ANY ideas on how to protect your Yorkie from attacks by other dogs when out walking

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by Teresa Ford

Walk softly and carry a Big Umbrella ? Wow this is a wonderful idea.
When going for walks, as most of you know I often suggest pepper spray, a spray water bottle and a walking stick. I am so impressed with the idea of caring a big umbrella and here is why. 1. A Big Umbrella wooshing open would trigger a startle reaction in almost all animals. We have all seen a dog back step, when a cat's hair bristles, a frog blows up with air or another dogs hair stands up. Animals including dogs understand this attack warning.
2. A Big Umbrella would also add distance and width between you and the would be attacker. My walking stick has been used to keep stray dogs from getting closer. But pepper spray is only an effective deterrent if it is used at close range and sprayed directly in the attackers face.
3. A Big Umbrella opened would also serve as visual interruption, breaking the attackers eye contact with their target.
4. I am taking my big golf umbrella on walks from now on !
5. If I knew a manufacture I would have them make a Jillybrella !
Every Yorkie walker ought to have one.
Thank You Yorkietalkjilly I think you saved a life today.

Thanks for the thought but while they aren't my original idea, I was glad to start using one after Jilly was attacked and nothing even remotely close to dog trouble on walks has occurred since.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by azkaty

I actually had three dogs loose in the park come at me.. I got on my cell phone and called the police right then. I told the kids that they had better get out of there if they did not want to be arrested. It worked.

The Arizona statute is ARS§ 11-1012. Dogs not permitted at large;

D. No person in charge of any dog shall permit such dog in a public park or upon any public school property unless the dog is physically restrained by a leash, enclosed in a car, cage or similar enclosure or being exhibited or trained at a recognized kennel club event, public school or park sponsored event.

I actually paid to have the sign posted in our community park.

That's a great idea, I'm going to start taking my phone with me and having the police on speed dial!

[HeathenFaerie]

Can you walk at all or do you have to have the scooter? If you can walk maybe stick a big metal claw foot walking stick in the basket and then you can use that if need be and tell them it is just a walking aid?

[My lil friend]

Originally Posted by HeathenFaerie

Can you walk at all or do you have to have the scooter? If you can walk maybe stick a big metal claw foot walking stick in the basket and then you can use that if need be and tell them it is just a walking aid?

I was thinking the same thing or a walking cane. Almost everyone here that walks a dog that weighs less than 20lbs carries a walking cane/stick.

[Donnainohio63]

I remember when I was walking Sophie one time and a big dog came out of its yard and just jumped her, she started screaming and I quick grabbed that dog and could not get it off her, the whole time the people that owned that dog were right there yelling for their dog but not coming to get it so I kicked their dog hard and it yelped and ran. I looked at the man and said what the hell is wrong with you? His reply was, he never did that before, and then proceeded to yell at me for kicking his dog. I told him he was lucky I did not kick him to. I dont blame the dog I blame the owners. Sophie was fine but scared to death, and from that day on we walked with a big stick.

[Franceen]

Originally Posted by HeathenFaerie

Can you walk at all or do you have to have the scooter? If you can walk maybe stick a big metal claw foot walking stick in the basket and then you can use that if need be and tell them it is just a walking aid?

Unfortunately, I am unable to walk - I have a lightweight aluminum walking cane for very short walking distances, which would be of no use. I am going to have a look for one with a metal claw!!! Excellent idea. So, big strong umbrella, seriously strong walking cane with claw... getting there. I will scare people at this rate!! Ha! Ha! I also like the idea of the dog spray mentioned, provided it does no damage.

[Franceen]

Originally Posted by gemy

Umbrella sounds great. How about do you have a wicker carrier on your scooter; this way you could place dog up in the wicker basket which would provide some protection for you and your dog.

I would also mount a camera on my scooter, videotape the incident if you can.

It seems the world abounds with irresponsible dog owners.

I had not thought of the wicket basket to protect her. Wicker is strong and no big dog could easily bite into it, not with me there anyway. I could pop her into it quickly, too.

I am SO pleased I asked you guys for ideas - I don't feel quite so helpless now. Thanks a million.

[LDMomma]

When I've seen them coming at us, I pick up my dog and scream BACK UP. As loud as I can and repeatedly. Only once has a dog continued to pursue us and luckily my husband was with us and was able to convince the dog to leave us alone. The owner of the pittie was mad AT US. I had called ac on her multiple times bc she ties her dog out for hours at a time and overnight. That's illegal here but somehow, ac always manages NOT to catch her in the act even though she did it every single day.

[heartmyyorkie]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

After Jilly was attacked during a dog walk, I started carrying a large umbrella walking stick that one can open when a scary dog approaches. I have yet had one to continue to approach when I unfold that big thing out in front!

What a great idea...major props!!!

[kjc]

I haven't read the entire thread, but wanted to post.... can you affix a small dog carrier onto your scooter? Might provide more protection than a wicker basket.

Also someone recommended to me to carry wasp/bee spray, as it shoots much farther than pepper spray (so I was told). As for toxicity, I would think a vet could treat and prevent permanent damage... but then again, I wouldn't be using it unless I felt my life or that of my dog was being threatened.

I'd take a bat, and a ball. Legal if you'll going to batting practice? You hit the ball and your dog brings it back? Right?

Carry a steak or hamburger laced with Exlax and feed/toss it to a charging dog.

Speaking of batting practice, just had a thought... have a custom built cage built around your scooter... like they do to the golf carts of the golf course maintenaince folks.

A tennis racket would be handy to block a dog also.

Good Luck! and stay safe!

[mom2dogs5]

Pet Safety - A way to protect your small dog when...

Here's a link to what my daughter came up with when she had enough of big dogs being free when she walked our yorkies.

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

A brolly can be a useful weapon. My Nan (a few years back when she was in her late 70's) was attacked while she was walking with her yorkie down to the shops, not by a dog, but by a mugger, and she fought him off with her brolly!

My mum did that, too!! Looks like a brolly's the way to go. By the way, whereabouts in the UK are you, franceen? Sally + Harry x

[SWHouston]

When I walk mine, I use 25' Reel Leash on each, and frequently have to pull them in short, when we encounter others Human/Dogs. Both of mine are rather "aggressive", and I frequently just retreat up someone's sidewalk, to let whoever pass, then we move on.
However, I would be more likely to just pick them up in my arms, rather than carry something extra to deter some other Dog. That's never happened though, it's usually the other way around.

[hnybun128]

Originally Posted by SWHouston

When I walk mine, I use 25' Reel Leash on each, and frequently have to pull them in short, when we encounter others Human/Dogs. Both of mine are rather "aggressive", and I frequently just retreat up someone's sidewalk, to let whoever pass, then we move on.
However, I would be more likely to just pick them up in my arms, rather than carry something extra to deter some other Dog. That's never happened though, it's usually the other way around.

The problem with picking them up is that it won't necessarily stop a large dog from attacking and provides no protection for your pooch from the large dog. I'm seriously considering buying one of those $200 umbrellas now...

[SWHouston]

hnybun,
You do have a point. But picking them up isn't all I could do.