what should i do about loose dogs?

[QuietDaze]

I would go for the cattle prod before an umbrella any day of the week. An umbrella isn't a bad idea but should the charging dog be persistent and starts grabbing the umbrella, then what are you going to do? I wish I had a cattle prod when my dog was attacked.

Actually, when I walk my dog I have a decent sized stick but I also carry a stun gun should the stick not persuade the other dog to go on about it's business.

The cattle prod won't kill it but it will definitely deter it from coming back I bet. It sucks that you have to deal with that. I find it difficult to relax and enjoy my walk when I'm on the lookout for loose dogs. Hopefully talking to the neighbor will help. He may not want to leash his dog, preferring that he get exercise running freely. But maybe you can establish times when you'll know if he's out there or not.

[Nishasmom]

Originally Posted by BFoster

If you are truly in fear for either you or your dog, I can understand the whole cattle prod discussion, but I find it difficult to condone the idea of using such a violent weapon on a loose dog.

Surly there is a better way to get the attention of inconsiderate dog owners than using a pain inflicting weapon on their dogs. Now, if this discussion was about using the cattle prod on the owners, then I could get behind it more. Just kidding.

Poking a dog with a cattle prod can be cruel in certain situations (sick people who think abuse is funny)...however you have a responsibility to YOUR dog. I would way rather "shock" a dog with a cattle prod and send him on his way, than spend $$$$ and weeks in the Emergency Vet getting my dog stitched up...or getting myself stitched up .

Besides, it doesn't hurt THAT bad. I have been shocked by one...I imagine it is something like the shock from an E-collar. I would have NO problem using a cattle prod to protect my dog from an attack.

[BFoster]

Like I said, if you are truly in danger, then I agree completely.

I have been charged by both a "Bluffer" and a "Biter" and I can say without question that they both can be very scary.

I just don't think I could be as cavalier when discussing the possibility of using a cattle prod on a dog.

[Cdn1050]

I was recently advised that you can purchase cattle prods of various lengths and voltages. The cheaper the cattle prod, the lower the voltage and that would be probably the equivalent of a dog's shock collar or invisible fencing. It's not cruel to use one, if the umbrella method didn't work. Then I would rather use a cattle prod, than have a huge vet bill because my dog got attacked.

[QuietDaze]

Originally Posted by Cdn1050

I was recently advised that you can purchase cattle prods of various lengths and voltages. The cheaper the cattle prod, the lower the voltage and that would be probably the equivalent of a dog's shock collar or invisible fencing. It's not cruel to use one, if the umbrella method didn't work. Then I would rather use a cattle prod, than have a huge vet bill because my dog got attacked.

Actually, when I walk my dog I have a decent sized stick but I also carry a stun gun should the stick not persuade the other dog to go on about it's business.

there is bear spray or "dog mace" too.

we tried a soft air gun

Wow - with this arsenal on a walk, I'm surprised any dog could get away with an attack.