How do I avoid dangerous dogs?
Posted by OutsideImpressive115@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 110 comments
Surely it's not just me? every single walk I'm encountering dangerous dogs and idiotic owners allowing them off the lead. It happened twice earlier today and just now with two huge dogs who were staring down my dog aggressively until I told the idiot owner to put them on the lead
I'm seriously losing my mind here today. am I supposed to just not take my dog out?
ToshLyons68@reddit
I'm 57 - own dogs so walk every day - never been bitten or attacked by a dog. Obviously it happens and it's unacceptable but I must live in a very different area if you are encountering problems every day
OutsideImpressive115@reddit (OP)
As I said on this thread I've walked my dog 2-3 times everyday for 7 years and never had problems before this year
ToshLyons68@reddit
Maybe your area really is just that bad?
OutsideImpressive115@reddit (OP)
Read the other comments. You can see it's the norm nowadays
ToshLyons68@reddit
Not round here - I haven't noticed any change
Omadster@reddit
Seriously put me and my family off enjoying walking in some places , I would absolutely back a law , saying all dogs must be on a lead in public .
ToshLyons68@reddit
I wouldn't. Dogs have always been allowed off lead - we dont need to start changing that.
Omadster@reddit
Yes we do , when im out walking with my kids or my own I dont want your animal running upto me , I dont care how cute or friendly ypu think it is , I dont want any harassment or interactions with your pet .
ToshLyons68@reddit
I have 3 kids - it's a non-issue
Omadster@reddit
Nonsense .....its a huge issue.
ToshLyons68@reddit
If you are neurotic maybe
Several_Bluebird9404@reddit
Crap attitude. Just keep your dog on a lead.
antlered-god@reddit
Sick of them in eating places too. In the last year in pubs & dog friendly restaurants I've witnessed dogs fighting, dogs continually farting around diners whilst the owners hoot with laughter, a dog tripping up a fully laden waitress and a dog having an explosive diarrhea attack in between tables. Dogs should not be in eating areas
Several_Bluebird9404@reddit
This is becoming worse and worse. I've seen people let their dogs sit on the seats. Disgusting arseholes.
poopolisher@reddit
Have you considered not going to restaurants that allow dogs if you don’t like it, just a suggestion.
mrs_shrew@reddit
I was in one fairly posh place, having my dinner, amd the next table sat down with their dog. I was already eating my dinner but then had to smell their dog and watch their dog begging at the table the rest of my meal.
I would have left but my bf didn't want to cause a scene. I won't spend my money in that place now, especially as they add 12.5% service charge for me to smell wet dog.
Spottyjamie@reddit
I just avoid certain paths and parks sadly
Automatic-Grand6048@reddit
I love in a village and I swear nearly every dog I encounter is aggressive towards my dogs. I have to keep them on a lead whenever we're near people or dogs as even though my dogs are well behaved. But if one dog was aggressive then they would react. I blame lockdown when people got dogs and they weren't properly socialised to learn how to behave with other dogs.
Superspark76@reddit
The problem isn't dangerous dogs but dangerous owners. They seem to forget that the animal that is friendly in their home is still an animal that needs to be controlled.
I have seen some of the best trained dogs disobey owners, even police dog handlers keep their dogs on a lead (until they need the dog to attack or chase)
AltruisticFox8763@reddit
I don’t own a dog and I feel this. So many people walking round with HUGE dogs that they couldn’t possibly control if they had to get physical. It’s very intimidating.
Brave_Assumption6@reddit
We can't automatically make them control their dogs but we can at least make sure we know *what* to do if such a situation ever occurs. What are some good tips on if a huge dog is nearby? How can we make sure they don't get aggressive with us?
whyy_i_eyes_ya@reddit
It’s crap but other than avoiding them there’s not a lot you can do if something like an XL Bully attacks. Even if you batter it half to death it’s bred to never let go. Fortunately not seen many where I live, just one and the owner got aggressive for me giving it the side-eye walking past. Tosser.
I understand why we can’t carry locking knives and the like with us to an extent, but if I lived in an area full of dogs like that… well I’d rather take the chance of being arrested but survive than be mailed to death. If a knife even stops it in time.
Nots the dogs’ fault, they were born as they are. Send them to a nice well-fenced farm and euthanise the owners instead.
