Dogs

[Sqhertz]

I was at the park fishing the other day with my daughter when a couple guys bring their dogs. They were not pit bulls but may have been cane Corso? I'm not sure since I'm not too big of a dog person but they were very intimidating.
They had them off their leash and one started making its way towards us. He didn't look to be on the offense but didn't look like he wanted to play either. I put my gear down and positioned my girl behind me and was ready to say something to the owners when they called the dog back and he listened.
I was kind of hesitant to even grab my pistol as there were other people there but I obviously can not tell what the dogs intentions were and did not want to find out. Especially with the dog attacks we have been having down here.
What would you guys do in a similar situation?
.

[tompehret]

Face the threat, protect the child, keep my head and be ready to act. Pretty much what you did. I hope I'd do as well.
I like dogs but have a low regard for some dog owners.

[legelegel]

What city did this take place? What are your lease laws there?

[Sqhertz]

Leash laws are in place but not as enforced as they should be.
This took place in Miami, FL.

[ronnie gore]

you did well, I would have done the same, but be ready for the owners as they can go crazy about their dogs.
there was a case here a few weeks ago where at a pet co store a pit bull attacked a smaller dog and the owner of the small dog could not get the bull dog off his dog so he stabbed the pit bull killing it. no charges were made.

[JDBoardman]

I am a dog owner myself (Salukis and mini dachshunds) and I think you did right. Had the dog(s) continued, or shown any agressive tendencies, I feel you would have been well within your rights to shoot to kill the dog(s). Actually, I would prefer you had shot the dog owners, but that tends to cause problems with those bureaucrats who wear the blue serge suits.

[M29since14]

I probably wouldn't have paid much attention to the dogs unless they did something to appear aggressive, but I do agree that these "problems" are by far the making of the humans and not so much of the canines. Illegal to shoot people! (except for obvious reasons )

[Watchdog]

I'd have just ignored the dogs and kept fishing.

[JohnSW]

If you're concerned about aggressive loose dogs, get some pepper spray, the appropriate tool for the situation.

[ISCS Yoda]

As a good friend of mine used to add to all of his emails, "some people are alive today only because it is illegal to kill them".

You did the right thing. Drawing your gun would be correct only if the dog was close enough to threaten you and you really believed you were in danger. All dogs are naturally inquisitive and if left to their own devices they will roam, and sniff everything within their entire world, including you.

Cane Rosso dogs do resemble pit bulls, some are even red, as the name implies, some are black or maybe other colors. They're bigger than most pit bulls, even the American Staffordshire as far as I know. If they left their ears alone they'd be cute but those clipped ears make them look nasty.

You didn't say how close he got but dogs are unlikely to simply run at you except by command unless they're already running or you do something that gets their attention (for whatever reason and however insignificant what you do might be; dogs are weird that way) so 30 feet is about as close as I'd allow before I pulled a gun.

At some point if possible I'd call the owners to call their dog.

***GRJ***

[ISCS Yoda]

Originally Posted by WATCHDOG

I'd have just ignored the dogs and kept fishing.

You'll only make that mistake once......

As for pepper spray, why bother if you're already carrying a gun?

***GRJ***

[David R]

I carry pepper spray when I ride my bicycle every day. I would rather spray than deal with the aftermath of shooting a dog.

Two legged creatures have caused some interesting rides for me. I carry a gun also.

David

[model70hunter]

Love trained, well behaved dogs and leashed in public. My 2 Labs are well versed in sit, stay, down, no etc.

I was duck hunting and a late arrival guy was walking in via a trail about 25 to 30 yards from the lakes edge. I saw him coming and had my Male lab in sit. His male lab saw us and started towards us at high speed.

He kept calling ole Biscuit eater, and it got louder each time. I feigned indifference and pretended to look at the sky like I actually was duck hunting. The dog continued to ignore the person he had been training.

Finally the guy came after ole Biscuit eater. He said how do you get your dog to sit and stay like that. In my best British stiff upper lip I said, "it's called training to be used while quietly duck hunting". He got the message and left.

