How To Prevent Offleash Dog Attacks
It’s all too common. In a single week, 4 of my clients contacted me about being attacked by off-leash dogs. And yes, even though they all don't result in a bite or a trip to the Evet -- it's an attack on their personal and emotional state. And it creates a potential future problem for everyone involved. One of my clients had to endure rabies shots himself because the owner of the other dog refused or could not produce vaccination records after he and his dog were attacked. Everyone who has contacted me is now just a bit more fearful of their next walk.
This is happening in neighborhoods everywhere. It's happening to dogs in their own front yards. And dogs walking very mannerly with their owners on leash. Off Leash dogs are charging up (or God forbid flexi leads) and starting a ruckus that doesn't end well for anyone!
Now, I'm I big fan of the freedom being off leash can give -- but IF and ONLY IF your dog is 100% in control. Meaning you have a reliable heel, reliable recall, and a dog that will not charge another.
This whole notion of shouting “He's FRIENDLY” is CRAP! as you scream it across the yard without a chance in hell of recalling your dog from charging the dog on a leash. It's RUDE. It's DISRESPECTFUL. It's Dangerous to everyone.
Friendly or not -- most dogs I know DO NOT enjoy an unknown dog rushing up to them out of the blue When a dog is on leash being charged by another dog that he doesn't know he goes into defensive posture.... he's trying to say "Get away from me" -- but your dog doesn't listen to you and doesn't have manners at all.
This is how reactive dogs get created in some cases -- so DO NOT BLAME The dog on the leash or in their yard. LOOK IN THE MIRROR at your really bad down ownership skills.
Every dog has a right to be out for play or a walk. It's essential to overall well-being and balanced behavior. So don't be THAT NEIGHBOR with THAT DOG that is off leash and not under control.
Get yourself and your dog some training and be kind to your neighbors and their dog.
Protecting Your Dog An Off-Leash Dog.
The sad part is most people never see it coming and have no tools on them at all. Here are some thoughts -- but please know it's dangerous!
Put your dog behind you, make yourself big but still. Avoid eye contact if the dog is seemingly aggressive.
Yell, Loud, Low and Stern, "NO" to the oncoming dog.
Try not to scream and flail.
Kick the crap out of the oncoming dog if you have to. Remember you know better than to wear sandals on a dog walk. You better believe in that moment, I'm protecting the dog at the end of my leash (personal or client dog doesn't matter). Aim for the soft tissue between the ribs and hip / belly area.
Instinct has us often pick up little dogs. That's a risk for you to get bitten on your arms if they are aiming to attack a small dog -- so just be aware. Many of you try to pick the dog up by the leash, resulting in possible neck trauma for your dog.
Running away is also dangerous.
There are really no perfect options. It's dangerous business to try to protect yourself and your dog -- so I can only tell you to take action at your own risk.
Breaking up a dog fight is dangerous. The short answer is to grab the back feet of the aggressor and lift his hind end off the ground. Don’t let go! If it comes down to it, the best way, iff your dog is being attacked by another, one of the best things you can do is to take a leash or belt and choke out the aggressor until he lets go, and then keep him restrained until help arrives.
Tips To Prevent An Off-Leash Dog Attack
Carry a small air horn. Element of surprise and big sounds can sometimes be a deterrent.
Carry a Pet Convincer canned air -- spray the dog running at you.
Carry a walking stick and use it to protect yourself and your dog. Put something between you and the dog approaching... throw a treat pouch towards them. Give the charging dog something to bite beside you and your dog.
Carry Mace -- be careful here -- it takes a close range and you and your dog could also be sprayed. But better than being bitten.
Carry Bear Spray -- it gives you a much greater distance. This is serious business so don't use it lightly, and only if you are in danger.
Carry a Stun Baton -- even more serious business and your neighbor will seriously hate you for it -- and it will suck for the dog receiving the stun. But you have to do what you have to do to protect yourself from dangerous dogs.
When things calm down -- send them my contact information to get better control of their dog.
We are also happy to do neighborhood presentations or Kids and K9 Training for your neighborhoods.