Brave_Assumption6@reddit
The so called Swiss pocket knife is legal. I wonder if that has any effect on them. I too would rather use that to hurt the dog if it comes to a point of life and death.
whyy_i_eyes_ya@reddit
Guess it’s hard to manually unfold it and wield it effectively without it folding when you’re having your limbs torn off. Suppose same for a lot of things unless you’re walking round with a machete. Seems like it’s just pot luck. We created a literal monster, let fucking idiots buy them freely and occasionally someone gets eaten. Mad.
TinyCowParade@reddit
It's hard to say how to prevent it, but if they did get aggressive, as hard as it is, you need to stay calm. Do not try to pull the dog off if it's biting someone because the damage will be so much worse. Cutting off its air supply is the only way to solve it.
ClickerKnocker@reddit
Bite them first. Assert dominance.
OutsideImpressive115@reddit (OP)
Yeah dude I'm seriously getting worried nowadays. I have never felt this before this year. This person was about half my size with two dogs 3x bigger than mine.
There's no way in hell she could possibly have controlled those huge dogs if they went
AltruisticFox8763@reddit
I had one a few days back. With my 20 month old son at the park and some absolutely screbby looking geezer walks past with a gigantic dog OFF lead. Immediately moved towards my lad and eyed up somewhere I could get that the dog couldn’t if I needed to.
Mental.
OutsideImpressive115@reddit (OP)
Crazy that police don't do anything at all about it, there have been loads of incidents that would have warranted much stricter rules and laws too
PrincessPK475@reddit
So weird I go on dog walks twice a day and it's rare I come across an aggressive dog... The most aggressive ones I've encountered have been the smaller breeds ime because people tend to pamper them and not train them.... Or train them to be highly anxious/codependent and reactive (not all .... Just the majority of aggressive dogs on walks)
I personally find bigger dog owners know the liability and responsibility they have of their breed and tend to be far more on it with training/recall and if they aren't confident with their handling and recall keep the dog leashed.... But perhaps it's location dependent which way the trend swings 🤷♀️
TinyCowParade@reddit
As a smallish dog owner, for me it's 100% big dogs that cause us hassle, and haven't been trained.
Brave-Engineer3962@reddit
I have a small/ medium dog (medium dog with short legs). As a puppy she loved other dogs, and as an adolescent she had a few run ins with large dogs that wouldn't leave her alone. She now has zero tolerance for other dogs. We can walk past them but if they're really excitable, too interested in her or try to interact she will react because she feels vulnerable. Sometimes there's more to it than people realise.
I try to avoid other dogs as much as possible, and my dog is only ever off lead when I have good sight of our surroundings and I'm sure no other dogs are about. I frequently come across badly behaved/ untrained dogs of all shapes and sizes.
There's a family near me who have an XL - its muzzle is usually hanging from its collar, and they often let it off lead to play on the beach. What worries me about those dogs is their propensity for harm - they're so strong, a simple interaction could so easily escalate and go awfully wrong.
GodAtum@reddit
I carry an umbrella for safety
OctaneTroopers@reddit
https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/report-a-dog
Any out of control dog you can report in a public space. A few road away someone close to me is seeing the sharp end of this with their aggressive dogs being allowed on the road. It helps if you have photo or video evidence. Depending on the case, first time a visit from the dog warden, second a fine, third a heavy fine, conditions are set and if they are broken then removal of their dogs.
If this is out on a walk on the country side I would imagine it's difficult to locate the owner if you don't know their name or address.
My personal case is I have been accosted by 2 aggressive dogs outside a property. They are well known in the areas but no one has reported them. I have. This is a route used by horse riders so potentially very dangerous. Walkers and dog walkers. I will not allow this in a public space so have reported twice.
It may not be the time you come across them and something bad happens but if you report it and it does happen to someone else, at least it's documented and will go very strongly against them.
When folk are trying to follow the rules and some twat ruins it for the rest of us, then report it.
whyy_i_eyes_ya@reddit
We had some problem dogs on the street. Fortunately small, something like a Westie. But they were right twats. And always loose and aggressive. Pretty much took a street campaign of reporting to get a visit, because it turns out Birmingham with its population of what, 1.1m has one dog warden. Literally one bloke with a landline and an answerphone. It’s the sort of service that’s been quietly utterly gutted over the last 15 years, as it’s not visible. But when you need it it’s such a sad symbol of the utter decay the country is experiencing on a larger scale.
