I have been thinking on the subject for a week and have revised my suggestions.

Think the #1 concern is to have sure walker and dog(s) / cats(s) are marked clearly. One guy in the neighborhood, dresses in dark clothing, has no lights or safety vest, runs in the street. Has not got struck by a car yet, for whatever reason.

Many dog walkers do not carry a flashlight or stroke, or wear safety type clothing such as a neon vest. At night I carry a good flashlight and use a light or strobe on the dogs collar. Finding a good flashlight is much easier than a GOOD light for the dog. After buying numerous cheap Chinese flashlights, I was directed to a Redline 3AAA model for $27. Found it at Batteries Plus and it is Chinese also. Waterproof, bright, has strobe mode, and the beam is adjustable a very important feature. Also got a Sears $25 flashlight, not adjustable but good. If this is too much money for you, look up 'most expensive flashlight' and you'll find models for $4,200 and $7000.00.

Finding something for the dog was very hard, and I've still not found a great one. Started out with a glow in the dark/reflective yellow collar. This used rather expensive batteries, and after a year only part of the glow element worked. The second time the dog wore it saved his life. No street lights, and a car schreeched to a stop two feet in front of him. The only thing the driver could have noticed in the dark was this growing collar. One disadvantage of solid black dogs.

I tried the Inova small flashlight; a great $6-10 light, more than one model. Very tiny, four modes. Full, reduced light, and fast strobe. Nice feature is that you can switch to a hold-to-light mode, where the tiny light won't accidentally be turned on. Great for backpacks, glove boxes, etc. BUT fine for people but not for dogs. Dogs seems to shake and scratch enough to turn this light on/off. Darn - cheap and nifty. But I have four -- one in backpack, 1 by bed, 1 in glove box, and a $15 model with feet. Kinda of a gimmick, but works too. Remember the snakelight? -- good idea you could stretch it around your neck. But the snakelight was a piece of junk, poorly made. The button batteries for the Inova are rather expensive, $4 to $8 depending where you shop.

The lighted collar my dog wears is really an arm/leg band worn by cyclists. It was much cheaper than the first pendant collar light I bought at a pet shop (which doggie promptly scratched off and lost), and so are its replacement batteries. The pendant style lights can be really hard to see on dogs with thick or longish fur around their necks.

I carry a small flashlight in my pocket, but rarely use it. It is only during the winter when I walk my dog in the dark, and her "deposits" show up well enough against the snow that I seldom have to search for them.

Lights continued

My time ran out and I didn't finish.

Yesterday I ran into an interesting (person) light. Note I said yesterday. Found it at Office Depot for 6.75 and then Sears Tool dept for $5. Very light weight, about seven inches long. Doubt if it will last a year, but what else combines a whistle, glow stick light (steady or blinking), flashlight in one? Unfortunately by far the WORST packaging and instructions I've ever seen.

I had to study the item and packaging several minutes. The plastic in the packaging is much stronger than the plastic in the item! Tried cutting a 1/8" of plastic with a scissors, but could not tear it open it. Tried something unconventional, and it worked. Reading the text on the package was wasted time. Adjusted a strong light at a good angle, and used a magnifing glass -- still can't read the tiny print. Also there is tiny print INSIDE the tool that one might be asked to read. Chuck Yeager couldn't read it (famous pilot with better than 20/20 vision).

Makes one long for old days of 1950's instruction, bad instructions, but at least you could read the type.

The product comes in different colors (mild red color will produce a red glow stick color). Name is Lifegear Glow Red, since mine is a translucent red exterior. The three batteries appear to be AG13, a small button cheape. I say appear because one can't be sure without taking it apart. Packaging one CAN read offers 'free' battery replacement. Somehow I can guess that 'shipping and handling extra' will be more than the dollar store which offers 8 AG13 batteries for $1.00.

Well, I bought one and it won't be the worst expenditure I ever made. Throw it in a backpack or a small belt pack.

Cooksnsews:

I'd like to know the name of the light you use. Especially if the dog's head shaking does not turn it off and on.

I have a concealed carry license and would only use my handgun as a means of extreme last resort to protect me from a dog.