That is only one of many times other folks dogs have come over ignoring the loud screams of here!

Once my wife and I were fishing we had our labs, and no swimming was allowed then, before we left yes. A couple pulled up close by let their 2 mix males out and here they came, the owners ignored them. I'm thinking do they think I'm gonna baby sit these 2 flea bitten 50%Pit cross droppers?

When it was apparent they were going to fish and not watch their dogs I asked them nicely to come retrieve their illigiti dogs so we could fish. They gave me a pained look. Yes I pack. Most of the time my size might be a deterrent. But I pack any way. I then told them to come get the dogs. They said they wouldn't stay anyway. I said since I can't fish and baby sit your dogs I'll go get 2 leashes out of my car and have these 2 illigiti's minding in 5 minutes, ya wanna watch. And if either tries to bite anything over hear I would only hope they are not allergic to lead. They loaded up their poles, bait and cooler. Got the dogs and left giving me a look like I was a bad guy....

My wife was afraid of these surly dogs. She said you were a little rough on them, I said not rough enough.

And further more leash laws are a joke. We have them in our retirement burg. One can't sit on the porch or go in the yard with out some stray dog barking at ya. I just tell my labs to sit. If the owner of the cur is around I tell them to come get it if they want to keep it.

I love my labs, I am thinking of getting a Rotty next time, all I have to do is train him to retrieve ducks, stray dogs and lippy owners.

[Protected One]

All things considered I would do pretty much what you did, except that my hand would be on my pocketed pistol... just in case. I have no trust in or respect for people who let their dogs roam free in such public areas.
Perhaps their dog is trained.
Perhaps he is very friendly.
Perhaps he will not bite.
None of that obligates me to taking a chance with the safety of myself or family. Many people have learned that lesson the painful way.

[Sqhertz]

Thanks for the replies guys.
The dogs came up about 15 yards from me. The owner was casually walking towards his dog calling him back before he turned and left us alone. They were obviously trained as they went to the other side of the park and we're doing their drills but how would I have known that?
I've thought about pepper spray but it would not have done us good as the wind was blowing and I would hate to catch back spray and have a dog on us as well.

I have had quite a few dogs growing up and am well aware of their habits... Not other people's dogs though.
There was a recent story were a kid was playing outside and out of no where a dog came and attacked him in his own front yard. The injuries were bad. No warning or anything.

Looking back, I had my strong side facing the animal. If I was in that situation again, I would put my weak side first with my strong side behind me allowing me to grip my pistol without anyone seeing what I was doing.

My main concern if I were to shoot at the dog, how would I or anyone else know he was going to attack before it was too late?

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by ISCS Yoda

You'll only make that mistake once......

Baloney. What makes you think I'd consider it a mistake? I have no fear of dogs of any breed.

Originally Posted by ISCS Yoda

As for pepper spray, why bother if you're already carrying a gun?
***GRJ***

Pepper spray? Already carrying a gun? I haven't said a thing about either. Why are you asking me about pepper spray? And I don't carry a gun everywhere I go, either.

[4896worker]

As a dog lover you still need to remember that they are animals and a dog the size you were dealing with does not give you second chance with children present . Not saying that Cane Corso are more dangerous that any other but that type of dog in the peacefull city of san francisco killed a adult woman trying toget into her apartment . This was 5 or 10 years ago and the people that owned the dog were anything but steller citizens and had trained the dogs to be mean .Google the story and Cane Corso . What you did was the right thing keep an eye on them maybe leave the area but at some point you need to make it clear to the owner he needs to control his dog

[BCDWYO]

I work with dogs every day, so I'm not afraid of them either, but that doesn't mean I would trust a loose dog that was acting aggressive. If you think that just because you aren't afraid of dogs they can't or won't attack, you are fooling yourself. Definitely smart to be on guard in a situation like that and be prepared to defend your daughter (as the OP did). I personally do carry pepper spray (as well as a gun), and I would be prepared to use either.

