Dog attack - How would you handle?

Waiting for the "We need to ban dogs" guys to chime in.
Just the “aggressive ones” whatever that’s supposed to mean.
Been at a trial this weekend with around 25 high drive dogs. Many that would rather bite as a reward than take food. I was out on a small field with mine on Friday with 3 other dogs. None on leashes, no growling, lunging, or issues whatsoever. As a matter of fact, they don’t even pay attention to one another. Yet, I can’t train at the school up the street from me without every “fur mom’s” shitzkapoo or whatever losing it’s ever loving mind because it sees us on the other side of the field.
It’s funny because the one guy who i never have an issue with is the one with the IGP 3 Malinois and his GSD. We have full conversations with our off leash bite trained “aggressive” dogs within 10 feet of each other and there’s never an issue.
It’s almost like if you choose the correct dog for the job you want it to do, care to get educated, spend the money, put the time and effort in, and act responsibly, there’s no issues.

What’s that???
Most people aren’t willing to do that?????
They’re irresponsible, egotistical, and lazy?????
Well, that’s why I say most people probably shouldn’t have dogs.


TLDR. Kill em all.
 
There's a nearby park where I take my walks, listen to a podcast, smoke a cigarillo. I'm friendly, smile and say hi to passerbys, etc. This is not a "dog-specific park", but a trail park where dogs are allowed. Rules of the park say "dogs must be leashed or be under voice control". Makes sense. Let your dog roam free as long as rover comes back immediately when you tell him to. If a walked dog crosses paths with me, I move to the opposite site to stay away and give plenty of room. 90% of the time it's never a problem.

Unfortunately, I've been needing to carry pepper spray in my pocket lately. 4 times this summer I've had unleashed stranger dogs aggressively charge in my direction, loud barking, etc. and the owners don't seem to give 2 shits. Btw, I'm not some Karen whos snitching on the slightest rule break or anything, but these f***ing dog owners think this is a free-for-all. Trust me, I'm not walking up to Lil Poochie and going full-auto because he looked at me from 50ft away. I'm very lenient.

Today, I'm doing my walk, I take a side-detour in the trees to avoid a crowded main path where dogs gathered. Even so, 2 dogs dart into the woods, target me, charging at me 100mph, and is circling me barking loud even when I walk away. I see the dog owner (stereotypical white liberal beta-male) and I say "You better get your dog away from me or he's getting the sauce!" as I have the spray at the ready. He goes "Just keep walking!". I go "Not my f***ing problem. Come get your f***ing dog!" as he just stands there doing nothing. He goes "Its a dog park!" I go "You're supposed to have your dog on a leash unless your have voice control!". Dog finally goes away and I continue my walk (mind you this is in front of 10 people). JFC. Now I'm fired up.

I go home and look up MA pepper spray laws because I'm not stopping my walks in a public park while following the rules posted up front. Apparently, there are 14 million dog attacks per year, 13k resulting in a penetrating dog bite, and I'm sure many of those result in infection. Long story short, I'm good to go with spray as long as I perceive a threat (and can articulate it). If I were to use extreme measures, I would still be well within my right (of course I want to avoid that by any means, especially in MA).

I love dogs, especially those that I'm familiar with, but I know some of you dog owners aren't liking this post at all. As long as you're a responsible dog owner, not only do I have no problem with you, but I also commend you for taking the time to leash and be courteous to others.

Fun fact: apparently USPS mailmen sauce hundreds of dogs per year, every year, and no repercussions. It's an expected part of the job.
 
In my childhood my dad boot stomped 2 dogs. My dads stance
If comes charging/barking and gets with in kicking range its getting a full kick and stomp.

I dont give a shit. Your dog comes at me barking im doing what ever I feel I need to do.
Our family dogs never charged anything but ups trucks the driver could come and go but my dog was ready to kill the tire he was barking at.

Way before lease laws dogs where seldom a problem . The ones that where got boot stomped once a second incident that dog “ran away”

i have come close to bashing a few stray dogs in my own yard.


