What Would You Do if You Were Attacked by a Dog?

[Deactivated] on 07/01/2017 - 20:51
Last edited 14/01/2017 - 21:18 by 1 other user

Ok i am a dog trainer who deals with dangerous dogs on a daily basis I carry / use pet deterrent spray ( similar to pepper spray great for your better halfs safety) and a stainless steel slip collar and a ( large knife last defence) which is in my vehicle until I need it. I have been asked many times what to do if if a dog fight breaks out at the doggie park or what if I Am personally are attacked. I would really appreciate your feedback what you think you would do in both situations. This is going to be used in our next seminar. No jokes please.

Thankyou for all your responses keep them coming I will answer them as I am able.

Footnote:

Both my wife and I are positive dog trainers we are working to provide education to the general public on how to deal with dog attacks both in the doggie park and on the street. We believe that dogs should not cause harm to people yet this happens time and time again.

Thank you OZ folks I now realise that so many people do not know how to deal with a dog attack.

Please read the following and understand that it is all about your reactions not the dogs. Hope this info keeps you and your family safe.

http://www.dogstardaily.com/blogs/jennifer-merritt/safe-prog…

http://doggonesafe.com/why_dogs_bite

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 17:45
      +1

      Good Reply just add in turn to your side and back away slowly don't look at it though that's not recommended the force is not that strong.

  • swiggity swag on 07/01/2017 - 23:03
    +11

    Finger up the dog's anus. That stops them.

    • GnarlyKnuckles on 08/01/2017 - 00:12
      +1

      "Finger up the … anus"

      Ah, the old 'Hopoate defense' tactic… OK if you're that way inclined and physically capable of it I suppose, but hardly 'mainstream advice' in this context?

    • tight-ass on 08/01/2017 - 00:17

      Or the twig and berries

    • Zachary on 08/01/2017 - 01:56

      Aw yuck…sticking up your finger up a dog's anus?! Really?!

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 19:24

      This is often said but in the end who would do it.

      • Hirolol on 08/01/2017 - 22:13

        Do you think it would work?

        • Elision on 09/01/2017 - 17:26
          +1

          Someone told me they watched a video where someone tried it on a big dog as it was attacking another person. Didn't do much.

        • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2017 - 19:54

          Maybe as a last resort I don't think so.

  • blitz on 07/01/2017 - 23:45

    If the dog is merely menacing me, puff myself up and don't move.
    If the dog is attacking me, force my forearm into their mouth and then gouge their eyes.

    • cryptos on 08/01/2017 - 02:16
      +3

      Yep, if your a decent size this has worked for me. Had a large rotty charge me, didn't run, turned to the side and let it jump up on me and put my arm out to fend off or let it have a taste :) it opended its mouth and took my arm softly and then backed off.

      If it was going for my kids it had better run, nothing I wouldn't do to kill it!

  • supnigs super skids on 07/01/2017 - 23:59

    If it were dangerous and was gonna harm me I would run as fast as I can and find a stick. Let it bite the stick and struggle with it whilst I would snap it's neck or kick it till it stopped.

  • poppit88 on 08/01/2017 - 01:42
    +1

    What would I do if a dog fight breaks out at the doggie park? I'm not sure but as a 5 year old decades ago, my mother literally had to hold me to the ground in the local park whilst one dog literally, mauled the other to death. Yup - I was the 5 year old that tried (seriously) to save the underdog. (Probably, the reason I prefer cats!) What would I do if one attacked me? Frankly, fight or flight (as in run for my life). And, I'd run really, really fast!

    And let's caveat that - if the said dog was attacking my kitty, well, hell hath no fury!

  • Froot Loops on 08/01/2017 - 02:13

    Where can I buy "deterrent spray" and is it as effective as Mace on Eshay Lads. I need to catch the train next week so yeh . .

