Protection from dogs.

reese66

Out walking today I was bitten by a pitbull, not the best walk ever but I survived it and will carry on. For the future what would you suggest? Pepper spray or something like https://cbgsafetyproducts.com/dogchaser.htm, both say the don't work on all dogs so maybe both? Opinions?

I don't want to hurt an animal but I don't want to be hurt either...

reese66

No one?

Remi79

Did you call the authorities about the dog?!? Any dog that is vicious should not be allowed to roam free off a leash.

MattTheWaterRat

Everyone that owns a pitbull thinks that with the right love and training their dog would never attack a person, but reality sets and instinct takes over. This particular dog breed should be banned.

You should consider speaking to an attorney.

Running away from the animal doesn't help. Also, protect your neck. Given the chance animals will go for the jugular.

suzieqcookie

you seriously need to report that to the police! and you have to check with them anyway to see if it's legal in your area to use pepper spray or mace on a dog.

CMB1979

Steel tipped boots and a good kick in the ribs will usually do the trick.

lissymae11

I've never used it, but my dad used to cycle a lot, and I know he carried around pepper spray. He did use it once, and from what he says it was pretty effective.

Though in some states (like here in Mass) you have to get a gun license in order to carry pepper spray...

CMB1979

you seriously need to report that to the police! and you have to check with them anyway to see if it's legal in your area to use pepper spray or mace on a dog.

Safety trumps legality. You have a right to defend yourself from wild animals no matter what the "law" says.

Narisong

We saw a show the other day and they were using "Bear Spray" (not on dogs, but on bears and showed it being sprayed on a guy) and it's tons more effective than pepper spray. I'm not trying to be mean.. but no matter what bread of dog if it is coming at me, I would want to have the best thing possible to make sure I don't get bitten

I have 2 dogs myself and love them, but if (heaven forbid) they ever got loose and attacked someone for any reason I would expect that person to protect themselves.. so not hateful posts about being a dog hater because I'm not.

earthtoemilyy

pepper spray will help if that happens again. i'm sorry that happened to you.

i do own a pitbull who would never hurt anyone, but i'm not going to stick up for the breed in general because so many things do happen. i also would never let mine roam free--sounds like a bad dog with bad owners, and i do hope you notified the police! both for your sake and for the next person this dog tries to bite.

CMB1979

Maybe you can carry a bag of cayenne pepper in your pocket and break it open when the dog shows up.

bm99

I've never used it, but my dad used to cycle a lot, and I know he carried around pepper spray. He did use it once, and from what he says it was pretty effective.

Though in some states (like here in Mass) you have to get a gun license in order to carry pepper spray...

http://www.misdefenseproducts.com/Pepper-Spray-Laws-Restrictions-sp-6.html This site might help with knowing what you can have in your state, OP.

coliema

WOW.

mlewon

Dog mace. My aunt runs with it everyday (she has a lot of dogs in her neighborhood). I don't use it because there aren't really any loose dogs around me, but she says it works extremely well.

Also, if you got bit, you really should find out who the owner is. You need to tell them you got bit. It may not be a first offense and if it isn't the dog could be considered dangerous.

kmm7309

We saw a show the other day and they were using "Bear Spray" (not on dogs, but on bears and showed it being sprayed on a guy) and it's tons more effective than pepper spray. I'm not trying to be mean.. but no matter what bread of dog if it is coming at me, I would want to have the best thing possible to make sure I don't get bitten.

Thank you! ANY dog can be dangerous... not just pits. I'm not going to go on a soapbox about how unfairly pit bulls are criticized, but I will say that even a Jack Russell Terrier can hurt you if it wants to.

That being said, I carry a 3-inch long knife on me at all times. Helped me defend myself against a robber (or rapist, I didn't stay around long enough to find out). Pepper spray is another great idea. But dog or person, if I feel the need to defend myself, I don't want it getting back up for awhile.

chlorisaann

Everyone that owns a pitbull thinks that with the right love and training their dog would never attack a person, but reality sets and instinct takes over. This particular dog breed should be banned.

You should consider speaking to an attorney.

Running away from the animal doesn't help. Also, protect your neck. Given the chance animals will go for the jugular.

The Breed is not all bad and should not be judged on a whole by some inbred bad apples!! I have a friend who raises Pits and they would lick you to death before the bite, unless you were to physically threaten or harm them or their family! I agree there are ones who were never abused that just have issues this is usually due to MAJOR in breeding, which again is not the fault of the animal, but of the breeders! There are bad apples in the human race too, that we just don't understand why they are the way they are, should we as humans be banned too??


Sorry for the soap box, but it just gets my goat the way this breed is so often villianized and that half the time,a "Pit" is not even a pit bull. There are many breed mixes that look like pit that are not... OK... Off the box now!

NeuroticVirgo

Everyone that owns a pitbull thinks that with the right love and training their dog would never attack a person, but reality sets and instinct takes over. This particular dog breed should be banned.

