Protecting a small dog from attack

[Anonymous]

A small dog (maltese mix) was mauled to death by a larger dog in our community this week. In over ten years of being a dog owner I have never experienced anything like this, and I am afraid to walk our small dog. I am trying to get information on the dog that attacked, and if it has been removed. I also am wondering if there is anything i can carry with me when I walk her to protect her. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Do those spray deterrents work?

My puppy was attacked by a large dog, and now he's grown up, he has shown some aggressive tendencies towards the new puppy on our street - I am very careful to never let him out off leash, and to always monitor their encounters.

[Anonymous]

there are protective outfits you can put on your dog. Google it.

[Anonymous]

I am so sorry OP. We had a miniature schnauzer who was attacked by an Akita When she was 6 months old. She survived but unfortunately passed away at 3 from a liver shunt.

We are about to adopt another and I am panicking a bit when I hear stories like these as I get flashbacks. I would like to know what to do as well. I have read about the protective outfits, but I am curious as if there is anything that is not outfit related, especially in the summer.

[Anonymous]

Stun gun or pepper spray might help or maybe a baseball bat. Personally I've been lucky enough not to need anything more than a loud voice and a good heavy pair of boots.

[Anonymous]

Pick your dog up and run, if you think you're being attacked.

[Anonymous]

I hate irresponsible owners for not leashing their dogs. The dog who attacked will probably be put down and possibly needs to be if it attacked and killed a small dog. That’s not normal dog behavior. A child could be next.

While we were on a walk on leash, my smallish dog was attacked by a dog off leash and it was terrifying. I wrestled the larger dog’s jaws off my dog’s neck, picked up my dog and ran. Fortunately the larger dog wasn’t a pit mix.

Op, you can anonymously report the attack to animal control in your area if nothing’s been done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate irresponsible owners for not leashing their dogs. The dog who attacked will probably be put down and possibly needs to be if it attacked and killed a small dog. That’s not normal dog behavior. A child could be next.

While we were on a walk on leash, my smallish dog was attacked by a dog off leash and it was terrifying. I wrestled the larger dog’s jaws off my dog’s neck, picked up my dog and ran. Fortunately the larger dog wasn’t a pit mix.

Op, you can anonymously report the attack to animal control in your area if nothing’s been done.

OP, we own both large and small - I like the special clothes for the dog idea, if it works (I am not familiar with it). Otherwise, pepper spray, and I agree with kicking the attacking dog. Professional dog people say to take the attacking dog by the hind legs and pull away (like a wheel barrow). I would not run, it would provoke matters. Just my dog owner opinion. Otherwise, NVER have your dog loose - voice control or not. It is beyond irresponsible. Not saying you would, but some dog owners have no sense.

[Anonymous]

PP here. to add, a large dog who is prone to attack might tend to grab the small dog by its neck and shake it, like prey, so protecting the small dog's neck would be a good idea. Even if it is a spike collar (one that won't hurt the small dog, obviously).

[Anonymous]

I worry about this, too. In my old neighborhood, one guy had a pit mix on the young side. She would try to get my small dog in her mouth (by the stomach, by the neck) anytime we encountered them. She was always slipping out of her collar. I surprised myself with how much I wanted to protect him and by how tough I could be with her. After that, I avoided them and went the other way if I saw them. My little guy is not smart enough to fear other dogs and he just wags happily when he sees them. I don't know the solution so I'll be following this thread.

[Anonymous]

Do you think this is something that is likely to happen frequently in your neighborhood?

[Anonymous]

Which neighborhood OP? I want to make sure it is nowhere near mine!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you think this is something that is likely to happen frequently in your neighborhood?

My dog was attacked by a golden retriever. You just don’t know. Completely shocked me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:there are protective outfits you can put on your dog. Google it.

Yep! Coyote vests: https://www.coyotevest.com

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone. OP here. I was able to confirm the attacking dog was put down. I am going to look into those vests, and I have also heard from others and air horn is a good idea.