Think about it---you are walking a dog---leash in one hand and a dog attacks---your first instinct will be to either grab the leash with both hands, turn and run/protect your dog---when do you have time to draw the weapon?

And, since it is well known even trained personnel---police/military/etc. hit a moving target the size of a human only 30% of the time----the realistic chance of a dog owner actually hitting an attacking dog with a handgun round is virtually nil.

Maybe a shotgun might up the odds to 50%.

Then there is the legality of shooting a dog. Without witnesses/video evidence, the chances the shooter will be charged with a crime is much higher than not.

Not a fan of lights/air horns/etc. as those can cause as much trauma to your pet as the aggressive one.

Something sturdy that can be carried in the free hand---cane/short staff/tennis racket/baseball bat/etc. that can be used with one hand and does not interfere with handling the leash/dog with the other hand.

Robert, the original packaging for my lighted collars is long gone, and all I can see on the buckle is "Planet Bike", which I presume is a brand name. I purchased these in a bicycle shop. By means of an elastic strap and slip buckle, they can adjust from 10" to 16", which would fit a range of dog sizes. Perhaps two could be clipped together to fit a very large dog. The light is activated with a button, and I think it would be difficult for any dog to trigger it by scratching, for sure not by shaking.

I think a good flashlight with a very bright and rapid 'strobe' feature might might offer some discouragement to aggressive dogs and other animals (coyotes and bobcats in my area, the suburbs!).

After complaining to the nearby Batteries Plus that about 12 of the 14 cheap Chinese flashlights I bought flickered on and off for no reason, they sold me a Rebo? Redline for $27 plus tax. After a year, it seems a great walking flashlight. Runs on three AA batteries and it about five inches long. Has a adjustable beam, unusual in this size, so you can cover a wide area. And the strobe mode, which requires five clicks to get to, is so rapid as to be very annoying.

This flashlight, plus a cheapee horn for backup, I feel gives decent protection at night. It may scare your animal, sure, but it should only be used in a emergency. Small spray cans of irritant might end up on you. How many people ever practice using a spray can so they become familiar with which end is which?

I would say at least half the walkers or dog walkers in my area carry no flashlight, and have no vest. At night.

I'm looking for a strong deterrent for a very aggressive dog. I was walking my 9 lb male yorkie four days ago when a neighbor's very large, hound-type dog found an opening in her fence, ran at my dog, and immediately attacked him. My dog was leashed, and the other dog was on mine almost as quickly as I saw her. The hound has been fenced with another dog for over a year, and we walk past her yard everyday. Her yard is large, but she runs the fence line barking and growling at anyone passing. I think she's bored. When she attacked, she shook my dog like a toy before I was able to get her off of him, and in the struggle, I fell to the ground, and she was able to grab him and shake him again. At this point, I started screaming for help, and a neighbor and the owner came out and pulled the larger dog off of mine.

Fortunately beyond some cuts and bruises, my dog only has three broken ribs and a punctured lung. The owner paid the vet bill. We have no leash law, and the sheriff in our county will only come out after several complaints. The owner says she'll add a hot wire to her fence, but this is the only direction we can walk (dead-end street), so we have to pass this house, and honestly, I'm scared.

The sheriff advised carrying pepper spray and a walking stick. I'm looking for something with a little more range that works quickly. Any suggestions beyond what's been mentioned already would be appreciated.

That's good to know. Right now the dogs in the neighborhood seemed to be under control, but you never know what can happen in an instant. And having small dogs seems to make me a target. Thanks for the tip.

If you have a large un-leashed dog approaching you and your small leashed dogs, I'm not sure which dogs the horn will terrify most.

Let us know how it works.

I agree that it will terrify my dogs, but if it stops an attack, it would be worth it.

You can carry a hiking/trekking pole ($15 for a pair at TJ Maxx/Marshalls). They are very light( aluminum, 9oz), and have sharp tips, adjustable height (25"-53").

I hope you are kidding. Maybe a Cattle Prod would also be effective. Be sure to also carry some bandages so you can repair the occasional eye socket...

Incredible.

Not kidding. I carry hiking poles with me on trails. There are covers on the sharp tips. When it's needed you can take off the covers. Increddible poles.