I met my new neighbors dog first day. Before we even met the people
Full on charge across the yard. Pulled my gun and almost started to unload.
Dog at last minute barrel rolled onto to his back and begged for a belly rub.

I pet the dog , walked him over to the new neighbors. Introduced myself and told him be careful , someone is going to kill this dog the way he runs up to people.
They did put up an electric fence and did some training with her.
Its a nice dog but has that nervous energy.
 
There's a nearby park where I take my walks, listen to a podcast, smoke a cigarillo. I'm friendly, smile and say hi to passerbys, etc. This is not a "dog-specific park", but a trail park where dogs are allowed. Rules of the park say "dogs must be leashed or be under voice control". Makes sense. Let your dog roam free as long as rover comes back immediately when you tell him to. If a walked dog crosses paths with me, I move to the opposite site to stay away and give plenty of room. 90% of the time it's never a problem.

Unfortunately, I've been needing to carry pepper spray in my pocket lately. 4 times this summer I've had unleashed stranger dogs aggressively charge in my direction, loud barking, etc. and the owners don't seem to give 2 shits. Btw, I'm not some Karen whos snitching on the slightest rule break or anything, but these f***ing dog owners think this is a free-for-all. Trust me, I'm not walking up to Lil Poochie and going full-auto because he looked at me from 50ft away. I'm very lenient.

Today, I'm doing my walk, I take a side-detour in the trees to avoid a crowded main path where dogs gathered. Even so, 2 dogs dart into the woods, target me, charging at me 100mph, and is circling me barking loud even when I walk away. I see the dog owner (stereotypical white liberal beta-male) and I say "You better get your dog away from me or he's getting the sauce!" as I have the spray at the ready. He goes "Just keep walking!". I go "Not my f***ing problem. Come get your f***ing dog!" as he just stands there doing nothing. He goes "Its a dog park!" I go "You're supposed to have your dog on a leash unless your have voice control!". Dog finally goes away and I continue my walk (mind you this is in front of 10 people). JFC. Now I'm fired up.

I go home and look up MA pepper spray laws because I'm not stopping my walks in a public park while following the rules posted up front. Apparently, there are 14 million dog attacks per year, 13k resulting in a penetrating dog bite, and I'm sure many of those result in infection. Long story short, I'm good to go with spray as long as I perceive a threat (and can articulate it). If I were to use extreme measures, I would still be well within my right (of course I want to avoid that by any means, especially in MA).

I love dogs, especially those that I'm familiar with, but I know some of you dog owners aren't liking this post at all. As long as you're a responsible dog owner, not only do I have no problem with you, but I also commend you for taking the time to leash and be courteous to others.

Fun fact: apparently USPS mailmen sauce hundreds of dogs per year, every year, and no repercussions. It's an expected part of the job.
Any dog owner who dislikes your post is probably one of those irresponsible tools.

We have always kept our pony sized dogs (Rotties, GSD, Black Russian Terrier) leashed in public spaces. Wachusett Mtn has a leash rule, but there are always a**h***s who think it's OK for their unruly pooch to run around and cause problems. "He's friendly" seems to be code for "I have no control of my dog yet feel entitled to zero consequences for his bad behavior". I tell them to get their dog away from ours immediately or I'll let them go to defend themselves. I've had to do that a couple times. Worst that ever happened was one of my Rotties got a small 1/8" tear on the tip of his ear but the other dog had some serious injuries.

People suck, and 99 times out of 100 it's their fault their dog is an @sshole.
 
Any dog owner who dislikes your post is probably one of those irresponsible tools.

We have always kept our pony sized dogs (Rotties, GSD, Black Russian Terrier) leashed in public spaces. Wachusett Mtn has a leash rule, but there are always a**h***s who think it's OK for their unruly pooch to run around and cause problems. "He's friendly" seems to be code for "I have no control of my dog yet feel entitled to zero consequences for his bad behavior". I tell them to get their dog away from ours immediately or I'll let them go to defend themselves. I've had to do that a couple times. Worst that ever happened was one of my Rotties got a small 1/8" tear on the tip of his ear but the other dog had some serious injuries.

