while i was in the video store parking lot this morning a mixed breed dog started approaching and growling at my dog (which was on leash) i knew then that dog had ill intentions so i blocked its veiw of my dog and yelled no well this just made the dog even more mad so i swung at the dog with the stick that i carry and hit it on the muzzle and it yelped and ran the other way then the owner came out yelling saying how dare i hit his dog i explained his dog was the aggessor he wanted to here none of it so i just called the police and then they took my side and the matter was over he and his dog left. my qestion is would you defend your dog if its life was in danger from a loose dog? p.s. i also carry mace you never know what could happen

Certainly I would you sort of go into auto pilot and don't even realise the danger that you put yourself into to protect them until afterwards. I have had quite a few scares in the past.
Ange

Yes, I often put myself in between my dog and other dogs.  Don't think I would dare hit another dog though - I would be worried that it would go for me.  I have in my mind practised stamping on the other dogs foot.  Not sure whether that would work though.

Most definately...and already have.If a dog attacks my dog I feel I am within my rights to do whatever I need to protect them.
Archer

My breed is very good at asserting it's dominance, they are very comunicative/demonstrative. When we bump into dogs OTL, they usually assert who's the boss without the need for violence. I've never felt they were in danger to date.
I have given one guy a mouthful, he has a whippetx always off the lead charging along the rail tracks. It ploughs into you at high speed,tears about in a frenzy then charges off again, then charges back etc I have one dog whose fine with it but the others...well..you kinda get the feeling like indians they sense craziness and it gets them nervous. He's had run ins with alot of dog owners around here, his attitude is if the dog gets bitten it's the dogs fault :rolleyes:
To date I've never felt I needed to 'see off' a loose dog, but if a dog had its jaws around one of my dogs throats...I wouldn't hesitate to put the boot in.

I have kicked a dog off my first ever Lab after she was attacked by being pinned down by the throat :(

The owner was trying to get him off but was making a pathetic attempt :(

He had a go at me but explained that if he had control it would never had happened and he must think that if the dog was capable of doing this then he must be aware if a child was in the area and would he be able to ensure that they would be safe. He went away mumbling but I think he got the point :)

Lucy
xx

I had a stray following me and one of my dogs the other week, it just wouldnt let up, it was very persistent, and my bitch was getting very stressed, so i shouted go away, but nothing, so i gave it a push, so then the dirty monkey tried to cock its leg and wee on me, so i pushed it harder, it growled at me, so thats when my bitch had seen enough, she grabbed it by its scruff, made it yelp, and it bolted, i phoned the warden when i got  back. It was pretty scary actually, not sure i could have done anything else really ?

Thankfully I have never had to. I would do whatever it took to  defend my dogs.

We had this when Abby was 4mths a Great dane attacked her the owners children just let it out on its own (kids 21 and 23) I tried pulling the dog off but as I am 5ft 1 not a chance, hate to say it but I kicked it it let go and ran off none of us like the thought of hurting an animal but if it happened again I would do the same the owner wouldnt take responsibility for the dog.
Mary

Oh yes indeed without a doubt. I had my little Chinese Crested Rescue Boy at Dog-Club where i am actually a trainer and a flipping great Akita snapped at my boy and almost had his head in its mouth .I very quickly put myself between them and duly informed the owner who had the gall to say her dog was only playing(Yes right ,having been a trainer at Club for the last god knows how many years and knowing when a dog is playing and when it means business)  that if it happened again their dog would be minus all it's Teeth and then after that so would they LOL.Luckily my little Rescue is used to big dogs as i also have Gsd 's and a Silly Afghan so he was not scared half to death

when that staffie was attacking flynn & trying to get a grip at his throat,i was trying to grab the staffie with no thought to my own saftey at all.

The other week my husband and I were in the park when a unleashed border collie came up to our dog (Akita) we shouted to the owner to stick the dog on the lead, our dog doesn't bit other dogs but this collie went straight for her face snarling and bit her as you can image our dog went wild I stood infront of her.  I shouted at the collies owner again to get her dog on the lead and do you know what she said.  She told me to grow up.  I can't believe some people.  My husband was livid, but I just shouted over I the responsible owner with the controlable dog on a lead.

Defend my dog yes most definately.