That's awful, rab. Has the owner added the electric wire yet? Until that happens I would get in the car everyday and walk elsewhere.

"I would reccommend nothing smaller than a 38 Special!"

I agree. No harm in trying other things for the barkers and snarlers, but if the dog actually attacks and a safe shot can be made, that is what is going to happen.

I have a small 20 pd Lhasa Poo that we recently started short exercising walks after hip surgery. I've walked around the same lake area for 3 yrs now always guiding my dog apprx 3-4 ft away from the walking trail to allow bikes or other dog owners to pass just to avoid any mishaps. This past weekend we encountered what appeared to be a large Rottweiler so feeling uneasy I walked as far off the trail as possible to avoid any interaction. Seeing how the owner was having some difficulty in handling the dog I was carefully keeping him in my sights. After about a 30 min walk returning back to my car I noticed this same dog setting under a tree with it's owner walking off into the opposite direction. I continued to walk cautiously looping away in a big circle thinking that the dog was surely tethered to the tree. But here he come charging a good 100 yds across the park. I screamed for the owner & grabbed my dog up into my arms putting my hand out yelling stop to the dog. He was jumping around trying to nip & grab at my dog while I danced around screaming at the owner at least 4 times to get his dog. The terror of the attack slowly grew into anger watching the owner slowly lumbering over with zero reaction or concern never once calling his dog. I was somewhat relieved when I realized it was a large boxer but my anger with this irresponsible owner grinning commenting that his dog was just an overgrown kid that wouldn't hurt a fly just infuriated me. I was giving him a huge piece of my mind as he smugly waked away without so much as a sorry. It was afterward I realized just how dangerous it was to grab my dog the way I did, but I guess during those stressful times you just react. My first thought was "I'm bringing my gun next time & will absolutely use it", I have since calmed down & know it wasn't the dogs fault. I will check into information on the whistles & batons but it will be awhile before I feel comfortable on walks.

Everyone seems too preoccupied with chambering a round to describe what steps they are taking to prevent a recurrence. Like reporting it, taking another route in the future, changing the time you walk your dog?

Years ago when I had numerous Bulldogs, I ended up changing where I liked to walk because of aggressive neighborhood dogs. I was unsuccessful in getting any help what so ever from Animal Control.

I find it incredible that folks are saying they know it's not the dog's fault, yet they are prepared to poke an eye out or shoot them.

That's an easy thing for me to understand. No, it's not the dog's fault. He is doing what a dog does. But if I were being threatened with bodily harm and I had a gun, I would not hesitate.

I agree that you get nowhere trying to make owners be responsible, but I hate that I have to change my behavior because of someone else's irresponsible behavior.

Comphy, I understand your panic and fear. I have two small dogs and even if the oncoming dog means no harm, a large dog can still hurt a small dog and if your dog is recuperating to begin with, it would be even worse.

When I lived in another state and had a different dog and had problems with loose dogs, I started carrying a solid walking stick. I needed something I could put between me and the oncoming dog.

I hope you don't encounter this jerk and his dog again.

It's not just "large" dogs. Judge Judy dealt with a case where some idiot let her SEVEN Chihuahuas run out and attack an older woman. Lot's of nasty puncture wounds. I guess she should have carried a "solid" walking stick, or a cattle prod, or a gun. That would have taught those little SOBs a thing or seven.

"I hope you don't encounter this jerk and his dog again." And I hope the dog walker will attempt doing something to mitigate the potential consequences without death resulting.

Jaw on floor here in rural Ireland where I can walk my dog with perfect peace in the early hours. But GUNS?

