Tired of off leash dogs attacking my furkids

ClantyreSheltie said:
If it comes to my hand or a stick coming between an off leash aggressive dog and my dogs, what am I going to choose?
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Of course a stick. For me, it would be my hand or my pepper spray :-)

But, as I understood this current situation, it was a german shorthair pointer running by that ran over her dog. Although, it wasn't really clear how his foot got hurt. Not an aggressive dog.

I hike/jog with my dogs all the time. I carry spray. I am just not coordinated enough to worry about jogging, two dogs on a leash, and a stick. Plus, the majority of the times the encounters are fine. If I was wielding a stick, it would be a different story. But I do respect your opinion, Rachael, and by all means carry your weapon when you walk your dogs, lol. I am just saying, it is not something I do/will do.
 
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dawns2shelties said:
. My problem is I am trying to figure out how I am supposed to calm my dogs who are more reactive than ever now so Chandler doesn't injure himself further,block them from the dogs getting to them, spray something or swing a stick all at the same time. :
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I am so upset for you over all of this.

If you have the time, I'd be tempted to walk the dogs separately for now. This will leave a hand free to handle whatever means of defense you choose and to make a speedier U-turn, etc. I also find with my two that if there is a problem with an off leash dog that my two dogs egg each other on and are likely to get tangled up around something: each other or me.
 
I would go for the ammonia deluted in a squirt gun. The problem with pepper spray, is if there is a breeze, it can come back on you, and or your dogs. A good squirt gun fits in your pocket, and easy to aim with one hand. Just let it rip as the dog gets close.
 
Im with Rachel on this one. I don't tolerate idiot owners and their ill behaved aggressive dogs. I've had too many of mine hurt, permanently maimed, or emotionally ruined due to fools. Hit them. Until they and their dogs are adversely affected, they're unlikely to care enough to put their dogs on leash. Maybe if their aggressive dogs get a good whack every time they run at yours to attack, they'd think twice about letting them run loose. Maybe yhe aggressive dogs would also learn not to run at other dogs. After all, I know mine sure have learned to be weary of other dogs due to attacks. It only took once for them to learn that. They should also be paying your dogs vet bills.
It really makes me angry. There is no room in the world for idiots like the one you're dealing with. I really think ALL new dog owners should be required to take a basic obedience class with their dogs.
 
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I certainly agree with you in theory, to hit the charging dog...However, during my years owning a training center, I had the opportunity to see all levels of aggression in rescue dogs. There are dogs out there that if you hit them, they will truly turn on you, or worse your dogs (thinking that is where it is coming from). The idea is to get them away from you, and spraying them in the face is the fastest way to give you time to re-group.
 
Emmasmom said:
Defnitely find a big stick/heavy cane, take it with you, and USE IT. I have a cane of Dad's I carry if I am walking.

Write to your manager, copying the letter to her superiors, and the animal control/bylaw office. Quote from the pet agreement every one signed, note EVERY instance of when and where your dogs were attacked, the physical and emotional trauma they and you have suffered, the costs you have incurred, and be prepared to file against the complex's, and if you know the person, insurance companies. I found with a situation at work where hospital employees were coming onto private property to smoke, until I mentioned that it was an insurance problem and no one wanted their insurance rates to go up because someone got hit, nothing was done. People do not like to have insurance rates rise and they will rise if a payment is made out. You may have grounds to file against the complex's insurance to recoup some of your vet fees. And put a deadline on it in your letter, stating you will file with the company's insurance holder if no steps are taken.

Other than that, just keep doing what you are doing. You should not have to move because of others.
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I'm also very sorry to hear about these problems, Dawn. I know what it's like to deal with off leash canine bullies and stupid and ignorant owners when you're walking two. I think Ronna's advice above is the best, in addition to taking precations for when you are walking.

You have to hit these people where it hurts, and that's in the wallet. I'm glad you are talking to lawyers and doing letter. I would also not hestiate to call and file a police report. You've had repeated instances of this kind of thing.
 
By-law officers?

So sorry to hear about your situation. I don't know about where you're from, but this was happening to me a LOT on a set of trails near my house in Ontario. My dogs do not have any health problems (thankfully), but one did end up biting my Ollie's ear, and racking up some hefty after-hours vet bills.

I called the city by law officers, and they ended up doing the following:

1. a dangerous dog investigation on the owner. (I happened to catch the owner's license plate number). The owners ended up paying my vet bill.

2. bringing the conservation authority truck out at the busiest times and issuing tickets to those with dogs off-leash.

I know those solutions aren't perfect, but it sure beats the possibility provoking an attack from either the off leash dog, or from the owner who could be confrontational.

Best of luck.

K
 
Emmasmom said:
Defnitely find a big stick/heavy cane, take it with you, and USE IT. I have a cane of Dad's I carry if I am walking.

Write to your manager, copying the letter to her superiors, and the animal control/bylaw office. Quote from the pet agreement every one signed, note EVERY instance of when and where your dogs were attacked, the physical and emotional trauma they and you have suffered, the costs you have incurred, and be prepared to file against the complex's, and if you know the person, insurance companies. I found with a situation at work where hospital employees were coming onto private property to smoke, until I mentioned that it was an insurance problem and no one wanted their insurance rates to go up because someone got hit, nothing was done. People do not like to have insurance rates rise and they will rise if a payment is made out. You may have grounds to file against the complex's insurance to recoup some of your vet fees. And put a deadline on it in your letter, stating you will file with the company's insurance holder if no steps are taken.

Other than that, just keep doing what you are doing. You should not have to move because of others.
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I agree, once you start pushing the legal buttons, the complex insurance company may move faster. I would keep accurate records and maybe a small video camera to show the damages. You will need evidence. Trying to be nice and sending the letter from you first may stop some, but some don't think of others. I hope your babies are ok. I would be terribly upset.
 
In addition to contacting a lawyer and the people who run your apartment complex, I'd also be contacting animal control in your area and telling them about what you've experienced. That should make the people running your complex take things more seriously, if animal control is involved.

A good, non violent alternative to deterring these dogs might be this. It will also stop your dogs from reacting at the same time and EVERYONE living in your area will know whats going on.

http://www.defensedevices.com/air-horn-small.html

A friend of mine's small terrier mix was almost killed by a vicious, off leash dog at the park across from our house. She carries one of these with her now at all times. The vicious dog was almost euthanized but the people were allowed to keep her, so long as they sought a professional trainer, kept her muzzled when out in public and never let her off leash. They stretched the muzzle rule a little by getting a gentle leader but they seemed to take the warning seriously. I was told they went to a trainer and the dog has never been off leash again. She is still VERY aggressive and barks/lunges at dogs on leash or when they walk by her house.
 
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