Remind Me, What To Do If An Aggressive Dog Rushes Me

[Simply Grand]

All these responses came too late for what I needed but it was OK in the end....kind of.

I visited the house where the dog of concern was. He arrived home after I'd been there a while. He's a big young pup who actually seemed quite mellow to me, but I was told he reacted well to me.

Then we decided to take my dogs for a walk because they'd been locked in the car while I was visiting. I was very cautious about letting him meet them but his owner held him across the other side of the street and let him walk up to sniff them. He seemed friendly, a bit keen for Feather and Neko, he was in their face a bit but they kept fairly aloof and out of his way.

His owner was going out but the father said he'd walk the dog with us as we went to the local park. We'd only taken a few steps when, too quick for the walker, he rushed at Feather and in an instant opened his mouth as if he was about to eat her. No sound from him, and I'm still not sure if it was in play, it would have been very rough and innappropriate play for a dog her size. I instinctively stepped in front of him and roared for him to get back. It was enough to break his purpose and gave the person on the end of his leash a chance to haul him back. And that was the end of the social walk to the park. He was put in the house and we had a lovely peaceful walk to the park.

Oh how scary, a big dog with your guys could go so wrong so fast!

I've roared at a dog a couple of times, once was when I was walking Saxon and a young GSD came running up the street at us, he looked friendly but I wasn't risking it so I yelled at him to "stop", which made him slow right down, then told him to "sit" (as suggested earlier in the thread) which he also did, to my surprise. While this was happening I picked Saxon up and was trying to decide whether to try and use his lead to get hold of the GSD but he ran off I think back home before I got hold of him.

The other time was at the dog park and one dog that I had been watching interact with the other dogs and had some concerns about chased down a young Golden Retriever in sort of play then stood over the top of it while it lay still on its back. The dog on top kept barking and sort of 'head punching' ( like going to nip/bite but not actually doing it) the GR and seemed to be becoming increasingly aroused and frustrated. I was the closest person, the GR's owners were on their way over looking very worried and the other dog's owner was off up the other end somewhere. I knew the name of the problem dog so when I decided it was getting too much and wasn't going to back off the GR I roared its named and approached stomping my feet and growling get off. I'm sure I seemed like a crazy person but It worked, he got off and the people got their GR out of there. Actually I just remembered, the male owner of the GR was close, he was hovering as though he was thinking of grabbing the dog on top and I warned him it was probably risky, we watched for another moment then I stepped in.

I think I shocked the other dog's owner a bit he came running over looking very embarrassed and stayed close to his dog after that :D

[Simply Grand]

Lost and frightened mums with pups can be VERY dangerous... you did good!

T.

Here's the article about it. I wonder if Noel Potter is still breeding GSDs and if any of her progeny are still alive. I remember she was imported from Germany, she must have been one of the first since the ban was lifted on them.

Wow that's awesome! I love the technology of the time, a telegram was sent to one person, who took it to another person, who drove all the way to Melbourne to tell the owner :laugh:

[Kirislin]

Lost and frightened mums with pups can be VERY dangerous... you did good!

T.

Here's the article about it. I wonder if Noel Potter is still breeding GSDs and if any of her progeny are still alive. I remember she was imported from Germany, she must have been one of the first since the ban was lifted on them.

Wow that's awesome! I love the technology of the time, a telegram was sent to one person, who took it to another person, who drove all the way to Melbourne to tell the owner :laugh:

yes, and before that my mother made several long distance calls, first to the council over there and then to the original owner. Back then phone calls like that were really expensive. I remember mum said the bloke gave her $10 for her trouble and effort but she said the cost amounted to alot more than that.

