What works to stop a charging dog?

[Anonymous]

As a dog owner who never has their dog off-leash outside, I hate the idiots with the unleashed dogs too. I don’t want some strange dog running up to mine. I always tell them to leash their dogs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would throw the blanket over my child and crouch over them.

For certain dogs, they'd pull that blanket off in seconds.

Not if you're crouched over the child, they wouldn't.

[Anonymous]

Stay on the city, OP. Emails, calls (and keep a log), AND a printed, signed letter sent registered mail (the city will assume you’re going to sue them if you or your child are injured). Getting other people to do the same also helps. I work for our city (not DC) and know that this approach to any public health issue works.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Call the city and start a petition to create a dog park in your area. Van Ness seems to be doing that and I can't wait (hopefully it will clean up Fort Reno).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Has a dog charged you? If so, did you notice the time? Most people are creatures of habit and if you notice them at 8:30am you come at a different time. This is what I do when I want to avoid dogs walking my dog. I go on off times.

Just an FYI on dog parks. Dog parks are more for humans than dogs and they can be unsafe for dogs. I know humans think you can put together different dogs with different training and temperament and expect harmony but you can't. This is why some people meet up at the dog park with people/dogs they know that get along. Otherwise, the majority of people bring their untrained dogs and things can go bad very quickly.

Isn't the above re dog parks the exact argument for NOT allowing dogs loose on some random lawn. For info, we have two dogs, never do dog parks, and keep our dogs leashed where the law requires. Sick of the entitled dog owners making us all look bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a dog owner who never has their dog off-leash outside, I hate the idiots with the unleashed dogs too. I don’t want some strange dog running up to mine. I always tell them to leash their dogs.

THIS!!!

[Anonymous]

You *must* meet the dog on its terms. NEVER let the dog see you're scared. Stare straight into its eyes, and let out a low throated growl. The dog will stop and run away. I successfully used this tactic this weekend on a bullmastiff.

[Anonymous]

Take a spray bottle with a strong stream and squirt water

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Take a spray bottle with a strong stream and squirt water

This trick works especially well on pit bulls. Give it a try!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Has a dog charged you? If so, did you notice the time? Most people are creatures of habit and if you notice them at 8:30am you come at a different time. This is what I do when I want to avoid dogs walking my dog. I go on off times.

Just an FYI on dog parks. Dog parks are more for humans than dogs and they can be unsafe for dogs. I know humans think you can put together different dogs with different training and temperament and expect harmony but you can't. This is why some people meet up at the dog park with people/dogs they know that get along. Otherwise, the majority of people bring their untrained dogs and things can go bad very quickly.

Isn't the above re dog parks the exact argument for NOT allowing dogs loose on some random lawn. For info, we have two dogs, never do dog parks, and keep our dogs leashed where the law requires. Sick of the entitled dog owners making us all look bad.

I'm not arguing for unleashed dogs just mentioning that dog parks are not safe as the pp thinks. Some people meet their friends/dogs and let them off leash super early or late when no one is around. If the dogs know each other and are trained than it is safe. There is something to be said for the benefit of the dog to have this experience but, I do understand people's fear. I myself would never do it without knowing my dog is 100 percent recall. There should be a way to compromise.

[Anonymous]

Bear spray. Empty the can on them.

[Anonymous]

I step in front of my kid and kick the dog, while yelling "NO" as loud and firmly as I can. Have only had to do it a couple of times. I did have to shove a dog off my picnic blanket once (it was literally stepping on our food and trying to sit on my kid), and heard the owners comment about how the dog was just "being friendly," and commenting on my lack of love for dogs derisively. So irritating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I mean how often are you encountering charging dogs? Never in my parent life have I had to protect my children from such.

Really? Where are you? We live in Old Town Alexandria, and they're a problem here in our neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, you gotta walk right beside your kid and hold their hand. Never allow them to run ahead of you. I’m serious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You *must* meet the dog on its terms. NEVER let the dog see you're scared. Stare straight into its eyes, and let out a low throated growl. The dog will stop and run away. I successfully used this tactic this weekend on a bullmastiff.

Challenging a dog can easily get you bit.