All dogs are pack animals and need leadership. When they don't get it, they think they have to take charge. When the dog is large and bred for protection (sheherds, cattle dogs) or combat, this is as dangerous for the owners as for others. What I see more and more are people with large dogs that they cannot even control when the dog is calm. The tell is when a dog pulls on the leash instead of walking calmly next to the owner. Then watch as the dog becomes more and more dominant as the owner begins to panic. Dogs hate panic! I have seen such dogs drag the owners off their feet.
When out and about on neutral ground, so to speak, as a general rule, don't make eye contact with strange dogs even if they are calm. or appear friendly. If they are calm, ignore them and FIRST talk to the owner if present. Then, don't pet the dog but talk to it if it is friendly - still without eye contact.
If caught unawares without a weapon or other deterrent, by an aggressive dog, try to stay calm and work hard at avoiding eye contact by looking over them or slightly to the side while keeping them in the frame for defensive moves.
As The Undead has shown, do everything you can to distract them - shout loudly and with authority to get their attention; don't wail or make fearful noises. If able to distract them, speak calmly to the dog using words like "stop" and "don't"; do not run away, if anything, move towards them - they will not expect that. Above all, be alert and calmly move away from unaccompanied dogs before they come closer.
Very true, far too many "owners" are not their dog's alphas. Stupidly, they treat these large dogs as "fur babies." 🙄
This is one of the reasons I do NOT trust dog owners when they say their dog won't hurt me. Too many dog owners have no control over these large, powerful animals. This is why Sting stays with me, and I will use it to keep a dog away from me. The Milk Bones are also useful tools, but I would not rely on them alone, some dogs do not respond to them.
I also recommend people keep pepper spray and a stun baton with them if walking in a public park or other area where dogs could be running loose. Do NOT rely on their owners to control them, especiall pit bulls, and other large dogs.
As a former owner of GSDs, I know that they are very territorial and sneaky. They need an owner who is strict and firm with them. The reason we will never have another GSD is that my husband is neither strict nor firm. As long as I was around, they were behaved. I never let them run loose ever! They are not trustworthy left on their own. Even when well socialized, GSDs need constant direction and attention. On walks, I have been attacked by more labs than any other dog. I lived in CA, and in that area, the majority of dogs were pit bull and pit bull crosses. Dog owners need to be responsible for their animals behavior. And most are not, sadly.
You are wise, and I wish more dog owners were like you. You see why they are formidable animals and should not be taken lightly by anyone, especially drivers. Bravo!
It lacks the sharp teeth at the end, but all the other features are the same. It is 22 inches long and is also a great flashlight. They have other models if you prefer something that is not as long as Sting. I prefer the longer length to keep the dogs as far away from me as possible.
Thanks for your quick response. I agree with you on the longer length, distance between you and your attacker is key to survival and injury prevention. I was a delivery driver for YELLOW FREIGHT SYSTEMS for a few years, so I know exactly what you’re talking about. Have a great day and keep up the very entertaining and informative work.
Watch out for anklebiters, some of them are downright evil. See my previous article linked to at the top of this page. Damned things. Wretched little monsters sometimes.
I'm glad you escaped without a serious bites. They are pack animals, and when one attacks, the others often do too. Even if one of them is an anklebiter.
All dogs are pack animals and need leadership. When they don't get it, they think they have to take charge. When the dog is large and bred for protection (sheherds, cattle dogs) or combat, this is as dangerous for the owners as for others. What I see more and more are people with large dogs that they cannot even control when the dog is calm. The tell is when a dog pulls on the leash instead of walking calmly next to the owner. Then watch as the dog becomes more and more dominant as the owner begins to panic. Dogs hate panic! I have seen such dogs drag the owners off their feet.
When out and about on neutral ground, so to speak, as a general rule, don't make eye contact with strange dogs even if they are calm. or appear friendly. If they are calm, ignore them and FIRST talk to the owner if present. Then, don't pet the dog but talk to it if it is friendly - still without eye contact.
If caught unawares without a weapon or other deterrent, by an aggressive dog, try to stay calm and work hard at avoiding eye contact by looking over them or slightly to the side while keeping them in the frame for defensive moves.
As The Undead has shown, do everything you can to distract them - shout loudly and with authority to get their attention; don't wail or make fearful noises. If able to distract them, speak calmly to the dog using words like "stop" and "don't"; do not run away, if anything, move towards them - they will not expect that. Above all, be alert and calmly move away from unaccompanied dogs before they come closer.
When on the dog's territory, do like Morgthorak.
Very true, far too many "owners" are not their dog's alphas. Stupidly, they treat these large dogs as "fur babies." 🙄
This is one of the reasons I do NOT trust dog owners when they say their dog won't hurt me. Too many dog owners have no control over these large, powerful animals. This is why Sting stays with me, and I will use it to keep a dog away from me. The Milk Bones are also useful tools, but I would not rely on them alone, some dogs do not respond to them.
I also recommend people keep pepper spray and a stun baton with them if walking in a public park or other area where dogs could be running loose. Do NOT rely on their owners to control them, especiall pit bulls, and other large dogs.
Famous last words:
hE jUsT wAnTs To pLaY...
As a former owner of GSDs, I know that they are very territorial and sneaky. They need an owner who is strict and firm with them. The reason we will never have another GSD is that my husband is neither strict nor firm. As long as I was around, they were behaved. I never let them run loose ever! They are not trustworthy left on their own. Even when well socialized, GSDs need constant direction and attention. On walks, I have been attacked by more labs than any other dog. I lived in CA, and in that area, the majority of dogs were pit bull and pit bull crosses. Dog owners need to be responsible for their animals behavior. And most are not, sadly.
You are wise, and I wish more dog owners were like you. You see why they are formidable animals and should not be taken lightly by anyone, especially drivers. Bravo!
I think of you every time I get a delivery. You’ve really helped humanize people who often get dehumanized in our country.
Bless you, I appreciate the kind words. I had a long route today and just got back a little while ago. Tired, but no dog problems today. 👍🏻
Dear Morgthorak, I really enjoy your work. Would you please give a link for your stun Beaton. Thanks
Greetings Greg,
Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate them.
My exact model has been discontinued, but the closest one to it is this one:
https://www.thehomesecuritysuperstore.com/collections/stun-batons/products/safety-tech-bouncer-rechargeable-led-stun-gun-baton-100m
It lacks the sharp teeth at the end, but all the other features are the same. It is 22 inches long and is also a great flashlight. They have other models if you prefer something that is not as long as Sting. I prefer the longer length to keep the dogs as far away from me as possible.
Thanks for your quick response. I agree with you on the longer length, distance between you and your attacker is key to survival and injury prevention. I was a delivery driver for YELLOW FREIGHT SYSTEMS for a few years, so I know exactly what you’re talking about. Have a great day and keep up the very entertaining and informative work.
Greg Rogers
You are most welcome, my friend and good luck to you.
Watch out for anklebiters, some of them are downright evil. See my previous article linked to at the top of this page. Damned things. Wretched little monsters sometimes.
I'm glad you escaped without a serious bites. They are pack animals, and when one attacks, the others often do too. Even if one of them is an anklebiter.