# Dogs running loose in my neighbourhood - how do I protect myself walking? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 22, 2011, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365 "2011-06-22T01:09:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![mlees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2011, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/41 "2011-06-22T20:20:44Z")
> [@Laggard](#): > > Carry a cat. If the dog attacks toss it and run the other direction. I doubt the OP can out run a cat, though. “I don’t have to out run the dog. I just have to out run you, my two legged friend.” ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2011, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/42 "2011-06-22T21:10:05Z")
> [@Blackhawk441](#): > > And yes, if there are crazed/abused/hostile pitbulls/Rottweilers running around, there’s not a whole lot you can do short of firearms. However, if that was the case, I suspect the authorities would be a bit more enthusiastic about not letting them run around. Against someone’s “overly friendly” German Shepherd, I second the suggestion for bear spray or something. if bear spray can stop a 600-pound grizzly, I think it will stop a Rottweiler. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2011, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/43 "2011-06-22T21:34:45Z")
[quote=“Romeo\_and\_Whatsherface, post:39, topic:586365”] > [@Crazyhorse](#): > > Ask your local postman if there are any problem dogs known to roam the neighborhood - they will know. > > This. > > Postal carriers are also trained in handling aggressive dogs and could give you tips. Around here (western US), mail carriers carry dog biscuits. I don’t know under what circumstances they dispense them, though. Seems like giving one to a savage beast might just reinforce aggressive behavior, but definitely ask your carrier for advice. Ours (Texas) do, too. It’s not to reinforce aggressive behavior, obviously. It’s to bribe the local dogs into friendship. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2011, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/44 "2011-06-22T22:25:27Z")
I would guess bear repellent is legal in Canada (basically a can of mace/pepper spray under high pressure to shoot pretty far…farther than “normal” mace/pepper spray). If it’ll dissuade a bear it’ll dissuade a dog. I think a walking stick is best for all concerned unless there is a real belief these dogs will attack. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2011, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/45 "2011-06-22T22:32:51Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > … I think a walking stick is best for all concerned unless there is a real belief these dogs will attack. Username/post combo thread winner! 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Fubaya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@Fubaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fubaya)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2011, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/46 "2011-06-22T23:15:04Z")
Again… a small spray bottle of ammonia. It’s not just a one-time deal, if a dog gets close enough to get a squirt, it will leave you alone _forever_. I’d think you could get in trouble by spraying an animal with wasp spray. It probably won’t hurt a dog but I can see owners being pissed about you spraying their beloved puppy with poison. [This](http://www.selfdefense-4-women.com/wasp-spray.html) site says wasp spray contains a neurotoxin that federal law prohibits it from being used for anything other than killing wasps. The FBI obviously isn’t going to investigate you, but have someone sue you for spraying their dog and you’ll probably lose. ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/47 "2011-06-23T02:59:33Z")
I expect pet owners to live up to their LEGAL OBLIGATION of keeping the dog under control, or I will do it for them (using means legal in my area). > [@Cat Whisperer](#): > > There is a certain amount of psychology involved, too - I think most dog owners will notice me brandishing pepper spray or a large walking stick at their “don’t worry, he’s harmless!” dog as it runs at me full speed. Then we can have a chat about how their dog wouldn’t be in any danger of being sprayed if it didn’t get close to me. Don’t bet on it. Most dog owners do behave responsibly and control their dogs, but the others apparently feel entitled. 10 feet away from a sign that said “All dogs must be on a leash. Violators subject to arrest”, one middle-aged dog owner, said to me, “I’ll do whatever I feel like!” The last illegally off-leash dog I encountered was unrestrained by the owner who just shouted “Just behave normally and he won’t bother you!” Thank you, **Sailboat** , for enabling their behavior. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/48 "2011-06-23T03:24:51Z")
All kinds of sticks[here](http://www.enasco.com/farmandranch/Showing+%26+Grooming/Canes/)that would be comforting to have along on walkies should Bobic want to play too rough. I especially like the octagonal cane. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/49 "2011-06-23T05:47:36Z")
Thanks for all the suggestions - I think I will head off to the local camping/hiking/sporting goods store and see what they have to say. ---
**Author:** ![Farmer\_Jane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Farmer\_Jane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Farmer_Jane)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 8:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/50 "2011-06-23T08:48:53Z")
re: wasp spray: I been told to carry it from more than one officer. It dispenses with better force (and further away) and burns like a mother fucker. not that **Cat Whisperer** should be spraying puppies. (But if a dog looks like it’s going to attack, is it the time to be saying, ‘Nice puppy’?) But really, wasp spray is great for **human attackers** , as those fucks deserve little sympathy. But if pepper spray is not allowed in Calgary, then wasp spray is probably really not allowed. Pooey you live in a place where non-lethal self defense is an issue. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 10:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/51 "2011-06-23T10:23:00Z")
