What works to stop a charging dog?

[Anonymous]

I don’t know if the dog is vicious or not but I don’t want one running at my toddler. Obviously the law and park regulations clearly state that the dog must be leashed but the only park near our house has a big lawn that dog owners love to let their dogs run free in (even though there are two dog parks within 50 feet - one for small and one for large dogs). If a dog charges my toddler, what can I do? Today I scooped him up quickly but can’t easily do that if we’re on our blanket.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Are you kidding? Stop taking your baby there people are using it as an off-leash area. Yes, I understand that they are in the wrong, but it's better to be safe here than right.

[Anonymous]

Bring a bat or something. If a dog comes charging get between the dog and baby and wave the bat. It can also be used as a weapon to hit the dog if you need to

[Anonymous]

For normal dogs, stomping your foot, clapping your hands and shouting 'no' or 'hey' usually works. Be really loud so that the owner thinks you are dangerous and leashes the dog.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For normal dogs, stomping your foot, clapping your hands and shouting 'no' or 'hey' usually works. Be really loud so that the owner thinks you are dangerous and leashes the dog.

This. AND call the city and demand policing to enforce leash laws. It worked in my Southern California Town.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you kidding? Stop taking your baby there people are using it as an off-leash area. Yes, I understand that they are in the wrong, but it's better to be safe here than right.

It’s the only park near OP’s house. And people who are living right should never concede to those who are living wrong.

OP, the vast majority of dogs are not vicious. Just keep your eyes circulating at all times and always be ready to scoop up your toddler and stand. Also, echoing the above, write the city several times. Printed, registered letters.

[Anonymous]

“ And people who are living right should never concede to those who are living wrong. ”

You can be right and still end up hurt.
The above feels like the logic used by people who just step right out into the cross walk without looking/waiting just because the cars SHOULD stop.

[Anonymous]

Ugh, sorry! Pepper spray?? I hate when dog owners do this. I had an unleashed dog knock over an kid on a scooter and the stroller I was pushing once. I was livid and screamed at everyone around me that this us not a dog park and to leash your $&cking dogs. I probably seemed really unhinged but I can’t think of a single time in my life where I angrier than in that moment. I got to the playground and promptly called the city and reported the numerous off leash dogs on the opposite end of the park from the dog area and told them if they wanted to make some money that was a good place to start. The lady on the phone was so kind and empathetic that it really helped calm me way down. I have a dog (pug) and off leash dogs are not acceptable in a childrens play area.

[Anonymous]

I’d bring pepper or bear spray and have zero qualms about using it on a dog aggressively coming at my kids.

I’d also continuously call to report off leash dogs.

Yes, I own a dog and she’s never been off leash.

[Anonymous]

Dogs can be friendly and still make small kids fall.

I know mine can... which is why I do not unleash him in that type of situation

[Anonymous]

Bear/pepper spray and a bat. Pro tip. If you’re going to have a bat with you ALWAYS have a ball. Probable deniability. Batting practice not a weapon.

[Anonymous]

Pepper spray can blow back at you unless you have the stream kind.

I kicked a dog (hard) who charged my kid strapped in a trike stroller. Really upset me. But I had no other option. Then I screamed at the owner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“ And people who are living right should never concede to those who are living wrong. ”

You can be right and still end up hurt.
The above feels like the logic used by people who just step right out into the cross walk without looking/waiting just because the cars SHOULD stop.

NP here and no it isn’t the same at all. Those parks are for us too. Leash laws are in place for a reason. I will not let the idiots win. Our kids have no other place to play outside.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you kidding? Stop taking your baby there people are using it as an off-leash area. Yes, I understand that they are in the wrong, but it's better to be safe here than right.

x1000000

Stop putting our child on harm's way, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“ And people who are living right should never concede to those who are living wrong. ”

You can be right and still end up hurt.
The above feels like the logic used by people who just step right out into the cross walk without looking/waiting just because the cars SHOULD stop.

+1

Use common sense, people - better to be in one piece than to be "right". OMG.