[307-Niner]

Canine profiling.....

Some of the things I have read here are disturbing.

[JohnSW]

Originally Posted by ISCS Yoda

As for pepper spray, why bother if you're already carrying a gun?

I'm not a police officer, but they "bother" with pepper spray, even though they are already carrying a gun.

Why shoot and kill, if there is a non-lethal way to resolve a situation?

As a practical matter, it's probably easier to hit a moving dog with pepper spray than a handgun.

And if you kill someone's dog, you are "asking" to be killed by the dog owner.

[robertrwalsh]

I think you handled it well. Unfortunately people are killed all the time in dog attacks and, as you say, there are a lot of bad dog owners out there. I have had to shoot two pit bulls, one on my own property, over the years. It bothered me, but being lunch would have bothered me more.

[Hook686]

I am disabled with a service dog. I was at the off leash dog park and this guy shows up with two german shepards. When the dogs come in the park they start charging growling and barking. I had just bought a cane with a stun gun on the end. This was my first use. I turned it on as the two dogs rapidly approached. About 10-15 feet from me I activate the stun gun. 'Snap, crackle, pop' with electrical sparkle. Both dogs immediately came to a halt. The clown that brought them lost the grin on his face and he came charging towards me demanding to know if that was an electrical device. I assured him it was. He told me he was going to shove it where the sun does not shine. I told he really did not want to do that. He took his two dogs to the other side of the park, where they happily attacked another dog. This Zap cane worked great. The pocket J-Frame was with me, but not needed, as the stun gun, 'Snap, Crackle, and Pop' was so effective. It goes with me when I'm around dogs off leash.

[Protected One]

Originally Posted by Hook686

I am disabled with a service dog. I was at the off leash dog park and this guy shows up with two german shepards. When the dogs come in the park they start charging growling and barking. I had just bought a cane with a stun gun on the end. This was my first use. I turned it on as the two dogs rapidly approached. About 10-15 feet from me I activate the stun gun. 'Snap, crackle, pop' with electrical sparkle. Both dogs immediately came to a halt. The clown that brought them lost the grin on his face and he came charging towards me demanding to know if that was an electrical device. I assured him it was. He told me he was going to shove it where the sun does not shine. I told he really did not want to do that. He took his two dogs to the other side of the park, where they happily attacked another dog. This Zap cane worked great. The pocket J-Frame was with me, but not needed, as the stun gun, 'Snap, Crackle, and Pop' was so effective. It goes with me when I'm around dogs off leash.

Did you actually USE the cane or simply activate it?

[TexasArmed]

Leash law starts where my leg begins.

[elpac3]

Brings back memories

Way-y-y-y back in the day (1973) I was a young LEO (city kid) working in a semi rural county. Got a welfare check call one cold january night to a farm out in the county. Single mom with 5 kids - hubby had run away with a local waitress from the truck stop cafe - heat was out in the house - kids were getting cold.

Myself and another deputy were dispatched to the call a little after midnight. Got to the farm house - heat was out - could not get the furnace to relight so we were going to remove the family to a shelter in town until heat could be restored.

As we were packing the kids up to go the mom asked if I could do a quick check on the calves out in the barn. "Sure" I said.

Walked out to the barn and of course the lights do not work but there is a dim glow of a light way in the back of the barn and I see some calves standing around. I walk back and look at the calves - standing there - look like calves to me - I'm a city kid, what do I know about calves?? They have hay and water so I guess they are good to go.

Turning and walking back to the front of the barn the wooden fence on my left side suddenly starts moving violently back and forth and the most god awful sound comes from the pen. Quickly moving the kel light to the left there are a bunch of hogs bumping the pen wall which looks like it is about to fall over.

Having flashbacks to a conversation the week before with a deputy who was grabbed by a hog, he said the hog ripped his pants, ant his billfold and spit out his star and driver license - I had visions of being eaten and all they find left is my gun, light and badge.

Drawing my model 19 I quickly retreated out of the barn and slammed the door thanking the stars for a successful escape when suddenly I had a searing pain in my right flank. Thinking I had pulled something during my hasty retreat I looked back under my right arm to see a german shepard had latched onto my *** and and had a firm hold on me. It was when he started shaking his head while still firmly coupled to me that I decided to end this and put my model 19 to his head and was about to end the ordeal when I heard a childs voice asking if we could take "tiger" with us to the shelter.

How do you kill the kids dog with him standing there watching you?? I couldn't, so the kid pulls the dog off my *** and we load him into the back seat along with the other kids and disposition them to the emergency shelter after which I was dispositioned to the hospital for treatment of the dog bite injury.

Had mace but thought a 137 grain super vel would be a more difinitive solution to the problem that night - not!

[Hook686]

Did you actually USE the cane or simply activate it?

I simply activated it. I did not hit the dogs with it. I held it in front of the lead dog. He stopped about 5 feet from the 'Snap, Crackle and Pop'. I only pulled the trigger for a second. When it stopped 'Snapping, Crackling and Popping', the lead dog moved toward me. I pulled the trigger a second time for a second. He was still about 5 feet from me. The second burst convinced him he did not want to play. I was very happy with these results. I have no desire to shoot, or electrically shock a dog.

[The Real Hawkeye]

I hate when people just let their big dogs run loose at a park that's not a dog park. I had a similar experience last week when I was walking my dog past a park. A huge dog (might have had some mastiff in it, as it was big and big headed) came running into the street towards us, and its owners weren't paying attention. As it came running towards my dog I shouted "Hey, whose dog is this!" No response. Dog kept coming, then closed on my dog (half its size) and assumed a dominant posture, pushing his chest against hers, head and tail held high. I shouted again, "Hey, is this your dog." Just then a fight broke out simultaneously. I pulled my dog back, and the other dog must have been intimidated, because he pulled back on his own a step or two. The owners finally turned towards us, figured out what happened, and called their dog, which promptly came to them.

What the hell are people like this thinking??

[Trons]

Well, unfortunately, I've had a fair share of interaction with aggressive dogs, when I was younger. I used to be really afraid of large dogs, after getting bit. A trainer advised me that most dogs are not trained to attack and because of that will actually jump at you. If you know to expect it, you can wait for the jump, side step and do whatever you must. Since learning that, every interaction has gone much better. I'm guessing my lack of fear and the knowledge that I can probably beat most dogs in a fair fight help.

Having said that, I agree with your assessment. If I had a dog heading toward me and my young daughter, I'd put her behind me, offer my weak side, put my strong hand (behind me) ready to draw and expect the worse. If less then the worse happens, then I'll be happy.

I will say that I would not bother with pepper spray. If the dog attacks me, it's trying to kill me and I will return the favor. If the dog attacks me, it'll probably attack somebody else and the owners don't have control over it.

I do own a beautiful black lab that I love dearly, but the only place we go off leash is our property and he is well trained and has never (yet) ignored my commands, since we've gotten him trained. It was a long process and took me a while. We live out in the country and have some land and I love taking walks with him out in the woods. His curiosity is very relaxing and entertaining.

[Protected One]

Originally Posted by Hook686

I simply activated it. I did not hit the dogs with it. I held it in front of the lead dog. He stopped about 5 feet from the 'Snap, Crackle and Pop'. I only pulled the trigger for a second. When it stopped 'Snapping, Crackling and Popping', the lead dog moved toward me. I pulled the trigger a second time for a second. He was still about 5 feet from me. The second burst convinced him he did not want to play. I was very happy with these results. I have no desire to shoot, or electrically shock a dog.

It might have been good if you had shocked the dog. Obviously, the owner is only interested in using the dogs for his personal entertainment. Your "shock" MAY have wised up the dog...and saved the next victim from attack.

