While out on my walk earlier today I heard a door open and almost immediately there were 2 dogs coming towards me. I held my cane up with the handle out as the business end. The larger of the two veered off while the smaller one was heading for my ankles, he met the ebony ball handle then limped back to the house while the owner was apologizing for them getting out. For me it was all reflex actions, no time at all to think about it.

Glad it ended well and the dog owner was decent about it. Nothing like a good stick.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

There is a lot of education in a heavy walking stick... Man or beast alike.
Glad you were not hurt.

Sounds like you reacted just fine.

I love dogs, but not enough to get bit. Good job.

Dogs were a fact of life working on a reservation. My go-to was an ASP baton - usually snapping it out did the trick, but if not a rap on the beezer did it for sure.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

When I walk alone I always carry a "stick". Now that it's legal here I actually carry a sword cane but in a real hurry it's just a fast club. With time I can always pull a handgun but the stick is right there already in my hands.

GOOD JOB SHIPMATE!!!!

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Come and take it!!

You had good situational awareness and reacted appropriately. Nothing to fault there. I have one piece of been-there done-that time with a walking stick with a brass knob on the end and a Doberman. Laid him out like a sack of wet laundry.

ATTABOY !
A good heavy cane can be much more than be a walking aide .
I'm glad everything turned out well .
Dog Owners ... they need to act like they have some sense sometimes .
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

This is a very interesting topic. Let’s see some pics of your walking sticks or canes.

Well done Oldfrt. I hope some of those who have been discussing carrying
their gun in their purse will read this. When TSHTF there is no time. Just
like you did, you just react.

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In Omnia Paratus

Especially when the gun is in their purse and the chamber is empty, there is even less time.

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Regards,

Tom

I don't normally carry a gun since I don't go anywhere but to work then home. The walk on the neighborhood is usually uneventful but the last week I have had two loose dog encounters, starting to rethink the carry option. I do off body carry on my bike that is mostly because of the wildlife on the trails. I do need to start strapping on the 460V to get used to the weight in preps for retirement and the occasion to go into more remote areas. I think my youngest son is getting me a pocket holster for my Charter Arms Mag Pug, much lighter and smaller option than all my other revolvers.

As was noted by a couple comments, the reason I started this thread was on a couple recent walks the reaction time needed was near non existent. The situation can change so quickly there may be no time at all. We all need to think about the hazards, what can change and most importantly put the phone down.

a Vipertek stun gun is my first line of defense. the noise it makes is enough to discourage most attacks. have never had to stun an animal with it. i do carry a second line of defense and pray i never have to use it.

Loose dogs is one of the main reasons I carry a gun on walks. I have not yet and hope I never have to shoot a dog that is coming after me or my wife. But I will if I have to. Usually a well placed kick will work.

Note - I like dogs and have owned several. I just expect dog owners to train and control their animals. Also, remember that they are animals, not people.

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Regards,

Tom

Reminds me of a few years back when a big dog didn’t like me walking down the sidewalk. I like dogs and sure didn’t want to kill someone’s pet. Sabre Red pepper spray did the trick. I didn’t even have to hit him directly. A shot just over his head was enough. He just got a wif and it changed his mind instantly.

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Two Handguns every day

Glad you are OK. The dog could have turned out to be the least of your problem.

Wayyyyy too many dog owners are irresponsible. After seeing you hit the animal with your stick they just might have come out and hit YOU with THEIR stick.

You fared far better than I probably would have what with me having glacier-like reflexes.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

Glad you're okay and also glad the owner acted decently. Nothing like having a good stick handy.

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Pack light and cinch tight.

Pepper spray will stop a dog like it ran into a brick wall.

Klyde

A couple of "big stick" guys

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

Like most of the others, I think you handled it great. And usually, after an incident like this, we find ourselves just a little more prepared.

Years ago I went over to a friend's house, and his mom's dog, which was about mid-sized, jumped out of her car and ran at me growling like he was going to bite me. Without even thinking I gave him a nice back-fist to the nose, and he yelped and ran off. My friend's mom never said a word.

I have a plate in my shoulder from hitting a dog with my bicycle.
The dog owner paid a good chunk of the cost of the home we now live in.

One of my neighbors would constantly let his young daughter walk their Pit mix. The dog was always pulling, trying to get at others dogs.
My neighbor, John, complained to the owner one day when the dog ran up on him. The dog got away from the girl. Luckily he was on his driveway and quickly was able to get inside the garage.

A couple weeks later John was walking his dog on the opposite side of the street of the young girl walking the Pit mix. John said nothing, but when the girl got home she told her dad that John was shadowing her and the Pit.

Dad came screeching down the block and physically threatened John to leave his daughter and dog alone.

About two months after that incident, the Pit mix bit the owners Son. The owner put the dog down right afterward.

I walk the greenways with pepper spray and a 380 in my pockets, and my head on a swivel. I will not hesitate.

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Sure you did

I'm going to start looking around at "walking sticks " and "canes" ... I don't require one now but my wife uses a cane ... I've noticed no one has barred her from entering any place , not even Disney World , and there are no required permits or concealed license ... not bad to have a weapon in your hand all the time ... a whack to the head or body could hurt .
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

I have Rottweilers, and have for the last 30 yrs. They are only out with my wife or I. They get plenty of exercise and fun. But they are a large breed dog which will work in conjuction with each other which would not be safe for someone walking down the street. They are well trained, BUT- No one should have to deal with them walking down the street or anywhere in public, that is my responsibility as an owner. If you decide to break in to my house at 0 dark thirty, they will protect Myself and my wife, so if you would like to come in just knock on the door. I have been bit by German shepherds and are very cautious around them, even though two friends are canine, I grew up with my Karate instructors dog, also a canine officer. I care greatly about my dogs and would not want them hit, pepper sprayed, or shot, But that is my responsibility to protect people and my dogs. Granted they would give you a sloppy kiss, but you would not know that. If I brought you into my house, sitting on the couch , both would want to crawl up on your lap! Dog owners must take responsibility, because if some one is injured or the dog is injured, that is an unacceptable result. Be Safe,

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I BACK OUR BLUE

Pepper spray is the most effective tool one can use to stop a charging dog. No permanent damage to the dog. Wash with water to neutralize. Same as a human.

Dogs are instinctual animals. May be a situational thing that caused the attack. Not the dogs fault. The dog is also most likely someone's "family". I would not think for one second about shooting a dog, when a less than lethal means could be deployed to avert injury. Add in the liability of hitting an innocent bystander with an errant round.

About 20 years ago, on a Christmas Day, I responded to a neighbor call. The RP was an 85 year old woman. She explained that a section of the neighbors stockade fence had blown down near her clothesline. She stated the neighbors kept their Bull Mastif on a chain in that area and the chain was long enough for the dog to reach her when she attempted to hang clothes. We both proceeded to that area to survey the situation.

I'm standing by the clothesline and without warning I heard a growl....I turned and the charging Mastiff's basketball sized head was about two feet from my groin. Instinctually, I drew my pepper spray and was lucky enough to make a hit before I was bit. Totally short circuited the dog and stopped it instantly. I was a believer after that. I notified the owner and told them to expect a call from Code Enforcement and Animal Control. They wished me a Merry Christmas with a couple of F bombs.

I go out for a 3 mile forced march several times a week. Always have a can of pepper in my pocket.

Klyde

I hate chihuahuas, horrible little creatures.

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

I've had 2 incidents with dogs in my neighborhood and both were owned by the same druggy neighbor. They had a little dog that was a cross between a Dachshund and an Alligator. The other was a Pit mix of some sort. The little dog attacked me while I was out walking and he got a taste of the Cold Steel Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick that I normally carry as a less lethal option to the .45 - 1911 that I always carry. That dog was a holy terror to the neighborhood and needed to be taken care of. On several occasions the little girl (approx 4 yoa) would be walking the pit bull mix and it would charge at everyone. Poor little girl didn't weigh as much as the dog. The pit mix "disappeared" shortly before the landlord was finally able to get them evicted.