Its not the breed. Its the animal. Any dog, even a mini poodle can bite when not properly trained or kept on a leash.

To the OP - Definitely carry pepper spray, and make sure you report that bite. You were lucky, but if this dog is often out, the next person (or child!) might not be as lucky. Who ever owns the dog should be more responsible. Never run from a dog, it will only make them chase you.

reese66

The dog was reported but allowed to stay because the owner had the shot records. They will take it if it attacks again between now and the court date in September.

I was so scared and just imagine if it was a child instead.

I didn't run, I really wasn't sure what to do honestly. I only began walking again after the owner had control of the dog.

bm99

The dog was reported but allowed to stay because the owner had the shot records. They will take it if it attacks again between now and the court date in September.

I was so scared and just imagine if it was a child instead.

I am looking at the site I posted earlier and the stun batons look interesting and might suit your needs

retriev00

Was the dog unleashed and attacked you? Did you have to get stitches? How severe was the injury?

julialla

N/V..

AuddAlise

I second, third and fourth that you need to talk with the proper authorities about being bitten. You need to have the dog checked to make sure it was not diseased. You also need to let the authorities know about this because if this happens again they need to know about the animals history. What if it bites a child next time? It could kill the child. Please talk with Animal Control.

I have never carried mace/pepper spray while running but if you're going to be going by this house again fortune rewards the prepared.

ETA - I must have posted right after you did. I'm glad that you reported it. I'm surprised that they brushed it off so lightly though.

reese66

The dog was reported but allowed to stay because the owner had the shot records. They will take it if it attacks again between now and the court date in September.

I was so scared and just imagine if it was a child instead.

I am looking at the site I posted earlier and the stun batons look interesting and might suit your needs

I will check out the site, thank you!!!

BandForAlyAnne

there are NO bad dogs. only bad owners.

bm99

The dog was reported but allowed to stay because the owner had the shot records. They will take it if it attacks again between now and the court date in September.

I was so scared and just imagine if it was a child instead.

I am looking at the site I posted earlier and the stun batons look interesting and might suit your needs

I will check out the site, thank you!!!

Just double check your state's laws about it... some of them are insanely restrictive!

mlewon

We saw a show the other day and they were using "Bear Spray" (not on dogs, but on bears and showed it being sprayed on a guy) and it's tons more effective than pepper spray. I'm not trying to be mean.. but no matter what bread of dog if it is coming at me, I would want to have the best thing possible to make sure I don't get bitten.

Thank you! ANY dog can be dangerous... not just pits. I'm not going to go on a soapbox about how unfairly pit bulls are criticized, but I will say that even a Jack Russell Terrier can hurt you if it wants to.

That being said, I carry a 3-inch long knife on me at all times. Helped me defend myself against a robber (or rapist, I didn't stay around long enough to find out). Pepper spray is another great idea. But dog or person, if I feel the need to defend myself, I don't want it getting back up for awhile.

Exactlyyy. I got bit by a german shepherd when I was 13. He grabbed my hand when I went to pick up a shoe (it was a neighbors dog-I never even saw it coming) and I lost an entire fingernail, half of a second and you could see the bones sticking out of my middle finger/hand. It doesn't matter what type of dog it is, they can ALL be dangerous. It depends on how they're raised.

nikinyx6

Where I live, the danger is more of wild animals than dogs.

With dogs, the way you present yourself is really important, I know it's hard, but 'showing no fear' does help. I carry an air horn with me, as I prefer to not harm an animal if possible, that being said, I do also carry a knife, just in case. The air horn is usually enough to break the attacking animal's train of thought, and make it a little more wary of you.

Best of luck in future walks, stay safe OP!

Giraffe33991

When I'm not running on my usual bike path and go thru neighborhoods or out at dark, I usually carry an asp. No one wants to mess with that! Just the sound of extending it is intimidating!

http://www.batondefense.com/ASPBC.html

jadesign19

I was running with my dog on a leash and an unleashed dog attacked us. It was winter and the dog chewed thru my leather gloves and messed up my jacket. I'm blessed my dog was unharmed. It was a large pit bull mix. My dog is a 45 lb shepherd mix. I was so on adrenaline and pulled the dog off my dog. Finally the owner came and took off in his car with his dog. I was only 1/2 mile from home so I didn't bring my cell phone. Big mistake. I didn't get the plate on the guys car.
Anyway what I learned is that pepper spray is what most authorities recommend. My vet said if your ever attacked by a dog or if a dog attacks yours use your feet. Kick the sh@@ out of it, aim for the neck or *kitten*. Your legs are stronger and you want to protect your neck area with your arms. The dog will go for your throat instinctually. I always carry pepper spray and my cell phone now. Psychologically, if I see another dog while I'm with my dog I take another route. I'm afraid my dog will sense my anxiety.
Hope this helps.

rextcat

fog horn

Ocarina

Please tell me you got checked for rabies and whatnot after being attacked.

That's so traumatizing. I recommend the pepper spray.