loose dog attacked my dog today

[Anonymous]

I was walking my dog (on a leash) on my street and a much larger, loose dog was standing on a lawn (hill) above us. I saw a woman ahead calling to the dog (the dog had apparently gotten loose, she wasn't walking it without a leash) and suddenly the dog lunged down the hill and leaped on top of my dog, who is smaller and still kind of a puppy (just turned 2). I started yelling and pulled my dog loose, then kicked the dog in the side to move it away. It came around and leaped on my dog again, and once again I pulled my dog free, kicked the other dog and by then the owner had run up and grabbed her dog. She was appropriately concerned and apologetic - clearly upset for me and my dog. Wondering, though, what else or different I could have done to rescue/protect my dog if something like that happens again? I didn't want to get bit, but I didn't want to see my dog hurt, either. Advice?

My dog is fine, by the way, no bites and seems like he's over it. I am still a little shaken up!

[Anonymous]

This happened to me but my dog was severely injured and was in the hospital for a week. I live in Montgomery County where it is considered unwanted contact. I filed a report with the police and with Animal Control and we went to the Animal Matters Hearing Board. The end result was the owner of the other dog paid all vet bills and the dog has a muzzle order and is now on the "potentially dangerous" list, which means another strike and he'll be removed from the home.

After our ordeal I found out there had been other incidents with the dog getting away from the owner and having smaller incidents with other dogs but none were reported so this was treated as the first incident.

If I were you I would report it just so it's on record, but that's up to you. I don't know what the procedure is where you live.

[Anonymous]

You could get this: https://www.coyotevest.com

Or pepper spray.

I’m happy you and your dog escaped unscathed.

[Anonymous]

If it had been a real attack, I am pretty sure there would have been real damage. These things happen very fast and the dog goes for blood at the first bite.

But a large dog trying to play with a small dog is also frightening for the small dog, so you did the right thing.

My dog trainer carries dog repellent spray with her. I'm not sure what's in it (pepper or something else), but she told us it works if it's used when the dog is far away and runs into the cloud. It has time to stop before lunging. it's less efficient when used at close quarters.

[Anonymous]

Dog horn from amazon

[Anonymous]

This is precisely why I carry military grade pepper spray with me at all times when outside my home.

It's not hard to find if you know where to search for it.
I was attacked by a pit bull & he got about 1/2 a can of it directly in his face, his owner got the other 1/2.

I walked away unscathed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is precisely why I carry military grade pepper spray with me at all times when outside my home.

It's not hard to find if you know where to search for it.
I was attacked by a pit bull & he got about 1/2 a can of it directly in his face, his owner got the other 1/2.

I walked away unscathed.

Can the dog owner file a complaint against you for the pepper spray? I have the same problem with loose dogs in our neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This happened to me but my dog was severely injured and was in the hospital for a week. I live in Montgomery County where it is considered unwanted contact. I filed a report with the police and with Animal Control and we went to the Animal Matters Hearing Board. The end result was the owner of the other dog paid all vet bills and the dog has a muzzle order and is now on the "potentially dangerous" list, which means another strike and he'll be removed from the home.

After our ordeal I found out there had been other incidents with the dog getting away from the owner and having smaller incidents with other dogs but none were reported so this was treated as the first incident.

If I were you I would report it just so it's on record, but that's up to you. I don't know what the procedure is where you live.

Good for you.

By reporting the aggressive dog, you might have saved the life of another animal or a child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is precisely why I carry military grade pepper spray with me at all times when outside my home.

It's not hard to find if you know where to search for it.
I was attacked by a pit bull & he got about 1/2 a can of it directly in his face, his owner got the other 1/2.

I walked away unscathed.

Can the dog owner file a complaint against you for the pepper spray? I have the same problem with loose dogs in our neighborhood.

No, since the dog is unleashed and charging teh victim.

There was a case in VA last year, where a couple was walking on a trail and a dog charged them. The man was legally carrying a handgun and shot the dog. No charges were filed.