MoleDunker-343@reddit
Ah look, the foreign ones have found Reddit 😂
ajslov@reddit
I'm a runner and the amount of times lately that dogs have charged after me in an unfriendly way is alarming. It puts me on edge sometimes so I have to slow down into a walk or divert if I can just to prevent a possible reaction.
whyy_i_eyes_ya@reddit
The Covid dog explosion was definitely a ‘thing’. People thinking they had the time and energy then realising they weren’t fit to be dog owners. I guess it’s been five years, and as the dogs age the situation should improve somewhat.
Icy-Belt-8519@reddit
My dog is lovely, but the second she sees a runner, I dunno if she panics or is confused but she hates you, she's never bit anyone but growling and barking at runners, 100%, so guess what, I keep her on a blood lead, move to the side and distract, I don't understand why that's not common sense/practice 🤦♂️
JudgeStandard9903@reddit
I'm a runner too and I don't have positive experience with dogs - I've not been bitten but it feels horrible when you see a dog off lead with the owner far away, you moderate your behaviour, slow to a walk, look down and boring to the dog and they still run at you and the only thing that stops something bad happening is the owner managing to call them away. I hate not having any control over that interaction and I'm just relying on a strangers dog's temperament and/or the owner giving a shit.
I'm training for a trail run and have put off running on trails for years because of fear of dogs and they are everywhere all times of day off lead. The only thing I've found that helps is I live right by chalk cliffs and running near the cliff edge you tend to find most dog walkers will put their dog on a lead (dogs have inadvertently run off the edge and died before) slightly annoying to be limited to certain routes but it does help.
Brave_Assumption6@reddit
It's one for thing for authorities and parents to get a grip on it. While these dogs exist and are around I think we all here need to share tips on how to best handle the situation and avoid getting hurt.
OutsideImpressive115@reddit (OP)
That's just ridiculous man. Its getting out of hand
Due_Tune7161@reddit
Story of my life as a postie - I got bit on the shin by a customer's small dog, hurt like hell and it left a cut and bruise. Customer said "sorry the dogs an arse hole" and that was it.
h00dman@reddit
I was out for a walk the other evening and coming towards me was a man taking an American XL Bully for a walk.
When they got closer I could see that the collar was quite a thick material (it looked like leather but I didn't get close enough to check), the "lead" was a chain, and the dog was wearing a muzzle as well.
I guess as owners of that breed go they were an example of someone being responsible, but I'd never seen one in the flesh before and I was immediately struck by how uncomfortable the animal looked.
Not the muzzle or the lead etc, but just the way it moved. Every step looked like it was straining against its own weight, and I could hear it breathing.
Even though I've known someone who's being been killed by one of those dogs I still felt so sorry for this one, with the selective breeding it's had it just never stood a chance at a normal life.
I've gone off on a tangent there, I guess what I'm saying is I don't envy you and other postal workers for what you have to deal with.
whyy_i_eyes_ya@reddit
Yeah they’re a sight aren’t they. We’ve pretty much created a monster there. And of course the owners attracted to such traits tend not to be the type to be responsible. At least your encounter the owner was more careful.
AussieHxC@reddit
So fucking huge as well. Until you see one up close you don't realise just how big they are.
IHateTheLetter-C-@reddit
They're only Labrador sized! Big, powerful, but by no means giant.
AussieHxC@reddit
Uhh no. The ones I've met are bigger than German shepherds
Remote-Pool7787@reddit
They are incredibly difficult dogs to keep fit. Especially when neutered and leashed like they legally have to be now. They need a very lean (and expensive) diet and a huge amount of exercise that just isn’t possible on a lead
weatherwaxs_broom@reddit
Same. I got nipped through a letterbox recently, and automatically I helped and said "Little bastard bit me!" I look up and bam, camera doorbell. I haven't had any complaints though.
I've lost count of badly behaved and terribly trained dogs people have. I had one on a round that liked to slam itself against the front door and rip envelopes through the box. I knew how big it was because the door has a massive pane of glass next to it and this dog was huge. Never an apology from the owners, not even an acknowledgement that their dog was a danger.
tcpukl@reddit
I dread taking our kids to the park.
