Reggin gets attacked. Question...

[Squishy22]

Reggin got attacked from a dog today. Looked to be a 20 pound female rat terrier. I dont know whats wrong with little dogs, but they all seem to be highly aggressive. I was taking reg for a walk when I see a woman calling for a dog. The dog darted after reggin from d@mn near a block away. Reggin starts jumping away from it while the lady slowly walks over laughing. At one point she just stopped walking all together and stared.

It crossed my mind to kick the dog in the face, but dont want to risk getting in a fight with the owner, because I am pregnant. I seen the size of the dogs teeth and they were pretty big. If she were to get ahold a reggin, he would need stitches, so I have no problem kicking the dog away. Dont care if its a small dog or not.

My question is, how do I react in a situation like this? Thank god it was a small dog. Usually I carry a switch blade on me, but I didnt today. What if yelling doesnt affect the dog?

Also, what age was your dog when it started to defend himself? Reggin just turned 6 months old, and runs away from 4 pound chihuahuas when they attack, lol.

 

[Lizmo]

You have every right to defend YOUR dog IMO. Especially with owners like that

I don't think there is a real "age" that a dog starts defending him or her self, it just depends on the dog.

 

[RD]

Depends on the dog. Dakota didn't stick up for himself until he was about 2, but at 4 months old Eve had no qualms about giving a pushy Rottweiler a face full of teeth.

If a dog attacks mine, I'll kick or throw rocks or do whatever it takes to get it off my dog. My responsibility is to keep my dogs safe, and I'd rather fight for them than have them fight for themselves.

 

[Bahamutt99]

With a small dog, pick your pup up. Then if the owner doesn't come get their wayward mutt, punt it. You don't want Reggin thinking he has to protect himself from other dogs, because he may eventually get proactive with it, and go on the attack before the other dog gets a chance.

 

[otch1]

Hi Reggin... it concerns me that you carry a switch blade, and that you are pregnant. Walking your dog should not be this stressful! Also, there is no such thing as a 20 lb Rat terrier. You are being approached by large terrier crosses and mixed breeds, that owners do not have control of on a walk. So, go somewhere else. Not to be simplistic, but your dog will appreciate your company and an outdoor walk, no matter where you go. It's worth driving out of your area to have a peaceful, safe walk, that you and your dog will both enjoy. One in which you don't have to worry about your dog defending himself, or you physically exerting yourself! Take an on-leash walk in what's considered the downtown area of where you live. Reggin's such a cutie, you should have a lot of attention, positive feed back and pets and you get to go home feeling relaxed.

 

[Sunnierhawk0]

Instead of a switch blade, I would invest in some mace or a walking stick.

Its sad that you cant walk your poor dog in peace.

 

[noludoru]

Otch and Sunnier hit it on the nose. In a situation like that.. defend Reggin for all you're worth. If you're having problems like this (I don't know if it was a one-time occurrence) PLEASE walk somewhere else, for your safety as well. If it's a bigger dog, and you're even near things, you and your baby could get hurt, too.

I would bring a walking stick or cane-type thing. And MACE. Or something like it. I deterrent that means you don't have to break bones. Mace could also be useful on the owners--with some of them, if you hurt their dogs, they may resort to physical violence, and it's your right to protect yourself.

How is Reggin?

 

[mrose_s]

i'd kick that dog, its owner should know better.

buster used to be freaked out by dogs chargin and attacking him, but he grew out of it andbecame over agro.

so lots of socialisation with foxy's is in order. lol

 

[Maxy24]

I'd get some Mace, works on people and woks on dogs...perfect. I just don't like stabbing and knifes, I could not stab a dog but I could kick and Mace to protect mine. I'm sorry about idiot owners, all I can do is promise that I will never be one.

 

[DanL]

I'd punt it. Then when the owner bitched at me I'd give it right back.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

I'd punt it. Then when the owner bitched at me I'd give it right back.

Ditto.

I will defend my dogs however I see fit.

 

[Blondie]

Blondie always walks on a leash... I was once walking him in some neighborhood we'd never been to, and a dog kind of attacked him. He was two years old or so, fully grown I mean, but I picked him up. I will defend my dogs any way I can, I don't care if people think I'm spoiling him or ruining his self esteem or whatever. If it's a big dog and he has no chance of scaring it away, I will pick him up for protection.

I've been an over-protective owner for health reasons, and so I know Blondie doesn't know how to react in cases like that. If other owners aren't responsible for their dogs, sorry... but I would kick another dog if I have to, to protect mine.