    • cryptos on 08/01/2017 - 02:18
      +2

      I'll lend you my cycling shirt after a long ride, no one will go near you :)

      • AlienC on 10/01/2017 - 00:45

        Oh man i saw an old bloke who looked like he had just cycled a marathon can confirm was near the level of a dirty homeless person as a deterrent.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 17:55
      +1

      You can try it out and let us know it is legal to carry as it is based on a super strong citronella when fired it goes off a really loud noise and sends a mm or so wide spray upto 10 metres. Have tested it and the stuff stinks and stings.
      http://animal-care.com.au/index.php/vmchk/Animal-Attack-Dete…

  • wukachuka on 08/01/2017 - 04:27

    If you are talking about a dog under no one's control in a public space attacking, yeah sorry dog lovers, but ima stomp that mutt.

  • try2bhelpful on 08/01/2017 - 08:28

    These two sites have useful information

    https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/biting/when-dogs-atta…

    http://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Dog-Attack

    I particularly like the section that talks about having something loose, e.g. a jumper, you can let the dog have so you can back away slowly.

    As a side issue, another tip I once saw was the best way to get a recalcitrant dog to come back to you is to run in the other direction instead of towards him and then drop to the ground; he will chase after you rather than away from you.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 20:06
      +1

      Cesar Milan has been debunked so many times it's not funny anymore. Self taught just a tv celeb no clue hate the guy. There is so much crap on the net re this.

      • try2bhelpful on 09/01/2017 - 15:33

        I also disagree with a lot of what he says on training dogs, but I think he has some good points to make here, particularly about giving the dog something like a jumper to take off you. Also, that people shouldn't panic and try to run away. Dogs are hunters, they chase prey.

        • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2017 - 20:49

          he is an idiot go to youtube and search for Pawfessor who is working to stop dog abuse.

        • try2bhelpful on 10/01/2017 - 10:38

          @Silence Dogood: As indicated, I don't agree with much of his dog training techniques, I just think he has some good points to make in the article. The best way to train dogs is a reward system, rather than punishment.

  • tomsco on 08/01/2017 - 08:29

    Be careful… it may be a werewolf.

    • try2bhelpful on 08/01/2017 - 14:32

      Well the next dog that attacks you is going to be in trouble, isn't it?

      • tomsco on 08/01/2017 - 15:32

        You shouldn't be encouraging me…

        No jokes please.

        try2behelpful

  • sergun on 08/01/2017 - 08:31
    +4

    It once happened to me, the dog ran after me from my back while I was jogging, so I turned around, started growling (literally), and advanced myself towards the dog, imagining myself its head is a ball, and how hard I am going to hit it with my foot. The dog suddenly stopped and retracted. I'm not saying I wasn't scared (I was), but I had no choice, and I also remember feeling enraged with the very situation - the thoughts were 'this shouldn't be happening', 'how dare are you' so I REALLY wanted to hit it hard. Most likely, the dog must have encountered an unexpected reaction from me so it pulled back. Fortunately, there was no one around except me and the dog, so no one saw how embarrassing I must have looked growling.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 17:57

      Yep this can work with some dogs as once they have reached the aggression threshold they have two options flight or fight just like us.

  • Seiko on 08/01/2017 - 08:32
    +1

    I've often thought about this while walking my dog and walking with my family. I'm a large bloke and probably have some options available to me that most people wouldn't. All dependant on the situation but they include thumbs pressed into the throat and eyes, using my car key like a shiv, stomping on the dogs back and breaking it's spine, pulling its legs over its back like pulling off a drumstick from a chicken and last but not least hammer throw the bloody thing. Grab the damn thing by whatever way possible, a few 360's and release. Preferably into someone's house roof.

    I've never had to do it but will not hesitate to if needed to protect anyone, let alone my family. I have zero patience for anyone that cannot control their dog.

    • Wallyt99 on 08/01/2017 - 10:43
      +2

      I like the hammer throw option

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 18:00
      -1

      Nice but remember most dogs are in a high adrenaline state and way faster than you think I have the scars to prove it… he's just a little guy I'll slip lead him and be done wrong in less than an eye blink he had my hand and shook it for several seconds and that was it my right hand will never be the same.

  • HeWhoKnows on 08/01/2017 - 09:03
    -2

    Mate. You are the dog trainer/walker. You should know all the risks and all the answers. Cant blame anyone except yourself. Prevention is better than cure. Maybe wear some sort of protective gear.

    • The Wololo Wombat on 08/01/2017 - 11:34
      -1

      Read the original post again mate!

      • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 18:06

        Thanks for pointing that out I have suit but it just crazy to wear the thing in summer and you are about as mobile in it as a rat in a wool sock.

    • adante on 09/01/2017 - 15:13

      Just to explain the downvotes - it appears OP is not asking in a "please give me advice on how to do my job" context but in a "I would like to understand the way the lay public think so that we can better understand where they are coming from and hence educate them" (at least I hope so). This is a reasonable thing to do and I think is actually commendable.

      • [Deactivated] on 09/01/2017 - 19:57

        Thank you so much we are really trying to find out what the general public would do.

  • djones145 on 08/01/2017 - 09:29

    We need a poll

    Bikies!

  • Baysew on 08/01/2017 - 09:53
    +16

    What Would You Do if You Were Attacked by a Dog?

    1. Regret taking short cut through dog park.
    2. Regret going to fancy dress party.
    3. Regret dressing up as Lady Gaga.
    4. Regret choosing her meat dress.
  • shaybisc on 08/01/2017 - 09:59
    +1

    Once the dog has a good grip of one arm, go for an eye with the other. Rip eye out of socket.

    That's your only option in NSW, where it is illegal to carry a knife or pepper spray. Unauthorised possession of pepper spray in NSW has a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment- Nanny State madhouse.

    You can walk the streets with a savage dog or three on a lead but you can't carry pepper spray because that's a dangerous weapon and could kill you.

    • Zachary on 08/01/2017 - 10:22

      Mmmm, I wouldn't want to get infected with whatever rabies the dog may have or other bad things by letting it bite into my arm………yes I've been watching to many zombie flicks……but still it's a good caution to be alert about!

      That's your only option in NSW, where it is illegal to carry a knife or pepper spray. Unauthorised possession of pepper spray in NSW has a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment- Nanny State madhouse.

      That's an if you are caught with a knife or that spray thing……just conceal it as much as possible act like you don't have it until you really need to use it for self-defense or otherwise….

  • Mumbles on 08/01/2017 - 10:34
    +2

    We're very fortunate in Australia because we don't have rabbies. So small dogs don't worry me. The worst they can do is leave superficial wounds.

    I'd stay calm and try to keep my head. Walk away but do not run. Most dogs are territorial and give early warning.

    This is just theoretical but if its a life and death situation with a large dog then best to come prepared with a plan and stick to it. Mentally switch yourself from flight mode into fight mode.

    If still standing then turn to face the dog front on. Kick to the underbelly, ideally the genitals, but the 1st strike can be anywhere including under the neck or chest plate. If you are lucky the 1st strike will stun or surprise the dog in which case the dog should flee.

    If the dog latches onto a leg/shoe. Recover balance as quick as possible and repeatedly kick as near to the genitals. Aim as close to the genitals because most breeds of guard dogs have extremely tough rib cages. The dog must retreat from pain.

    If on the ground then sacrifice an arm/hand for the dog to latch onto. Most people automatically will do this by protecting their face. With the free hand, quickly and firmly gouge out an eye. A thumb will fit the eye socket of most large dogs. Push inside the eyelid and hold. If the dog persists then remove/crush the eye. Attempt to gouge the second eye. An intelligent dog will end the fight before risking its life/eyesight and should retreat. If instead the dog continues to fight by relatching to the 2nd arm then gouge the remaining eye. The fight is now over as the dog is now blind or without depth perception.

    Try to read and understand dog behaviours and body language. Watch how dogs fight, they have a 100% predictable fighting style (ie. latch, head shake, drag). Know which are the sensitive organs on a large dog (genitals, eyes, nose).

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 19:32

      Excellent input thank you except that most dogs don't have genitals ( have been neutered) anymore esp female one's what would you do in this case?
      https://youtu.be/FhlcwxBPsCc

      • Mumbles on 09/01/2017 - 12:13

        For the average person I wouldn't recommend doing anything more. If the strikes aren't doing any damage do as what was mentioned in the YouTube video and stay on your feet, try to get away from that location.

