Quote: Aaron Myracle

Police can only come if someone calls them.

Way back in the day when Doug was a LEO and on the evening shift, I was home with our infant son and heard something outside one night. Our dog, which happened to be our first GSD, went to the window screen and growled this long, low deep growl/rumble. Then did it again, only louder and more seriously. I felt like my heart stopped; it was the most frightened I've ever been.

I immediately called the police dispatcher and told her I was Doug's wife and what was going on. She kept me on the phone while the dog continued her rumbling from the den.

It wasn't three minutes before I heard tires squeeling around the corner and went outside after a few moments to what felt like half the police department in my front yard. It was a wonderful feeling.

I had a loaded gun with me the entire time. If someone had been serious about getting in, Adam and I could have been dead in those short minutes. I hope I never, ever have to defend myself, but I know I can't depend on neighbors or law enforcement to keep me safe in every possible situation.

 Quote: Aaron Myracle

Police can only come if someone calls them.

True, but when they get called its seconds before they arrive. Everyone has a phone in their pocket these days.

A perfect example happened last summer when I was walking the dog. I ran into a friend in front of a convenience store and I waited for her while she went in. While she was in there a drunk, crazy man started fighting with the clerk. He picked up the cash register and threw it at the woman behind the counter.

Literaly, within a minute there were three unmarked cars and two cruisers on the scene and the guy had his face on the sidewalk.

The only times I have felt scared is walking at night without the dog. Not that she is any sort of protection, but most of the rough types are
terrified of her. She can wiggle her butt and they cross the street.

The one situation I have run into in my life where a gun would have made me feel safer was similar to your situation with the pitties. I thought Tasha was coming into season and my neighbor had a dog aggressive, intact male shepherd who he let out unsupervised all the time.

Honestly, even then I'm not sure I would have the stomach to shoot the dog. I would probably get bit up pretty good trying to fight it off, but I don't think I could kill it.

 Quote: Tammy Moore

What should the plan be if a dog attacks while your out with a group of young children, 4 and under, not yours, and you can’t carry weapons?

It is legal to carry mace? I would not want to be in that situation Tammy.

I think the kin to you ax lady moved next door to me Will. ROFL

 Quote: Barbara Schuler

 Quote: Tammy Moore

What should the plan be if a dog attacks while your out with a group of young children, 4 and under, not yours, and you can’t carry weapons?

It is legal to carry mace? I would not want to be in that situation Tammy.

Yeah, I was thinking pepper spray, bear spray, mace, something along those lines. Or what about a whistle or some kind of device that emits a high-pitched sound that humans can't hear but dogs can't stand? (Not sure if such a thing exists, I'm just grasping at ideas here.)

Even if you could carry a firearm, I would never, ever draw it in a situation like you describe. If a kid accidentally gets hit with pepper spray, at least it's not lethal. Have you been in that situation, Tammy? It seems like a pretty specific description.

Get a can of wasp and hornet spray. It will stop a dog if you shoot it in the face and it has a longer range.
No laws against carrying it either!
Carry a club also. Make sure the dog doesn't forget and tries it again. My choice is an old ax handle. Mighty fine fit!

 Quote: Kelly Byrd

 Quote: Aaron Myracle

I was looking for ways to lessen the psychological effect of constantly being charged/growled at/barked at, for Danke as a puppy.

Now she's just charged/growled at/barked at when you train with my brindled idiot. It's all in good fun though... maybe.

*snort*

 Quote: Bob Scott

Get a can of wasp and hornet spray. It will stop a dog if you shoot it in the face and it has a longer range.
No laws against carrying it either!

Excellent advice! I knew this and forgot it. Might have to make a holder of some kind for your belt however, but it is doable!

If it's legal in your area, you might consider a stun baton. Some expand (giving you more distance) and there are also some that have a loud noise option. Whatever you decide, practice, practice, practice ... you need muscle memory for the best performance from the tool you choose. And, be sure your dog is trained around it before you need it.

 Quote: Barbara Schuler

Way back in the day when Doug was a LEO and on the evening shift, I was home with our infant son and heard something outside one night. Our dog, which happened to be our first GSD, went to the window screen and growled this long, low deep growl/rumble. Then did it again, only louder and more seriously. I felt like my heart stopped; it was the most frightened I've ever been.

I immediately called the police dispatcher and told her I was Doug's wife and what was going on. She kept me on the phone while the dog continued her rumbling from the den.

It wasn't three minutes before I heard tires squeeling around the corner and went outside after a few moments to what felt like half the police department in my front yard. It was a wonderful feeling.

I had a loaded gun with me the entire time. If someone had been serious about getting in, Adam and I could have been dead in those short minutes. I hope I never, ever have to defend myself, but I know I can't depend on neighbors or law enforcement to keep me safe in every possible situation.

This reminded me of a funny story about the time my poor mother, who is normally very calm and level headed absolutely panicked.

She was home alone with my dad out of town and heard someone shaking the outside glass door on the front of the house.

She was terrified and with gun in hand called 911 that someone was trying to break in.
The police showed up with several cars within minutes.......

It turned out the mailman was trying to deliver a package and wanted to put it between the two doors to protect the package.

She was very embarassed but impressed the police came so fast.