[clastala]

I was walking my six month old female. Roxie, the day before yesterday when a very aggressive black lab got out of his fenced yard and ran towards us growling. He proceded to sniff my puppy as the other dog, a pitbull, escaped and ran at us. Roxie was very scared. She sat shaking as they came towards her. They both started growling and the pitbull started to show his teeth. I did not want this to escalate and I thought maybe they are trained so I started firmly stating comands as I remined myself, they are not all bad dogs (I am sure pitbulls get a bad rap like Rotties but I am still intimidated by them as I would be if it was a Rottie running towards us or any other large dog). The pitbull ran back home, the lab did not but backed off. They did not bite or anything and my pup does not seem to have any lasting damage, fears, etc. as she seemed fine on her walk yesterday.

My question is what should I carry with me on my walks to protect us? We are dog magnets when we are walking and usually dogs that are out act rather agressively. My husband suggests mace. I would not have used it because I did not want to spray my dog. I was thinking maybe vinegar and water or lemon and water to spray or is there a better way? I walk her daily and am so tired of being approached by other dogs. These two really scared both of us.

Thanks in advance. Carol