Dog. BIG dog. What would you do?

[jymbee]

Took a shortcut through a neighborhood while on a walk near our site at a park in TX.
This guy, off-leash, comes out of a yard and stops in the middle of the road facing me:

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

GOOD dog...wanna treat?

My problem is this has happened while walking my dogs and while I'm trying to diffuse the situation they're going nutso thinking they found a new friend or a new enemy. It has ended well for me but more due to luck than skill. Happened twice last week at the campground I stayed at, people think their dogs will obey when in a new environment and a bunch of unknown people and dogs.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[NY_Dutch]

Many dog trainers will tell you the key thing to do is not run, rather stand still, and if the dog is approaching you, firmly tell it to sit. Most dogs know and will respond to this basic command. When the dog is calm, you should be able to slowly remove yourself from the situation. Over the years I've done this successfully on several occasions, although having your own dog with you can add some excitement. If your own dog obeys the sit command as well, it helps defuse the situation.

 

[zulu]

Took a shortcut through a neighborhood while on a walk near our site at a park in TX.
This guy, off-leash, comes out of a yard and stops in the middle of the road facing me:

Well, since you were able to post the picture, you lived to tell the tale.

So, what did you do?

 

[CharlesinGA]

Well, since you were able to post the picture, you lived to tell the tale.

So, what did you do?

He sent it to the cloud right before the dog ripped him up........

 

[SargeW]

Some dogs will back down, some won't. I have been chased and assaulted by a large dog in my neighborhood twice now. The dog jumped a 4' block wall to get to me. I was out for my morning jog both times. The first time I shouted him down, and he eventually retreated. The second time a few weeks later, it didn't work. A worker in a big truck just happened to come by and distracted the dog so I could put some distance between us. After the truck left, the dog came again. After about a half a block, he finally turned to chase something else. My neighbor was walking her dog and she had to run into an open garage to get away from the aggressor dog.

I called animal control who responded to the location. Now I carry a collapsible baton, about 3' long when extended. I love dogs, and have had them my whole life. But I won't be bit by any dog. I view it as the owners fault, not controlling and teaching the dog.

The animal control officer confirmed "do what ever you have to in order to defend yourself".

 

[Onyrlef]

We had a severe dog problem in a rural parish in La., they'd come out of peoples yards and attack cyclists causing some pretty severe wrecks and injuries. Come to find out the owners property insurance covered uncontrolled dogs hazarding pedestrians and cyclists on or off their property. You just have to speak to irresponsible people in a language they understand, when precious' doggy fun ends up with the owners facing an insurance claim and likely cancelation of their property insurance things change rapidly, as they did.

 

[Rene T]

If this happened in a CG, I would immediately go to the office and complain. Every CG I’ve been at have rules requiring dog owners to tie up their dogs or else.
Now if you’re in a development, I would contact the police. I believe there are leash laws nation wide. I could be wrong on that one. The police will know.

You should never have to end up in a situation where your life or your pets life is at jeopardy. Elevate the problem.

 

[John From Detroit]

I've only had two dogs try to bite me (Both failed) and one who did (By accident, he apologized) Well technically one of the tries was not a dog (Male Canine) But a Bitch (Female Canine)... The best thing is to watch. if they are not indicating an attack continue your travel normally... Also buzz animal control cause in most areas.. That's a crime.
If they do indicate attack.. Well. I can not help you there (How I avoided bites.. When the animal indicated it was about to leap. I moved. Just in time, and thus was elsewhere when the jaws snapped shut)

 

[Tulecreeper]

Many years ago, I had to shoot a dog that attacked my dog. Came out of nowhere, jumped my lab and had him pinned down by the throat. And my dog weighed 90 pounds, he was just taken by surprise. I hated to do it, but no choice.

 

[Ex-Calif]

WWYD? Run. Hopefully faster than my buddy...

Seriously though? Dogs are territorial. Stop. Don't panic. Don't make eye contact. Don't engage. Don't make arm gestures that the dog will interpret as aggressive. Slowly turn side on to the dog. and back away. Call 911.

If the dog lunges? Face the dog. Command, "No! Sit!" If the dog is gonna get you, try to grab the ears/sides of head/neck and keep jaws away from you. Knee or kick dog hard repeatedly and aggressively in lower abdomen.

Dogs can seriously mess you up but unless it is a completely feral big dog it is unlikely to be able to kill you.

Dogs also have different barks. The dog in the photo looks to be making a pack call (to masters probably) saying. "Hey everyone. Someone we don't know is here. I am keeping an eye on things but ya'll oughtta come here."

If the barks got serious, fangs were bared or growling made, I would be worried.

 

[Babe2201]

If this happened in a CG, I would immediately go to the office and complain. Every CG I’ve been at have rules requiring dog owners to tie up their dogs or else.
Now if you’re in a development, I would contact the police. I believe there are leash laws nation wide. I could be wrong on that one. The police will know.

You should never have to end up in a situation where your life or your pets life is at jeopardy. Elevate the problem.

By the OP I think it was in a neighborhood near the CG.

 

[Skookum]

The look-away and de-escalate is the next best thing. Sometimes you have to do what you need to, in order to defend yourself (or your own dog).

