what to take for protection when walking

[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

[reba]

but I really liked the cattle prod idea on another post...that would eliminate the wind, accidently getting your dog or yourself problems. I also alway have my back up plan of my concealed .38 lady smith & wesson!!! Yes I have a permit to carry, so I'm all legal and everything. I would never ever use a gun unless my life was in immediate danger but its comforting to know I have it.

A cattle prod would probably work good on those pesky irritating irresponsible dog owners too!!!!

Reba

[Roscoe's dad]

An air horn.
There are many posts on this subject, to get other suggestions try doing a search.

[Sharon Marples]

We've used ammonia and water in a spray bottle (set on "stream") and it has worked well for us. It will burn their eyes a bit if it gets into them and will make them take a wide path around you the next time. Dilute it about 50/50 and shoot for their faces.

Sharon

[Bruce Lanthier]

Check this thread too - http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/sh...&threadid=17283

[Carolina]

I do carry a water pistol with vinegar and water solution in it, and it works like a charm, you can fire it from a good distance without putting yourself or your dog in danger.. I recomend it :D

Carolina :)

[tilerspop]

I like the water and vinegar or water and ammonia idea, I hadn't thought of that.

In an earlier thread of a similar subject, I posted that I often carried a cane of staff to aid in these situations. I have since changed my armament. I now carry a staff with a funny looking gizmo on top with a grocery bag wrapped around it. Its called a pooper scooper, but I must admit the handle is much stouter than what came from the store. Someone asked me last week what was that funny looking thing, I told them. They thought the idea of picking up your dogs droppings was great and this was a great way to do it. I hope they were one of the people whos dog is dropping on my lawn.:)

[babydungeon]

it's sad what can happen to you if you even pull out your gun. even in self defense it seems like you can be sued these days. i also have a handgun carry permit but i had better be d**n sure before i use it. if you have a permit, you've been through the class so you know what happens after you pull that trigger. everything that bullet touches, you are responsible for. it makes me sick! if someone is willing to risk their life to endanger mine it shouldn't matter if they get shot, in my opinion.

air horn-never thought about that but it's a great idea.

the spray-i guess if it works but where do you keep it?

i hate that we, responsible dog owners basically have to protect ourselves from other dogs and their irresponsible owners. i have been thinking of bringing an extra leash with me on walks, mostly for stray dogs not aggresive escapies. sorry to vent.:o -kevin

[Triple Rotten]

Poor Roxie! That must have been very scary for both of you. I had never thought about it until now. I think I will get a squirt gun. Typicaly my three excerise themselves and each other in the yard so we don't "walk the streets" very often. I also try to avoid it cuz my three although practilcy perfect in everyway,have this "little thing" When they are off leash,they a fine. But when they are on leash they are a pack. I usually walk one at a time when I do walk them. More excersize for my legs,but less for my arms and voice. We do most of our excercizing at the Park. I am starting to digress. ANyway I am glad that Roxie didn't let the experience shake her too long.

[babyray]

I just have to add that the water gun is good-ESPECIALLY and specifically the "Super Soaker"!!! It is high powered and comes in "pistol"or "rifle" form. I have tried some of the cheaper ones and Super Soaker brand is the best. Why do i know this much about water pistols? We go river rafting a lot and love water fights.:)

[spoteet]

I think it is such a shame that we have to worry about protecting ourselves and our dogs from loose dogs. I have had many of these loose dog experiences with Sajan and Mojo. Fortunately, my dogs have never been the ones to get hurt although Sajan was scared to death when we were charged by 2 dogs, they were friendly but excited.

[joquendo]

The Air horn is a great idea. I persoanlly bought an air horn at the recommendation of my vet - to try and created a loud aversion - when they were brewing for a fight. I haven;t used it yet, because as I was at the store, I also purchased a LOUD boaters whistle. Which I use instead - and works like a dream. I used it ONCE last week, and I tell ya now - they think twice about getting into any scuffles... it really is a humane way of averting any disaster...

So I decided to bring the whistle out with me- just incase.... I will also try the water pistol with water and amonia... I walk my dogs two at a time, and need some form of defence - I think that would be an easy alternative - enabling you to avert any trouble before the other dog gets too close to your dogs...

[rompinrottie]

wouldnt the air horn hurt your own dogs ears as well as the others dogs that you are trying to scare off? but I think the best Idea was the super soaker, and I hear the best thing that trainers use is the citronella spray if you could mix that some how in the super soaker that would be perfect, but for some of us that have 3 or more dogs that we may walk at once, it may be quite hard to lug around a super soaker, I walk on my own land now mostly but now and again I do like to walk in town just to keep the dogs socialized and aware of people and to see other dogs (on leash)! and see other things going on around them.
but I still like the idea of the super soaker myself.


rompinrottie :)