Pam, I have to agree with you on this one too. I like your idea of having the spray around your neck!
Contrary to what Deanna says she learned, that method works for wild animals and not dogs. There has been a program in force for years that is taught in schools which teaches kids how to defend themselves with an aggressive dog. I remember seeing a video one time of Cesar who unexpectedly came across a charging aggressive feral pitbull and he used this method and it works. He even explained that if you move and jump around and scream, that a dog understands that as a sign of aggression and will challenge you. Even his camera man froze while recording it. Victoria Stilwell taught this method to kids in England as well. Personally, if another dog came charging at my Gigi, I would do the same thing I did years ago when a neighbors Dalmation came charging full blast at my malteses. My male managed to pull his head out of his collar and ran straight upstairs onto the sun deck shaking like a leaf. I grabbed up my little female and held her way over my head. When that dog came right at me on his hind legs and was as tall as me, my foot went up and I kicked him the whatsy!! He still came back for more, he wanted my little Gidget, so I kicked and kicked all the time holding her over my head with one hand until his stupid, ignorant owner came laughing saying all his dog wanted to do was play. I don't think so!! Poor little Gidget was so terrified that she peed straight down my arm and all over my head! Then for days neither of them would walk past the gate of the house. Yes, he was one of those, who's dog was always getting out of the yard and he never taught his dog the recall or come commands. If I didn't pick her up, that Dalmation would have made a stuffed toy out of her. So in this situation I wouldn't have used either method, but would evaluate the situation and act according to my gut instinct. Deanna if I had that many aggressive roaming dogs on my streets, I would be out of my mind to walk several small dogs, because there is no way that one person could grab and save that many dogs that quickly. One of them is bound to get injured and as far as having a stick, a pit or any large dog would just grab it like a tug of war game and then snap it in half. No, my babies would have enough exercise in my back yard, where I would watch them and know that they are safer then walking the streets. Here's the website and video for "Be A Tree'' which is taught in schools, and I think that all of us adults could learn a lot from it as well. http://www.be-a-tree.com/kid%20main.htm Video how it works: http://www.doggonecrazy ca/videos/BBL_Flash/josie_tree_med.swf -------Original Message------- From: Pam Dean Date: 4/16/2012 9:33:49 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] Sad day!! Deanna if I had all those dangers out there, sorry but I would never walk my littles..Not worth it. For me and the dogs, I want it to be a time of relaxation and pleasure, not a possible death walk lol.I .have to take exception though with a couple of your remarks. When I went to defensive walking class, our instructor taught us not to act aggressive in any way when a dog approached as aggression can beget aggression. Stand sideways to the dog, avoid eye contact, and lick your lips..all signs of submissiveness. If they are just curious, or testing you, or challenging you, there would be no challenge and they would lose interest. Of course if they just downright attack you from the getgo, that is a different story. I can see the technique would differ with wild animals..but we don't meet with any of those here..lol I do carry citronella spray always on my walks..have it on a long leather neck holder that i can just lift and squirt. I have used it on occasion to discourage closeness and interest in myself and my dogs. If the other dog is off leash, no matter who owns it, it is against the law and gets squirted. As far as calling the authorities, I do that also. If an owner is irresponsible and puts their dogs and other dogs and people at risk, in my opinion they do not deserve to have that dog. Yes the dog may be confiscated and hopefully find a better owner or perhaps with enough attention from the authorities, the owner may get religion. They are never going to change if not given a reason to..whether it be cleaning up their dogs mess or harassing people and other dogs. From: Deanna Corey <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2012 3:00 PM Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] Sad day!! When we walk our small guys, it really is our responsibility to protect them I think it's really important that we be on constant vigil to be alert...to see what's coming or lurking! Our eyes should be ever searching for danger! Our little ones...on leash are completely helpless. I took a class a few years back called defensive walking...great class!! They taught us to walk defensively...so that we were ready for charging dogs or other predators. Rule #1 was to carry a walking stick and know how to use it. #2 was to take charge of the situation...if another dog charges your dog, step aggressively in front of your dog making very loud deep bellowing sounds...never high pitched screams...and make yourself look even bigger than you are...big shoulders...arms out in gorilla position! They advised you challenging the dog...not picking up your little dog as then you both looked weak and would be a target! We practiced bold assertive walking movements...loud deep booming sounds and aggressive posture! Living in the mountains we have lots of aggressive strays...usually big dogs...pits, Rotts, shepherd mixes etc running loose, not to mention coyotes and big cats. This will work...I've used it quite a few times...but you have to practice! Lol! You cannot be afraid or show fear in any way! I think all of us that venture out with small dogs need to know this stuff and feel comfortable doing it! Otherwise, if we just stand there screaming we are most certainly offering our pups up as bait!! Again...just like picking up poop...we should take care of the situation of keeping our dogs safe! If you have those tools, it doesn't matter what others do or don't do...it doesn't matter if they leave their garage door open or not...you will be the one to keep your dog safe and not rely on the responsibility of others. There will always be slackers and there will always be irresponsible dog owners!! And I'm not saying don't ever call the authorities but know if you do, it's the dog that will suffer. .not the irresponsible owner. For me to call it has to be the absolute last resort. I've never called! I will do just about anything before I would! Tail wags from The Dog Park!!! Deanna and the Dog Park Gang!
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