles or a hiking stick would not have done me much good if he had decided to attack. i would have loved to have popped him with a squirt of bear spray, though!

fortunately, most people are not out walking unleashed wolves! one of the drawbacks to living out here, some real nut cases.

i think he was too after re-reading his post. but that brings to mind the question of "what is a 'weapon'"? nearly anything can be--including the dog....

so where does "weapon" start, and end?? and where does self-defense start and end? when you're in the hospital because you can't use your weapon--a ppd dog--for fear of a lawsuit?

OMG-i'm gettinng a headache............ <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Oh my, this park would make my Lilly famous, ha not for what ya'all are thinking but for the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation she would have to give me upon seeing all those loose dogs <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

By the way today at my training session, this jet black GSD received is basic obedience certificate. My little girl sat like a real lady when this beautiful GSD walked right up to her and gave her the "once over". My trainer, Carlos is simply "DA BOMB".....eeeerrrr sorry Will, just a teency weency dude speak, heh heh <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />