Last evening while we out for our after-dinner jog/walk we were attacked! I wish I had prepared better to defend my dog against a vicious attack by an aggressive, unleashed dog.
It happened so fast! My dog was stopped and concentrating on peeing. I looked up and saw the neighbors dog, off the leash, about 100 feet away. She was unattended and just sniffing around, minding her own business. She had apparently escaped their loose-gated backyard again.
I looked 45 degrees to my left and saw the neighbors teenage son at their mailbox. I called out to him, saying that I saw his dog – and I pointed to the dog. My gaze turned back to the dog as I saw, with horror, that the dog was running full speed straight at us, and had closed most of the distance!
I tried to put myself between the charging dog and my little Lily, but the oncoming dog was so much faster and more agile than I was. Before I knew it, the attacker had Lily’s tail in her mouth and was shaking it vigorously side to side.
What are you supposed to do against a charging dog?
There are strategies about how to act or stand when a dog is menacing you.
If he’s only barking – try to stay calm. I know, easier said than done. Stand sideways. This makes you less of a target. No eye contact, as that can be interpreted by the dog as a challenge. Keep the aggressive dog in your peripheral vision.
If you’re holding anything like a water bottle, stick, garment (like a shirt or sweater), poop bags, … anything, hold it between you and the aggressor. Be loud and assertive. Say “NO!” at the top of your lungs. If the dog launches an attack and bites the water bottle/stick/garment, be prepared to let them have it while you retreat. It may give you a moment while they let out their aggression on the item. It also may not give you a moment.
If the dog is full-on aggressive and attacks you or your dog here are options.
Every situation is going to be different. Therefore, I can’t offer advice on the correct way to handle all, or even most of them.
An attacking dog is probably going to go for your dog, not you. So, though they may be faster, you can use their focus against them. Don’t get in the middle of the snapping jaws as both dogs fight. Don’t try to grab their head or try to open their mouth. That would almost guarantee that you’d get bit, and you can’t help your dog if you are injured. If reachable, try to get hold of the dogs back legs or tail to lift and destabilize them. This should have them pause for a second at least. But be ready. They will turn their attention to you since you have their tail in your hands.
If you don’t have anything else, your legs and feet can reach the attacker quickest. Your feet are already at his level. Kick them in the side or hind legs. Or, aim at their head if the dog is coming straight for you. Please note: We are not advocating hitting a dog. We are considering a worst-case scenario and the best ways to save your dog’s life, and possibly yours. You have to fight as though you and your dog’s lives depended on it. It might come to that.
If you succeed in getting a pause in the action, don’t run. This could trigger instincts in them to attack. Simply back, or side-step away.
Clearly, we’d prefer if the confrontation never got this far. And there’s no guarantee that these strategies would work in every case. So how can we head off the aggression? How can we be more prepared to defend ourselves when we jog with our dogs?
What to carry for defense
Since we’re out for a run, anything we carry for defense should be non-lethal, light, and effective. Below are some recommendations from various dog experts.
Pepper spray
Many suggest this for defense. It has potential benefits and inherent problems. It’s small and lightweight with a belt clip and a flip-top. And it can also spray up to 20 ft. But what if, in all the confusion, the wind blows the pepper spray back at you? Then you’re blind and have a dog attacking you.
Citronella spray
Spray Shield Animal Deterrent Spray was developed specifically for use in deterring aggressive animals as an alternative to pepper spray. Safe for humans while providing a strong deterrent to the animal. Citronella, combined with a strong force of spray – up to 10 ft. Contains approximately 10-12 one-second sprays for economical use. Shown to be as effective as 10% pepper spray with dogs, but it may not stop trained attack animals or those with a strong motivation to attack.
Stun gun
Good, but you must come in contact with the animal to deliver the shock that will dissuade from further attacks. However, the SABRE-Capacitor-Flashlight has a high decibel alarm and strobe light that will help. This non-lethal stun gun can defend you and your dog from any threatening animals – or people. Loud, intimidating sound, extremely bright, disorienting strobe light and powerful shock if needed. It’s small but mighty. Keep it in your dog walking bag and make sure you stay safe. Will not harm animals.
Air horn
The kind that some people take to sporting events. Inexpensive and you can probably find it at Walmart. Very loud. May do the trick. Small and lightweight.
Police baton
It’s retractable and can extend quickly with a flick of the wrist. Compact and inconspicuous, this is a high-quality solid impact tool that’s designed to provide tactical superiority and easy reach from a distance.
The choice is up to you
There are many options. They vary in strategy and cost. After last night, I think I’m opting for the nuclear version. The stun gun with super loud sound and strobe light capability. The super loud sound is the same deterrent concept as the air horn, but if the loud sound and flashing light don’t deter the attacker, there’s a next (shocking) level that will stop them. I think it’s a little more costly, but it’s effective against aggressive dogs as well as aggressive people. It’s small and handheld.
After an attack
If you or your dog are bleeding, apply pressure to the wound and get to the vet and/or doctor ASAP. Even the smallest puncture could cause an infection. Unfortunately, the authorities have to be alerted as there may be others in danger or legal/money issues resulting from the attack.
Back to last night’s attack
In hindsight, I should’ve known that a dog off their leash was trouble. I should have prepared Lily and myself for the inevitable attack. I wish I had the presence of mind to lift Lily up. The charging dog could have easily jumped up to bite her though. In my mind I see myself holding Lily high, and swatting the in-flight attacker away in slow motion, like a karate movie.
In reality, the attacking dog got hold of my dog’s tail and shook her very, very hard. Almost immediately, the neighbors arrived (the dad and 2 sons) and they grabbed their dog from behind and whisked her away. The whole thing lasted 15-30 seconds.
My neighbors were very concerned and apologetic. Their dog had NEVER done such a thing before! They asked about Lily’s condition and offered to pay any vet bills that may arise. They are lovely people. I was very vocal about how their dog must be controlled, as it clearly has it in for my pup. I think the two dogs can smell each other through the backyard fence. There’s only a 6′ privacy fence separating their yards. Maybe this tension has been building up for a while.
Lily is sore today and in a bad mood, but otherwise unhurt. No puncture wounds. And btw, I’m okay, thanks for asking.