Yes it works. Telescopic batons are steel, and you flick your wrist out relatively hard and the entire assembly pops out and locks into place. You now have a metal pipe. Most dogs when they see it raised or see it coming down on top of them LEAVE QUICKLY. I had a pit bull charge us and come within six inches of my pup but abruptly veered away and ran off to hide behind it's owner because she saw my baton coming down in the direction of her head. She moved so fast I missed by maybe an inch...the owner of course couldn't understand why I was so mad at her precious pit bull LOOSE IN THE STREET that charged us snarling...( no offense to pit bull owners, I have met some nice ones).

The end is also slender enough(yes I have checked this) that IF you are lucky enough to have an attacking dog with a collar and IF you can manage to jack it under there you now have a nice bar to twist and choke out the attacking dog (think tourniquet). Have not had the opportunity (thank God!) to see whether I could actually do it. So far I have been able to stop several dogs in this manner without ACTUALLY needing to strike the offender.

Will, that's a great point you make about 'in fear of my life.' Unfortunately I will have to prove myself in court. Easier But it's always nice to use other alternatives...sometimes in a busy neighborhood with lots of houses close together I'd really rather not if something else would suffice.

BTW has anyone found GOOD EFFECTIVE mace that does not require you to stand there like a target for 30 seconds and shake first? I swear in some of my encounters I barely had FIVE seconds. Thirty seconds is an awful long time when someone/something is bearing down on you. Read the instructions on the package, then time yourself running across the street. Now halve that time (dogs are freaking fast!)and see if you still have time to draw and deploy.

If you're nervous about the baton, take martial arts or a self defense class...waving around a 3 foot stick is alot easier than you think it is!

I ask because I have seen the speed and determine-ed-ness (?) of several attacks, like slow motion seeing the dog making a b-line for my dog and not even glancing at me as I use my bike as a crushing item or try to block or kick it. The determined ones just go through me like Im a local plant...its tough. Once I ran into a dog at full speed on my bike as it was my only chance of frightening it... nonetheless, the botton sounds like a good thing to have, Ill get one. I carry a whip (though Im no Indiana Jones-If I was that good I wouldnt need a gun) or, if Im on a bike I carry a 3 ft heavy chain that has shown excellent results.
I wondered about mace and winds as well, never thought of having to shake the darn thing up for half a minute before, like you plan on being assaulted....odd.

Well, the baton has succeeded for me 4 times now. The last time was a dead run at us, snarling and came within 6 inches of my dog's face with jaws open. See my post 2 up from this one.

Other people say they use mace, just read the instructions before you purchase. there *may* be kinds you don't have to shake like that, I don't know. Someone mentioned bear mace (which I didn't know existed) that may be effective, research that a bit. I also noted that on the previous post page someone had to use TWO CANS of mace to get an aggressor to go away - that weirds me out. So I know there are several kinds of mace, find out which formulas are most effective.

Until recently I had a neighbor who always walked his dog with leash in one had and Louisville Slugger in the other. I think what matters is are you alert, and are you confident in your ability to handle whatever defense weapon you chose (be it mace, whip, chain, firearm...ect.)

 Quote:

Next:
http://www.dakotaammo.net/products/glaser/glaser.htm
Glaser safety slugs. Learn about them and use them in urban situations, they're well worth your consideration.

Oooh pretties! Thanks Will! I was an idiot and didn't look close enough the first time.

The problem with pepper spray and mace is that they can end up in your eyes and your dog's eyes rather than their intended target. It all depends on the vagaries of the wind. A cattle prod can work very well. As can a stun gun or baton. Often just the noise of one of these can frighten off a dog.

I have a pepperspray that is on a lanyard. I shake it well before I go out, and every so often while I walk, when things are slow. I haven't had to use it, but I hope this would be enough. I think it is to make sure the ingredients are will mixed, and I don't think they seperate that quickly. Hate to have to find out the hard way.

 Quote: sarah broadwater

 Quote: Matthew Thurston

I dont know if I would hit a dog with telescoping baton, maybe as the very last option available. One hard hit in the right place can certainly kill a dog. In my opinion the best option is pepper spray. The stuff is has been used succesfully on bears for years. Get the good stuff though, not the cheapo key chain type. Also if you get your dog with it he will be okay, cant say the same for a baton hit. I can somewhat relate to your concern though. I was walking my puppy a week or so ago and out come two heavy boxers like bats out of hell. I could not be sure what they were going to do so I immedatly reached down to throw my pup over my shoulders and brace for the worst. Turns out the owners had an underground fence (I hate those things!) and we all were okay. But it sure gave me a scare.

Maybe I'm a bad person - but if I hit a charging dog and by some chance end up killing it - well I'm gonna have a hard time feeling too awful bad. Should have been kept under control. Although you make a good point about possibly hurting your own dog if there was a fight and I just wade in whacking. Pepper spray is a good idea too though...

I'm sorry, I'm not trying to say your a bad person by any means. If it's got to be him or me, better believe it's not me! It's just somthing that has worked for me and people I have know.

Matthew, what KIND of mace are you using? I am not opposed to it as long as it is effective...just the only stuff I can find locally takes awhile to deploy and in my experience I don't exactly have that time. For people interested in mace maybe offer suggestions of brands or types that work well? I know some formulas aren't as effective as others. Not everyone is comfy with a baton (well, I am but that's a personal thing).

This is just a question for all who answered... do you have a big problem with loose dogs in your area and does Animal Control do a good job of responding and getting these dogs? Are the consequences different if the dog bites a person or if the dog bites another dog? Is a quarantine required? Does a bite even have to occur? Are the dogs declared vicious even if it only charged you and your dog?

Just curious. Thanks.

Sandy