[Railcruiser]

We have her address and will report back tomorrow to animal control. When my husband called the sheriff today he said if they did not break skin on B they cannot collect an attack and they will just go speak to her which is better than nothing. I do have some pepper spray I will carry from now on but I don't have a lot of confidence that it would stop in attacking Dog. I will Carry my husband's cane also . However , I do not think I will go far from my home anymore . As much as I love to walk

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by RickeyD

Any reason ?

My take on that comment was that if OP didn't think it was right to "let dogs work it out," she shouldn't go to dog parks because when the dogs there meet up with unfamiliar dogs they usually work things out themselves without human intervention.

Now, that is just my take on the comment. I am not saying one way or the other if I agree with the statement.

I have once encountered a golden who lived with a lab. The two formed a protective pack and would not allow any dog near them without exhibiting some sort of aggressive behavior. Perhaps that is what has happened here. Again, I don't know. In the case I mentioned, the owners were well aware of the problem and wouldn't even walk their dogs together or within eyesight of each other for the safety of any dog they might encounter.

I don't know what it is about ponds around here that encourages people to let their dogs off leash. With all the wildlife, that's the absolute last place I would let a dog off leash.

[TraceyMooreRN]

If the dog had your leg and broke the skin, it is a law by health officials to be reported. This incident needs to be reported as unproved dogs need to be checked out for the safety of happening again. I am sorry this happened to you and your dogs.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by LitespeedRider

Please - avoid the dog parks.

Many people confuse natural instinct of dogs "figuring it out" as a "fight". Knowing Golden's quite well - as well as dozens of other dogs of all sizes and breeds in the Dog Park(s) and as part of training to be Guide - Service - Therapy dogs...we simply let them figure it out. There may be some "verbal chatter" (barking) but VERY rarely more (depending on breed - for instance I dont trust pitbulls or SMALL DOGS).

In years of being on the board for a park district that has five rather large dog parks (up north). The most often banned dogs were small dogs (Boston Terriers were #1). Then limiting the number of Huskies and "herders".

I bet you, if you were to ask the owner of the Goldens to keep the dogs on a leash he/she would. And would apologize up and down. Let the dogs sniff each others rears and no more issues.

Out of curiosity - are your dogs neutered and or spayed? That is often the number one cause for such interaction

Oh, and only a pathetic person needs to call the police about a non-issue where the only thing hurt was a small dogs pride and your faith in humanity.

FIRST: FILE A REPORT. If the police won't take it, which I find incredible since you were knocked down, file it with animal control. Were the police aware that you were knocked down? Most people in The Villages are at risk of a broken hip if knocked down. This is a serious event.

Your report, and a contact with the owner by the authorities, may prevent a future attack on someone else. Just think, if the person who was attacked before you (you are probably not the first victim) had reported the attack, you might have been spared.

As a young deputy sheriff I investigated a dog attack in which the large dog took the small dog in his mouth and shook it violently. In this case the small dog died. Your report may save some future victim.

NOW, as to the post reproduced above. A large dog shaking a small dog in his mouth is not "figuring it out."

I am acquainted with many people who are licensed to carry concealed weapons. I would not be surprised to see them utilize their weapons to protect their pets, their families, or themselves.

FINALLY, one of the most inane statements I have ever read on this message board was, "Oh, and only a pathetic person needs to call the police about a non-issue where the only thing hurt was a small dogs pride and your faith in humanity."

Law enforcement intervention allows a resolution to issues without face to face conflict between individuals.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by Railcruiser

We have her address and will report back tomorrow to animal control. When my husband called the sheriff today he said if they did not break skin on B they cannot collect an attack and they will just go speak to her which is better than nothing. I do have some pepper spray I will carry from now on but I don't have a lot of confidence that it would stop in attacking Dog. I will Carry my husband's cane also . However , I do not think I will go far from my home anymore . As much as I love to walk

A golf club might be more effective than a cane. The weighted head would be more "convincing" than a light weight cane. A golf club also fits into the ambiance of the area.

Carry a putter and a couple of golf balls and know where the nearby practice putting greens are located.

Some dogs seem practically immune to pepper spray (and even tear gas.) I think it has to do with their tear ducts. Also, most pepper spray doesn't reach very far. The thick spray, that comes out more as a stream than a spray, goes farther.

Walk with confidence, not with fear.

[Railcruiser]

Thank-you!!!!!: )

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by LitespeedRider

Please - avoid the dog parks.

Many people confuse natural instinct of dogs "figuring it out" as a "fight". Knowing Golden's quite well - as well as dozens of other dogs of all sizes and breeds in the Dog Park(s) and as part of training to be Guide - Service - Therapy dogs...we simply let them figure it out. There may be some "verbal chatter" (barking) but VERY rarely more (depending on breed - for instance I dont trust pitbulls or SMALL DOGS).