[dancinbcs]

The stand still and avoid eye contact works with dogs that are hyped up and ready to take you on. I was rushed by an entire male Pitbull a couple of years ago that came hurtling down the street towards me. I was hoping he would run past but no luck and he decided to launch himself at me, not in a particularly aggressive manner but not friendly either. If I had been smaller or older he would have knocked me flying and if I had screamed and flailed around I am sure he would have attacked as he was really hyped up. I decided to try what I had been teaching kids in schools and stood stock still with my hands by my side but he tried to grab my hands so I ended up folding my arms. He kept jumping and nipping at me for a while then settled, lost interest and trotted off when he got no reaction from me. I was about to ask some people in the house I was near if they had anything I could tie him up with so we could call the ranger but at that moment he spotted an elderly woman walking a old desexed bitch and bolted towards her in full attack mode. Her bitch ran around in circles trying to escape and pulled the lead out of her hand, heading for the main road. As the bitch came towards me I grabbed her and calmed her down. As she ran though the Pitbull changed his attention to her owner and knocked her over injuring her shoulder, then went for her head. Luckily two young men passing jumped on the dog and had the presence of mind to grab the woman's walking stick and wedge it in the dog's mouth as he kept trying to get at her head but the stick stopped him closing his mouth. This could potentially have been a very serious attack if it had not been defused so quickly. One young man stayed on top of the dog while the other got the lady up and brought her over to me with her dog and another woman. We called the Police and Ambulance who came and treated the woman. Unfortunately just before the police arrived a car pulled up and a guy jumped out, grabbed the dog off the guy holding him and took off through the park with his dog. He was told that the dog had injured the woman who was still in the ambulance but he didn't care or stick around to find out if she was ok.

That's an awful story! So glad you were ok and thank god the two guys were there to help the other woman. What an a&$hole the owner was to just run off with his dog, I wonder if there had been previous incidents and he knew the dog could be in big trouble.

It could have been so much worse if those guys hadn't acted so fast with cool heads and not only grabbed the dog but managed to calm him as well. This dog wasn't in a rage but was totally obnoxious and pushy with no respect for anyone and was the sort that aggression can be triggered in very quickly. His strength, agility, fitness and jaw strength made him particularly dangerous even though he wasn't a huge dog, just a normal Pitbull/Amstaff medium size dog. I think most dogs that launch serious attacks are probably this sort of nature and all it takes is for someone to panic, inadvertently arouse the dog further and disaster strikes. Some dogs are seriously dangerous all the time but far too many are ticking timebombs with idiot owners who just do not see the potential their dogs have to attack. All dogs can bite and that is the risk we take when we choose to have dogs in our lives but there is a huge difference between a nip or a one off bite and a full scale attack were the dog tries to kill someone.

When I walk dogs in a public area I carry a short stockwhip that allows me to scare off most dogs long before they get near mine. So far all but one charging dogs have stopped and had second thoughts when faced with me cracking a stock whip. Only one, a Boxer, got close enough for me to hit him with the whip and that sent him scurrying back to the stupid owners who had let him offlead with no recall. I pick up my little dog and keep the bigger one close to my legs while cracking the stockwhip over their heads.

[espinay2]

I wouldn't be putting hands near your Face. If the dog charges you it will follow the hands. Which If you are raising them to your face...

I didn't say hands I said arms. To protect your face etc and so if the dog bites/lunges up it will be less likely (hopefully) to get more vulnerable parts. Better they bite your arm than your face.

The scenario which the OP played out later in the thread though was different from the one I had been envisaging though and as shown here how you react can be different in different situations. I would perhaps react differently to an unsupervised strange dog stalking me when on my own to other scenarios.

[Kirislin]

I wouldn't be putting hands near your Face. If the dog charges you it will follow the hands. Which If you are raising them to your face...

I didn't say hands I said arms. To protect your face etc and so if the dog bites/lunges up it will be less likely (hopefully) to get more vulnerable parts. Better they bite your arm than your face.

The scenario which the OP played out later in the thread though was different from the one I had been envisaging though and as shown here how you react can be different in different situations. I would perhaps react differently to an unsupervised strange dog stalking me when on my own to other scenarios.

Yeah it wasn't what I'd been expecting either. I'd been told he rushes at visitors growling, but he didn't do that to me at all.

[tdierikx]

Not many dogs on their own will come at you from behind (unless they are going for another dog trailing behind you on a lead).

I've found that if alone and approached by a larger not so friendly dog, the thing that has worked for me was to turn my back on it. It can't see your eyes, and only has your butt, legs, and back to try to latch on to if it still decides to have a go.

NEVER back away from a dog - you will be off balance, and that is when they are more likely to jump at you.

