Update re:dog attack/repellent

[Keri]

I was visited by a really nice animal control officer yesterday and after he saw the vet record, Salem and read my statement he is not only going to issue a muzzle order for this guy's dog that attacked mine but the owner has to appear in criminal court and face a judge and a stiff fine!! :D I'm glad this guy is finally getting his. I can call back in a couple of days to find out what this guy's side of the story is and get his name as I still plan on taking him to small claims court to get restituiton for the vet bill.

On the down side we were out walking last night when we came across another Rottie. It was across the street from us but the owner clearly didn't have enough strength to keep his dog from lunging on the 12 foot chain he had him on apparently for a leash. The dog broke free and ran full tilt at us. I got out my pepper spray just in time and sprayed the dog in the face twice. It didn't seem to blind him as it says it will, nor did the dog howl in pain or anything. It just kind of looked at us like "Oh I don't like that." It also still hung around for a few more seconds trying to decide if it should leave or stay and then left . I don't get it? I sprayed it twice and it just barely fazed. This stuff is supposed to be more powerful than that. I don't want to injure any animal that charges but it just barely stopped him. If a more persistent animal had tried to attack I hope that this spray would be more effective! I am going to call the store where I bought it and ask them? I can't believe I actually had to use it this soon either!! :(
My husband and I are moving out of our neighbourhood as the animal control officer said it wasn't the greatest place to be as the people that live around here don't really care what happens or how their animals behave. Anyways, sorry this post is so long again. I just thought anyone who was curious about how we were would appreciate an update.

[cinde33]

Good to hear that the animal control officer is coming through for you! And sorry about the dog repellent - which one did you buy?

It's a shame that we can't enforce all dog owners to train their dogs and appropriately care for them. I wish I could.

I would move and then sue that sucker for all he's got in hope its a lesson to him. Good luck and be careful - watch your back - you don't want antifreeze to suddenly pop up in your yard - I mean, who knows with people????

[Keri]

Hi cinde33,
I bought the BlackMax dog repellent. Apparently it's been on the market for quite a while and used by a lot of police forces and mail carriers. We will be moving hopefully in the next couple of months but until then I shall be very vigilant about keeping my dog safe. Kind of like the secret service with the president!!;)

[cinde33]

Keri, hehe, what a bummer that the stuff could barely stop the guy. I used the Direct Stop citrus stuff once on my dog when he was food agressive he attacked my other female rottie. I didn't want to use it but also wanted him to know biting was the hugest NoNO so I just sprayed a 1/4 of a second's worth and he freaked. Stopped dead in his tracks. Seemed really effective to me. I didn't spray it hardly in his face at all (because he was my kid I suppose and I just wanted to deter him) and it still bothered him for about 10 minutes.

Anyway, I admire you for caring enough for your furkids to move. I would do the same.

:)