It shouldn't be like this.
shabba182@reddit
Man. My dog is an arse hole and would bite you if you came to my door. That's why he is always shut away in his crate before I open the door. Some poeple are just dicks
Overall_Dream_3195@reddit
I’m a dog owner and I’m tired of off lead dogs and their owners too. It’s spoils my walks with my dog as I’m constantly on edge with my head on a swivel trying to keep an eye out for any dogs that are running up on us. It’s made me nervous to go out with her and I don’t enjoy walking her anymore because of selfish owners having no control over their dogs. I know it wouldn’t be popular with a lot of dog owners but I’d be happy with a dogs must be on leads at all time law being introduced. If I want my dog to have a run about without her lead I hire one of those dog fields for an hour and I don’t see why others can’t do the same.
ToshLyons68@reddit
Because people can't afford to hire a field every day. Most of the time dog walkers are 90% of park users - go in winter or a wet wednesday. If dogs can't get a run parks will be deserted and less safe for people who do use them .
Remote-Pool7787@reddit
Shout NOT FRIENDLY when another dog approaches your dog
wdwhereicome2015@reddit
I have someone who lives near me do that when they walk their dog and im out with mine ( who are off lead sometimes chasing a ball or going for a swim depending on where we are).
I just make sure my dogs are well away and put them lead of need be. Not an issue for me and safer for everyone all round. So more than happy for people to let me know.
I have also had someone shout to put mine on lead as their dog will have a go at them if they got near it. Didn’t see what type of dog it was but there were 2 of them trying to keep their dog from going near mine. This was over by a reservoir with some narrow paths in places and used by loads of people with dogs in all weathers. . If a dog is that reactive to other dogs, then maybe don’t take them to places where there are going to be loads of other dogs especially in decent weather. Thankfully there was plenty of space away from them at that point and just kept my two well away from them, as they are far more interested in chasing a ball rather than going up to any other dog so easy to keep them away from other dogs or hazards.
OutsideImpressive115@reddit (OP)
Their dogs were 3x the size of mine. They both stopped in their tracks with their hackles up. It was lucky as fuck I got away with that situation with my dog. Seriously
I don't think shouting that would have helped there
Remote-Pool7787@reddit
Doesn’t matter. A small dog that’s potentially aggressive can cause a lot of damage to a larger dog. Just shout, those kind of owners hate it
OutsideImpressive115@reddit (OP)
The owner in all fairness did get them on the lead, but it could have been ugly because they were well ahead of the owner and if they decided to go there's no way the owner could have got there in time. Im just asking how do I go by keeping my older dog safe
incrediblepepsi@reddit
Can you pick your dog up? Not sure of the breed/ if this is feasible, but practicing a swoop up may set your mind at rest, and you can assess whether the dog is actually dangerous or just poorly trained.
I fully agree, wish there was something could be done.
A colleague of mine who is terrified of dogs (was attacked by one as a child) had two massive fighting type dogs race up to her a few weeks ago. She described not knowing if she was about to be maimed- you just don't know until they reach you, that's the scary part.
Hopefully it's not very likely they would attack- recently reported dog fatalities seem to be toddlers left alone with dogs. Not that that is any comfort.
silentv0ices@reddit
You are making a story up in your own mind.
WeeklyPermission239@reddit
I don't have a dog, can I still do this?
poopolisher@reddit
Were they actually dangerous or are you overeating
AJMurphy_1986@reddit
Read their other comments.
One of those weird small dog owners terrified of big dogs
poopolisher@reddit
Yeah I noticed. I’m terrified so every one else mush change to accommodate me.
AJMurphy_1986@reddit
Its usually the small dogs that are out of control and untrained as well
poopolisher@reddit
Always the small ones!
OutsideImpressive115@reddit (OP)
poopolisher@reddit
So you’re a coward. That’s fine, you should lock yourself inside away from the scary outside.
OutsideImpressive115@reddit (OP)
... My bro can you even read your own words? Try again
poopolisher@reddit
Would you like me to fix the typo to make you feel better? Wouldn’t want you any more worried than you already are.
Puzzleheaded-Bad-722@reddit
What an utter dick head
poopolisher@reddit
Love you too
PetersMapProject@reddit
I'm wondering where on earth you're walking - as the owner of a little dog, this is a million miles from my own experience.
There's two possibilities here.
1 - your area is wildly outside the norm, in which case I'd suggest choosing a park in a more middle class area where large bull breeds are less fashionable. Also choose popular parks at busier times of day - that's when and where the nice dogs go; choosing quieter spots is how you meet people with dodgy dogs who are trying to avoid others.
2 - you're entirely misinterpreting the dog's body language. Based on what you've said, two off lead dogs merely looked at your dog but nothing actually went wrong?