T.

A fear aggressive dog that is actually willing to attack is quite likely to warn, warn, warn while you're facing it then lunge when you turn your back. I wouldn't risk turning my back personally.

I'd rather be bitten on my arse than on any part of the front of me...

T.

[skip]

What can someone suggest in this situation?

I walk two small dogs and a really fearful medium dog. If another dog approaches off lead the med dog will go off if she is scared and she can panic at some dogs. If the approaching dog is aggressive I cannot protect all three.

The one time this did happen I let the reactive dog go as I knew she would go home and we were not near traffic. I was trying to guard all three and the dog was getting more aggressive as my reactive dog was barking at it.

And I do work with my reactive dog but she can't cope with loose dogs she is scared of coming at her.

Edited April 21, 2014 by skip

[Akayla]

I wouldn't be putting hands near your Face. If the dog charges you it will follow the hands. Which If you are raising them to your face...

I didn't say hands I said arms. To protect your face etc and so if the dog bites/lunges up it will be less likely (hopefully) to get more vulnerable parts. Better they bite your arm than your face.

The scenario which the OP played out later in the thread though was different from the one I had been envisaging though and as shown here how you react can be different in different situations. I would perhaps react differently to an unsupervised strange dog stalking me when on my own to other scenarios.

Your hands are attached to your arms. It's the movement they follow. It draws them upwards. I got this info from a source that would know so I will personally be following it. Although he said some men lower their hands to protect other assets :laugh: but the results are not often as bad. If you wanted a dog to go for your arm I would suggest holding it in front of you.

If the dog isn't rushing in a full rage I would place hands under my armpits.

After all this advice though I do think you have to use your own instincts. There are so many variables.

Edited April 21, 2014 by Akayla

[Nic.B]

The other time was at the dog park and one dog that I had been watching interact with the other dogs and had some concerns about chased down a young Golden Retriever in sort of play then stood over the top of it while it lay still on its back. The dog on top kept barking and sort of 'head punching' ( like going to nip/bite but not actually doing it) the GR and seemed to be becoming increasingly aroused and frustrated. I was the closest person, the GR's owners were on their way over looking very worried and the other dog's owner was off up the other end somewhere. I knew the name of the problem dog so when I decided it was getting too much and wasn't going to back off the GR I roared its named and approached stomping my feet and growling get off. I'm sure I seemed like a crazy person but It worked, he got off and the people got their GR out of there. Actually I just remembered, the male owner of the GR was close, he was hovering as though he was thinking of grabbing the dog on top and I warned him it was probably risky, we watched for another moment then I stepped in.

I think I shocked the other dog's owner a bit he came running over looking very embarrassed and stayed close to his dog after that :D

I am glad you stepped in SG, I cant stand seing dogs bullied. It happens far too often.

Even worse when the owner says "Oh he/she is just playing"

[Nic.B]

What can someone suggest in this situation?

I walk two small dogs and a really fearful medium dog. If another dog approaches off lead the med dog will go off if she is scared and she can panic at some dogs. If the approaching dog is aggressive I cannot protect all three.

The one time this did happen I let the reactive dog go as I knew she would go home and we were not near traffic. I was trying to guard all three and the dog was getting more aggressive as my reactive dog was barking at it.

And I do work with my reactive dog but she can't cope with loose dogs she is scared of coming at her.

I would not set my dogs up for failure to begin with. I would only socialise my dogs in a safe, positive controlled environment though to begin with I would not socialise them at all under the above circumstances.

Way to much for all of you.

Back to basics, training and exercise at home. Keep things simple, achievable and positive. Seek out a great behaviourist

who will support both you and your dogs :)

Your description (for me) sounds as though both you and your dogs have lost it. Once it reaches that point you are in damage control mode which in your case could have been avoided.

I am not being critical at all, just an honest opinion on what you have described.

Good news is it can improve enormously with a fantastic trainer :)

[Nic.B]

Not many dogs on their own will come at you from behind (unless they are going for another dog trailing behind you on a lead).

I've found that if alone and approached by a larger not so friendly dog, the thing that has worked for me was to turn my back on it. It can't see your eyes, and only has your butt, legs, and back to try to latch on to if it still decides to have a go.

