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07-30-2013, 02:55 PM | #1 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Nebraska, USA
Posts: 49
| Safely Walking Small Dogs Do you guys feel safe walking your Yorkies or other small dogs around the neighborhood? Do you carry any sort of weapon in case a problem arose with a larger stray/loose dog? I had a really serious incident with some pit bulls and my papillon a couple years ago. I don't want to get into details because my heart starts racing anytime I think about it- but my dog was almost killed and almost lost an eye. The whole thing ended up costing about $1,100. It was super serious, and the only reason he didn't get killed is because I jumped in between the 3 larger dogs and grabbed my little dog and ran into my car. The dogs still tried to attack us through the car window, so I just rolled up the window as fast as I could. Make a long story short- the 3 dangerous dogs are still living next to my mom and the humane society and cops have done NOTHING. We even involved the head of the NE Humane Society. (He even came to the home). And our city council representative even came to my mom's house to discuss the problem. But nothing has been done. Obviously the owners of the dogs know someone "higher up" or something. They don't take care of the dogs AT ALL, and it's a really shame my mom and papillon have to deal with them as neighbors. Anyway- I'd like to carry some sort of a weapon or something to protect myself from this happening with my Yorkie/Silky-Poo. He won't be living next to those dogs, BUT I do have pit bulls living behind me in my current house. Yes, there is a fence but dogs can jump fences quite easily. I also know everywhere you go around here has TONS of large dogs. I don't want to deprive my new puppy of walks, but I also don't want him to be in danger. What do you guys do to prevent dangerous situations?! Do you carry any sort of protection for you and your pets? Also- I apologize if the pit bull thing seemed like a bit of a "rant", I just get really worked up anytime I think about it. And yes, I do discriminate against those types of dogs and nothing anyone says could ever change my mind. Any tips for making sure my dog doesn't become the victim of an attack would be greatly appreciated! He WILL NOT be outside without me, but I'm not much protection against a huge animal without a weapon of some sort! |
Welcome Guest! | |
07-30-2013, 02:59 PM | #2 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Nebraska, USA
Posts: 49
| OH and the judge at the neighbor's arraignment had the nerve to say, "You take a risk when owning a small dog." Like we should be watching out for them because they have all the rights and we have none... |
07-30-2013, 03:19 PM | #3 |
Donating YT 4000 Club Member | I carry pepper spray on my keychain; one of my neighbors suggested wasp spray because you can shoot from a much greater distance. I also walk the dogs on a harness so I can pick them up quickly and safely. I'm sorry you went through such a rough experience. It does seem unfair that we have to be the ones to watch out.
__________________ Don't get your knickers in a knot. Nothing is solved and it just makes you walk funny. |
07-30-2013, 03:24 PM | #4 | |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Nebraska, USA
Posts: 49
| Quote:
That's a good idea- and that reminds me bear spray could also be a good idea! I just always wonder how reliable those spray bottles are! | |
07-30-2013, 03:31 PM | #5 | |
♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 25,041
| Quote:
This is a subject that frustrates me to no end. The number of loose dogs is growing every year across the country in neighborhoods of all kinds. The simple pleasure of walking is like swimming in the sea wondering when the next shark will come along. I have officially stopped walking in our neighborhood after encountering a loose 200 pound Cane Corso. Luckily the dog did not fixate on us and I was able to go up to a neighbor's house for protection. The woman gave us a ride home. We don't go to the regular parks anymore because everyone ignores the leash laws, and we had a scary encounter there too. We now go to an office park where the risk of encountering off leash dogs is less, but not 100%. Stay safe.