In my experience–I go to a very rough dog park–a fighting pit bull doesn’t even notice a cane whacked as hard as possible on his cranium, let alone anywhere else. And good luck standing your ground until you can see the whites of their eyes before doing that perfect swing of a stick on his face. ---
**Author:** ![Candyman74](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Candyman74](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Candyman74)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/52 "2011-06-23T11:59:40Z")
> [@Leo\_Bloom](#): > > In my experience–I go to a very rough dog park–a fighting pit bull doesn’t even notice a cane whacked as hard as possible on his cranium, let alone anywhere else. And good luck standing your ground until you can see the whites of their eyes before doing that perfect swing of a stick on his face. Dogs are pretty tough, and have very thick skulls. I don’t think the head is the best place to try to strike one. ---
**Author:** ![mac\_bolan00](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b3f665/32.png) [@mac\_bolan00](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mac_bolan00)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/53 "2011-06-23T12:08:26Z")
could it be an escalating canine arms race? then buy the biggest, baddest mutt for yourself. ---
**Author:** ![thelabdude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dc4da7/32.png) [@thelabdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelabdude)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/54 "2011-06-23T12:52:29Z")
I have tried both rocks and sticks, and rocks are more effective. They also work from a bicycle. ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/55 "2011-06-23T13:28:01Z")
> [@rowrrbazzle](#): > > The last illegally off-leash dog I encountered was unrestrained by the owner who just shouted “Just behave normally and he won’t bother you!” Thank you, **Sailboat** , for enabling their behavior. What in the name of God are you on about? I am _on record_ in _numerous threads_ as being decidedly against off-leash dogs, which are a problem in my area, and I have called the police and the condo association on violators. This is a major issue for me, and I’m foursquare against off-leash dogs both in person and in online discussions. [cite](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=13494198&highlight=%22off-leash%22#post13494198) [cite](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=12991092&highlight=%22off-leash%22#post12991092) [cite](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=12550011&highlight=%22off-leash%22#post12550011) [cite](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=10354240&highlight=%22off-leash%22#post10354240) [URL=“[http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=9424896&highlight=“off-leash”#post9424896](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=9424896&highlight=%22off-leash%22#post9424896)”] Furthermore, what in my posts have you construed as “enabling?” Is it my dubious take on people using handguns against pets? Did you _read_ that link? ---
**Author:** ![Implicit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Implicit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Implicit)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/56 "2011-06-23T13:45:22Z")
Newsflash: dogs like to fetch sticks. If you are carrying an actual stick my dog would run up to you excitedly wanting you to throw it for him. I don’t think this is the reaction you are looking for so a walking stick is a bad idea. ---
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/57 "2011-06-23T13:56:15Z")
> [@Darth\_Panda](#): > > Maybe change your user name? That can’t help… I did like the username/thread combo. 😃 Cat, you should definitely report this to whoever’s available to report this to - an organisation like the Canadian equivalant of the RSPCA might be good, since it’s not really healthy for dogs to be running free in a pedestrian area either, and organisations that look after animals are sometimes quicker to respond than organisations that look after humans. An ammonia spray is a good idea, but really any spray at all would help. Even simple water would be a start. Add citronella to it, and the dogs will dislike it; citronella sprays are what’s used in anti-barking collars (which didn’t work on my dog, but that wasn’t because of the spray, but the collar). ---
**Author:** ![UncleRojelio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unclerojelio/32/3160_2.png) [@UncleRojelio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleRojelio)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/58 "2011-06-23T14:04:51Z")
> [@Implicit](#): > > Newsflash: dogs like to fetch sticks. If you are carrying an actual stick my dog would run up to you excitedly wanting you to throw it for him. I don’t think this is the reaction you are looking for so a walking stick is a bad idea. Then you should keep your dog on a leash because otherwise it is going to get a bash on the head it won’t soon forget. ---
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/59 "2011-06-23T14:24:51Z")
> [@UncleRojelio](#): > > Then you should keep your dog on a leash because otherwise it is going to get a bash on the head it won’t soon forget. This doesn’t have to turn into a thread where everyone hates on dog-owners, you know. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2011, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365/60 "2011-06-23T15:26:32Z")
> [@Candyman74](#): > > Dogs are pretty tough, and have very thick skulls. I don’t think the head is the best place to try to strike one. Indeed. I have read in many places that the best thing to do in case of a to-the-death fight is to put a stick up the instigator’s ass. The problem is finding the spot during a dog fight, and a human’s understandable fear of doing so. But when your dog is on the receiving end of the fight and is near death, that fear goes out the window. Personally, I would attempt to stomp and break the other dog’s back (were it a pit or terrier) in such a situation. However, this is a hijack of OP. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-running-loose-in-my-neighbourhood-how-do-i-protect-myself-walking/586365.md?page=4)