How Can You Protect Yourself From an Advancing Aggressive Dog?
My life is pretty much devoted to dogs. I've spent many years as a dog groomer and now do some training and rescuing and own 4 of my own. I can read most dog body language and am not afraid of being bitten even though I have had a few bite wounds. Most dogs will only bite if you do something to them that they don't want done or if they are afraid of you and you pressure them to accept you.
However, I AM afraid of actually being attacked by a vicious dog wanting to kill me. There's a difference between a bite and an attack. A well balanced dog who has been socialized and trained will not attack someone for no reason unless there is a physical problem. But one that has been abused, neglected or not socialized can very possibly turn aggressive.
A dog can be aggressive out of fear too. Once I was going to bathe a German Shepherd in my grooming van and I got him inside, closed the doors, turned towards him to get him into the tub and he uttered a deep-throated growl. It made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. There I was confined inside a van with a very large growling German Shepherd. Fortunately, I was able to turn myself into a non-threatening entity by turning away and relaxing and acting nonchalant until he accepted me. It made me realize, though, that I had better have something in that van for such an occasion to protect myself with if the very large dog doesn't back down.
Hence, the Mace Canine Repellent was put on the shelf of my van and fortunately I have not had to use it. But it's there just in case and it gives me a sense of security when I'm alone with a large unknown dog. It's also something I carry while out walking my dogs. Although I keep my dogs on leash, that is not always the case with the dogs we meet. I have had dogs rush up to us but fortunately was able to stop them before having to use the spray or have any confrontation. The spray is humane and has no lasting effects.
Bike riders and joggers are just too much temptation for some dogs who are very prey driven. The movement is enough to cause them to join in the chase. Protect yourself with either a canine repellent spray or an Electronic Dog Repeller. Either is easy to carry and effective to avoid being bitten by an aggressive dog. If you can stop and face the dog and tell it to "go home" you will usually stop the advance of a chasing dog. Obviously that would be the best scenario in such a situation. But if the dog is truly aggressive, that may not be enough to stop an attack. Other means are necessary. Don't think you can physically stop a 100 lb. dog in attack mode. Be smart. Be prepared and stay safe.
About the Author:
Karleen Lindsey has spent over 30 years working with dogs and is a devoted dog lover. She is an advocate of using non deadly means to subdue a dog in attack mode. Check out her Electronic Dog Repeller and Mace Canine Repellent to abort a potential dog attack. 20% off first order over $10 with coupon code 3254.
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