Joggers/runners I know carry stun devices.

 

[Rene T]

By the OP I think it was in a neighborhood near the CG.

I did say “now if you are in a development “ meaning a housing project.

 

[LMHS]

I probably would have made friends and took it home with me (most animals like me, even ones who don't like other people). I suggest that you buy an small "air horn can" ($15 on Amazon) and carry it with you. They won't hurt the dog or any other animal, including the two legged variety, but they do tend to scare them off. With the added benefit of attracting attention. Useful in many situations.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

There is no best answer here - just a range of options that need to be considered and either employed or discarded as the situation changes. Perhaps rapidly. In general, avoid acting aggressively and disengage if you can, but stand your ground if that doesn't work. Sometimes you can talk an aggressive dog down, but sometimes it has no effect. Sometimes you get time to think, and sometimes it's just defend yourself as best you can.

War story: My wife, an animal lover, was badly bitten as a child and ever-after panicked when a dog acted aggressively. Her panic always seemed to goad the dog on, so I got more experience at intimidation & defense than I might have otherwise. I would keep her behind me and try to give firm commands to the animal. Not really successful with that but it seemed to delay action. Intimidation more often worked, e.g. stand somewhat sideways, arms across body to protect, and be prepared to grab head/ears/jaw and get your knee up. Only got physically attacked once and was able to knock the dog down without getting bitten. The owner appeared and got it under control before things went further, so it never went to the next plateau.

 

[jymbee]

Sorry for the delayed response...

In this case, when I this dog came out and stood there in front of me my reaction was based on a quick (very quick) assessment. First, he (I assumed) was not coming toward me, was not making any menacing noises, and wasn't dragging some kind of chain/leash which suggested he had not broken loose somehow.

There was some heightened concerned given the breed & size of this particular pooch although some of the most friendly, cuddly dogs I have known were Pitbulls.

Basically I stopped briefly when the dog came out, then kept walking moving to "my" side of the road and passed by. I think I may have voiced some pleasantries along the lines of "Hi there handsome doggie. Beautiful day, yes? As I passed I did turn around to glance in order to see if he might be waiting for me to get by so he could attack and rip my face off. Nope. Just stood there and watched me until I was out of site.

As others have pointed out, one never can be sure of the behavior of any one dog. I think to my benefit I basically am not afraid of dogs. They sense fear or someone acting afraid. I've seen this many times where a dog reacts to the one person who is afraid and ignores others.

On the other hand, I'm not naive and recognize that a dog like this, had it broken free of some kind of tether and was out to defend his territory... well, that's another situation entirely.

 

[jymbee]

There is no best answer here - just a range of options that need to be considered and either employed or discarded as the situation changes. Perhaps rapidly. In general, avoid acting aggressively and disengage if you can, but stand your ground if that doesn't work. Sometimes you can talk an aggressive dog down, but sometimes it has no effect. Sometimes you get time to think, and sometimes it's just defend yourself as best you can.

The only time I've been "attacked" aggressively by a dog was when I walked into a house some relatives were renting. There was nobody home at the time and their dog, a tiny terrier-like dog, obviously protecting the house came charging at me from across the room. Got up to me and tried to bite my leg but got only a mouthful of denim.

It was actually quite a comical scene as this little bitty dog held on, growling and snarling as I swung my leg around trying to get him to let go. After one swing he did let go and slid about 20 feet across the hardwood floor desperately trying to regain traction to mount another attack. I spared him and myself any further embarrassment by slipping back outside the door.

 

[Ex-Calif]

I can't believe none of you old farts haven't been chased by a dog on your bike. Used to happen all the time when I was a kid.

Pedal fast and when he catches up do the side kick - LOL...

Most embarrassing one for me - maybe TMI but... I was about 6 playing in the park. Untethered German shepherd knocked me down, assumed the position and humped me vigorously. He was a big boy and I was helpless. Of course my 3 brothers just laughed their butts off.

Small condolence to know I was the prettiest of mom's boys - LOL...

 

[Tulecreeper]

Sorry for the delayed response...

In this case, when I this dog came out and stood there in front of me my reaction was based on a quick (very quick) assessment. First, he (I assumed) was not coming toward me, was not making any menacing noises, and wasn't dragging some kind of chain/leash which suggested he had not broken loose somehow.

There was some heightened concerned given the breed & size of this particular pooch although some of the most friendly, cuddly dogs I have known were Pitbulls.

Basically I stopped briefly when the dog came out, then kept walking moving to "my" side of the road and passed by. I think I may have voiced some pleasantries along the lines of "Hi there handsome doggie. Beautiful day, yes? As I passed I did turn around to glance in order to see if he might be waiting for me to get by so he could attack and rip my face off. Nope. Just stood there and watched me until I was out of site.

As others have pointed out, one never can be sure of the behavior of any one dog. I think to my benefit I basically am not afraid of dogs. They sense fear or someone acting afraid. I've seen this many times where a dog reacts to the one person who is afraid and ignores others.

On the other hand, I'm not naive and recognize that a dog like this, had it broken free of some kind of tether and was out to defend his territory... well, that's another situation entirely.

That dog is a Rottweiler. But I've known a lot of Rottweilers and most of them were pretty friendly, too.