        Is probably best for me not to describe what I would do since I've been trained in a brutal martial arts style that specialises in snapping bones. Hurting animals is not my thing and I don't encourage it. I could design a method to combine a successful ground headlock with the finishing technique I mentioned in my above comments. Though an untrained fighter couldn't be successful as most people haven't even attempted 1 headlock in their lives.

    • dexx on 10/01/2017 - 15:31

      A dog attacking your dog (or child) at the park is a more likely scenario. Here you'd have more options since you have all limbs available and the attacker is distracted. Whatever you do, it would have to be effective or the dog may turn on you.

  • outlander on 08/01/2017 - 10:50
    +1

    I'd sing to them, using all the dog sounds I've heard in my life (the snarls, the whines, the yawns, the surprise bark, the howl)
    Would it fix things? Maybe not, but it would give the fight some amazing background music

  • THICKnSLOW on 08/01/2017 - 11:26
    +1

    Dog vs Dog fight and they are not my dogs - walk away.
    Dog vs Dog fight and one of them is my dogs - unleash hell on the other dog, an attack on my family is an attack on me.
    Dog vs Me - unleash hell on the dog.

    It's obvious to me if an animal has decided to attack something it will not stop, so my best defence is offence. Fight or flight, in this case I have pent up road rage and frustration from work which I'm sure will channel into unrelenting, powerful strikes and strangulation. Depends on the setting and environment.

    I respect animals, but will not respect an attacking animal. I think this is the part where most self confessed 'animal lovers' falter and fail when they are attacked themselves and get mauled without putting up a fight.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 19:46

      Yes good reply and one that I believe in dog fight in the park ok I will intervene as I have the experience and tools to do so. But if it is your dog involved in a fight it can become personal very grey area here on that one. Call you dog if he or she has excellent recall. If not then yes you might have to intervene. Dog vs you wrong do not fight see my previous comments.

      • Elision on 09/01/2017 - 17:31

        I've heard that grabbing the dogs back legs and "wheelbarrowing" it backwards in a zigzag fashion is a very effective method to stop a dog biting, as long as you don't yank them quickly while they have a firm grip of the other dog/person.. what do you think of this in your experience? Obviously this might not help if you were by yourself being attacked but yeah.

        • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2017 - 19:29

          Yes this is good advice if you are prepared to do it. I have used it once and it worked. The dog dog will ramp up in the level of aggression due to your attack on it so you will have to be prepared to deal with a more aggressive dog.

  • The Wololo Wombat on 08/01/2017 - 11:31

    If a dog attacked me, my plan has always been to try for a kick first (esp if it were a small dog), before it latches on.

    But if it has latched on, I'd try and gouge its eyes out; assuming this is a random attack and I have no other means of self defence (no weapon). I feel that just hitting it would be ineffective, esp a large dog.

    If I had keys in my pocket, I might try to use these to gouge out the eyes instead of my finger.

    This plan is based on my personal thinking, no training whatsoever.

    • The Wololo Wombat on 08/01/2017 - 11:40

      After reading these comments I will add two things.

      1: Pick up a large object and to protect myself, hopefully the dog attacks this
      2: Make a lot of noise once the dog has attacked (even low barking sounds)

      Though, I am concerned that the second may actually be counter productive and frustrate the dog.

      • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 18:08

        Sorry wrong quiet and slow is the way, we need to get the dogs adrenaline rush down very few are quicker than a dog. Thanks for your response!

  • hell0 on 08/01/2017 - 11:41

    Hello. My thought would be that while it is latched onto my arm/leg I would try to choke it with my remaining arm but as I am close to the river I would head there and bring it underwater until it stops.

  • BertieBrown on 08/01/2017 - 12:00
    +1

    It's hard to say. I've heard people hitting aggressive dogs; (dogs that were at the time attacking another person or dog), with metal poles, kicking them, punching them etc. The dog just keeps going, ignoring being attacked.