NEVER back away from a dog - you will be off balance, and that is when they are more likely to jump at you.

T.

A fear aggressive dog that is actually willing to attack is quite likely to warn, warn, warn while you're facing it then lunge when you turn your back. I wouldn't risk turning my back personally.

I'd rather be bitten on my arse than on any part of the front of me...

T.

Maybe T though I would never turn my back on a fear aggressive dog, you are almost guaranteed a bite on the back of the legs/bum which is something to avoid under any circumstances.

I would not be able to close my eyes either. Sure no eye contact, though I would still want to be aware of the dogs body language and movements even if it is just a subtle observation without direct vision of the dog.

[skip]

Thank you for your reply Nic.B

I know I have a problem worrying about loose dogs attacking mine because of experiences in the past.

You can only go by my post which isn't the whole pic really.

I am not talking about socialising mine as they all train and compete happily enough except the new addition who is more particular about who she runs/plays with. I am more concerned about other dogs you meet when you are out walking in on lead areas.

Can a good behaviourist help all fearful dogs so that they change completely? I have access to one of the best trainers about but she is not a behaviourist as such.

I would consider a behaviourist if it could help. My fearful dog has had every opportunity really but maybe its me I have to look at now. My trainer has spoken to me in the past about how I feel about dogs attacking us but we haven't spoken that much about it as they see my dogs mainly in class or trial situations. Or playing with other instructors dogs where all the dogs are very well socialised.

Something I will consider.

[Nic.B]

Thank you for your reply Nic.B

I know I have a problem worrying about loose dogs attacking mine because of experiences in the past.

You can only go by my post which isn't the whole pic really.

I am not talking about socialising mine as they all train and compete happily enough except the new addition who is more particular about who she runs/plays with. I am more concerned about other dogs you meet when you are out walking in on lead areas.

Can a good behaviourist help all fearful dogs so that they change completely? I have access to one of the best trainers about but she is not a behaviourist as such.

I would consider a behaviourist if it could help. My fearful dog has had every opportunity really but maybe its me I have to look at now. My trainer has spoken to me in the past about how I feel about dogs attacking us but we haven't spoken that much about it as they see my dogs mainly in class or trial situations. Or playing with other instructors dogs where all the dogs are very well socialised.

Something I will consider.

Skip I think all responsible dog owners worry about loose dogs and the possiblity of a negative experience or an attack you are not alone.

It's a bit like driving, you can be a fantastic driver, follow the road rules, speed limits and drive safely yet you still have to deal with other (idiot) drivers!

From what you have described I would ditch your walks and focus upon training, socialisation in controlled environments for now and seek pro help.

I dont think any great trainer or behaviourist would guarentee anything 100% They would need to meet you all, discuss the problems you all face and begin from there.

I am not an expert at all, though know an important part of a trainers role is to support and empower owners just as much (if not more) than their dogs :)

I would ask for help :) You will be amazed with the confidence you will develop which is awesome for both you and your dogs!

[Simply Grand]

Thank you for your reply Nic.B

I know I have a problem worrying about loose dogs attacking mine because of experiences in the past.

You can only go by my post which isn't the whole pic really.

I am not talking about socialising mine as they all train and compete happily enough except the new addition who is more particular about who she runs/plays with. I am more concerned about other dogs you meet when you are out walking in on lead areas.

Can a good behaviourist help all fearful dogs so that they change completely? I have access to one of the best trainers about but she is not a behaviourist as such.

I would consider a behaviourist if it could help. My fearful dog has had every opportunity really but maybe its me I have to look at now. My trainer has spoken to me in the past about how I feel about dogs attacking us but we haven't spoken that much about it as they see my dogs mainly in class or trial situations. Or playing with other instructors dogs where all the dogs are very well socialised.

Something I will consider.

Skip I think all responsible dog owners worry about loose dogs and the possiblity of a negative experience or an attack you are not alone.

It's a bit like driving, you can be a fantastic driver, follow the road rules, speed limits and drive safely yet you still have to deal with other (idiot) drivers!

From what you have described I would ditch your walks and focus upon training, socialisation in controlled environments for now and seek pro help.