People suck, and 99 times out of 100 it's their fault their dog is an @sshole.
Trust me, I know "playfulness" from "aggression" in dogs. I honestly think anybody else here would've sauced if they were in my position. On all my close calls, the owners had zero control over their dog. Nobody gives a crap anymore. I'm not a dog owner but I can't imagine it's that difficult to leash my dog until he's voice controlled enough to let loose in public. And then I look like the bad guy 👍
 
There's a nearby park where I take my walks, listen to a podcast, smoke a cigarillo. I'm friendly, smile and say hi to passerbys, etc. This is not a "dog-specific park", but a trail park where dogs are allowed. Rules of the park say "dogs must be leashed or be under voice control". Makes sense. Let your dog roam free as long as rover comes back immediately when you tell him to. If a walked dog crosses paths with me, I move to the opposite site to stay away and give plenty of room. 90% of the time it's never a problem.

Unfortunately, I've been needing to carry pepper spray in my pocket lately. 4 times this summer I've had unleashed stranger dogs aggressively charge in my direction, loud barking, etc. and the owners don't seem to give 2 shits. Btw, I'm not some Karen whos snitching on the slightest rule break or anything, but these f***ing dog owners think this is a free-for-all. Trust me, I'm not walking up to Lil Poochie and going full-auto because he looked at me from 50ft away. I'm very lenient.

Today, I'm doing my walk, I take a side-detour in the trees to avoid a crowded main path where dogs gathered. Even so, 2 dogs dart into the woods, target me, charging at me 100mph, and is circling me barking loud even when I walk away. I see the dog owner (stereotypical white liberal beta-male) and I say "You better get your dog away from me or he's getting the sauce!" as I have the spray at the ready. He goes "Just keep walking!". I go "Not my f***ing problem. Come get your f***ing dog!" as he just stands there doing nothing. He goes "Its a dog park!" I go "You're supposed to have your dog on a leash unless your have voice control!". Dog finally goes away and I continue my walk (mind you this is in front of 10 people). JFC. Now I'm fired up.

I go home and look up MA pepper spray laws because I'm not stopping my walks in a public park while following the rules posted up front. Apparently, there are 14 million dog attacks per year, 13k resulting in a penetrating dog bite, and I'm sure many of those result in infection. Long story short, I'm good to go with spray as long as I perceive a threat (and can articulate it). If I were to use extreme measures, I would still be well within my right (of course I want to avoid that by any means, especially in MA).

I love dogs, especially those that I'm familiar with, but I know some of you dog owners aren't liking this post at all. As long as you're a responsible dog owner, not only do I have no problem with you, but I also commend you for taking the time to leash and be courteous to others.

Fun fact: apparently USPS mailmen sauce hundreds of dogs per year, every year, and no repercussions. It's an expected part of the job.
There is a park at the end of my street. Dogs are supposed to be leashed, but often they are not.

I carry a pistol, but I’m not about to use it, under any circumstances, in this park. There’s just too many people.

When going for a walk in the park, I also carry an ASP. Only used it, sort of, once. Walking around the park perimeter, just about at the point furthest from the street; there is a group of four dogs, unleashed, engaged in what appears to be a dog fight. Real or play? Beats me. But then one of the dogs breaks away and heads in my direction. One guy is looking at the dog, and I suspect he’s the owner. He does nothing but watch his dog coming my way.

I flicked open the ASP. At this point the guy rushes forward and grabs his dog’s collar and pulls him back to the group. I collapse the ASP. I resume my walk; dog guy and I watch each other.

Not a word was spoken. As far as I can tell, none were needed.
 