In years of being on the board for a park district that has five rather large dog parks (up north). The most often banned dogs were small dogs (Boston Terriers were #1). Then limiting the number of Huskies and "herders".

I bet you, if you were to ask the owner of the Goldens to keep the dogs on a leash he/she would. And would apologize up and down. Let the dogs sniff each others rears and no more issues.

Out of curiosity - are your dogs neutered and or spayed? That is often the number one cause for such interaction

Oh, and only a pathetic person needs to call the police about a non-issue where the only thing hurt was a small dogs pride and your faith in humanity.

Seriously?

"Non-issue?"

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

A golf club might be more effective than a cane.

That is a very good point. When I walk the golf course and see a dog without a leash (as happened at Belle Glade a few weeks ago) I take one of my clubs and carry it over my shoulder. Fortunately, the dog at Bells Glade stayed on his own property, but in Virginia I had to swing it at a dog more than once.

[Railcruiser]

Makes me so angry to hurt an innocent animals when it's the owners that I have a problem with. As much as I am afraid of dogs I don't know;sometimes I much prefer them to some people

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by Railcruiser

Makes me so angry to hurt an innocent animals when it's the owners that I have a problem with. As much as I am afraid of dogs I don't know

Well, when a dog is attacking you, you better make up your mind really quick.

[looneycat]

Originally Posted by Railcruiser

I do blame the owner completely!That's why I feel bad about going to the sheriff. I feel bad for the dog. But I know what I have to do.

an aggressive dog that attacks people when off the leash is usually put down. tell the owner that and remind her you have witnesses and let it sink in.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

A golf club might be more effective than a cane. The weighted head would be more "convincing" than a light weight cane. A golf club also fits into the ambiance of the area.

Carry a putter and a couple of golf balls and know where the nearby practice putting greens are located.

Some dogs seem practically immune to pepper spray (and even tear gas.) I think it has to do with their tear ducts. Also, most pepper spray doesn't reach very far. The thick spray, that comes out more as a stream than a spray, goes farther.

Walk with confidence, not with fear.

Originally Posted by VApeople

That is a very good point. When I walk the golf course and see a dog without a leash (as happened at Belle Glade a few weeks ago) I take one of my clubs and carry it over my shoulder. Fortunately, the dog at Bells Glade stayed on his own property, but in Virginia I had to swing it at a dog more than once.

I think your idea to intentionally carry a golf club for protection when walking your dog (or even alone) is perhaps the most unconscionable idea one could ever muster up. You don't need to intentionally kill the dog because that is what you would be doing. .It is not the dog's fault! There are many humane alternatives. I am not in favor of harming the animal; (the owner is a different story !), but please -- do the right thing.

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by Mrs. Robinson

please -- do the right thing.

In my opinion, protecting myself when I am attacked by another life form is the "right thing".

[Sandtrap328]

Originally Posted by Mrs. Robinson

I think your idea to intentionally carry a golf club for protection when walking your dog (or even alone) is perhaps the most unconscionable idea one could ever muster up. You don't need to intentionally kill the dog because that is what you would be doing. .It is not the dog's fault! There are many humane alternatives. I am not in favor of harming the animal; (the owner is a different story !), but please -- do the right thing.

Very strange post, in my view. Carrying a golf club while walking is a sensible idea. First, you just come across a golf ball that needs hitting. Secondly, it is a decent deterrent for agressive dogs or other critters that may not be friendly.

On another thread in the past, one poster even suggested carrying a pistol when walking for protection from dogs or coyotes or whatever.

I still feel very safe when walking at 4 am but that golf club idea does make sense!

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by Mrs. Robinson

I think your idea to intentionally carry a golf club for protection when walking your dog (or even alone) is perhaps the most unconscionable idea one could ever muster up. You don't need to intentionally kill the dog because that is what you would be doing. .It is not the dog's fault! There are many humane alternatives. I am not in favor of harming the animal; (the owner is a different story !), but please -- do the right thing.

1. You think that carrying a golf club for defense against an aggressive dog is the "most unconscionable idea one could ever muster up." You must have missed the thread where the suggestion was to carry a gun. Using a golf club, particularly to the body of an aggressive dog, is not necessarily lethal, but should deter the attack.

2. You say there "are many humane alternatives" but you list none. Pepper spray is not always effective. Kicking at a dog is practically useless because dogs are agile. It can also make you the object of their attack. Perhaps you would like to produce a list of some "humane alternatives."

3. You say "do the right thing." Defense of myself, my animals, and others dear to me IS the right thing.