Protection from dogs.

I'm glad you're ok. I'm really sorry the dog scared and hurt you. I agree that you should try carrying pepper spray or some sort of baton-like implement, as long as that's legal in your state. Wouldn't want you to get in trouble just for trying to protect yourself.

It's been proven that if you leash up any dog, and then let it roam in the yard, an open gate/fence will mean it will take off for its freedom and attack anything in the way.

This is just silly. Some dogs will always run off if they can, some never would unless another animal scared them. Most would just be curious and want to go see what's out there. After all, it's fun when to go for a walk, and they don't know what a leash law is. And MOST owned dogs (not talking about wild or feral dogs) are domesticated animals who would not consider attacking a human, sometimes not under any circumstances, but certainly not just because he/she was walking by. Dogs are all different, just as people are all different, and it's up to the individual owner to know his or her dog and take proper precautions. The dog referenced in the OP's post was clearly out of its owner's control, and that's not allowed in modern society.

Sorry if I hijacked your thread. I just dislike inflammatory statements like that.

I recommend a Ruger LCP. I had a pitbull chase my boxer and me down one day and luckily had my LCP on me...enough said...

You carry a hand gun when you walk? Where the heck do you live????? WTF?

Better to be judged by 12 than carried by six.

I've been bitten by two dogs throughout my life. One dog was a German Shepherd and one was a Chihuahua.
I'm not saying anything against or in defense of Pitbulls.... I just think that ANY dog can be dangerous...

To OP, glad you are okay and reported this incident.

yes, any dog can be dangerous. Problem with pits (my opinion) is they are so freaking strong for their size that they do much more damage than other breeds.

And I agree (mostly) with the no bad dogs only bad owners comments. My neighbor is a bad owner. In 7 years we've lived next to him, he's had at least 9 dogs killed or "disappeared." He usually has between 6 and 10 dogs at his house and lets them run anywhere and everywhere. He has 4 pits, 3 jack russells and 3-5 chihuahuas right now. I think. Last time I counted but that was last week so he might only have 5 dogs now. Or 20.....

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!

^ I really hope that you are okay. I have been bite before. It was rather stressful. However, I agree 100% with this comment.
Please do not lump all dogs of one breed together.

I recommend a Ruger LCP. I had a pitbull chase my boxer and me down one day and luckily had my LCP on me...enough said...

Wow, how sad. I would hate to live where I have to walk around in fear all the time like a schoolgirl. You might want to consider Canada or some other non-violent country.

I love how every article in the news about a dog biting someone states the dog is a pit. I have owned a pit. he was the best behaved and nicest dog you could ever wish for. I currently have 2 boxer mixes which are constantly being called pit bulls.

I also carry a gun when I go out. We have had some close encounters with bear and mountain lions in my neighborhood. In a more urban area I would try the doggie biscuits though.

I hear you with the breed thing, very sad. Hitler state. But seriously, walking with a gun? I could never live in a country where I feared for my safety like that. I live in the country with bears and wolves and never once even considered the need for a weapon. If you respect the wild, it respects you. Although, I can't speak to mountain lions - perhaps you have cause there, I just think that with any wild animal, mutual respect is the key.

your wrong i have 2 pitbulls and they are trained to love everyone. I also have 2 cats and they all get along. My dogs are basically lap dogs. i let them out without a leash and they come back after they go to the bathroom, i have had 1 occasion where some guy tried pissing my dog off by throwing a stick at him so my dog would bite him and all she did was run back to me while i went up to the guy and punched him in the face for coming on my property and yelling at me for having my dog run on my property without a leash.

All animals are innocent, they do not have a brain like a human. They do not know whats right and wrong, that's what a trainer is for. The dog that bit this woman was not trained and had nobody around that loved it and cared for it.

I seen a teacup Pomeranian bite someone, should that breed be banned too?

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.

That is probably one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard.

Carry pepper spray or doggie treats. Try to strike any attacking animal in the nose.


Side note (and just personal opinion) any breed of dog can be dangerous. Stay aware when you're walking or running. I've been chased/threatened by everything from Chihuahuas to German Shepherds (and licked nearly to death by Pit Bulls, which I happen to adore).

I'm glad that you're ok and any dog, vicious or not.....regardless of breed, should not be out without being on a leash. Period. You never know what any of them should do and it should always be reported.

Dogs don't like when people run. When people run (no matter the breed) they think of hunting and chasing.

Well I am sorry to hear you were bitten by a dog. That is unfortunate. Best thing to do is stand your ground, don't let them sense fear, and YELL at them. Carrying around a stick with you, or dog treats...that sometimes works.

For little dogs that attack (which they are known to go for the ankles) get down on their level, be assertive and YELL at them. If you are standing and yelling it won't have any effect...you need to get on their eye level.

As for the breed of the dog, I think it is unfortunate for Pit Bulls that they are being demonized by people - by those who having fallen prey to the dogs’ misrepresentation in the media. People don't even know how to recognize an actual breed of pit bull! That and the fact that people take these 'bull breeds' because they have a tough looking exterior and train them to be aggressive!

I have had two pitbull mix and they were the most tender dogs I have honestly met. They were both kind hearted, scared of cats, and very smart. Everyone that met Knuckles and Chance adored them. They never hurt anyone, rarely barked, were very loyal, and both had a playful/goofy side. Knuckles was so good that we were asked to use him for helping to keep people calm at the hospital.

Something I read recently: "According to testing by The National Canine Temperament Testing Association, the Golden Retriever, Poodle, Border Collie, English Setter, and numerous other breeds are considered more likely to become aggressive than the breeds commonly referred to as Pit Bulls."

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!

Air horn is a fantastic idea!!! I never thought of that. I don't carry anything but my iPod, though.....probably won't be much help.

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.

ANY breed of dog is capable of snapping and attacking a person. We had a Pit mix when my kids were little and she was one of the most sweet-tempered dogs I've ever owned. I know people that have pure bred Pits and they are lovers; not fighters. They will protect their people, though. I understand where the reputation comes from...but my experience with Pits has been nothing but good. So to say that the entire breed should be banned is utterly ludicrous.

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.

You need to shut up SO MUCH.