What do you do when a dog attacks you?

Offer him a fist full of dog treats & he will protect you from the other 2 dogs!:D It's worth a try if he's going to grab your hand anyway!;)
 
i was chased by a dog a few days ago at work, i'm a door to door salesman (hey, full time student here, quit snickerin:p ). anyways, i walked up to the house and rang the doorbell, the door opened(by the owner) and this big black dog flew out. i knew it was about waist level with me, so if it attacked it could do some damage, i started backpedaling, keeping my shoulders square with it, my left hand stretched out holding my clipboard edge first(so i would have something there yet still be able to see) between its mouth and my chest, my right hand ready at my side, to strike if i needed to, luckily, i think it was only trying to get me off his territory, because once i was off the driveway(about 25-30 feet from the front door) it slowed down and crouched growling as i walked away. it's over now but the more i think of it, the more i think of what could've gone wrong, my clipboard probably would'nt have done anything, but i figure it was better than my bare hand, i had a knife with me, but i hestitated(and ended up not drawing it) because the owner was watching. had it been a real attack(dog with intent to injure/kill) i dont think i wouldve gotten away without at least heavy bleeding/muscle damage. so heres my question, what would you have done differently? the driveway is flat the whole way(no stairs to watch for as you get away), clipboard with pen is in your left hand, and kershaw chive(my edc) at your right front pocket. i'm 5"6 175-185lbs so imagine yourself in my body and situation, what would you have done/not done(with the exception of not having gone to work at all.?:p ). thanks.
Kenny
 
Kenny, I guess I would have held the clipboard very firmly infront of me with two hands so that if it jumped to bit I could jam the edge of it into his throat, or failing that, his jaws.

If the knife was a fixed blade and I could have gotten my hand to it easily, I would have taken hold of it and kept it out of sight behind my back. I'd have kept the clipboard low so that the dog couldn't bite me in the groin but out towards it so that if it went for a bite, the clipboard would get it, and the dog would get the knife.

However, you didn't get bitten, so I think you probably handled the situation quite well. The only way to really be prepared for such things as attacks is to be constantly thinking up possible senarios of things that could happen at every momment that you realise you are not totally sure of you safety. I do this all the time, when walking down the street, at work, in shops, and anywhere else that there are likely to be people I don't know or trust around me. But I don't think it's my subconcious try to keep me safe, I think it's just my paranoia.
 
I'd say since you got out of there without a fight means you did good! If I was in your shoes, having dogs all my life, I probably would have dropped the clipboard - all my dogs did not like the mailman with his bag, garbage man with his collection container, kids with bats or sticks. But as soon as these items were put down, the dogs acted like pussy cats! I also would not look directly at the dog but still keep him in my sight. Seems direct eye contact at this point (to the dog) is bad 'karma'! Quick question: What was the owner doing or saying while this episode transpired!
 
thanks Matt for your answer, but i can't EDC a fixed blade,
Clydetz: the owner was still standing at the door, calling the dog back, but did not follow the dog as she had a baby in her arms, i'm pretty sure it wasnt her intention to have the dog chase me.:)
Kenny
 
Since there was a baby in the house, this dog could have been acting really protective! By the way, did you make a sale? For your trouble, she should have bought one of everything you were selling!:D
 
I do alot of mountain biking in rural Maine. I encounter dogs running free on an almost daily basis. Most just love to chase bicycles! I don't think most of them will do me any harm, they just love the chase.

However, a few weeks ago I ran across a particularly nasty one who, it was obvious, would do me some serious harm. I always wear a smallish camo fanny pack (designed for turkey hunting)when I ride. In it is my Glock 19, my wallet, spyderco military, etc. After quickly failing to outrun the dog (who had suprised me)I jumped off the bike, quickly put it between me and the circling dog and drew my 9mm. Well, apparently that dog had had some sort of gun-shyness, because it actually backed off about two seconds before I let a round fly. It eventually left after I hollered and swore at it quite profusely!!

Ater I got home and calmed down, I decided I was glad I hadn't fired. I began to think of the hassle it would've caused. There were several houses in the area, and I'm sure someone would have heard the shot and that would've gotten the ball rolling. That night I ordered an ASP expandable baton and a horizontal sheath. I put it on the fannypack belt. Its actullay quite comfortable. I still carry my Glock, but if I meet another dangerous dog, I'll try giving him a whack on the nose with the baton first.
 