Carol.

imagine if your dog had had ago back? bet she wouldnt have wanted you to stand back!!!!some people!!!
i hate that cos it gives collies a really bad name :(

I have the same problems with a man and his Dogue de Bordeaux its always off the lead and comes charging over towards us growling, I have even locked both me and my dog in somebody's front garden to get away, I have 2 yr old male American Akita which may I add is always on a lead with a halti for extra control but I would hate to think what would happen if I couldn't get out of its way, I did give him a mouthful once the reply was "why did you buy a fighting dog if your frightened of him getting hurt" well you could imagine what language came from my mouth, I do believe its time for the law to change not to ban breeds of dogs because of their irresponsible owners but for people that want big powerful breeds including myself should be tested to see if they can handle the breed of their choice and making a lead a must in public places, although I must admit I get more problems from the smaller dogs that I do with the big, I spent the first year in puppy class with mine so he is ok with other dogs and what for so other peoples dogs can attack him and people can say my breed needs destroying as they are dog & baby killers they make me sick, I do carry a big stick just in case but it's the owners that need it wrapping around the head dogs are only doing what comes natural to them it's the owner that should respect dogs will be dogs at the end of the day.

My akitas on a dogmatic headcollar which you have control of your dog.  She is our first dog and alot of people said you won't be able to handle her.  I took her to puppy training and now on to obiedience she is now 15 months old.  My trainer told me to use a head collar and haven't looked back since.  I do think its the handler that needs to be trained not just the dog.

Shame some irresponsible dog owners don't take the time out to do the same. 

Carol

Without question I would defend my dog and I know that is probably very stupid.  I have defended him over our local country park when he was 14 months old.  Alf was on his lead and a guy was over there with a Shepherd (off lead).  The guy let his dog come over to Alfie saying "he doesn't like dogs when they are on leads" and with that the Shepherd snarled and grabbed Alf round the neck.  I kicked the dog up the rear hard a couple of times which startled it and it then ran back to its owner.  The guy then had the darn cheek to have a go at me for kicking the dog!!!  To which I replied that he should have had control because clearly he didn't......... but I did with Alf!!!!

We have a soft docile Staff girl who loves all dogs that she sees whilst we're out even a 10stone rottweiller and his even bigger dad that we met the other day and I would defend her in all ways that I could, even if it meant I was hurt

Buffy01

Yep definitely!!  I have in the past and would again.  My first ever dog, a Norwich terrier was in our garden and a neighbours GSD broke its chain, jumped their garden hedge and pinned my dog down in our garden.  The GSD would not let go so I straddled it and held it still (it was shaking my dog like a rag) and pinned it to the ground until its owners came.  In the meantime it dropped my dog and another neighbour picked up my dog and took it away.  The GSD had punctured my dogs lung, broke 2 ribs and torn the muscles around his shoulder - the vet said he may not walk again.  Luckily he did and lived to a good age. 

The GSD later went on to attack two people and was eventually put down. 

Would I do it again - you bet.

For a while around my area we had a large long haird GSD (beautiful dog to see) that was walked everywhere offlead, but it was sooo nasty, and stupid, number of times it went in for our 4 dogs, and a couple of houses down got a collie X rescue, which when they got home, relised didn't like other dogs (had been told he was fine) and of course we had one dog going for everything, but kept on lead, and muzzled at all times, and an offlead large GSD going for everything, it has since been taking to our local dog warden and the GSD has to be onlead at all times and under control.  but anyway back to the point...before the dog warden did anything alot of people walked around with a stick, just incase they saw this GSD.  no-one had any problems, and no-one can communicate with the owner of the GSD very well because he doesn't speak much english!

You were perfectly in the right.  If you had your dog on the lead your dog was under control.  The other dog was not.  I always carry a chain in my pocket so, if another dog comes near, rather than hit out I would just chuck the chain on the ground to distract them.  I would do what I could to protect my dogs.  I have 4 dogs so normally people think that it's me that's the problem.  However, my 4 are probably more under control that them with their 1 dog.  That really annoys me.  When people see a 5ft woman with 4 dogs they automatically think they are a pack and their dog is going to get savaged.  In reality, they are all sweeties and luckily, where I walk, everybody that knows me knows that.  It's the weekend walkers that seem to think it's OK for their dogs to run up to mine and jump all over me that get on my nerves.  AND they are always the ones that seem to take offence if you actually ask them to come and get their dogs.  Does anybody else have this problem?

