When Your Dog Needs a Bodyguard

What a rejuvenating weekend!

It was such a nice departure from drama we experienced last week. Nothing beats a morning at the park and an afternoon shopping. Oscar was, admittedly, the chubbiest pup at the park (even after two weeks of dieting)!

I usually let my guard down while we’re in the park, but after our run-in with a neighborhood pit bull, I’ve been keeping an eye out for unfriendly, loose dogs. I felt helpless while Oscar was bobbing and weaving, so I promised myself I would be prepared to take action if it happened again.

I did a quick Google search on how to prevent and break up dog attacks, which lead me to blog entries and forums filled with people with the same concerns. Thank you PawFun, Canidae Pet Food and The Straight Dope (LOL!) for the following tips.

Items for your utility belt:

• Walking stick. Use a sturdy walking stick as an extension of your arm to put some distance between you and the loose dog. If the dog bites the other end of the stick, DO NOT pull. If you lose your balance during the tug-o-war, you’ll just be an easier (and weaker) target.
• Dog repellent, pepper spray and/or mace. Spray directly into the dog’s nose and eyes. Don’t be afraid to use the entire bottle if need be (repellent sprays seem to have zero affect on some canines).
• Flashlight. Shine the light directly into the dog’s eyes to temporarily blind him.
• Airhorn. The sound could scare the dog off. If not, it can at least alert other people in the area.
• Tin can filled with rocks. A great suggestion from our friends at Live, Bark, Love. The sharp sound of the rocks clanking around in a can startles the dog and gives you enough time to take action.

If you have a sidekick or backup:

• The wheelbarrow technique. Grab and lift the dog by his hind legs, guiding him to a spot where he can’t initiate another attack (I’m petite, so I don’t think I’ll be trying this method anytime soon).

Things bodyguards shouldn’t do:

• Don’t panic. If you see a loose dog roaming around, stay calm. If the dog approaches you, stand your ground (don’t take steps backward)  and exude confidence, keeping eye contact with the dog. If you have a walking stick, use it to put some distance between you and the dog. Your energy alone might just convince him to leave you alone.
• Don’t attempt to pull the dogs apart by their collars. This puts you in danger of being bitten.
  
• Don’t hit or kick a dog in the midst of an attack/fight. This only fuels the dog. Not to mention the dog could redirect his attention and attack you!
• Don’t scream. This, too, fuels the fire.

But how could any dog dream of attacking this face?

In the Event of an Emergency…

This has surely been a week of firsts for us.

Oscar and I were enjoying the last leg of our brisk morning walk when I hear a woman shouting behind us: “Cassie, no!”

I turn around out of curiosity to find a blue pit bull charging, closing the last few feet that separated us. I screamed, startled to see the dog so close when I never heard her coming, but quickly regained my composure when she zoomed passed me and toward Oscar. He evaded her first pounce, but she threw on the brakes and switched gears for another assault.

I racked my brain for something, anything I could do. I couldn’t pick Oscar up unless I wanted to be her new target and I couldn’t grab her collar to try to restrain her incase she whirled around and bit me. I’m surprised I remembered this in the midst of what was happening.

Oscar dodged a total of three charges like a championship boxer before the pit bull’s owner raced over to control her dog who was still snarling and drooling like a wild animal half-crazed by hunger. As she dragged her dog toward her house, she smacked Cassie, exclaiming, “You should know better!”

The entire incident lasted six seconds, but they were the longest six seconds of my life.

She never apologized, but it’s honestly the last thing I wanted. I’m more grateful that Oscar emerged from the attack mentally and physically unscathed. He’s clearly put the past behind him and I have, too.

I harbor no ill feelings against pit bulls, even after our mishap with one. The reputation of the breed always suffers because of irresponsible owners. My heart goes out to Cassie, the blue pit bull who deserves owners fully dedicated to teaching her to become a model canine citizen.

On a positive note, I present this picture of Oscar!

What precautions do you take while walking your furry family members?

I ordered a 1.5 oz. can of Halt!