Scottang1... welcome to the forums... from another cyclist! If you'll read my post, your situation is exactly why I carry and extra water bottle full of a soapy solution. Most bikes can carry more than one bottle easily, and you can draw, spray and get a way without ever slowing down... I know cause I used it on two Rotties chasing me - both stopped dead and whined as they pawed at their eyes... and no lasting harm done to either party!

Kenster - you had the perfect sheeple friendly weapon you could want in your hand - your clipboard!! I watched a girl almost kill a guy in 7th grade with one... She didn't just hit him with the flat upside the head.. she used the metal clip end and went after his head with a vengence!:eek: This was a wisp of a girl going up against a kid almost a foot taller... Remember - use what you have available, and use it well!
 
As far as the soap goes, for a soapy solution, try Dial soap. The last time it got in my eyes, it kicked my bu++!:(

Soapy water, huh? I thought self-defense sprays had to cost $10 or $20 a bottle?!:D
 
Joeshredd, I find your suggestion about the soapy solution most interesting. I really must give it a try! :)
 
I was attacked by a pack of feral dogs about 20-odd years ago while backpacking on the Sechelt penninsula. Was about 11 at night, had been raining, and I was many miles from the nearest town, although there were probably folks living down some of the dirt tracks leading off occasionally. They tracked me quietly for about half a mile along the verges of the dirt road until one side of the road dropped off on a steep incline, then came up on me growling. There were about twelve of them ranging from labrador to small terrier size, most of them mongrels. I only had my loaded full frame pack, a double-C sized flashlight (left hand), Victorianox, and a cheap Italian stiletto (right hand), and whatever was on the road. Shouting at them did no good at all, just got them snarling more, and as they got over the fear of having the flashlight shone in their eyes and came closer, I realized I was in some really deep sh*t. I had no doubt that they were setting up to attack.

The problem was, to use a blade, the target would have to be on me; with 12 of them, I wouldn't have much chance. Decided I had to be able to 'reach out and touch' one, hopefully the alpha dog, before it was actually on me. I put my back to the incline, dropped the pack, stuck the stiletto in my pocket and picked up a sharp double fisted sized rock, and waited. Fortunately, it was the alpha that attacked first, and I nailed it square of the head when it started its leap. Landed like log on my boot toes with the rock in its skull. There was absolute silence from the rest of the pack. I don't know what possessed me then, but I ran at the rest of them screaming like a banshee, without even taking up another rock or the blade. They ran like hell back up the road and into the bush.

Learned a few things that night. The best defensive weapon is on your shoulders provided you keep thinking. The best tool for the situation is whatever gets the job done. And don't keep hiking after sundown in unknown territory (we all have our moments of supreme stupidity). I spent the rest of the night on watch, bivouacked under the upturned roots of a huge windblown fir tree, and got to my destination in time for breakfast the next morning.

I've had close encounters in the bush with several bears, two pumas, and coyotes, but the dogs were the most dangerous of the bunch. Sorry for the long post.
 
sheesh, you run into wild animals like I run into Big Macs.

Did you kill the dog?

We're firearms not an option (Canada)?
 
Dog was dead before it hit the ground with the rock buried in its skull. Was later amazed at my aim and force of throw, but I guess the adrenaline was really flowing.

You're right on the guns, handguns are not a real option here, and I never even considered packing a long gun cross-country (Ont to BC). Certainly wouldn't have gotten many rides (hitch-hiking) except by the local police detachments.

The animals I've run into were over the course of many years of backpacking in Alberta and BC during my younger years.
 
Originally posted by dizos
Was that a joke? A dog will never attack a human as prey. Use of a firearm would be very irresponsible in my opinion if there are other options available. Pepper spray is used by the US Postal Service and if you are experiencing problems with dogs it makes sense to pick up a can. It is also important to remember that most dogs will act aggresively if you are in "their territory" but will not physically attack you. Also remember that dogs "sense" fear and are encouraged if you act afraid.


-- Jeff
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Really??? I have seen multiple cases of Pitbulls attacking and either severely maiming or killing people.(Often children, as often as not unprovoked).
Irresponsible my ass! The only responsible thing to do is to put such an animal down before it attacks someone that cannot defend themselves (IE children, handicapped or elderly people)Pepper spray will only solve the problem temporarily.
As previously stated, waiting until the animal is very close to you and firing at a downward trajectory will usually cause the bullet to lodge itself in the dirt, rather than continuing on to harm someone down range. (My personal recommendation is for a 185 gr Cor-Bon or 165 gr Hydra-shok in a .45acp - less chance of overpenetration)
Geeze, I didn't expect to see bleeding heart liberals on this forum!
 