Marigold, having lived on several continents I can understand how that must sound. It's not as heinous as it seems to consider carrying a sidearm when walking a dog. I used to do it when hunting wild mushrooms, because there were large packs of feral dogs (abandoned by irresponsible owners) who roamed the rural areas working in unison to take down animals like deer, or onto farm property looking for young domestic animals. Being a human main course is not out of the realm of possibility. We also have an issue boar (escaped domestic pigs, large and dangerous), bear, and even mountain lion. Every county has its own regulations regarding dogs, and some are laxer than others about enforcing licensing or keeping one's animals under control. I would venture to guess regulations are typically under enforced as a norm. I have taken many fine walks with my daughter and her wonderful two large breeds in areas of S. W. England, feeling no fear that should we encounter other dogs whose owners were also enjoying their strolls. There is an entitlement atmosphere here where dog owners just don't see the need to socialise their animals and with the popularity of the enormous breeds, it's especially dangerous. We are also experiencing an illicit drug epidemic. In our county, a young woman was taken to a rural area and literally set afire and left to die and it all involved a drug situation. I don't even visit our cemeteries anymore because I have inadvertently happened upon drug deals in progress. The presence of an enormous dog in my back seat rising up and frightening off a man who was opening my car door where my deaf mother (who didn't hear him trying to get in after her) sat and was probably the only thing that saved her from harm. I was cleaning a grave nearby, armed only with a spade with which to defend her. It's why some people walk their dogs with guns. It is just what it is. I don't wish to feed a gun control argument, just to explain why some people might wish to exercise their right to carry one for protection even whilst walking their dogs.

SaltiDawg, I sincerely hope you are never in a position to have to defend yourself and/or your dog from an attack. I had my beloved dog attacked by a german shepherd and he suffered many puncture wounds and tears and the screaming was horrific. All because the owner (who had a fenced in yard) decided maybe her dog would like to run the neighborhood for a little exercise (she was still in her house when this happened). It makes me almost physically sick to even recall the incident. Yes, she paid the vet bills, but the pain and suffering of my dog could have been avoided by just an ounce of common sense in owning an aggressive dog.

"SaltiDawg, I sincerely hope you are never in a position to have to defend yourself and/or your dog from an attack."

Why would you suggest that I have not been in that position before? Wow!

Prior to your dog being attacked, had there been prior episodes where you had encountered the other dog running loose? If so, had you taken any steps to reduce the likelihood of an an attack? Just curious and I make no suggestion that you did anything wrong.

My above comments were addressed to anyone that was on notice as experiencing their dogs or themselves being at risk due to other dogs not being under control.

The appropriate action given any such experience to prevent subsequent encounters is not to carry a gun or a cattle prod, but rather " attempt doing something to mitigate the potential consequences without death resulting" - call animal control, contact owner, change your dog walking route, change time of day, etc.

No, the dog had never been loose before that I had ever seen.

The other point I would make is that it is totally impractical to think you could anticipate and then do something about dogs running loose. It's not like it's a scheduled activity or even if you would know who owned the dogs. It's generally something that spontaneously happens when out for a walk.

I would agree if there was someone you knew who had the habit of letting their dog run unsupervised, you would have an opportunity to say something, though often people like that are not receptive to suggestions.

I have seen others walking with a walking stick and I see nothing wrong with that. I have had dogs come after me at least several times. If I can keep the dog at bay by yelling at it, that is my first line of defense. I was doing that once as a dog came out of his yard and tried to bite me, but when he was close enough to actually bite, I kicked him and he stopped. His owner was standing in the yard watching all this and did nothing but give me grief for kicking his dog. Didn't hurt his dog by the way, but this is the mentality I am talking about.

By the way, I don't own a gun so you don't have to worry about me killing someone else's dog. I wouldn't be able to do something like that anyway, but I would not blame someone who had to resort to using force.

I grew up in the UK way before cops were armed ever. When I came to Ireland I was with a friend in a small town and when she went into the bank an dI stayed in the car there was a cash delivery and at that time the army used to cover these. For the first time ever I found myself looking at a real gun and almost had a panic attack. Makes me feel sick even thinking about it .Never got used to it and am thankful I will end my days in rural Ireland far from guns etc.

We stopped walking in our neighborhood because of too many loose, territorial dogs. Now I am tempted to buy two air horns and try again. :)

What will be your dog's reaction to the air horn? ;-(

Salti, we lost our dog in May and we'll be walking dog-less. :(

I'm sorry for your loss. The air horn thing sounds fine.