I'd suggest watching some YouTube videos about the 'canine ladder of aggression' so you can check that you're correctly interpreting what you're seeing. https://youtu.be/tY2kVlLL54w?si=7tSgfAuCLI9n9IB0
CensorTheologiae@reddit
The true answer is (sadly) you turn straight around and get out of there. It helps if you know where to expect them.
You can report, but in my experience the police will only act when there's already been an injury, and most councils have been cut back so much they no longer have dog wardens.
sm3g-h3ad@reddit
I hate people who let their dogs off lead who can't control them. It doesnt matter how friendly you think your dog is, if you cant stop it from running up to someone else's dog then it should be on a lead.
I had someone a few months ago whose two spaniels were off lead and out of her line of sight. They both came round a corner flying up to my dog at the same time. My dog (on a lead and between my legs) doesn't like other dogs invading her space after so many negative experiences so she is defensive and snaps at them. The lady then has a right pop at me and says my dog is vicious and will attack someone. It won't, because it's under control on a lead.
The other week a man's big labrador seemed calm but when it got near it sped right up toward my dog and wasnt on a lead so the owner couldnt stop it, it completely ignored the owners commands and that started a scrap with the two dogs. I told him he needs to put his dog on a lead if he cant control it and he said "I usually find that shes actually more grumpy to other dogs when she is on a lead" and I tried to explain that it doesnt matter because it would be on a lead so it would be under his control!!
I could go on and on and on, this happens all the time.
Shot_Net3794@reddit
Get a pet tiger or lion and take it for walks
wdwhereicome2015@reddit
Why are you bringing cats into a thread about dangerous dogs. Get a wolf instead. They walk better on leads
Shot_Net3794@reddit
Because I'm an ultra-cool rebel who doesn't listen to rules, that's why I brought cats into this thread
Funmachine@reddit
How were they doing it aggressively?
FiendyFiend@reddit
Don’t go into any fields or woodlands that allow walkers with dogs and exclusively go to places dogs aren’t allowed. If your dog is with you then go to a private hire dog field.
darklinkuk@reddit
Dogs shouldn't be off the lead outside a dedicated dog park.
FiendyFiend@reddit
They shouldn’t be, but they often are and it’s not illegal to have a dog off lead unless the dog is actually behaving in a dangerous way, causing problems with livestock etc.
The vast majority of dogs don’t have good enough recall or training to reliably come back every time they’re called, but unless it becomes a law, you’re going to meet off-lead dogs on footpaths.
darklinkuk@reddit
Many local councils have banned off lead dogs in parks, beaches, playgrounds, football pitches etc.
Highway code covers footpaths.
The vast majority of dog owners are idiots, and typically the dumber the owner the more dangerous the breed.
ampmz@reddit
This isn’t the US, we have no such rules here.
OutsideImpressive115@reddit (OP)
Yeah sadly I don't think I will go to any parks anymore. Which sucks because I have gone there daily with my dog for 7 years
Omadster@reddit
It should just be simple law all dogs must be on a lead in public.
AJMurphy_1986@reddit
Cant have been that dangerous could they......
Warm-Marsupial8912@reddit
You can get a spray off Amazon which is legal as a deterrent. When they start fixating on your dog, especially when yours is smaller and there's is a high prey drive/pitbull type, it is logical to worry. If the owner is ignoring a request to call them away sometimes shouting that yours is contagious speeds them up.
GourangaPlusPlus@reddit
They've discontinued Lynx Africa mate
Dry_Action1734@reddit
What do you mean by “staring your dog down aggressively”? Dogs like to watch each others, there’s not necessarily anything dangerous about that. It really needs to be combined with other behaviour, which I assume wasn’t there or you would have mentioned it.
Yes, they should be on lead. All you can continue to do is telling them to put the dog on lead in front of your dog.
OutsideImpressive115@reddit (OP)
Nah dude. They both got low with their hackles up.
bishibashi@reddit
Obviously I don’t know your situation and am not saying you’re wrong but humans overreacting to normal behaviour between dogs can also be an issue. I keep my (smallish) dog on the lead unless it’s a an obvious dogs off lead space mostly to avoid interactions with people whose dogs never socialise and are treated like mini humans rather than pets. I’m ok with people doing that, each to their own, but I do think it’s a shame.
rice_fish_and_eggs@reddit
Anyone who knows dogs can recognise the warning signs op just described.
bishibashi@reddit
I agree, worrying if accurate, and I’ve no reason to believe OP isn’t being accurate, but mild dominant behaviour is often mistaken for outright aggression. The other owner was in the wrong, their dogs might be harmless but were definitely off lead in the wrong place.