As a 16 year-old jogger, I was stalked and attacked by three large dogs in a public park. This was early morning with few people or cars around. These dogs saw me jogging from across the park. They had to cross 2 foot bridges and a road in order to reach me. The leader Collie and two young German Shepherds came and surrounded me with teeth bared and ears back. My only defense were two rocks that I had picked up. Luckily a car drove by on the nearby parkway which spooked the dogs and they took off.

Another incident, which I witnessed, involved two Rottweilers who had attacked a jogger in a park and had grabbed his arms. They were trying to pull him apart. Again, the jogger escaped when a passing car spooked the dogs. These dogs would have tasted my 12 gauge if the situation had lasted a minute longer.

Yes, dogs can and will attack humans for no reason.
 
Originally posted by StuU
As a 16 year-old jogger, I was stalked and attacked by three large dogs in a public park. This was early morning with few people or cars around. These dogs saw me jogging from across the park. They had to cross 2 foot bridges and a road in order to reach me. The leader Collie and two young German Shepherds came and surrounded me with teeth bared and ears back. My only defense were two rocks that I had picked up. Luckily a car drove by on the nearby parkway which spooked the dogs and they took off.

Another incident, which I witnessed, involved two Rottweilers who had attacked a jogger in a park and had grabbed his arms. They were trying to pull him apart. Again, the jogger escaped when a passing car spooked the dogs. These dogs would have tasted my 12 gauge if the situation had lasted a minute longer.

Yes, dogs can and will attack humans for no reason.
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Hmm...Could it be?..nah
zahn.gif
 
Pepper spray works!

Last summer I had a job reading electric meters. Went into a back yard and had a sheppard come out the back door ready to bite. Painted his face orange and it stopped him in his tracks. Almost forgot to read the meter at that house.

Another time, I thought I was okay because the pit bull was on the other side of a chain link fence from the house I had to go to, AND on a chain. Damn thing came UNDER the fence and scared the hell out of me. I gave it a quick squirt and it went back under the fence. I felt bad later because it could have gotten to me while on the chain, but the way it was coming...

Another time I saw a pit bull pulling a broken 1 inch think chain behind him. He was in the back yard and started walking toward me as I was going down the driveway. I put a squirt on the ground between us and he disappeared.

In all cases we were told to read the meters with binoculars from behind a fence or from inside our vehicle so we didn't have to confront them. (It's another story how my binocs got stolen by the crack head!). I'd risk any amount of spray to prevent any dog bite; twelve stiches grom my aunt's dog, just above my eye has made me leery of canines forever.

Now, while walking, I carry a BM 910 Stryker... It's been out but I haven't had to use it. Yet. But, if the lady up-the-street's dog comes after my 5 year-old. Again.

Grim/Don
 
This one time, I was standing out in my front yard next to my uncle's van when a pit bull trotted past. After hearing about all the pit bull incidents, I decided to keep an eye on it even after it had passed the van because two of my small cousins were playing in the yard. The dog turned around and started running towards me for some reason so I grabbed a driver out of the van (my uncle's an avid golfer so he usually has his clubs in the car) and wound up to smack that sucker into next week when it stopped all of a sudden and took off.

Personally, if everything goes to shite and the dog is within close proximity and doesn't look like it's going to give up or has already bitten me, I wouldn't hesitate to gut it with whatever knife I have on me at the time.

That brings up a question. If anybody had to use a knife against a dog, what would be the best spot to stab/slash/cut? I would think stabbing into the neck/throat area and chest area would be effective, but does anybody else have any suggestions?
 
Originally posted by Nick jarvis
Scary to read all the replies that involve guns and shooting dogs some of you guy's sound to irresponsible to be allowed knives let alone GUNS... :confused:
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Well Nick, I've got a history lesson for you. Way back in 1776, a bunch of my colonial ancestors decided that they had had enough of being "allowed" this, and not "allowed" that by a royal prick by the name of King George. They then proceeded to kick the **** out of the good king's army and establish a new form of government.
In this new form of government, it was recognized that the government had no inherent right to "allow" anything or disallow anything either. These basic rights were granted to men by their Creator, and it was government's job to make sure that each individuals' God - given rights were not trampled upon by anyone else.
This may seem rather bizarre to those of you who live your lives in the chains of oppression, licking the boots of those that own you.
However, history would show that our system has led to the mightyist, most prosperous nation that the earth has ever seen. A place where people from all around the world risk their very lives for just a chance at coming here.
I also seem to remember that the US has had to save Her Majesty's royal ass in both the first and second world wars, and we kept you from being a Soviet Satellite during the post WWII era. I'd say our system works pretty well in comparison.
 
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