I typically carry a small handheld taser/flashlight that I bought at the local gun show for $20. Fortunately, I haven't had to use it! I live close to the hills where there are coyotes/mountain lions as well, so I wanted to be sure I was protecting myself when walking alone and my dog when he was smaller as a puppy (from human and animal threat alike). The loud snapping sound of it would probably be enough to scare another animal off, but even if I had to actually use it, the beauty of a taser is that there would only be temporary discomfort and it has no residual effects (like an irritant/pepper spray would have).

Be careful reaching in to that Mountain Lion with your taser.

Yes, that would not be an ideal situation. Mountain lions are the lesser of my concerns where I walk, but it's certainly possible for one to come down from the hills. I'd hope the noise would startle it enough to just leave us alone, but we'd be SOL if it decided it wanted to attack! My fiance carries his glock, which would be a bit more suitable for a mountain lion only as a last resort, but he's not always with me. I would hate to have to kill one of those beautiful creatures, even out of self defense.

After reading the title I was going to say MY Dog is my protection, but now I realize not everyone has intimidating dogs. I probably need to be more cautious. We have so little crime here, I worry more about a rabid fox or that sort of thing.

Yes Anne, my dopey Golden is definitely more welcoming than intimidating! ;)

Bear mace.

Sprays 30 feet.

Wasp spray is cheaper $8 for 2, but none of the spray works on a windy day. Hiking pole works good if you can move fast and even better if you know fencing. :-)

You went on about your hiking pole above.

Among other things, you said, "Not kidding. I carry hiking poles with me on trails. There are covers on
the sharp tips. When it's needed you can take off the covers.
Increddible (sic) poles."

Nice that you wouldn't have to kill the attacking Lab, just take off the covers and a crisp thrust to the eye.

Thanks God I haven't needed to take the pole tip cover off . Hope it keeps that way. I only use the hiking pole to protect myself and my dogs if anything happens again-dog, coyote attack......after 3 dog attacks, I have to prepare. All 3 times happened so fast and I had nothing on me. A small 2' hiking pole is all I got now. I bought a pair from Marshalls for $14.99 , and I use them for hiking too. The sharp tip is very short, it designed for hiking trails. I bought a pepper spray , but it won't work on windy days.

It's full moon tonight. When you walk your dogs tonight look up! :-)

When you early boasted about your carrying pole, you blew off questions as to what actions you have taken to reduce risk. It would seem you are just again re-starting this thread to cause a "commotion" (he charitably said.)

Have you changed the route and or the time you walk your dogs so as to reduce the risk of a fourth attack, for example?

Have you reported the loose dogs, for example?

it can go on and on.

Incredible!

Why are you against a hiking pole? Is there a reason we need to hear? I didn't mention about guns, tasers.......Lol. I got the hiking pole idea from my hiking club, it saved a few people from dog attacks over the years on the trails. My pole is light weight and easy to carry. I know the old saying "everything happens for a good reason", but 3 dog attacks?! There is no good reason for that! I called cops on 1 dog because the owner was being a jerk. 2 of the dogs are near my house, 1 of them just a few houses away. The lab attack was in a park and the owner was right there, we both jumped in to pull her dog and my puppy away from each other, I gave her credit for doing that, and she was very sorry about it. I don't go to that park with my dogs any more, because there are always some dogs there without leashes even we have a leash rule in town. And once in a while I still walk by the 2 houses, but not all the time. I just feel safer walking dogs at night with a hiking pole. I am sure I am not your size, I need my pole for just in case there is another dog attack. I tried to carry a big long flashlight before, but it was too heavy for me. I mentioned again about the pole because someone mentioned about spray. On a windy day the pray won't work, and it might hurt yourself. You don't have to agree with me or other people's ideas. We are here to share what we do after the dog attacks, because we care. I don't see you go against guns and tasers...,,why didn't you??? :-) I am in the US by the way, it's ok to carry a hiking pole walking on the street off the trails, I have seen other people walking with hiking poles on the sidewalks, on the bike path in my neighborhood (without dogs), you can check with your local police stations. It's ok to do so in my area. Have a good day and stay away from the heat. Another heat waive is coming, I will have to walk my dogs late at night when it's cool. Are you an admin for this pet forum? We have a much more friendly admin on our rose forum. It's a big family over there. Please visit there, we are there not only for having the same passion, growing roses together, we are there to make friends and to share the ideas and peace. May peace be with you even you 're against my Incredible hiking pole. Lol.

