My biggest fear

Dogs
1

I was walking my jack russell today in peace when I saw a tiny skinny old woman walking her big giant pitbull. The pitbull spotted my jack from afar and started barking aggressively. I decided to turn back, but the woman couldn’t hold the leash for long, and the dog came running towards us.

Thank god a car was parked. I didn’t know the driver, but I jumped in anyway; it felt like a life or death situation for my dog. The driver seemed to understand and was nice enough to drive me away from the scene.

Why do people who can’t control their dogs walk them anyway? This could be lethal not only for small pets but also for children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.

If this ever happens again (I pray it won’t), how can I protect my cute peaceful female jack russell from a big dog? If I hadn’t made it into the car, is there anything I could have done to stop the pitbull from attacking?

This is one of those times I wish I lived in the US just to own a gun for protection. I live in Belgium.

2

We have problems with people walking aggressive dogs off-leash here, and some people carry pepper spray. I believe it’s illegal in Belgium, but not in other parts of the EU. You know your own jurisdiction best to see whether restrictions would be enforced if you were attacked.

3

It should be illegal for incompetent people to own large dogs. I’ll carry pepper spray with me from now on. Illegal or not, I’ll use it if I have to defend myself and my pet. I hope I won’t have to use it.

4

While hiking, some people carry wasp spray as it can be sprayed from 20 ft or so. In the USA, not sure about other countries.

5

So sorry about this. Totally terrifying. You may want the pepper gel rather than spray, which goes everywhere. You might also consider bear spray.

6

What if you liked to carry a human-grade, edible (to some people), hot sauce in a plastic squeeze bottle? Surely it is legal to purchase and carry condiments?

7

Carry bear spray and use it if necessary. I had an unleashed Husky charge at my leashed chihuahua. I was ready to fight that dog bare-handed.

8

Tear gas spray? Bear spray?

9

Would it hold off a big dog from attacking?

10

Yes, it will stop him and give you time to get away. Carry all if you can. My brother walks our Mal and chihuahua with his firearm.

11

My dog and I were attacked by an off-leash pitbull. I dropped my dog’s leash to allow him to get away. I was lucky, but I now carry pepper spray.

12

I see a tiny man walking a giant husky every day. That husky is walking him; he has zero control over that dog!

13

CARRY PEPPER SPRAY. I don’t leave home without it. You may need it for a dog, a person, or even a cat.

14

You need to carry bear mace with you and a taser. Drop the leash so your dog can run home.

15

We need to stop making excuses for dogs and treat them as property. If your property causes harm, you are personally liable.

16

An old lady with a giant pitbull sounds like a disaster. I would carry mace if that’s allowed. A loud air horn might scare them away.

17

Thank you so much! This seems like a great alternative. A loud air horn may do it.

18

Pepper spray?