Can't even walk my dog??

[dgray]

Hey guys,

I live down a dead end road in a pretty rural area. We don't even have Internet down our road, LOL.

Anyways, our road is about a mile long. The beginning of our road has a lot of loose dogs. Maybe three to five or so. Some are labs, but a few aren't. They have all barked at Bella & I when walking and even come out to the road sometimes towards us. So to avoid drama, I've been walking Bella towards the end of the road (I live in the middle of the roads distance) because there aren't any dogs on that side. Or so I thought..

Today I took her for a long awaited jog. She just came out of heat and finally it's safe to walk her again. Anyways, we go down the road and I catch a glimpse of a large Rottweiler next to a house on the street. I have never seen a dog at this house before. He looked very alert and interested in us.. So I slowly turned around and walked away from him. He went to the middle of the yard towards us.

Should I be concerned with this loose dog? I'm not sure if I should have just ignored him and kept going or whether I should have done what I did. I was just worried he might attack Bella or myself.

I can't even walk my own dog down my own road because no one besides me keeps their dogs contained. This is really frustrating.. Anyone else have this issue?


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[Gharrissc]

I am assuming the area doesn't have a leash law or it isn't really enforced?? I would carry a walking stick just in case one of the dogs did approach you in an aggressive manner. When you say they barked and moved towards you,was it aggressive?Either way, if you are uncomfortable, I would carry a stick or some other type of protection as a just in case measure. When I am walking the 4 dogs we have here now together,we usually have some of the neighbor's dogs who give a bark or two,but it's not aggressive.

[Trotter]

Bear spray is your friend. He comes close - he gets sprayed.

[shepherdmom]

Originally Posted by dgray

Hey guys,

I live down a dead end road in a pretty rural area. We don't even have Internet down our road, LOL.

Anyways, our road is about a mile long. The beginning of our road has a lot of loose dogs. Maybe three to five or so. Some are labs, but a few aren't. They have all barked at Bella & I when walking and even come out to the road sometimes towards us. So to avoid drama, I've been walking Bella towards the end of the road (I live in the middle of the roads distance) because there aren't any dogs on that side. Or so I thought..

Today I took her for a long awaited jog. She just came out of heat and finally it's safe to walk her again. Anyways, we go down the road and I catch a glimpse of a large Rottweiler next to a house on the street. I have never seen a dog at this house before. He looked very alert and interested in us.. So I slowly turned around and walked away from him. He went to the middle of the yard towards us.

Should I be concerned with this loose dog? I'm not sure if I should have just ignored him and kept going or whether I should have done what I did. I was just worried he might attack Bella or myself.

I can't even walk my own dog down my own road because no one besides me keeps their dogs contained. This is really frustrating.. Anyone else have this issue?


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Yes. I just don't walk my dogs outside my property. We stay in the fence. I have 2+ acres for them to run, play fetch and hop over dead tree's etc. in. They get plenty of exercise that way. What really torques me is some lady walks her dog down my fence line across private property. It makes my dogs nuts and with all the lose dogs and stray coyotes it really isn't safe.

[dgray]

I don't think we have a leash law. That's what I have heard from a few people in the area. I don't think the ones at the front of the road are aggressive.. However my fiancé runs a lot and one tried to bite his foot. He kicked it to keep it away from him.

I guess I need to get some spray. Where would you get bear spray?
I'll start carrying a stick as well. What's the proper technique with a stick to stop a dog ? Just hit him? Or make him bite it and not you?

I guess the dog could have been harmless. I just know Bella is still impressionable and already doesn't really care for other dogs. I don't want an incident messing her up.


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[Nigel]

You can always get this for your dog. Just kidding! I would carry something to at least help fend off loose dogs, not worth your dog getting injured, vet bills, etc... We have had a few incidents, but luckily, not very often. We were chased by a Yorkie today we did a 180 and it decided wisely to retreat.

[doggiedad]

bear spray or something that is really strong. spray, see you later.
make sure the spray is pointed in the right direction. if
it's windy don't use a spray.

[Shaolin]

Guard Alaska Bear Spray. Amazon.com: Guard Alaska™ Bear Defense Spray: Sports & Outdoors

That stuff is awesome. I knew a cop who carried and used this particular brand for angry dogs. Saw it in action once and it worked like magic.

For the stick, IMHO, just hit the dog where you can hit it without putting your body in danger. I personally would hit on the mouth/nose area and the ribs. Worst case scenario...and I can't believe I'm about to say this so I apologize ahead of time, but if the dog just isn't stopping after you hit it in the head or ribs, I would focus on crippling the dog by trying to break a leg. Cruel, I know, but if I had no other choice, that's what I'd do.

[POWERSCOL]

To find out the local laws, please call your local county animal control - if no listing call you local sheriff office. Most states/county will have laws on loose dogs, etc. They would also be able to tell you your rights too.

I agree with the pepper spray and stick - just be sure it is heavy enough. Now not to start a fight - when I am out riding with my horses in the mountains, I carry a side arm - last resort to protect my horse/me. I have had one close call so far with a black bear - I about got dumped in the crash, but everyone survived unhurt.

This is one reason I want to train Emma to ride with us - early warning system.

[Good_Karma]

You might try talking to your neighbors, see if they would be willing to contain their dogs. Find out the leash law first, and if you have the law, you could let them know if they don't contain their dogs you will either contact animal control or pepper spray their dog. You have a right to protect yourself and your dog.