Cheers

Moronically, you accuse me of not showing a concern for people using guns and other weapons. It may again be a retention span issue, but on a few occasions above I did just that.

Including:

"I find it incredible that folks are saying they know it's not the dog's
fault, yet they are prepared to poke an eye out or shoot them."

Do you not remember the earlier exchanges?

You are going to carry a stick with the intent to remove protective covers to allow you to slice into a dog. I have repeatedly tried to ask you what if any steps you have taken to prevent a subsequent attack by a given door.

You should not be permitted to own a dog with such a disregard for your own dog's and other dogs' safety.

TO REMIND YOU:

"You can carry a hiking/trekking pole ($15 for a pair at TJ Maxx/Marshalls). They are very light( aluminum, 9oz), and have sharp tips, adjustable height (25"-53")"

"Not kidding. I carry hiking poles with me on trails. There are covers on the sharp tips. When it's needed you can take off the covers. Increddible (sic) poles."

"SaltiDawg, I sincerely hope you are never in a position to have to defend yourself and/or your dog from an attack ..."

To which I replied:

"SaltiDawg, I sincerely hope you are never in a position to have to defend yourself and/or your dog from an attack."

Why would you suggest that I have not been in that position before? Wow!

Prior to your dog being attacked, had there been prior episodes where you had encountered the other dog running loose? If so, had you taken any steps to reduce the likelihood of an attack? Just curious and I make no suggestion that you did anything wrong.

My above comments were addressed to anyone that was on notice as experiencing their dogs or themselves being at risk due to other dogs not being under control.

The appropriate action given any such experience to prevent subsequent encounters is not to carry a gun or a cattle prod, but rather " attempt doing something to mitigate the potential consequences without death resulting" - call animal control, contact owner, change your dog walking route, change time of day, etc."

I hope your lack of concern does not cause serious harm or injury to either your dog or another dog.

I don't carry around a weapon when walking my dogs, but aside from one woman who can barley control her pitbull, the people in my building and neighborhood are responsible dog owners. This is in NYC.

The same can't be said for rural area around our house in upstate NY.

Maybe it's a different mentality, don't know -but in that town, dogs are allowed to be off leash provided they obey verbal commands. It's because it's a recreational town and everyone hunts and fishes.

Just a few weeks ago, hubs and I were walking out of a diner towards our car. The parking lot is small, and the cars very close together. There was a pick-up parked with the window rolled down and a very unhappy pitbull in the drivers seat. Unfortunately for me, I walked about 10 feet away from the pick up trying to get to our car. The pit went nuts, looked like it was about to jump out the window to get to me. I got in our car and didn't know if I should call the cops or not- this dog "appeared" dangerous. My hubs said since the dog didn't actually jump out the window, I shouldn't get all crazy with the police. Spoke with our neighbor about it, was told it's absolutely normal up there.

That's the thing. There are a million different types of dog owners. Many are responsible, some are not. It's difficult to be prepared for every possible situation you may incur. If you have a problem with a dog once, it's possible you may never see that dog again. Why would you change your route or time of day based on a one time incident? If you know the dog that caused a problem for you, talk to the owner and see what can be done. It's time that people take responsibility for their own actions and those of their animals. But then if they did, that would be a perfect world and we all know that will never happen. So I just do the best I can each day and always stay aware of my surroundings. Wishing you all peaceful walks with your furry friends.

It wouldn't have made a difference if it was a pitbull or not. ANY dog breed is capable of attacking.

You're replying to a 19 month old post which happened to mention that the dog was a Pit Bull?

I like to bring a dog repellent spray with me while walking with my dog but nothing bad happened to me because of my cute pet dog ever.

We have learned dogs hate the noise of a taser. we have a Shoshone puppy and a big dog came out at her, so we just used the taser the minute that dog heard that it turned and walked away. Not waiting to see if the dog is aggressive or not going to avoid a fight at all costs. Once you determine a dog is aggressive it can be too late.