[chud333]

My gun is out and at the ready in this situation.
You wait too long and you might not have a hand
to draw your sidearm with. They tend to go after
the extremities.
I then calmly tell the people to fetch their dog back to them
or it dies.
I am a BIG dog lover and have two at the present but
if a bigger, "threatening type breed" comes at me i'm
going to be at the ready. A Rottweiler or Pit Bull latches
onto your arm what ya' gonna draw with then?

Chuck

[TexasArmed]

Texas has a State Leash law and a "No Free Bite law". I quit carrying pepper
spray when the VA decided that all weapons, knives, guns, scissors are now illegal
so I obey the law. When not on VA property or at a post office, I carry two revolvers.
I expect folks to control their dogs. A dog bite for me might mean six months of wound care and if
I had to have that I would do it at local hospitals and let the tax payers or the down owner pay for that.
Unless the dog owner wants to pay that bill in advance I will protect myself from the dog with my guns.
If someone wants me to carry pepper spray, come tell me about it after the VA makes it legal on their
property. If the dog owner wants to put down a six month deposit for wound care, in advance he might have a
case. Otherwise his dog will get the worst end of it.

[silentflyer]

I have a rescue German Shepard which I walk twice daily, it never ceases to amaze me when people decide to let their dogs off the leash. The dogs come charging up to a 85lb. GSD and are surprised when he stands his ground and defends himself or me. Their lose dogs jump mine confined to a leash, he defends himself and somehow he is a "vicious" dog? Yes I carry but maybe the pepper spray or stun cane is a good option, don't want to shoot the dog because of their idiot owners....

[walkin' trails]

A cheap hand held stun gun does work effectively to ward off most animals, including dogs. I've seen aggressive Rotties thinking they were defending their territory back off when the button was pushed - no contact had to be made. Hooked686 is right on the money. I know that some dogs do not telegraph their aggressive intentions until they're right up at you - I had a close call with a Dobie once which ended when he ran out of chain. There are some dog owners who have Pits and similar breeds who either have no clues than not everyone likes their mutts as much as they do, or get off when their dogs intimidate or attack. Still, if you don't like or don't do much with dogs, try to be rational. Some dogs running loose are just curious and friendly. I guess making some exaggerated efforts to protect yourself or loved ones from a strange dog might cause an otherwise clueless owner to wake up and realize not everyone wants to pet his hound. Still, avoid showing fear or presenting a weapon capable of inflicting deadly force unless you're absolutely sure that the dog poses a threat. I had a Rottie stop coldin his tracks for a brief standoff once when I turned to face him and presented my pistol. I knew his intentions were to eat me. His owner was watching from the house - he was outside his yard - and finally called him off after realizing there wasn't going to be a good show. I was working at the time, the dog was out of its hard coming after me aggressively, so I was within my rights to protect myself from serious bodily injury. Just be careful and consider the pepper spray or a stun gun for dogs. It is a lot less of a hassle than shooting one unless the dog is violently aggressive and you have no other options.

[CTI1USNRET]

At a self defense class, I was hit with a 100,000 volt stun gun by a woman who then ran away. I recovered immediately, chased her down and slashed her with a rubber knife. About 1/3 of the class was not effectively impaired by the stun gun. They were able to recover and slash.

I have no confidence in stun guns.

Don't ignore the news reports of cops using tasers and stun guns which failed to stop the bad guy.

[Protected One]

It amazes me how many are essentially going "out of their way" to not use lethal force against attacking (or preparing to attack) dogs. Perhaps their owner trained them to do such things, or perhaps they are simply irresponsible or ignorant. In either event - that's their problem.
I see those dogs as no different than a young home invader that is inside my home. My concern won't he how his parents raised him, or anything else...that's THEIR problem. But it's possibly the last time it will be a problem.

[Hillbilly77]

Originally Posted by Sqhertz

He didn't look to be on the offense....

....they called the dog back and he listened.

Originally Posted by Sqhertz

The dogs came up about 15 yards from me. The owner was casually walking towards his dog calling him back before he turned and left us alone.

The dog was never closer than 45 feet away and immediately ran back to his owner when called.
It sounds like there was never any threat at all.

