I completely agree with the idea of pepper spray. You can actually get something similiar and just as powerful at the local pharmacy. It is legal in most states to my knowledge. I would NEVER take my dogs out for a walk without it, however, because I have read so many tragic stories of dog attacks, I do not take mine walking anymore. I know how fast and out of nowhere these big dogs appear. They are focused and so aggressive that the chance to even spray them before they get ahold of a little one, is enough for me to decide on other means of exercise and outings.
My furbabies have a stroller. I take them out in the stroller to get fresh air and sunshine. They love it. If a big dog is loose I can zip mine up and if the dog approached I could spray it before it could ever get to mine. I take them for rides in the car whenever I am going somewhere that permits dogs. I never take them to Petsmart after reading the heartbreaking story by one of our members. People seem so clueless about their big dogs. They often don't realize that though their big dog may be friendly to them, or even other large dogs, the tiny dogs somehow represent prey and they become aggressive. At least in many cases.
It is imperative to NEVER allow you dogs off leash! When this is done, you lose the chance of ever saving your baby , should a bigger agressive dog appear. I am always shocked at how little control the owners of big dogs have, even with a leash. Never assume that the other dog's owner can maintain control. |