Here is the Cold Steel Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick.
Cold Steel Blackthorn Irish Walking Stick Impact Tool 37 Polypropylene

After injuring my knee early in the spring I ordered a KA-BAR TDI Self Defense Cane to provide a little stability until I could get the knee healed up and I can tell you it is a significant piece of equipment. The KA-BAR cane will be accompanying me where ever I go that does not permit firearms. Thanks to ADA I will not be completely unarmed.
KA-BAR: TDI Self-Defense Cane

I have a "indestructible umbrella" sitting in a box waiting for Christmas day, I watched a few videos of it. Makes the near perfect ready close quarter self defense item that you can take anywhere. The Walmart umbrellas don't stand up to much abuse or wind.

Absolutely vicious beasts!

I've had classes in " Cane Fu " from Shoto K'an and Quan Li K'an masters . Both teach similar and quite simple techniques.
Target selection is what you need usually from low on the body on up.
I have 2 fighting canes that I like . A Cold Steel and a rattan cane. I like the rattan better because it is light and fast.

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I like Ike.

KLYDE: Oldfrt is correct on slow reaction time, no time to think, just react. My walking stick has a brass ducks head for a handle, but to address your
post. I totally agree that pepper spray is the way to go with dogs!
My neighbor has a Pit Bull that charges at me every time I walk down my driveway past his chain link fence. He has on occasion even tried to dig under the fence to get at me. I carried a 38 in my Fanny pack when I worked on the property, but then I did some research on Pit Bulls.
If you hit them on the head or nose, you just make them mad and it will not stop them from the attack. Shooting them creates a nightmare of legal possibilities and you will in all probability still get major injuries or death.
I put up the 38 and carry the strongest pepper spray foam you can buy hoping that it will never get used.
I love dogs, but at my age only at a distance!

I often walk around my neighborhood for exercise. I've had some confrontations with dogs now and then. Most will just run up to you, bark, growl, snarl and put on a big show. But its rare for one to actually attack. They just want to show you that this is their territory and you don't belong. Protecting their home as it were. I just stop and stand still, speak to them in a calm, low voice and slowly back away. So far I've never had to hit or shoot one.

Up on the corner from my house lives a huge black lab. He is often out in the yard unrestrained. Not long ago I was walking past the house when he shot out of the garage running towards me. The owner was there and I could see the shock and terror in her face. She was scared poopless! But me and this dog are old friends having run across each other before. He's just a big old teddy bear and I enjoy our little visits. He does too.

Not condemning Oldfrt....one must do what one must do. Just trying to give the membership a heads up on a very effective remedy. The spray pattern does not require accurate aim. General area will suffice. Instant, total incapacitation of the dog with enough lasting effect for you to make a skeedaddle.

As stated, many dogs are just posturing. In the event of a real attack...pepper is the way to go. If it stops bears it is good enough for dogs.

Funny thing about that Mastiff. About six years after that incident we had a domestic disturbance call at the same address. The Mastiff was now in a six foot chain link enclosure near the back door of the house. I was backup and arrived a few seconds behind a couple of other officers. They walked by the Mastiff pen and entered the back door. The dog barely stirred and didn't even bark. As soon as I approached within a few of the pen the dog went completely nuts. Growling, jumping on the fence and biting the fence.

There was no doubt in my mind that the dog "remembered" me. I was thankful the chain link was 6 feet.

Klyde

Cowardly little ankle nippers for sure and NON STOP yapping!
99% of them at least! haha

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

An interesting perspective. A cane in your hand is ready and available. An excellent defense against a 'sudden' knife threat. Someone passing you on the sidewalk can present a knife threat before you are even aware of it. Getting a pistol out of concealment or a holster in time to defend yourself- not likely. Even the sight of a carried cane should make potential predator reconsider.

Bad knee and a script for a walking cane is my back up if by chance I have to go unarmed. However I’m a Dog person, I’ve had dogs come up to me and I let them sniff my hand then pet them, usually rubbing their ear(s). Many times the owners gives me a strange look and says something like, “ You are the only person ——————( dogs name) lets do that. I just smile and tell them nice dog.