I dont think any great trainer or behaviourist would guarentee anything 100% They would need to meet you all, discuss the problems you all face and begin from there.

I am not an expert at all, though know an important part of a trainers role is to support and empower owners just as much (if not more) than their dogs :)

I would ask for help :) You will be amazed with the confidence you will develop which is awesome for both you and your dogs!

Completely agree with what Nic says. I think it would be well worth a session with a good behaviourist just to see what's going on and whether they can suggest something new to help both you and the dogs :)

[Kavik]

What can someone suggest in this situation?

I walk two small dogs and a really fearful medium dog. If another dog approaches off lead the med dog will go off if she is scared and she can panic at some dogs. If the approaching dog is aggressive I cannot protect all three.

The one time this did happen I let the reactive dog go as I knew she would go home and we were not near traffic. I was trying to guard all three and the dog was getting more aggressive as my reactive dog was barking at it.

And I do work with my reactive dog but she can't cope with loose dogs she is scared of coming at her.

I would walk Jade separately. I know that adds a lot more time, but it really is easier to control a reactive dog if they are by themselves and then you are not worried about all 3 dogs together if something happens. Pick quiet routes where there are as few dogs as possible, pull into driveways or cross the road if there is another dog, to give Jade enough space so you can work with her to keep her under threshold. Know where her threshold is. Have you looked into "Look At That"? I found this helped me a lot with Zoe.

[grumpette]

What can someone suggest in this situation?

I walk two small dogs and a really fearful medium dog. If another dog approaches off lead the med dog will go off if she is scared and she can panic at some dogs. If the approaching dog is aggressive I cannot protect all three.

The one time this did happen I let the reactive dog go as I knew she would go home and we were not near traffic. I was trying to guard all three and the dog was getting more aggressive as my reactive dog was barking at it.

And I do work with my reactive dog but she can't cope with loose dogs she is scared of coming at her.

I would walk Jade separately. I know that adds a lot more time, but it really is easier to control a reactive dog if they are by themselves and then you are not worried about all 3 dogs together if something happens. Pick quiet routes where there are as few dogs as possible, pull into driveways or cross the road if there is another dog, to give Jade enough space so you can work with her to keep her under threshold. Know where her threshold is. Have you looked into "Look At That"? I found this helped me a lot with Zoe.

Totally agree about walking the reactive dog separately. I walk Dee on her own, especially when I know that there are going to be more dogs about, usually in the afternoons. She is calmer and more responsive to me because she does not have her brother for back up, and I am calmer. It is much easier to get one large dog to heel than it is two. It means that we are able to "walk on" in a calm non threatening manner whilst maintaining distance and keeping her under thresh hold.

[Dame Aussie]

Not many dogs on their own will come at you from behind (unless they are going for another dog trailing behind you on a lead).

I've found that if alone and approached by a larger not so friendly dog, the thing that has worked for me was to turn my back on it. It can't see your eyes, and only has your butt, legs, and back to try to latch on to if it still decides to have a go.

NEVER back away from a dog - you will be off balance, and that is when they are more likely to jump at you.

T.

A fear aggressive dog that is actually willing to attack is quite likely to warn, warn, warn while you're facing it then lunge when you turn your back. I wouldn't risk turning my back personally.

I'd rather be bitten on my arse than on any part of the front of me...

T.

I was just thinking that :laugh:

[JulesP]

Not many dogs on their own will come at you from behind (unless they are going for another dog trailing behind you on a lead).

I've found that if alone and approached by a larger not so friendly dog, the thing that has worked for me was to turn my back on it. It can't see your eyes, and only has your butt, legs, and back to try to latch on to if it still decides to have a go.

NEVER back away from a dog - you will be off balance, and that is when they are more likely to jump at you.

T.

A fear aggressive dog that is actually willing to attack is quite likely to warn, warn, warn while you're facing it then lunge when you turn your back. I wouldn't risk turning my back personally.

I'd rather be bitten on my arse than on any part of the front of me...

T.

I was just thinking that :laugh:

Been there, done that :laugh: :laugh:

[Dame Aussie]

My OH got bitten on the arse by a Weimeraner, he's still funny around the breed :laugh: