Protection from dogs.

jesusHchris

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.

The MFP forums are famous for their ignorance around nutrition and fitness, why not branch out? Kudos, sir!

Rhea30

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.

The problem with the pit bull breed that is unique to the breed is the power in their jaw. Any dog can attack, that is true but the bite of a pit bull is way more dangerous then other breeds and that should not be ignored.

reese66

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.

I have been around pitts and everything was fine but they are aggressive in nature, and that is not to say that they all act on it. By the way I was bit by a poodle as child which is probably why I really don't like the breed. It's the owners fault for having the gate open and allowing it to run freely.

I am not attacking the breed, I am just looking for safe ways to protect myself.

wannaplay2505

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.

The MFP forums are famous for their ignorance around nutrition and fitness, why not branch out? Kudos, sir!

Well done. =S SMH

reese66

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!

I had no fear until I realized I was being bit.

taralc1

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.

Its not the breed, it's how it was raised and it's temperment. Pitts are this "seasons" bad dog. Rotties, Dobermans, GSD and even Saint Bernards have been on that list.

sun33082

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!

I like the idea of the air horn. I'm sure that would work most of the time and definitely better (for the animal) than pepper spray or a knife.

cordianet

Sorry to hear about this. I had not even thought about this possibility where I run, but perhaps I need to. You never know anymore. As to your original question, I have no experience with the device you listed, but I do know if you're going to go with a spray, I would recommend one that contains both oleoresin capsicum (pepper spray), AND tear gas. Together they are more effective than either alone.

reese66

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

He got his upper fangs in, looks like he got a couple of nibbles. No stitches and it's just one large black and blue area now. Just hurts to walk, sit and bumping against something is a definite no-no...

I am going to be fine, maybe more scared of dogs but I am fine.

reese66

Sorry to hear about this. I had not even thought about this possibility where I run, but perhaps I need to. You never know anymore. As to your original question, I have no experience with the device you listed, but I do know if you're going to go with a spray, I would recommend one that contains both oleoresin capsicum (pepper spray), AND tear gas. Together they are more effective than either alone.

Thanks, do you know a brand?

jsapninz

Pepper spray. I just got myself a small bottle at a sporting goods store designed for runners after having a few similar scares.:frown: :grumble:
If not, get a concealed weapons permit. Working on that too.

kmm7309

I understand that you do not want to harm the dog, but your safety is number 1. Bring everything (gun, knife, pepper spray, fog horn, etc) if it makes you safe. Would you feel this way if it was a person attacking you instead of a dog?

DakotaKeogh

Looks like the consensus is to report the dog and I have to heartily agree. The owner needs to be held to account for that. You have to be dumber than a rock to not know the risks associated with that breed. The animal has no business being out loose.

Dawnhasajeep

A .22

KrisyKat

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.

skpstone

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??

Yes, its called Jail.

cordianet

Thanks, do you know a brand?

I believe both Mace and Sabre make that kind of product. In general, those are both good brands with a solid reputation. I'd avoid some of the ones you might find if they're from no-name companies. I just don't trust them.

http://www.mace.com/personal_defense/mace-triple-action-pocket.html
http://www.sabrered.com/servlet/the-SABRE-Advanced-3-dsh-in-dsh-1-Defense-Sprays/Categories

I will caution you however, there are some strange laws out there with some states or local municipalities banning certain things. You'll want to make sure this particular product is okay to have. If nothing else, you could probably ask the investigating officer from your attack. I assume you were given his card?

bm99

A .22

I think it would be incredibly difficult and dangerous to try to shoot a dog that is attacking you.

Bobby_Clerici

Any threatening , unleashed dog in my path gets a swift kick and a loud "NO!"
Any irresponsible owner who objects goes to ER.
Most dogs are great, and even mean dogs seem to love me.
I've only had to kick a few times, and it was always a pit bull.
Good Luck!

m00nflwr

know your town's leash laws
most places have them, except some more rural areas

I walk my dogs in our neighborhood, within city limits, and encounter off-leash dogs. breed is irrelevant, if a dog wants to be territorial and aggressive it can be. I have the animal control number loaded in my phone and have called on walks before. I haven't come upon any of those dogs roaming freely again.

I know that doesn't address being bitten when you're out. Was there no person anywhere around? Thankfully the times dogs have come at my and my dogs aggressively there has been a person around.

Once a dog on a leash (a black lab, one of the "nicest" breeds) bit my dog. so I don't buy into breed prejudices. any breed of dog can have a crappy owner.

Cold_Steel

Most pepper sprays are the same - Bear sprays are good but tend to be big and bulky -

The below are the basic options

1. Pepper spray - you can get them in dog varieties - in all honesty they are difficult to deploy when you are under stress and you may hurt yourself, unless you get in the habit of simply running / walking with it in your hand ready to go when needed. You can get some that are key chain models so you can carry your keys that way - or clip type etc.

2. Taser - expensive, requires training and is great if you have good aim pointless if you dont. Unless you take the deployment cartridge off and use it as a stun gun only but that requires you to get up close to the dog.