 

[Jules]

I'm sorry you had to experience this... I hate irresponsible owners like that

I bought maze that I carry with me as well as a slip lead, in case the other dog does not wear a collar.

 

[oc_spirit]

If another dog comes at us my immediate reaction is to slack the leash. I am not doing any of my dogs any justive by tightening the leash and restricting their mobility because they can't jump out of the way of the attack nor can they effectively defend themselves. I also yell and kick the crap out of the attacking dog. Head shots and belly shots are most effective. Shoulders and rumps tend to be so muscled (or covered with fat) with larger dogs that it has little to no effect.

I also carry a utility knife but don't pull it out in defense, I have it more as a tool. I want to get some mace but haven't located any so far. There is also another spray that is similar to mace but not the exact same, for area where mace has been banned.

Personally, I wouldn't change the walking route unless this becomes a reoccuring problem where then you also have the right to get the authorities involved. Im sorry but I will not let some irresponsible owner dictate where I take my dogs for a walk.

 

[elegy]

pepper spray or citronella "halt!" spray (available at petsmart, i believe). and honestly, i'd start calling the cops (non-emergency number) and complaining, especially if it's a repeated occurrence with the same dog/owner.

 

[oc_spirit]

That's what its called! Halt! Thanks Elegy!!!

 

[FoxyWench]

firstly in such situation id kick the attacking dog as much as nessicary to cuase it to turn tail and give up.
i would then be having a few choice words with the owner, including explaining that you will be reporting the incident to the police (check your local leash laws if your area has them she could face a rather hefty fine for her dog being offleash off her property.
its owners liek that not socilizing their dogs and letting agressive dogs oose that give all us small dog owners a bad name.
vixie and dodger are tiny "ankle biters" but they would never attack another dog unless given reason (ie they start it)

id also try to take the time to socilize with FRIENDLY small dogs so that you dont end up beliving all small dogs are evil and so your boy doesnt become retroactive and decide to take them out before they get to him.

a heavy duty walking stick or a can of Halt is always god to have on you.
and a quick formal complanit to the police everytime you see and offleash dog shoudl soon have your area a little nicer of a place to walk.

 

[Squishy22]

With a small dog, pick your pup up. Then if the owner doesn't come get their wayward mutt, punt it. You don't want Reggin thinking he has to protect himself from other dogs, because he may eventually get proactive with it, and go on the attack before the other dog gets a chance.

I normally do that, but reggin is over 40 pounds. I would prolly drop him.

 

[Squishy22]

Hi Reggin... it concerns me that you carry a switch blade, and that you are pregnant. Walking your dog should not be this stressful! Also, there is no such thing as a 20 lb Rat terrier. You are being approached by large terrier crosses and mixed breeds, that owners do not have control of on a walk. So, go somewhere else. Not to be simplistic, but your dog will appreciate your company and an outdoor walk, no matter where you go. It's worth driving out of your area to have a peaceful, safe walk, that you and your dog will both enjoy. One in which you don't have to worry about your dog defending himself, or you physically exerting yourself! Take an on-leash walk in what's considered the downtown area of where you live. Reggin's such a cutie, you should have a lot of attention, positive feed back and pets and you get to go home feeling relaxed.

Thanks for the advice.

I personaly dont see anything wrong with carrying a 4 inch blade on me. I plan on getting some pepper spray as soon as I can find some.

I wasnt actually taking him for a "walk". I was walking him home from a ball park that I play fetch with him at. The park is about a block away. Next time I will use a different route though.

 

[Buckshot]

Thanks for the advice.

I personaly dont see anything wrong with carrying a 4 inch blade on me. I plan on getting some pepper spray as soon as I can find some.

I wasnt actually taking him for a "walk". I was walking him home from a ball park that I play fetch with him at. The park is about a block away. Next time I will use a different route though.

Sorry you had to go through that ordeal. Being put in the spot between defending your dog and risking prosecution is a horrible place to be.

You shouldnt see anything wrong with carrying a blade on you. It may save your bacon someday. I am sure many victims who lived and who didnt, would have loved to have had a knife.

A walking stick was mentioned earlier, I like that idea because it allows you to keep distance and isnt effected by wind. It also doesnt leave a cloud of irritant in the air that you may find yourself in. It doesnt appear to be a weapon, yet lets people know that they run a risk of getting their skull cracked if they mess with you. Worst case scenario you could dispatch a dog with it if you had to. That picture of the bull terrier and porcupine come to mind about some dogs persistence.