How to protect myself & my daughter from a dog attack?
Hi We're new to the neighborhood we just moved to -a couple of days ago I was walking to the local park w/my 1 1/2 Y.O. daughter (pushing the stroller too). A lady w/a pit bull (leashed) was headed towards me, about a block away. I picked my daughter up, put her in the stroller & went to the other side of the street. There was a mail carrier on the same side of the st. as the PB & when she neared it, the pit bull lunged at her, barking, & the carrier ran into the street. I've seen her walking the dog before and I crossed the street the other time too, I never saw it actually go after someone before until this time but it got me thinking -God forbid the dog ever gets away from the owner, who is very muscular also, but very small. The times I've seen her/her dog, she's been on a cell phone w/one hand & holding the leash in the other -the dog is almost dragging her. Outside of carrying a crowbar in the stroller & pepper spray, what can I do to defend us or avoid a dog attack?! Thanks!
Update:I really appreciate all of the answers that everyone offered, they're all very helpful. Regarding lawsuits, though...if anyone, man or beast, attacks my daughter, I'll do whatever I have to to stop it.
I saw a pit bull attack a small dog in my then-fiance's front yard. It was vicious and unbelievably fast. I do worry - dogs are animals & they live by a different code than we do.
If I could find something that retracts to fit in the stroller that might work best...I can't imagine carrying a 3 or 4' piece of bamboo around with me, although that sounds like a pretty good solution. Thanks to all, I do appreciate it.
Comments
I would talk to the owner herself. Chances are, the pit has not attacked people. Pits tend to be really gentle, they just have a really bad name because of really bad owners. As far as it going after the mail carrier, that is not really surprising. I have an australian shepherd who is just as sweet as can be until it comes to the mail man. She hates them. She tries to attack them EVERY time they come to deliver the mail. It could be the uniform, or the pit may have had a bad experience with a mail carrier before. I would go over and talk to the owner of this dog to see what she says. Any responsible pit owner will tell you the truth about their dog, and usually, you can quickly tell if they are lying.
Well you writing this question is your first mistake. It shows that you are already afraid. By being afraid, you are likely to have to confront the dog physically. Which I commend you on. Most people would be "OH I am afraid of the scared dog" and just not go walking anymore. But you at least realize that it is a public road and you should beable to go for a walk with out being attacked.
Ok if you need to defend yourself from a dog. First stand your ground. Nothing stops a changing dog quicker then standing your ground and taking a few steps toward it. Now weapon, you don't want to kill the dog or injury it where the neighbor may attempt to sew you. Not like she can. But you sound like a nice lady, so I doubt that you really want to injury it. Get a 3-4 foot piece of Bamboo, and make sure its solid. If the dog comes into striking distance swing and hit him as hard as you can. Be warned the dog will yip really loud. Bamboo works like whip. A crowbar would break bones.
If the dog does not retreat. Do it again followed by a solid kick to the ribs. If the dog lunges firmally shoove the stick in to his mouth. Dogs allows bite and pull. So be prepared to move forward quickly. If you can, lift the dog and throw to its back. Remember kick in the ribs when ever you get a chance. The thorsic cavity is the weakest part of the body. Plus if the dog can't breath he can't fight.
Take another route. Pitbulls have a bad reputation, but can be wonderful dogs. However if you don't train them, just like any dog, they can be aggressive. The safest thing to do would be avoid the situation all together. If you did carry a crowbar or pepper spray, just in the act of protecting yourself and your daughter can make you liable for a law suit. It is unfortunate the individual does not sound like they are being a responsible pet owner. When it is all said and done you are the only one that is responsible for you and your daughters protection. Besides all of that how would you like to be fumbling with pepper spray while the dog is attached to your leg?
Either take another route or just be cautious pitbulls and any dogs for that matter dont like mailmen for some reason its a dog thing but socialized pitbulls should not be feared if you are scared ask the lady questions about the dog so you can gain some knowlege of if the dog is friendly my dog is 55 pounds and when she gets excited and sees another dog she will want to pull me to go see it but I can handle her I know she isnt going anywhere and I socialized mine at a young age instead of people fearing her I have to worry about little dogs snapping at her.
Pit Bulls have a bad reputation because they have been the victim of evil people far too often due to their appearance. Did you know that you are FAR more likely to be bitten by a Labrador, dalmatian, cocker spaniel or poodle than you are to be bitten by a Pit? Why not talk to the woman and get to know the dog?
As for the vile creature who suggested that all pits be killed slowly and painfully, take the time to learn a little about the animal before you say such things. It isn't the dogs that need such deaths, it's the owners that tortured them!
Watch this video and learn about pits.
http://www.pitbullproject.ca/video.htm
Sounds to me the dog was not properly trained and niether is the owner. I would take another route. If the dog lounges at you call the police. Check your local laws on dogs. Remember dogs can feel emotions like we see them so stay calm and remember its not the breed its the owner. Pepper spray will only make things worse. My APBT was sprayed with it in my yard by someone who wasn't supposed to be in my yard (The yard is fenced) and ever since then it like she wasn't sprayed it just make her madder. (If sensed asked that the company not send that person out because he never calls he just walks into my yard and with 9 dogs in the yard I would prefer to be outside when they come over so I can control them.
Buy yourself pepper spray. You can spray it at a human attacker or a dog. It works b/c I've had to do it before. I was at someone's house petsitting and there was a stray dog outside, a very large one. It tried to attack me everytime I tried to walk out the door. I was basically trapped. I had pepper spray in my purse and sprayed the dog in the face and ran to my car. The dog went running away from me. So, try getting some of that. You can buy it online or some stores carry it.
Ask the owner to curb her dog if it comes too near you and your daughter.
Don't make eye contact with the dog, if you do by accident, immediately look away and turn your body to the side. That way, you will appear less threatening to the dog, thereby decreasing the chances of being attacked.
Sounds like you did the right thing, though, by moving to the other side of the street.
First call the cops to complain. Technically, the owner didn't do anything wrong, but at least register a complaint.
I like the crowbar idea.
Don't make eye contact with the dog
If you see her coming cross the street very slowly
Good luck!
I'd find another place to walk, speak to animal control about your concerns about this incident, see if you can get the mail carrier to sign on with you to complain.
You may speak to the owner about your concerns if they're approachable.
FYI pepper spray most likely won't work on dogs so don't rely on that.