Best way to ward off a dog attack?

Question

In my area, tethered or confined dogs sometimes get loose and attack other dogs that are being walked or attack the person who is walking their dog when they try to pick up or protect their dog. This happened to my friend/neighbor, and both she and her dog were bitten by the loose dog. That was a few years ago. Now she has a different dog, and when she walks him, she carries a large walking stick for protection. I understand that she was traumatized, but I am concerned that using a big stick on a hostile dog could be dangerous. (There was a local news item about a woman who used a big stick to break up a fight among her own dogs in the yard and they killed her.) Is there anything I can suggest to my neighbor that would be a safer and more reliable way to repel an approaching hostile dog? (I also don't like to see this young woman walking around like a weird, paranoid old eccentric carrying this huge stick.)

I personally have carried a pocket spray containing citronella oil that you're supposed to spray in the dog's face (bought at PetSmart), but though I never tried it, I did not have much confidence that I would be able to aim right at the dog's face in the event it was attacking my Chihuahua or me.

I personally have carried a pocket spray containing citronella oil that you're supposed to spray in the dog's face (bought at PetSmart), but though I never tried it, I did not have much confidence that I would be able to aim right at the dog's face in the event it was attacking my Chihuahua or me.

Angela Parker · Accepted Answer

Do not run from an aggressive dog, that will make them want to chase you. Stop and stand your ground, do not make any fast movements, protect your throat with your hands. Tell the Dog in a loud stern voice NO or GO AWAY try using the command Sit (I doubt a dog wandering around by itself knows any commands but you can try. Do not speak in a soft or whiny voice what will just make it more aggressive and dogs can sense fear, so try to keep your emotions in check. Pepper spray usually does not work very well, because you have to take the cap off and aim it, and you don't want the dog to get close enough to be able to spray it anyway. Also your friend can try carrying an umbrella instead of a stick or even a golf club to keep the dog at bay. And avoid walking in areas that packs of dogs roam free, a pack is more dangerous than a lone dog.

I have a large, very protective Lab, she weighs about 90 pounds and is very protective of me and herself, I have never had an issue with other dogs approaching us while walking and I live in an area with a large dog population.

You could also walk with your neighbor so there is more than one person, if something happens.

I have a large, very protective Lab, she weighs about 90 pounds and is very protective of me and herself, I have never had an issue with other dogs approaching us while walking and I live in an area with a large dog population.

You could also walk with your neighbor so there is more than one person, if something happens.

Dobiegal · Answer

Oh brother...citronella spray....really? She needs to carry a can of wasp and hornet spray. It shoots 15-20 feet and WILL stop a big dog.

kristendw78 · Answer

Tell her to get a boat horn. You can buy them at a sporting goods store or online. They're about the size of a pop can, and they make a super loud sound. They're good enough to scare off attacking dogs and people too. I know of a dog trainer that says she scared off a charging Pit Bull with one.

Marianne · Answer

I wouldn't trust a citronella spray to stop a dog determined to do damage to me or my dog, I would use "mace".     I know that works.

Julie D. · Answer

Tell her to carry a can of pepper spray/mace.

Best way to ward off a dog attack?

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