I go for 6-mile walks every day for exercise, and my favorite spot is a vast wildlife reserve. People have their dogs here all the time, and I’ve never had an issue until today. I was walking down the road beside the pond when this dog appeared out of nowhere and became very aggressive, growling fiercely at me. I. Not going to lie, I shat a fucking brick because this was a large dog breed. I was looking about for its owner and considering legging it or jumping into the water. The owner finally emerged and noticed what was going on, so I told him to get the dog away from me. It then charged at me, and I kicked it in the face, causing significant pain. I kicked myself for the rest of the day for doing it, but what else was I meant to do? Let it bite me? The owner had a big go at me, stating I was in the wrong, but am I? The dog was preparing to attack me. He’s in the wrong since that dog should be muzzled and on a leash if it acts like that. In the end, I walk away, but truly, how am I wrong? What would you have done in that situation?
Aggressive dogs off leash pose a threat. They are a major issue in a nearby forest reserve. One man has been bitten three times, the last requiring stitches. And the owners always say the dog is fine and has never bitten anyone.
I love dogs, and they tend to love me, but if one tries to bite me, I will give it a good, hard kick.
You were not wrong. The irresponsible jackass of an owner was wrong.
When the cop shot the violently barking and charging dog, many people claimed it was not an attack until a bite occurred. So, which is it? Is pre-bite hostility attacking or not?
Personally, I would notify the nature reserve and/or animal control in your neighborhood that someone has let their dog loose, and it went for you. Of course, you would protect yourself, and you’re fortunate it didn’t attempt again. Please tell something since the next time this dog may attack a child.
Look, the dog owner community is really crazy. I’m a vet assistant, and I’d murder a dog if necessary. Hopefully a strong kick will dissuade it, but I’d rather defend myself than a dog any day. I was removed from Facebook for expressing this opinion. Do not worry about it.
Yep. I am a dog lover who has worked at a vet clinic for many years. I carry, and I would protect myself and my dog against a violent loose dog. I have had my life threatened for speaking such sentiments.
I hear you. My girlfriend is constantly yelling at me for keeping knives and other dangerous items near the door. A dog across from us has attacked two other dogs on my property this year. I have my own children who play on my lawn, and I’m not going to risk losing one of them to a dog attack.
You wouldn’t be in the wrong if your kick killed the dog. The owner has absolutely set up that dog to be slaughtered once it mauls someone. Please report the dog attack, and I would consider carrying mace and/or a baseball bat in case the jerk returns with another angry uncontrolled dog.
I am guessing the OP is in the UK 
, but mace/pepper spray is forbidden here.