I have a rescue who has agression problems towards people and dogs. Having had him for 9 years now we know his ways. He is ALWAYS on a lead, and I carry a muzzel to use if necessary i.e. having to pass close by someone with a dog or children. However, when we are out on a walk, I do try and avoid this person if I can, there is a small dog that is always off lead and always makes a bee line for my boy, running round him, barking and snapping at him, it was only a pup when it first started this.
Of course my dog reacts to it by trying to get at it, I manage to keep him on a short lead by my side but he is very stressed by this. It knows he cannot reach him and teases him in this way every time we see it. I have spoken to her, politly the first few times. but now I shout at her. She always says he only wants to play!! Last time it happened I asked her if she would like me to let my dog off the lead to play? Obviously her answer was no. But what really gets me is she makes absolutly no effort to even call the dog back, yesterday it was playing with a larger dog and when it saw my dog it took the other one with it and run up behind us and started its teasing display which drew the other dog forward and it attacked my dog biting him around the neck, fortunatley his owner grabbed it, told it off and put it on lead. The other lady just stood there! I dont know how to handle the situation anymore. I am thinking of not taking him out anymore which I find heartbreaking. 

Hi Diana,

Sorry to read about the problems other irresponsible dog owners are causing - it really makes me angry when I see people  trying to control their own dog on a lead (who could be ill, aggressive, nervous) and yet some idiots let their charges go tearing up to them    Please don't let them spoil your own or your dog's enjoyment of a daily walk :(

Can you carry a water pistol or spray bottle with you?  Try squirting the offending dog(s) full in the face if they get too close - usually the shock value sends them off.  It may also be worth carrying a small tin of pebbles or heavy guage check chain to throw in front of them - the rattle can spook them too.  Of course make sure first this doesn't upset your own boy - he's having a hard enough time :P

Good luck and don't give up.
Teri :) 

Where we live there are quite a few who still have dogs for the 'macho' image, and yes these dogs are nasty through lack of training, so when I'm out with my Leo I get very scared when one of these dogs approach. But i think if one did attack I would fight tooth and nail for my dog, either dog or owner. I would do the same for my kids so why not my dog,there're still part of the family.

Hi Teri
Thanks for your kind advice. I will try the water spray when we go out tomorrow. The pebbles in a can trick was given to me by a dog behaviourist some years ago to use to get him to stop barking at neighbours who were too close to our garden fence. This fence is very high and he could not see them but he could certainly smell or hear them!! It worked a treat. I would be reluctant to use it against another dog as it may confuse Casper.
I have put myself between my dog and others who have attacked him whilest he was on lead, it usually ends up with him biting my knee, the nearest thing, as he gets so worked up!  On one occassion a very large otter hound lunged at him and bit him on the side I pulled my dog behind me to protect him from another bite and the otter hound then bit me on my hand instead as it once again went for him. The owner caught up with it and dragged it away.
Casper had a  bad start in life and it has left him with problems that will never go away. In our decision to not have him put down I knew I would always have to keep him on a lead and always be aware of everthing around us, but there are the thoughtless few who make life so difficult and prevent him from getting over his fear of being attacked.

Hi again Diana.

Hope something works for you so that Casper (love his name :P ) gets to enjoy his walks with you.  Wish there was something we could spray/throw at the owners of dogs that are totally uncontrolled!

Best wishes, Teri :)

Do you live in the UK? If so, I would try and get a copy of the law on controlling dogs.  It's always handy to know how the law stands because you can then start quoting it.  In short, if her dog is off the lead and running up to yours when it is on the lead, then her dog is out of control.  These people make me really mad.  They seem to think it is their right to let their dog run up to any dog and terrorise it.  I have rescue dogs and I know how difficult it is.  I think the idea of the water pistol or the choke chain is a good one.  Try that.  If the experience of running around your dog is a bad one then hopefully he won't come back.  I don't hold out much hope though if he has a numpty owner.  There are so many of them around and they make your walks horrible.  Don't give up though because your boy is doing nothing wrong and why should his walks be jeopardised.

Thanks gemspan, yes I live in the UK. I have told her to call her dog back and to control it but she says it always comes back when she calls it and the only time it doesnt is when it sees mine! She just does not seem to realise what harm her dog is doing to Casper. I have explained to her his problems but to no avail. She now just stands there and lets things happen. As I said in my previous post I will definately try the water pistol.
I know of another dog owner who also aviods this dog. She has a small dog with a back problem and this other dog always runs up to her and jumps on her, the last thing she needs. She has also had a word with her and was also told he is only trying to play!
Some days we do manage to aviod them and those days are bliss but many a time I have come home and cried in anger and fustration.
PS. will certainly look up the law on controlling dogs, thanks.