    I know that a garden hose is an excellent way to separate two fighting dogs, as in two pets that are fighting (I'm not suggesting I train dogs to fight; I.E, I'm not a piece of shit scumbag). I'd imagine this would be similar to if a dog was attacking a person. A bucket of water similarly works well too.

    If I was alone, on a suburban street and a dog attacked me, I'd firstly shit my pants (this is not a defensive strategy), secondly I think I'd probably try and fight it, probably unsuccessfully and end up getting mauled. What I would imagine myself doing is try to pin the dog. I'd say go into a ball but a vicious dog will just attacked the head and neck and rip you to shreds.

    I hate to say it, but one of the reasons dogs are so widely used by man is because they're really good at killing things/trapping things/maiming things for us. We use them to hunt other animals, sometimes animals that would hunt us (lions, bears etc), they're very fast, have an extremely high pain tolerance and can do a lot of damage in a very short period of time.

    You're best option when faced with an aggressive or dangerous dog is to try if possible to get something between it and you. A garbage bin, a stick, a blanket, anything or try and get away from it.

    It's really sad that sometimes older people die from a dog mauling, but realistically with certain breeds somewhere along the line they were bred to kill and hunt. We have largely fully domesticated that trait out of them, but any dog given the right environment can be made into a killing machine. I'd say most people don't have much of a chance against such a dog, unless they can find some kind of implement or object to help defend themselves, or they're big and strong enough to fight it off (but I'd dare say that they'd still get mauled).

    That's why if a dog has attacked a person once, the RSPCA/council will generally euthanise them. It's too hard to predict if they will attack again.

    • tight-ass on 08/01/2017 - 17:55

      The garden hose did the trick in this video….at least briefly - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhlcwxBPsCc

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 18:25

      You're best option when faced with an aggressive or dangerous dog is to try if possible to get something between it and you. A garbage bin, a stick, a blanket, anything or try and get away from it.

      This is good advice. I have been attacked many times and my missus who is also a dog trainer with years more experience than me has too. The thing we both know is not to panic to remain in control of the situation. I recently was working at a kennel and the kennel manager said follow me so I did not realising that she meant go round the other side unknowing I walked into a special area of dogs who are fine together and with women and was immediately attacked from several directions by multiple dogs the kennel manager say me and said out. I stopped moving and backed out slowly with no response to her. Result one bite to my calf.

      Actually the laws allows dogs who have bitten or been involved in dog fights to live. If the dogs owner wishes it can be taken to court and the only way the dog can be forced to be put down is if it can be proven that the dog has been trained to attack. The RSPCA and AWL all dog behavioural assessments of a dogs temperament and yes they will put shelter dogs down if they deem them a risk. Many other shelters will try to rehab the same dogs. There are also laws that owners with a dangerous dog have to comply with ( but most don't) such as a 3 mt high fence etc….

      • Scrooge McDuck on 08/01/2017 - 19:18
        +1

        They should put down the owners of said dogs too.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 20:39

          These are shelter dogs who I work with to rehab they have no owners.

      • BertieBrown on 08/01/2017 - 20:23

        My understanding is that if a dog attacked someone, in the sense that for example it chases someone down and mauls them, that dog is more than likely going to be put down. Thats what I'm driving at, a dog that is attacking a person. I get what you're saying, that there is a degree of discretion on the part of the council, but I'd argue that in most cases where a dog has gone out of its way, in a word, to attack someone, it's going to be euthanised.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 20:41

          Nope council has to prove that the dog has been trained to attack humans.

        • BertieBrown on 08/01/2017 - 23:19

          @Silence Dogood: I'm not sure if this applies to your area. It doesn't apply to mine for instance, however it would seem according to this site that at least in Victoria, a council can destroy a dog if it deems that the dog poses a threat irregardless of if it's been trained to attack people. Although it does seem like perhaps if the dog was maybe trained to attack people a seperate penalty may also apply to the owner.

          In my mind it makes sense that if a dog mauled a child, a council wouldn't need to prove that it was specifically trained to attack people before making a determination that it's a risk.