3. Walking Stick - Believe it or not these are very effective, either in a poly plastic or wood the mere act of using one adds an extension to yourself and this is actually a good deterrent to a dog, they see it as an extension of you and you appear larger and they are unsure of it etc. It also usually gives you a feeling of confidence as well.

4. Learning how to deal with dogs - The most important thing in dealing with engaging a dog is to ensure that you are establishing confidence / dominance- Dont stare down a dog but if you walk or run and you are OBSERVANT of your surroundings, lift your shoulders up, look dominating and assertive most dogs wont challenge you unless you go into their territory.

5. Knife - Firearm / I lump these two together because while it might be a nice feeling to have that little knife that you pat every once in a while on your side for protection these tools are completely useless unless you have EXTENSIVE training in their use.

I see a lot of people carrying knives and while yes, it is something which is better than nothing it is also something that can be EXTREMELY dangerous to the user. I have taken several knife fighting courses and I barely feel confident in my abilities not to cut myself... or not to have my own knife taken away and used against me. Same thing with firearms... and it may be illegal in your area.


To the a hole that posted the breed that should be banned...

I have done dog training ... You my friend are a good reason why this breed has such a bad wrap. I have been bitten by more Chihuahas, ****zus, Poodles then I have with a Pit.

There are crazy dogs in every variety but the owner has the majority of the responsibility to understand the breed. If you dont give a pit bull a job and dont exercise it and socialize it it will be like any other dog ... German Sheperd, Chow, Rottweiler, Doberman, Poodle....It will be aggressive...

Kenzieb07

Hmmm, it seems to have worked for my pitbull -- lots of love and attention and he is the least aggressive dog I've ever been around. My coonhound/pointer mix is more aggressive.
It's extremely disgusting that you think it's OK to ban a breed, especially knowing that many of us have pitbulls who are family members and have never done anything wrong.

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.

cineshome

I just bought a citronella based spray called SprayShield for about $15. Not foolproof but it won't harm the animal and it can supposedly spray from about 10 feet away. Bought it at Pet Food Express.

Enigmatica

I used to run with an 800,000 volt stun baton and had to use it TWICE over the years on dogs who tried to attack my little lab/beagle mix. It had 130 decibel siren on it, too. Applied across a dog's nose or muzzle, it definitely made an impression. Didn't seem to faze an attacking dog if I pressed it up against their body though! Dogs can be incredibly oblivious to everything else when they are in attack mode.

Dudagarcia

Pepper spray

Trechechus

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.

Have you ever worked with animals, or are you just making assumptions based on hear-say?

No animal is inherently evil just as no person is. Any dog can be mistreated into aggression and any dog can be the best thing in the world. A good friend of mine has a pitbull who lived with and snuggled with her cats' new born kittens. The idea the Pitbulls, Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers etc are any more "dangerous" than a Shar Pei or a Labrador is ABSOLUTELY preposterous. I used to work at an animal shelter and the pitties are AMAZING companions, as were the black cats.

Don't be racist against a dog breed.

http://aspcabehavior.org/articles/193/The-Truth-About-Pit-Bulls.aspx

Onto the question at hand. I think you should call the ASPCA and let them know that the dog is there. They can send specially trained officers to deal with the issue.

jjh1024

Any dog can attack and have problems. If bred properly and trained well all dogs, even pit bulls, are great dogs. They are just like people some have issues some don't. When asking for advice though I dont think she was asking for your personal opinion and attack on the bred. Other then that, get your facts straight.

I would 100% contact authority and report this. This dog may have a record of this and you may be able to save someone else from this happening to them. I would also have the bite checked out. I am not sure what would work. Pepper spray sounds as though it would do t he trick though. Sorry I dont have any better advice. Please be careful!

MelStren

I guess I'm going to be the only one to suggest carrying doggie biscuts! If this dog lives in the neighborhood you run in, you ARE going to see it again and chances are, it'll be out again. Get into the habit of tossing a doggie treat into his yard every time you pass by.... he'll start to associate you with the treats and will be happy to see you. I have several yards on my route with fenced in dogs, they've all gotten used to me tossing goodies in thier yards and they don't bark at me anymore....

rooster70460

Wow today must have been "bite a human" day. I got bit by my neighbors daughter's dog today a couple times actually. He is a terrior (sp) and extremely aggressive. Thank god he doesn't normally live there but was just visiting for the week. I was in my yard and he came after me. Honestly now I wish I had a shovel because I would have beat the crap out of it!! Most people don't do yardwork with pepper spray and I agree most people prolly wouldn't react in time to use it.

I have seen several people walk with big sticks to scare off dogs. Maybe that would help? All I know is I told my neighbor if that dog bites me again I will have it put down, NO IF, ANDS, OR BUTS!!!

Good luck.

LaurenAOK

Oh goodness, are you ok?! Definitely consider legal action if the bite will need treatment. I work in the personal injury dept of a law firm and we deal with dog bite cases. Nasty stuff.

As for advice I don't have much, I am a huge animal lover so I can't suggest anything that would put the dog in harm's way... however pepper spray does sound like a good idea.