I dont give a shit. Your dog comes at me barking im doing what ever I feel I need to do.
My general policy is that if a dog charges at me with bad intentions, I get real loud and aggressive towards it. 9 times out of 10 the dog backs down.
But the main reason I keep pepper spray is I would hate to have to shoot a dog.
I do however, think that if you have to pepper spray an untrained dog, it should be mandatory that you spray the owner right in the face.
 
My general policy is that if a dog charges at me with bad intentions, I get real loud and aggressive towards it. 9 times out of 10 the dog backs down.
But the main reason I keep pepper spray is I would hate to have to shoot a dog.
I do however, think that if you have to pepper spray an untrained dog, it should be mandatory that you spray the owner right in the face.
"Spray them in the Anus, with OC!" -some guy on sigforum, circa 2005. 🤣
 
I knew a postal delivery guy years and we were all in the bar talking about aggressive dogs.
I asked him if the post office gives them any training and he told me they teach you to look the dog straight in the eye, raise your hand like you are going to hit them and holler "NO!" As if you were his owner. He said it works most of they time, and when it doesn't it's usually a smaller dog that is trying to bite your ankles so you just "Kick the shit out of the little bastards'"
He said he has never been bitten or had to spray
a dog, but "he has sure kicked the shit out of the little f***kers don't listen."
 
Trust me, I know "playfulness" from "aggression" in dogs. I honestly think anybody else here would've sauced if they were in my position. On all my close calls, the owners had zero control over their dog. Nobody gives a crap anymore. I'm not a dog owner but I can't imagine it's that difficult to leash my dog until he's voice controlled enough to let loose in public. And then I look like the bad guy 👍
Eh f*** it next time let the dog bite you then mace the owner and sue his ass
 
I knew a postal delivery guy years and we were all in the bar talking about aggressive dogs.
I asked him if the post office gives them any training and he told me they teach you to look the dog straight in the eye, raise your hand like you are going to hit them and holler "NO!" As if you were his owner. He said it works most of they time, and when it doesn't it's usually a smaller dog that is trying to bite your ankles so you just "Kick the shit out of the little bastards'"
He said he has never been bitten or had to spray
a dog, but "he has sure kicked the shit out of the little f***kers don't listen."
Rapid painful actions work surprising well.
Fishing one night a medium sized dog came out of no where latched onto my dads arm. Heavy flannel saved jim from any real injury

My dad was a man of very little hesitation. Before the dog could even really bite down hard and shake my dad had his finger buried in its eye. Thats all it took.

My aunt is a dog nut. Hates Untrained dogs
Just basic training.
My aunt is a firm believer for everones safety all dogs should be leased and at least one of those single strap muzzles when in public. All her dogs could be commanded to stay and they would stay. If strangers came close they would keep moving out of the reach of people.

All big working dogs and I would hate to see what happened if cornered.

My last dog would not stray far from me especially in a park with strange people and dogs , always a blocker between me and what ever. When he barked it was a dont f*** with me type of bark but standing ground not charging. That dog put the hurt to a few aggressive dogs over the years.
Although that was the day the dog officer would show up and say.
So your dog went into their yard and gor its ass kicked….so what do you need me for.
Keep your dig in your yard.
No lease laws , no BS
Seldom did you hear of dog attacks
Most where kids bitten by their own dogs.
Ugh.
 
In my childhood my dad boot stomped 2 dogs. My dads stance
If comes charging/barking and gets with in kicking range its getting a full kick and stomp.

I dont give a shit. Your dog comes at me barking im doing what ever I feel I need to do.
Our family dogs never charged anything but ups trucks the driver could come and go but my dog was ready to kill the tire he was barking at.

Way before lease laws dogs where seldom a problem . The ones that where got boot stomped once a second incident that dog “ran away”

i have come close to bashing a few stray dogs in my own yard.


I met my new neighbors dog first day. Before we even met the people
Full on charge across the yard. Pulled my gun and almost started to unload.
Dog at last minute barrel rolled onto to his back and begged for a belly rub.