          Certainly other areas may have different laws, I'm not sure if or how much it may vary, but it would make sense that a dangerous dog can be euthenised if it's posing a threat.

          http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/dogs/dog-attacks-dangerou…

  • Odin on 08/01/2017 - 12:39
    +4

    Best advise I'd ever heard to break up a dog v dog fight or to control any dog that is aggressive it to grab both the hind legs and lift the dog up (like a wheelbarrow).

    The dog get's confused, unsteady, and immediately stops attacking because it has no balance or ability to get momentum to attack.

    Works exceptionally well if dogs ever get into fights in a park

    • Seiko on 08/01/2017 - 15:02
      +2

      And then hammer throw time :)

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 18:27

      Good answer Odin ( like your name go to youtube and search for Viking Dad) This is excellent in a dog park but not in a personal attack.

  • TheBird on 08/01/2017 - 14:22
    +6

    Biker Dogs.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2017 - 19:40

      Sadly they are never around when you need them.

  • Daedalus on 08/01/2017 - 15:39

    Steel capped boots

  • tonka on 08/01/2017 - 15:50
    +1

    Last time I was attacked by a dog I went to the hospital is the answer to your question.

    If the question is what to do when being attacked.

    If dogs are fighting it depends on the size of the dog. If they are equaling sized probably best to let them sort it out themselves. Dogs fight all the time and are better suited to receiving a dog bite than the human intervening. I learned this several times the hard way.

    If it is a larger dog attacking a small dog. Then the owner of the large dog should remove it asap, it is unlikely it will attack it's owner and if it does then there is a serious problem with the dog. If you want to defend your smaller dog protect yourself with jacket blanket first.
    Beating , kicking and stabbing the dogs will just escalate the fight from a dominance and posturing tiff to a serious and maybe lethal fight.
    Water if available is by far the preferred tool.

    If the dog is attacking you again depends on it's size. If it is threatening you don't turn your back, never run. Arms wide stand tall, speak to it like you own it and demand it stand down. Take off jacket belt maybe shoe etc and use to deflect attack.
    If it has a hold on you already same as above find stuff for it to bite that is not your skin, protect your face, neck and wrists then get a finger up it's bum.

    If you watch a dog fighting it is usually more wrestling but they have to bite to get hold. Once they other submits they will let go. If you force the dog to release the hold before they feel they have achieved submission you need to have means to stop them taking another hold or all you are getting is twice the damage.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 18:30

      Excellent advice thank you for your input tonka.

  • akastyl13 on 08/01/2017 - 16:28

    My friend got attacked and didn't have time to do anything.
    Large dog bite his left calf and all he did is fall and suffered because the dog suddenly turned around while he walked past and bite him.

    I think what you should present is more a thing about how to carefully act or behave when there is an unknown dog that seems dangerous, and how to not make him wants to bite you.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 18:34

      Yes this is what we intend to do.

  • rompastompa on 08/01/2017 - 16:49

    Judo Chop. If that fails, then sweep, and sink in a rear naked choke.

  • SeVeN11 on 08/01/2017 - 17:12

    troll'd

  • imurgod on 08/01/2017 - 17:14

    The owners of dogs that attack should be charged as if they are the one who's committed the crime.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 18:04

    OP I think a Doberman has invaded this thread and eaten all your commas. They are dangerous.

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 18:36

      Damm Dyslexia who invented such a difficult word to spell from those that suffer from it,,,,,,,,

      • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 18:53

        Yeah that's an excuse but not a reason to not use commas. Just stick with your dog ate it.

        • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 20:09

          the homework right?

        • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 20:28

          @Silence Dogood: The punctuation.

  • lainey13 on 08/01/2017 - 19:56

    OK I'm more interested in the 'pet deterrent spray'… where can I get some for personal use?

    • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2017 - 20:09

      Here
      http://animal-care.com.au/index.php/vmchk/Animal-Attack-Dete…

      • Zachary on 09/01/2017 - 11:35

        Spray Shield is a perfectly safe way to distract aggressive dogs. It is safe for humans and pets. When used distracts animal from attacking person or things. Is normally safe for 12 sprays. This citronella formula was found to be just as effective as 10% pepper spray, without the harmful side effects, it interrupts attacks by surprising and distracting animals with a powerful and unusual scent. Highly effective for dealing with low to medium level aggression, both inter-dog and dog to human. Spray will not injure the user or onlookers if spray is accidentally "blown back" into the eyes.