Consistent-Sand-3618@reddit
You don't have to take your dog to the local 'dog park.' If it's not good for them or you it's a no brainer. I know all the local dogs that the owners can't handle and actively pick my dog up, face away and walk off so their dog can't see him and lunge. You get to know the troublemakers but most of them are in the 'dog park' because they think socialising means injuring people and animals in the name of training
seriousrikk@reddit
Ultimately while there are a percentage of folks who are in fact far too stupid to own a dog this will keep happening.
Last month one such idiot emboldened by a complete lack of morals failed to control their dog which escaped and killed a small dog near where I live. The person was nowhere to be seen. Everyone knows who it was but there is no proof other than the breed of dog. Rather than own up this individual threatened anyone who even had the ‘audacity’ to ask about the incident.
Then on the park this morning a friend’s greyhound was attacked by an off lead dog. The damage to the poor hounds side and leg is awful and the owner knew their sod didn’t like sighthounds but still let it off.
I’m sick of having to deal with these fucking muppets in society but there we are, trying our best.
Appropriate-Cheek970@reddit
To beat the dangerous dog you have to become the dangerous dog. Woof.
Crafty-Strength1626@reddit
Get lots of tattoos and walk the dog in your pants
TellMeItsN0tTrue@reddit
Depending on when you go for walks/how long you have and if you have a car, stately homes/castle/private gardens that allow dogs can be a good shout. As you have to pay to use them (annual passes will make them affordable for regular use) they're less likely to attract irresponsible owners and if people break the rules they can be thrown out/banned.
National trust and English Heritage can be a start but there's also plenty run by other organisations.
ohnoyoudontlikeme@reddit
You have to an even more dangerouser dog.
In seriousness, I feel for you. I worry about my cat in the back yard, I'd be losing my head if I had a dog and this happened
Cold_Table8497@reddit
Chihuahuas are expensive.
JeffreyEpsteinUK@reddit
Could you just be afraid of dogs? Or the ugly ones at least?
Dogs will often stare down each other, fight eachother, and exhibit behaviors that to humans can look violent or dangerous.
If you have genuine fears about other peoples dogs mauling your dog. Maybe you should carry a defensive spray that is harmless but incapacitating to dogs, there are tons of brands of those of various formulas.
OutsideImpressive115@reddit (OP)
Or maybe I'm afraid of vicious dogs that can easily kill my dog?
JeffreyEpsteinUK@reddit
A dog is quite hard to fatally injure to be honest unless your dog is a handbag sized one.
Your fear isnt unreasonable though I didn't mean to come across that way,
its worth knowing, it is legal to kill or attack a dog in defence of your own dog if you have reasonable belief that it is mauling your dog, Ie. It draws blood or visibly damages it.
So maybe you have to think defensively to prepared, and Or, take less populated walking routes. If that is how you feel about the threat against your dog from other dogs.
Upstairs_Yogurt_5208@reddit
There is a man around my area that walks his two Shar Pei dogs. One is pretty well behaved but the other one goes absolutely nuts when it sees other dogs. I have had several run ins with this person and every time this crazy dog sees my dog it goes nuts. I am very vigilant now and I’m always looking ahead to see if I can spot them before they spot me. Unfortunately I’ve had a couple of occasions where this chap has come round a blind corner and caught me by surprise. Eventually I got sick of this happening as it’s quite scary so I just called 101 and reported this man and his dogs. The police told me that they have had several reports regarding this man and his dogs. I now wear a small body cam just in case something terrible happens
ClericalRogue@reddit
Walk with a stick. If your dog is small enough to pick up with one hand, get a harness with a handle on the back. You can't control other people or their dogs, but you can protect yourself and your dogs.
I have a small dog. If a dog is off-leash and getting aggressive with her, I use her "oh sh*t" handle to pick her up quickly. If that doesn't work, the stick is my defense to ward off the dog or knock it for seven, if it doesn't back down.
I've only had to use my walking stick that way once, thankfully.
OutsideImpressive115@reddit (OP)
These dogs that I just saw could have easily mauled me within seconds. These idiots are breeding dogs to kill and they are HUGE. A stick wouldnt do anything to them
420Journey@reddit
Speak softly and carry a big stick.
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