How to Protect Your Dog From Other Dogs

As a responsible dog owner in the city, you probably take your dog out for frequent on-leash walks in your neighborhood. And from time-to-time, you and your dog may experience unwanted advances, aggression, or even attacks from off-leash dogs. Here's how to protect your dog from other dogs.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• stick or bat
• airhorn
• citronella spray
• stunning device/stun gun

1. AVOID. If possible, it's best to avoid a dog-to-dog confrontation from the get-go. Be a conscientious dog-walker and pay attention to your dog as you walk. If you see another dog that you and your pet don't want to encounter, cross over to the other side of the street.

2. PICK UP YOUR DOG. If it's not possible to avoid another dog barreling toward you and your dog, and you have time and strength, pick up your dog. Even if your dog isn't that small, if you have the strength to pick up your pooch, do it quickly to defuse any escalation attempts.

3. MAKE SOME NOISE. If you can't or don't have time to pick up dog, and the other one is fast approaching, you can speak deeply and strongly to the other dog "No!" or "Go Home!". Since you're in a neighborhood, this is likely a dog that is familiar with people and listening/following them. Stomp your feet toward the dog and imagine you and your own dog being tough and strong. If you really want to send off a dog that's headed your way, you could carry an airhorn, and blast it the direction of the advancing dog. It's sure to ward them off. Best to practice this in front of your own dog, so she can be conditioned to the sound.

4. OBJECT. Consider carrying a stick or other object such as a bat you can use as an intimidation device if the dog comes close to you. You can hit the ground with the stick for extra noise and distraction.

5. CITRONELLA SPRAY. If the aggressive dog continues to race your way, or has already gotten up in your dog's area, you can use citronella spray as a animal shield / dog deterrent. Citronella spray is much more humane than pepper spray and will not cause pain, which could lead some dogs to become even more aggressive.

6. STUNNING DEVICE. Finally, a stun gun can be used to deliver a powerful signal that completely overrides the dog's central nervous system. When used correctly a taser gun or stun gun will not cause injury or damage.

Tips & Warnings

• The most important way to protect your dog is to get to know your dog's signal and other dog's signals -- nervous or excited? aggressive or playful? -- and take appropriate EARLY defensive action. Try not to wait until a stray dog is in your dog's walking space.
• Some dogs act differently on-the-leash vs. off-the-leash. Get to know if your dog is overly defensive, fearful or more likely to get set off when he or she is on-leash.
• The most humane way to repel aggressive dog attacks against your dog once a dog is too close is the Citronella Spray. Pepper Spray will also work, but can cause damage to the dog. A Taser gun will stop an attacking dog, but can cause damage to the dog's nervous system. This should only be considered as a last resort.

[lsmith14]

on 8/24/2009 I really like the tips- we have two small dogs that think they're tough, but would be a snack to a mean dog who wanted to hurt them. I usually pick them up if another passing dog seems unfriendly and put myself between them and other dogs (I also always have pepper spray for my own protection against people or pets as a last resort).

I wish owners would take responsibility to train their dogs or keep aggressive dogs at home. There are strays who can't help themselves, but responsible pet owners train their dogs or at least know if they have an aggressive pet to keep them from hurting other animals.

[DaveyP]

on 2/3/2009 Interesting article, but I do have issue with one part.You should NEVER ever ever pick up a dog around another dog. It leaves your dog totally defenseless and gives the other dog tthe sense that your dog is a toy to be pulled down. I have worked in dogcare and have seen reports of dogs getting their entire tail bitten off because an owner picked them up. It is always best to move away from the other dog.

All of the other advice is REALLY good stuff...

[GreenLeader]

on 2/3/2009 Great tip to keep are buddies safe. thx