[walkin' trails]

Originally Posted by CTI1USNRET

I have no confidence in stun guns.

Don't ignore the news reports of cops using tasers and stun guns which failed to stop the bad guy.

Animals don't like the sound of the electricity as it arcs across the electrodes. I wouldn't use one of those cheap things to defend myself with a contact shot as they are intended, but if the noise causes a mutt to turn tail, PETA, the Humane Society, and possibly even the dog owners are happy (the only ones not happy would be the police, your lawyer, and the vet).

Police quality tasers do work most of the time and have the same effect on animals. I've only heard of a couple of dogs that actually had to ride the lightning in order to be convinced. I won't argue about shooting a dog being a better or worse course of action - theres no cookie cutter scenario. In most cases, not having to pull a gun saves a lot of hassle later.

[Lycan]

I have had great success with an expandable baton. The sound of the baton opening has always been enough to stop an aggressive dog in it's tracks.

[model70hunter]

I was raised on a farm. I've never feared a dog but some get a healthy respect.

In the 50's every farm had a farm dog, walk or ride your bike by and your pant leg or ankle was theirs.

In my early telephone company career I installed and repaired phones.
I was bitten only once, by a unkempt standard poodle right over the top of my knee high climbing boots. I chased that dog for a few blocks. I was going to bite it back and it ran just like he knew it was gonna hurt.

The worst dog I ever saw was a large Pit. I installed a phone for a GI. He had the dog in the bedroom. It was going ballistic and was chewing on the door. Quickly put the phone in and left. It was a duplex. Just off a military base.

Some months later I had an order to put a phone in the other side. Never could catch the guy home. I had totally forgotten about the pit. One day I stopped, no one home and the front door to the Pit residence was open. There was an old fashioned screen door. I knocked on the door, I saw the pit in the kitchen as he jumped up. I could hear his claws slipping until he hit the carpet in the living room and man did he accelerate. I put my hand on the screen door to hold it closed. The lady was by the door, I looked down at the screen door, it had a small tear at the bottom, I thought the dog will stop. He just got faster. I had on my knee high climber boots with a double sole. I realized the dog wasn't going to stop. I gripped the door frame turned sideways and caught the pit right behind the ear. He spun a 180, I got on him with both boots and did an Irish clog with all 240 lbs of muscle. After he quit growling and started whimpering I quit dancing but stood on his throat. The whole time I'm talking to this dog, I can't repeat it here, instant time out for 3 days. The lady was a couple of feet from me on the other side of the screen door with eyes as big as saucers. For all I knew she was thinking I might ask her to dance next. I did ask her when their neighbor was home and left. Some folks in that neighborhood saw the event. One of them told me he wished I'd killed it, it has bitten most of the kids in the neighborhood and they can't play out side. I told them my son was once attacked by a dog in our yard. I gave the owner 2 choices either he shoots the dog or I do which was a multiple choice for number one. He really did not like who might be chosen in the 2nd choice.

One can not have a biting dog. That incident happened in 1970 or 71, things actually were different then.

[elpac3]

Later that same year (1973) I was sent to deal with a dog call where the local paper boy was attacked by a German Shephard for the third time.

The dog's owner had previously been warned and subsequently cited for the dog and had a civil suit pending by the parents of the boy who had been bitten. This time I was there to cite the owner and await animal control to remove the animal. As I was explaining the situation to the dog owner (who was a rather non-complient, way out-there type personality) the owner announced with a huff "Well, we'll see about that" as she walked away and opened the gate to the back yard. Grabbing the dog by the collar she crouched beside the barking dog, pointed towards me and as if pushing the dog forward shouted "Get him!"

With that the dog started coming toward me at about 100 miles per hours snapping and snarrling. It was over in an instant as the 137 grain super vel ripped thought the animal head to tail dropping him in his tracks.

In court, the owner who was now charged with assault on a police officer, harboring a dangerous animal & resisting arrest tried to allege there was a some coment made after the dog was shot, something to the effect of "You're next"

Never (to my recolection) happened but - - - -

I fell a little bad (for about a split second) for a good dog being allow to / made to do bad things that ultimately reult in the demise of the animal.

[Triathloncoach]

Originally Posted by Sqhertz

I was at the park fishing the other day with my daughter when a couple guys bring their dogs. They were not pit bulls but may have been cane Corso? I'm not sure since I'm not too big of a dog person but they were very intimidating.
They had them off their leash and one started making its way towards us. He didn't look to be on the offense but didn't look like he wanted to play either. I put my gear down and positioned my girl behind me and was ready to say something to the owners when they called the dog back and he listened. By
I was kind of hesitant to even grab my pistol as there were other people there but I obviously can not tell what the dogs intentions were and did not want to find out. Especially with the dog attacks we have been having down here.
What would you guys do in a similar situation?
.

I think you need to relax. I'm glad you didn't pull your gun.

[Johnmuratore]

Lots of good stories.
I think you did the right thing by putting yourself between the potential threat and your daughter. Evaluating the situation as a threat or non-threat is crucial when deciding to use lethal force, obviously, but these things happen so quickly that training and practice really is the only way you can be sure you'll even think of the weapon.
Case in point: I was walking my dog at a local state park when a dog came from behind us growling and drooling, running at top speed. It was on us in an instant and my first and only reaction was to turn away from it. Luckily for me, my Great Dane's reactions and impulses were a lot better than mine and he quickly took care of the smaller dog. My point is that training, and a lot of it, goes into being able to react instantly and correctly, as LEOs are forced to do. And unfortunately, often judged later by armchair quarterbacks to have acted wrongly.

[Dikinalaska]

This is really hard for me. I have a full-blooded blue-nose Pit. I fight stereotypes every single day. My dog is as trained as one can be. I've had more than a few VERY negative run-ins with ignorant A-holes when it comes to my dog. Knowing people's constant ignorance about Pot Bulls, I always keep her on a leash, even though not once has she ever pulled the leash taught. One of the worst encounters I ever had almost turned into a horrible situation. I was walking with my 11-month old son in a "baby backpack" and had my pit on her leash. About a mile from our house a little white wire-haired terrier(bout the same size as a jack russel) came running straight towards us growling and barking. My pit is trained to stand between whoever is holding her leash and the other dog. I kept backing up while calling her back with me. She was standing in "Ready" position while slowly back-stepping. The terrier finally got close enough to try and pounce and my girl slammed her to the ground with her paws and was barking in it's face. The terrier literally was peeing itself(and peeing on my dog since it was on it's back) I gave the command to stop and she gave me a look like "really?!" but I said it again and she backed off. The owner was running out screaming. The terrier was still hopping around at a distance barking. I always have my Shield .40 with me, but this didn't seem like a justifiable. UNTIL... The owner got to me. As he got about face-to-face with me while yelling about my "killer dog" (which never once bit his, only tackled and barked as trained), well before I knew it he was screaming that he was running back to get his gun and that "it better have been worth it!" I dialed 911 immediately and ran into the woods nearby. I saw no need to deal with a gunfight. The police arrived pretty briskly, thankfully, but it wasn't the outcome I was expecting. After the two officers talked with him and me, it was determined that my dog was dangerous and that they were calling the pound. Luckily a neighbor was in his yard doing yardwork and came after I asked him, he came and told what he saw to the police. The officers seemed just as prejudiced towards my dog as most people. It got to the point that I had my lawyer on the phone. My dog is part of my family. Finally all was said and done, and I was told I could leave, but not before one of them muttered "You got lucky today" to my dog. It sickens me peoples sheer ignorance when it comes to dog breeds. Knowing about how dogs work will help you deal with them.

More on subject, OP- I think you were justified to be situationally aware, but like stated above, they never got within 45 feet or so, or were acting aggressive whatsoever. Wouldn't have pulled a gun. The only time I let mine off the leash is when nobody else is around strictly because of ignorant stereotypes from ignorant people, not because she doesn't listen. But if somebody pointed a gun at my dog when she was doing nothing aggressive, I'll probably be pulling mine too.


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[WB5MHA]

As a true life long "dog person" I think I understand these animals. A few years back I was walking my own mutt on a leash and two pits charged our way one early morning. The owner in this residential Houston neighborhood "walks" them by simply opening the front door. My dog was terrified but she is terrified of her own shadow.

1. I was armed but technically on elementary school property with suburban homes all around.

2. Pepper spray and Mace tend to get on me rather than the offending dog so I avoid it.

3. Made extra sure to avoid direct eye contact with the pits; a challenge among dogs.

Waited until they were close enough then gave them a full frontal dose of "powder blaster", the stuff you use to clean the worst residue in your .22 rifle. You would have thought I nailed them with a 357 magnum. Rolling around on the ground, crying, yelping etc. Owner came running and screaming too. (I should have blasted her but didn't)

Spray bottles of ammonia work too but may leak in your pocket.

Dogs have very VERY sensitive noses. Apparently "powder blaster" (really automotive brake cleaner) is not on their list of favorite things.

Owner had to pull out the pickup and, I assume, go see the vet. Hope they had a big fat bill!

[Sqhertz]

Originally Posted by Triathloncoach

I think you need to relax. I'm glad you didn't pull your gun.

I was/am relax. I know how fast a dog can cover ground and it wouldnt have taken but a couple seconds for a dog that size to get to us.

I saw the dog coming at my daughter and I with no leash on, there was no one else near us and he didn't look like he was going to stop. Was I wrong for preparing myself to defend my daughter and I?

Should I have kneeled down and invited him over to fish with us? Perhaps offer him a treat? Had it been a jack Russell, whatever. This one had to of weighed a little less than I do.

I do appreciate the other replies. Thanks guys.

[soad]

Originally Posted by Hillbilly77

The dog was never closer than 45 feet away and immediately ran back to his owner when called.
It sounds like there was never any threat at all.

Originally Posted by Sqhertz

I was/am relax. I know how fast a dog can cover ground and it wouldnt have taken but a couple seconds for a dog that size to get to us.

A dog could cover 45 feet in under 3 seconds and people are telling the OP to 'Relax"

"There is a guy with an ax 3 seconds from me!!"

"Just RELAX!!"

This thinking reinforces that the people are the weak link....not the dog.

[Lycan]

Originally Posted by soad

A dog could cover 45 feet in under 3 seconds and people are telling the OP to 'Relax"

"There is a guy with an ax 3 seconds from me!!"

"Just RELAX!!"

This thinking reinforces that the people are the weak link....not the dog.

It re-enforces the theory that people shouldn't be "hot" or "cold" but "warm" instead. It's always a good idea to be aware of one's surroundings and be prepared if the need arises, but not to be on edge all of the time. Many people either put their defenses all of the way down or run around as if someone is trying to get them all of the time. Somewhere in the middle is a good place to be.

[307-Niner]

Condition yellow.

[Hillbilly77]

Originally Posted by soad

A dog could cover 45 feet in under 3 seconds and people are telling the OP to 'Relax"

"There is a guy with an ax 3 seconds from me!!"

"Just RELAX!!"

This thinking reinforces that the people are the weak link....not the dog.

I never said relax.
I just made the observation that it sounded like there was never a threat.

How did we get on the topic of axes? Are killer attack dogs carrying axes now?
I'm gonna board up all my windows and stay in from now on.

[soad]

Originally Posted by Hillbilly77

I never said relax.
I just made the observation that it sounded like there was never a threat.

How did we get on the topic of axes? Are killer attack dogs carrying axes now?
I'm gonna board up all my windows and stay in from now on.

We have roving gangs of ax carrying dogs in my neighborhood. But they mainly target the AR carrying cats....thank god.

But seriously a crazy dog 45 feet away is an imminent danger (this particular one wasn't crazy), my firearm would not be out but I would be darn close.