I pet the dog , walked him over to the new neighbors. Introduced myself and told him be careful , someone is going to kill this dog the way he runs up to people.
They did put up an electric fence and did some training with her.
Its a nice dog but has that nervous energy.
I had an incident on a trail with my sister and my young niece. Dog off leash, later middle aged couple prob 25 yards behind the dog, we're approaching from opposite directions. Dog sees us and charges at a dead run. I step in front of my niece who is scared at this point. Dog stops just a few feet from us barking wildly. Owners casually come walking up and just say hello as they pass by. The dog goes with them. I was like WTF?

Ive never owned dogs so Im aware I dont really read them very well. Do owners expect others to magically know the dog is all bark and no bite? Why would someone think this behavior is ok? Kind of embarrassed the whole thing caught me off guard and they had moved on before managed to say anything. They were so blasé about it and looked like an otherwise normal couple so I was wondering if it was just me.
 
I had an incident on a trail with my sister and my young niece. Dog off leash, later middle aged couple prob 25 yards behind the dog, we're approaching from opposite directions. Dog sees us and charges at a dead run. I step in front of my niece who is scared at this point. Dog stops just a few feet from us barking wildly. Owners casually come walking up and just say hello as they pass by. The dog goes with them. I was like WTF?

Ive never owned dogs so Im aware I dont really read them very well. Do owners expect others to magically know the dog is all bark and no bite? Why would someone think this behavior is ok? Kind of embarrassed the whole thing caught me off guard and they had moved on before managed to say anything. They were so blasé about it and looked like an otherwise normal couple so I was wondering if it was just me.
25 yards is way to far away
A good dog seldom will walk that far ahead
A good dog would stop and wait for owners to catch up or turn back when others are getting near

Again I have no problem kicking the shit of a dog that gets that close.

In honesty though barking dogs are “generally” not a issue. Scary yes .

Its the quiet dogs that you only hear the thump thump charging you often from behind.

Its a “generalization” but most dogs that are going to make contact dont waste a breath barking

Theres a lot to be said about the eyes.

An example is the coyote that cuts through my yard once in a while.

He trotted along at a slow gate while side eyeing you with a im ready to go if you bother me look.

Everyone thinks their dog is super friendly , until they are not. Be careful
 
Too bad you can't shoot a**h***s like that just a little bit but you'd probably get into trouble.
Co worker had his dog shot at a party
Dumb co worker dumb dog, Then got his ass kicked hard.

His dog was tired and getting snappy house owner said get him out of here.
dog owner got all pissy and mouthy said dog is fine unless I command him not to be.
Then the shit head said get him….
That did not go well.
 
Dogs are a responsibility and most people simply aren’t. Much like driving, people have no effing clue and yet they carry their ignorance with arrogance.
It takes a lot of time not just teaching but, proofing an off leash dog and I’ll confidently say at least 90% of people that think they have one, absolutely do not.
Wtbs there’s plenty that have zero control over their leashed dogs too.
I’ve had to light my dog up on an e collar because some dipshit woman’s dog ripped the leash out of her hand, ran wide open, and jumped on my dog’s back. I felt horrible for my dog because if I let her defend herself it would’ve been horrific for the other dog.

And @SKumar you had every right to hose that dog down imo.
Every right to punch his douchy owner in the mouth too.
 
There have been lots of posts in this thread about kicking dogs if necessary. When it is justified, I am not opposed to that if you can make it work, but will it actually work?

My mom used to have a rescued Aussie that had some behavior problems that were never fully resolved. This dog was friendly with us, but she was never, and could never, be off leash.

This dog was about 35 lbs, and occasionally she would take a dislike to a person and warn them off. Her warning was that she would bark vigorously while jumping straight up in the air, thrashing her head around, and showing teeth. This would put her head about face height for a person, and she was not a big dog.

Even though she was leashed, and not near anyone, I once saw a guy put his foot up to block or kick her, and then realize in one second that this dog was going to bring the fight to chest level. Of course, the dog was leashed, and she was quickly short leashed to bring her under control and quiet her down.