        … low to medium level aggression …

        Ok…so what ….it's ineffective against the high level aggression ones?

        Also what happens after 12 sprays? It blows up? hahaha

        • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2017 - 19:42

          It works we have tested it, but if a dog has gone to a high level of stress then it can only give you the few seconds to get away.

  • syousef on 08/01/2017 - 20:18

    This is like asking "What would you do if you were in a car accident?" It's not specific enough to answer. But I'll try anyway.

    I would assess whether the aggression were in fact going to lead to injury or if it was just the dogs trying to sort out who's boss. If no major injury is occuring - perhaps a minor nick of an ear or something I'd wait a moment to see what was happening if the dogs were of similar size. No point escalating a situation where leaving it alone would mean the dogs don't get badly injured.

    Difference in size between the dogs would come into it. The number of dogs too. I'd only get in the middle of it if I thought someone or some animal was serious danger and I was confident that the action I was taking would make things better. A small nip to an adult is deadlier to the dog than the adult as the dog will likely be put down. A child or elderly person however could be in serious trouble. Getting a small dog up off the ground to get the owner to restrain the other dog is also a possibility but that can backfire if the dog then attacks you to get to the other dog.

    Use of noise is a double edged thing. If you can distract the dog it may give you a break in the behaviour long enough to de-escalate but it can also trigger a fear response or give the dog something else to attack.

    If I had to violently attack a dog I'd be Keeping my extremities as close as possible to my torso I'd likely aim to kick them in the genitals or stomach.

    I wouldn't carry a knife if I were you, regardless of the law. You're not trying to filet the dog. Blunt force trauma with a bat or piece of wood/tree branch or a wrench would be more effective and you could keep the dog further away from your body, limiting the risk of injury. I would kill or maim a dog if a human life is in danger, but not otherwise. Dogs aren't people and any time you have to exert that kind of force you may break them beyond what someone is willing to pay to fix them. (And bear in mind you could get sued).

    One other thing: Once it's under control try and have a civil chat with the owner of the other dog. I once had a dog break an old haltie (should have replaced it sooner - the newer ones have a second attachment to the collar). I'm certain my dog wasn't going to harm the other dog but it was smaller. Guy grabbed it and jumped up on a park bench. Mine tried to jump at the other dog twice before I got her under control. Owner of the other dog wouldn't talk to me. 20 secs of sniffing each other under control would have sorted it. Only time I've lost control of my dogs in the last couple of decades. I felt like shit.

    Last point. People don't like to hear this but the breed and temperament of the dog absolutely factors in. Any dog can be aggressive. Some dogs are harder to calm down - and there is a component of that tied to the breed.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2017 - 19:47

      Good post. While I am a firm believer that there are no bad dogs just bad owners… But breed plays a choice here also as some breeds are better trained to be attack dogs. The military doesn't use poodles or labs it uses Germany Shepherds or Belgian Malinois. Why because they are fearless. Pit Bulls I can take or leave problem here is they were bred to protect humans. In the wrong hands that can result in well issues.

  • thara56 on 08/01/2017 - 20:56

    I have been approached by barking, aggressive looking dogs few times. Once massive German Shepard, sometimes small dogs. I always try to show no fear and make eye contact, and do some hand sign trying to convey the message "I am not scared, and I am the alpha" (Cesar Millan trick). Few times I took steps towards the dog and clapped loudly - trying to make it run-away. It has worked so far.

    Once, I was behind the glassdoor when my mate's 90kg mastiff came barking at me. I tried all above tricks, nothing worked. It kept on jumping at the glassdoor.

  • TransportPosters on 08/01/2017 - 22:34

    After having my dogs attacked over 10 times in this area by other peoples' dogs since 2009 (with one attack sending us to emergency with a hand which wouldn't stop bleeding), I would do whatever I have to do get the attacking dog to stop doing what it's doing.

