People have been bitten at public parks too, perhaps they should stop going to parks as well. In fact I'm putting my dog in a diaper so she doesn't have the risk of walking leashed on public sidewalks or parks, that'll solve it.
People have been bitten at public parks too, perhaps they should stop going to parks as well.
I still remember the time I had to take command of a dog that wanted to eat my husband while we were running. I made him go on and faced down the dog to keep it from attacking him. Should I always keep my husband at home for fear of his being mauled?
Be safe and keep your animals controlled so they and other people/creatures can be safe too.
Regarding defense, he first suggested pepper spray (very much off the record), laughed when I repeated Rich’s thought about spraying myself but acknowledged the possibility. He was very much against the stun baton. He said it is an offensive weapon that needs user training and enables the possibility of conflict with the human associated with the dog in a way that could end badly - or at least in an unexpected way. He has a point.
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Using Pepper Spray in California
What is the pepper spray law in California? Misuse of tear gas in California comes with state penalties of up to a $1000 fine and/or up to three years in prison, not to mention a possible felony conviction on record. Examples of misuse include using tear gas on people in anger, spraying it as a joke, or possession of tear gas by prohibited persons. Minors, drug addicts or persons convicted of felonies, assault or misuse of tear gas are legally prohibited from possessing tear gas, although there are few barriers to procurement of tear gas by these people. To be legally purchased, possessed or used in California, any canister must have a label that says "WARNING: The use of this substance or device for any purpose other than self-defense is a crime under the law. The contents are dangerous--use with care." The maximum legal net weight for a canister is 2.5 ounces, or 70 grams of OC.
The stuff I got is by Sabre and contains red pepper, CS tear gas and an invisible UV dye. I thought the latter might be useful in identifying the animal. It has a belt clip and was $10 at the local sporting goods store.
I take my dogs for walks because its good for them mentally and physically. My fraidy pooch gets to see other dogs around that aren't trying to eat it which actually helps him in his daily life (less freaking out at outside noise, less nervous all round, less reaction to other dogs period) and he loves people and gets to meet people on walks.
As to dogs trying to attack him, I haven't had any problems. I know there is at least one person in my neighborhood training an aggressive dog because she crosses the street to avoid dogs with her dog and uses treats when the dog ignores other dogs. I have absolutely no problem with her being out with an aggressive dog because she is doing what is necessary to control him.
My husband is a different story. I still remember the time I had to take command of a dog that wanted to eat my husband while we were running. I made him go on and faced down the dog to keep it from attacking him. Should I always keep my husband at home for fear of his being mauled? He has been bitten by an off leash dog in a regular park before.
Again, I repeat parks and sidewalks are not dog parks.
Michael, look up your state's rules on pepper spray. I'm surprised that the officer told you to use it "off the record." Michael
Rich, what a good looking dog. You must have put a lot of effort into her care.Thanks, Sarah. Yeah, she was a beauty. Some day we'll replace her, maybe with a pound dog or a rescue.
DW and I take frequent walks and meet various dog owners.
The thing I notice. The big dogs are the most gentle and playful. The little runt dogs seem to be the most viscous and barky. Our favorite is this one lady who always walks her rottweiler. What a great dog he is. Also enjoy the various retrievers people have.
The animal control officer didn't qualify the advice today at all. She was very much on the record and also quite confident. I'm going to start looking for spray options tomorrow and will use the helpful advice above.
One thing I've noticed from a small data set of small dog owners I've known personally, is they don't tend to teach the little dogs the basics of sit, stay, no speak, no bite (or no teeth, a firm command I gave my rocket dog who tended to like hands), etc.Little runt dogs. Not a very effective method of hiding your personal bias'.