My parents have been watching rather carefully, while I am working.
No sign of the mutt.
So far.
I own 4 dogs, and if one of my dogs did that to you, I’d expect you to defend yourself. If the dog gets hurt, it’s my fault for not training/socializing it better and for not controlling it properly.
Of course, my dogs don’t behave like that. They might lick you to death, but that’s probably the worst of it.
In one of my current jobs, I’m a petsitter/dog walker. Occasionally a dog will run out when I’m walking a client’s dog. I have a pretty effective “Bad Dog!” voice. If a dog is even half-way socialized, I can usually stop him in his tracks by yelling “BAD DOG!!! NOOO!!!” in my fiercest voice. I wouldn’t expect it to stop a dog that was really determined to come at me, though. I haven’t had to deal with any really aggressive dogs. <knocks wood>
BTW, do NOT run from a dog. They WILL chase you if you do. It’s hardwired in them.
Start wearing a heavier coat, by the way. First, it’s getting colder. Second, it provides some measure of protection for your arms.
Third, you can throw it over the dog’s head.
Damn dog was jumping & snarling at my car, as I went to pick up a pizza tonight.
It was out, but not on our property. So, as I understand it, we can’t file a complaint.
Check your local ordinances. Many cities and towns require dogs to be leashed or under control of their owner when out in the street. Just because it wasn’t on your property specifically, doesn’t mean that you can’t file a complaint if it was off your neighbor’s property.
What mhendo said.
Hell, dances, you were protecting your child. I don’t blame you one bit.
Bosda, do you know the owners? Is it possible you could let them know they are in danger of losing their dog and being sued?
Do you have a digital camera? If so, carry it with you for a bit; and if it’s safe for you to do so, take pictures of it whenever it’s off-property. They don’t need to be National Geographic quality; they just need to be good enough to show animal control.
Keep a log of its snarling at you. While this may not be enough to instigate a deeming of the dog (deeming it a vicious animal), it may help support such a deeming.
And don’t go looking for a fight with it: most large dogs can outfight most humans, and even if you win, you’re not likely to be unscathed. But if a fight occurs, this animal-welfare nut is not going to tell you to fight fair. Your job is to keep things on a human level as much as possible; but if the dog succeeds in getting things on an animal level, you gotta fight on an animal level.
Good luck!
Daniel
I’ve worked in kennels and we were always advised that if a dog is being aggressive or rushing you then turn your back. I know it sounds scary but it’s a dog signal that you are not happy and it works. Other tips are to keep your eyes to the side and to lick your lips.
This works if you feel you are in serious danger as with the German Shepherd - otherwise i’d reccommend kicking the little bastids into outer space.
In a recent publication directed towards children - the authorities advise: “be a like a tree on the ground”, fold your branches (arms) in; eyes aimed at the ground and stand tall.
I don’t know if this works because I check for stray dogs in my yard before I go out and stay alert for them (damned stupid neighbours with their “he/she won’t hurt you” as the dog is trying to take my head off)…first tinkle of a dog collar tag will get me moving pretty fast toward the door!
I’m completely pro pup, and am on your side Bosda. A stout whack is called for, several if the mongrel fails to respond.
We’ve phoned the neighbors.
That mutt is whistling past the pound, whether his owner knows it or not, & just one more incident… :mad: