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Post by masha on Feb 3, 2006 5:31:47 GMT -5
Hi The other day I was coming home from a walk with Ana. I noticed that our accross-the-street neighbour's gate was standing open and his two Rotweillers were out on the street. They immediately came towards us. They did not growl or bark but came with a very aggressive confident "strutting" walk, eyeballing Ana and ignoring me, pushing towards us very fast and not hanging back at all. They were between me and our gate.
I turned around and walked away, telling them "Hey!" loudly every time they came too near (they ignored me). Ana was scared of them and barked at them when they came too close.
Luckily I had to walk past another gate with dogs barking behind it, which distracted them so I got away. I asked a passer by to go and ask the neighbours to get their dogs inside and close the gate, which he did.
My father said that I should have let go Ana's leash, as she would have more of a chance of getting away from them by herself. What should I have done?
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Post by sibemom on Feb 3, 2006 8:19:00 GMT -5
No You did the right thing. I would never have left her leash go at this point because if those dogs wanted to attack you they would of, especially because there were two of them. Rotties do have a very confident walk and stance which is just part of what they are. Did they make any attempt to growl or snap at the two of you? I am sure Ana was scared but by just pushing past them and thank goodness they were distracted you did good
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Post by willow on Feb 3, 2006 8:40:00 GMT -5
I agree with Sibemom. I wouldn't have let go of Ana's leash either. I am glad they did not attack you, and any big dog coming towards you that won't stop is sooo frightening! :, I would also start carrying a walking stick if you have potentially aggressive dogs in the area. I have found that most dogs respect them, and if a fight should break out, you can maybe get the aggressor to bite the stick and not you or your dog. Another thing that will usually work with not seriously aggressive dogs, but dogs who won't stop when you yell, is throwing treats to them, and although I hardly ever meet any other dogs on our walks, I try to remember to keep treats in my pocket. I also carry a walking stick, but that is mostly to prevent me from falling!
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Post by Nicole on Feb 3, 2006 17:56:58 GMT -5
Thank goodness you are both OK. I agree with the others. You handled it just fine. The only time I would let go of the leash is if an attack was absolutely and imminently about to happen and I couldn't stop it, to allow the dog an opportunity to run or defend himself. That would be a last resort for me. I carry an extra leash with me. In the event of an attack my plan would be to try to leash the back end of the aggressor around the groin area with a slip knot and drag it away and tie it to something. Then if they are still connected I can pull my dog away. I don't really know if that would work but at least it is better than nothing. I would probably end up bit but I would chance that to save my dog so I am not suggesting that anyone actually do this. A walking stick is a better idea. I have Halt also although that isn't fool proof and, my luck, it would end up in my eyes.
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Post by Richard on Feb 3, 2006 18:56:31 GMT -5
Hi there,
Everyone else is correct, you did the right thing. Ana looks to you for leadership at times like these. Raise your voice and make sure the dog approaching knows it's you he or she should be concerned with.
Oh yeah, as for your weaponry, carry some golf balls too....keep a few old ones in your pocket. Play, "hit the doggy target" with any dog who gets within 20 feet. Yell while you throw them, "go away, bugger off now, go home"...whatever flows...sound angry.
Re the golf balls: for a while a couple of summers ago, we had Coyote's hanging around our park where Rocky and me walked at night....sometimes some of them got brave and came within 40 feet....a couple of well placed tosses with a few Pinnicle's convinced them otherwise.
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Post by masha on Feb 6, 2006 5:33:23 GMT -5
Hey thanks for the affirmations and advice.
I geuss I am very ready to assume the worst of the Rotties because these people's previous dog used to wait behind the gate, and whenever it got the chance it would run out and try and kill our dogs. Kill. No barks or growling as warning, just straighty in for the throat, and would only let go if its owner came out and kicked it off. It was a Boerbull, I think. We were at the vet more than once with bleeding dogs.
When Ana was a pup it got her by the throat and was shaking her like a little white rat. This was a very scary experience and now I am not rational about the neighbours dogs!
That dog had a hard life, it had lost an eye when it was little because a vagrant attacked it. It died recently and I felt really sorry for it, it never really had a chance to be a loving dog. But still, when I see that gate open, all my hair stands on end!
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