    I have and would again kick the hell out of it most likely, to get that powerful jaw grip to release. I have also grabbed the back of the neck and slammed its head into the ground and used my knee to hold it down til the owner comes to get it.

    For a time, I carried a metal rolling bar from a chest of drawers which slide open and had to use it once. Then I stopped, and then got attacked again. Sure wish I had that metal bar that time. I love dogs and raise pups for a government service as a volunteer, but have no respect or love for dogs like this. You never know what is going to happen when the aggressor is running at you, always expect the worse and be ready. The worse you can do is keep the lead long on your dog, as it will run around you and quickly bound you up, and you can't even let go. You have to let go of the lead and use timing to grab the attacking dog and try to stop it.

    Ayen's Law was introduced a few years ago to combat aggressive breeds kept in suburbia as pets. Ayen was mauled to death three streets away from where I live, and it has made a huge change in this area, but you still get the careless idiot with their aggressive dog off the lead which makes a bee-line for my dogs and attacks, with the owner insisting it "just wants to play".

  • LKJ899 on 09/01/2017 - 00:16

    I avoid going for a walk in the neighborhood bcoz of dogs. Very often crazy dogs running out of their house, barking and trying to attack me.

    If I really need to go out for a walk, I have to bring an umbrella with me as a weapon. In my experience, keeping eye contact and stand still don't work.

    • xuqi on 09/01/2017 - 03:53

      Get some Pepper Spray. I know not exactly legit, but a small canister (easily concealed) would do wonders in repelling an attack.

      • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2017 - 19:50

        No pepper spray is illegal in Australia just get some Pet deterrent spray. If you are a dog owner and take your dog to a Doggie Park get some it could save you and your best friends lives or at least some damage.

  • xuqi on 09/01/2017 - 03:37

    Twice in the distant past I have had 2 dogs attempt to attack me whilst I was jogging in the evening.

    The first was a demented Brown Chow Chow, whose attempt ended after I licked it very hard as it charged towards me whilst jogging. At the time I weighed ~82-85KG's (6ft height). No I didn't feel any sympathy for the stupid beast.

    The second was a Shar Pei whose owner clearly didn't invest the time to train it, but was seemingly happy to let it off its leash. This one managed to get a 1/2 bite in on my shin, before I pretty much crushed it with my weight which was 100-105KG's at the time. I don't think it had good life after the encounter but I didn't hang around to find out.

    Neither of these attacks were in Australia BTW.

    • Bon Marche on 09/01/2017 - 07:52
      +2

      Wow, you must have a very powerful lick. What did the offender taste like? When you say you didn't feel any sympathy for the stupid beast, what had you been eating? Garlic, gorgonzola, onions?

  • Elnato on 09/01/2017 - 07:31
    +1

    My dog is always aggressive to other dogs that run up to her but incredibly well behaved around people, i keep her on a lead at all times when other dogs are present but owners that just let their dogs run free and have no control over them drive me up the wall. Best way to stop dogs fighting is teach the idiot owners how to control their dogs to a reasonable level and use a leash in public places to prevent it happening at all.

  • Gronk on 09/01/2017 - 08:28

    It'd depend on whether or not I saw it coming and had a few seconds to process what was about to happen -

    If I did see it coming then I probably wouldn't go past a good soccer kick to whatever happens to be in range at the time, hoping that this happened when I was wearing my steel toe boots.

    If I didn't see it coming and it was latched on to me, it'd depend on the size of the dog but I'd probably either try and stomp on it or attack the eyes like the Mountain on Prince Oberyn.

    Don't get me wrong here, I love animals but there's no way I'm going to put the welfare of an animal that's attacking me above my own.

  • shaybisc on 09/01/2017 - 08:46

    The pit bull apologists piss me off. Their argument- it's all about the environment, baby: nothing to do with genetics- insults my intelligence. It's like saying a thoroughbred or a greyhound is no more likely to be faster than average.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2017 - 19:44

      Nope pit bulls are as safe as a lab been proven in countless tests now.

  • Pornboy69er on 09/01/2017 - 09:28

    You carry a large knife? That's against the law isn't it?

    That also sounds unsafe and unnecessary.

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