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy | |
07-30-2013, 03:33 PM | #6 |
♥ Love My Tibbe! ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: D/FW, Texas
Posts: 22,140
| Here is the post I always place on threads like this for anyone who is interested: I walk with a huge black umbrella that auto-opens when I push a button. It is a big thing and impressive as it opens! It give me a large appearance to the approaching dog, having that big, wide structure spread all out before me. The thing I found most helpful to me about the open umbrella is the distance it will keep a troublesome dog away from our immediate vicinity. I have yet to have one ever get even remotely close to me and my Yorkie with the trusty brolly fully employed. They either go the other way immediately(99% of the time), stand their ground if the owner is making them or give you a very very wide berth. They don't get close enough to or try to keep an aggressive attitude when they hear the umbrella whoosh open and see that imposing shape blossom open before their eyes. It is very disconcerting to any dog. It is a good diffuser of tense situations but should it not be, a sturdy or actual defensive umbrellas can serve as a real weapon should you actually run into a dog who is bent on attacking. When my little 3 lb. Yorkie, Jilly, was attacked by a 65 lb. Dalmatian on a neighborhood walk, my simple wooden walking stick(pre-umbrella) was how I saved her life and got her free of the big dog's jaws. It was after that attack that I decided to use a button-operated umbrella for future walks as a deterrent - even if I have no dog with me. But the role an open umbrella best serves is just a dissolver of bad attitudes. Most approaching dogs aren't really bad, they just are inquisitive, excited and out of control and this tool helps them to settle down rather quickly and become serious about how they can best stay well clear of you, your dog and your umbrella. And it gives you a wonderful sense of security, which a dog can read from quite far off. Train your dog to sit/stay when you open the umbrella so that in an emergency situation, your dog will not be running around at your feet or shying away from the umbrella opening, thus adding to the stress of the moment. .
__________________ Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis |
07-30-2013, 03:35 PM | #7 |
YT 2000 Club Member | Wow....please be careful! I would be scared to death to walk my pups in that neighborhood! I would take every precaution....walk with a big stick, pepper spray what ever you need to protect yourself and your puppy!
__________________ Proud Mommy to Max, Teeka, Tatiana and forever in my heart Tameka! My sunshine doesn't come from the skies, it comes from my puppies eyes! |
07-30-2013, 03:37 PM | #8 | |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Nebraska, USA
Posts: 49
| Quote:
That's so scary! Thank God you made it home safe! I may need to ask around and find a safer area to walk my pup. | |
07-30-2013, 03:39 PM | #9 | |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Nebraska, USA
Posts: 49
| Quote:
That is SUCH a great idea!!! Thank you!!! | |
07-30-2013, 03:40 PM | #10 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Nebraska, USA
Posts: 49
| I wonder if it's legal for me to carry a police baton?! lol |
07-30-2013, 03:44 PM | #11 |
YT 2000 Club Member | Geeze, I am scared for you. My niece just had a pit bull attach her poodle and the damage to her leg was not repairable. She lost the leg, but is doing well with just three. Protect yourself!
__________________ Proud Mommy to Max, Teeka, Tatiana and forever in my heart Tameka! My sunshine doesn't come from the skies, it comes from my puppies eyes! |
07-30-2013, 03:50 PM | #12 |
Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md
Posts: 23,247
| Yikes how scary. Do you have a park you could take your dog to and walk them? I would take a taser or some kind of spray. Its so terrible when you have to be scared to walk your dog in your own neighborhood. Make sure though that your pup has had all of its shots before going for walks and always use a harness never a collar to hook the leash to them.
__________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart! |
07-30-2013, 03:58 PM | #13 | |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Nebraska, USA
Posts: 49
| Quote:
The sad thing is, it's gonna take a tragic accident for any of these laws to even be reconsidered. :/ I will be super careful! I'm afraid to even walk him right away to be honest! I'm bringing him home on Thursday and he'll be 9 weeks old. Anyone know when I would ideally start walking him? I may have to drive out a ways a few times a week to get a safe walk in. I'm not sure where I'd go but there's gotta be somewhere! There's a really nice state park about 35-40 min. out, and I've never seen a big scary dog there. Usually people who bring there pets there are very responsible, or so it seems. I love going out there anyway so that may have to be my new hangout! lol | |
07-30-2013, 03:59 PM | #14 | |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Nebraska, USA
Posts: 49
| Quote:
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07-30-2013, 04:39 PM | #15 |
Donating YT 4000 Club Member | You want to wait until at least 2 weeks after his series of puppy shots have been completed before taking him out. But you can always practice with the harness and leash around the house to get him used to it.
__________________ Don't get your knickers in a knot. Nothing is solved and it just makes you walk funny. |
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