The point of this story is that I never forget the athleticism of dogs. Some dogs are nearly airborne creatures. And being prepared for that in terms of means and mindset may be necessary for the safety of all people and dogs involved.
 
There have been lots of posts in this thread about kicking dogs if necessary. When it is justified, I am not opposed to that if you can make it work, but will it actually work?

My mom used to have a rescued Aussie that had some behavior problems that were never fully resolved. This dog was friendly with us, but she was never, and could never, be off leash.

This dog was about 35 lbs, and occasionally she would take a dislike to a person and warn them off. Her warning was that she would bark vigorously while jumping straight up in the air, thrashing her head around, and showing teeth. This would put her head about face height for a person, and she was not a big dog.

Even though she was leashed, and not near anyone, I once saw a guy put his foot up to block or kick her, and then realize in one second that this dog was going to bring the fight to chest level. Of course, the dog was leashed, and she was quickly short leashed to bring her under control and quiet her down.

The point of this story is that I never forget the athleticism of dogs. Some dogs are nearly airborne creatures. And being prepared for that in terms of means and mindset may be necessary for the safety of all people and dogs involved.

Yeah; I've usually smacked first, kicked second, but every time? The kick was less convenient than the smack, which I think was why I defaulted to the smack.

If the dog wants to escalate, either way, I'll escalate right back. As I've said before I love animals and don't want to hurt them (especially a dog), and sure they might be attacking me because their owner is a fool, but in that moment? None of that matters. I don't have to stand there and let myself be bitten without fighting back.
 
My daughter has done a great job with her Lab. She lives in Charlestown and she can walk or run with him and he will never be more than 6" from her right knee.
She puts his leash on and then she gives it to him. He puts the loop at the end is his mouth, like he is walking himself.
He responds instantly to verbal commands even when in a crowd. She spent a lot of time with him and he has taken several classes with him, and her best friend trained dogs for the Israeli military.
He is super friendly and I thought he was too friendly, until one day I was at her apartment and she had called maintenance for a leaky dish washer. She was expecting him, and he knocked and walked in. Her dog immediately jumped up, barked loudly and got between my daughter and the guy. She said "heel" and he stopped barking and sat right next to her, watching the guy. He is not a huge dog, but is a very fit 105lbs.
I bought her the dog right at the beginning of the Covid lock downs. She had moved to Seattle and I was thrilled when she told me she had excepted a job offer in Boston and was moving back home. Then two weeks into her new job, they started the scam/ lock downs, and she started working from home. She was depressed, couldn't see friends, the idiot talking heads were telling everyone you would kill your parents if you visited them, and the news was running covid death stats.
So, Dad bought her a puppy...
 
There have been lots of posts in this thread about kicking dogs if necessary. When it is justified, I am not opposed to that if you can make it work, but will it actually work?

My mom used to have a rescued Aussie that had some behavior problems that were never fully resolved. This dog was friendly with us, but she was never, and could never, be off leash.

This dog was about 35 lbs, and occasionally she would take a dislike to a person and warn them off. Her warning was that she would bark vigorously while jumping straight up in the air, thrashing her head around, and showing teeth. This would put her head about face height for a person, and she was not a big dog.

Even though she was leashed, and not near anyone, I once saw a guy put his foot up to block or kick her, and then realize in one second that this dog was going to bring the fight to chest level. Of course, the dog was leashed, and she was quickly short leashed to bring her under control and quiet her down.

The point of this story is that I never forget the athleticism of dogs. Some dogs are nearly airborne creatures. And being prepared for that in terms of means and mindset may be necessary for the safety of all people and dogs involved.
I don’t understand why people just accept these problems and don’t work to solve them.
They not only allow the dog to be a liability but, imagine being the dog and living that way?
Behavior like that is often fear based which is why it “looks” vicious when in reality it’s a terrified dog that doesn’t know what else to do and isn’t getting the proper tools from it’s owner to deal with it.
It’s honestly sad and it’s often confused with being a “bad ass” by a lot of people when in reality it’s the exact opposite.
 
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