Lol teri!

I hate this fashion accessory dog thing - we had people live near us with a Shar Pei - it was agressive and they did not have control of it. My labrador hated it, and the shar pei hated everything that moved within a yard of its gate. The Shar Pei escaped one evening (because they had no back gate!!!!) and attacked our Lab, who was on the lead with my 13 year old holding on for dear life. The owner then arrived and attacked my daughter because her dog was "fine" until it seen our dog. Thankfully they have moved, but I had no hesitation in getting the police involved, and we came very close to issuing changes. My lab still wants to cross the road when we get close to where the shar pei used to live.

You know it never ceases to amaze me what other people think is OK!!  Going from one extreme to another.  I know a lady who has a lab (male) that another woman let her puppy jump all over.  When the dog told the puppy off (as they do!) the lab owner got a mouthful of abuse about having a dangerous dog.  The upshot of this is that the lab owner is now petrified (and a bit neurotic!) about her boy attacking other dogs.  I have to say that the dog is absolutely fine - just a normal bouncy young male labrador.  Well, I met her last week and the dog is now wearing a muzzle (one of the hannibal lectur types).  She was having problems with recall so I showed her what I do with my dogs.  Her lab came bounding back which was really really good so I had to give him something for it.  I asked what to do because I have never had to use a muzzle on any of my dogs and she said "just put the treat in the side of the muzzle".  I bent down to do this just as the dog jumped up and whacked my nose.  I tell you it brought tears to my eyes!!!  The lady was really apologetic and it was an accident but deary me it hurt!!  I had two sleepless nights unable to breathe until I checked my nose and discovered it was broken.  I can't say anything to the dog's owner because she'll be mortified so I just have to suffer in silence.  What we do us dog lovers!! 

abso*******lutely without doubt. i am sick of people who mistreat their dogs by allowing them to be aggresive and out of control, dogs deserve to be trained and cared for to allow them to be happy members\of the family.

We have had to defend ours in the past . People think its funny because he is a Ridgeback, but he is a well trained boy, lovely temperament and will look to us for a command.  I guess some of you will not agree with this - but even big dogs suffer from smaller bad behaved dogs attacking - I don't want an attck to make him agressive!  I was advised that if a dog comes in to attack, whilst mine is on lead and controlled, I should keep calm, but use a firm voice to scare the appraoching dog.  If that fails we were told to release our dog as he has a better chance of/dodging the aggressor/ defending himself, and he will not feel confined and constrained to protect us. 
We have only needed to actually go through with this once - though several close calls I can remember a golden retreiver, lab ,  visla and weimaraner, ( each with various excuses - mostly - a pathetic 'oh I have no lead for mine!'). Anyway three whippet dogs from the same owner, in open fields of a dog walking area jumped straight out a car , and straight for us - they spilt up to attack from three sides - me and hubby were scared stiff as well!     Hubby tried to scare them , but they kept coming, so hubby released our boy to give him a chance to escape injury. My husband then tried to pick them  off himself using a metal  chain  lead.
Our lad out ran all three - just ( they wer trying to attck his hind quarters), however our boy came straight to us as we called him and together moved away from the incident.  The owner of the whippet claimed they were only playing - they then went on to attack a spaniel. Reported to dog warden who was not interested! 

I've seen it recommende to carry an automatic pop-up umbrella and open it in the face of the approaching dog.  It's supposed to be very effective. I've not tried it.

Littleportian,
You have reminded me of an incident involving Casper and 2 weinmaraners one of which was known to be aggressive toward other dogs, yet they were always off lead. One day I was standing chatting to three other dog owners, and these two came charging up to us made a bee line for Casper, the only dog on lead, he saw them and flung himself about so much he slipped his lead, he ran for his life, followed by the two weinmaraners, a dalmation, a doberman and a rather chubby labrador. He ran in a very large circle around the fields and back to me. He is a lurcher and, in those days, was very fast! This brought to an end a potentially serious situation. All the dogs were absolutley exhausted! 
These days however I am afraid I would not let him loose to run away as I am concerned about being reported for not having an aggressive dog under control as he normally is, although if he were muzzled would that make any difference?