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

In my area several Yoirkies have been attacked by other dogs while out on their walk, some fatally. The owners of these dogs are totally unrepentant and seem to always get away with it. I have spoken to so many Yorkie owners on my walks, whose dogs (and their owner, while trying to protect their Yorkie!) have been bitten by other dogs. I cannot keep Toots inside forever - how can I protect her - I feel so unsafe when I take her out each day. People refuse to keep their dogs on leads and always assure you that their dog would never attack another dog, but it happens all the time. I have had a big dog jump on me to try to get to Toots and the owner yelled and yelled until the dog left us alone, but they shouted that he would not have bitten !!??!! I was so shaken up as it was a pit bull . - a breed that is illegal over here but are owned, anyway. It is very scary for me, as I am disabled with arthritis and use a disability scooter. I wish I could take a cricket bat with me or something similiar to hit the attacking dog with, but this is illegal here. I feel so vulnerable. The council seem to be powerless to help, as they do not have the manpower to patrol these areas and enforce the law. There are signs up saying keep your dog on a lead, but people ignore it. We do not have 'dog parks' as such here, so we walk our dogs in local parks, beach, cliff tops etc. I try to chose times when the least amount of people will be walking their dogs which is usually a very inconvenient time! I grab Toots as soon as I see another dog, so she is up and down all the time. This alone won't save her from attack as the dog could easily jump on me to get to her, which has already happened. It is nerve racking. Anyone got any legal ideas which may be useful to prevent an attack?

I was just boiling mad after a walk yesterday. A woman had a large dog running loose and I told her about the leash law, but she ignored me. I didn't want to get too close, so I let it go. It's not too bad if I just have one dog, I pick him up, but with two dogs, it's really difficult. I'm wondering if fines should be bigger, but I'm going to start calling the police every time it happens, we live by a park, but it's not a dog park, and there are plenty of signs that say a dog must be on the leash. Irresponsible people ruin it for everyone; the police shouldn’t have to handle this type of nonsense.

Do you think pepper spray would work for stray and loose dogs? Obviously, only used if necessary. You would just about have to have it in hand so you could use it quickly if needed.

I have a concealed permit. I would not want to hurt an animal but my children are only four and six and go with me to walk the dog. I cannot pick up all three of them to protect them. I would try my best to avoid conflict my dog is always leashed and we only walk near home or at the dog park but I would definitely shoot to protect my daughters and my baby Jenks.

If you cannot get a concealed permit maybe you could carry a tazer or something? I have been thinking of buying one myself.

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!

I noticed there are more attacks on dogs on YT. Fortunately we have 5 acres of land so I don't have to walk my dogs near other dogs. I haven't got to where I don't take them to petsmart because there are so many large dogs even if they are on a leash, and nervous when I take them to the vet because you are in the waiting room with lots of other dogs and for some reason it seem most of them are large. Didn't realize that Pit Bulls seem to be a popular breed. I think I would take Mace or a large stick but since I have 4 that would be hard to do.We have strict leash laws and I don't see many dogs running loose.

I love the idea that you can scare them away before they come close.

Get a Cane Corso, and train it! No one will bother your Yorkie. If that is not an option, carry a walking stick, know your surroundings is also important. I like the CCW idea, if only I did not live in the one state where it is not allowed.

Ha ha, I'd love to have a Cane Corso to take out to our park and remind people that we have a leash law. I'd deputize him so he wouldn't need the leash! I'll bet they'd listen to me.

I quit walking my dogs in my neighborhood because of the frequency of loose dogs and some scary situations. When you have 2 it is much harder because My Jewels was almost attacked one time because of it. Not worth it at all so I drive them 5 mins down the street to a park for walks. There are always police patroling that park anyway so I feel safer there also

I have seen somewhere in a catalog (Heartland America ?) a very handy item. It was a walking stick with a stun gun built in. It really made me think about purchasing it just for protection of my boys when we are out walking. Maybe if you check online, you can find one. Good luck!

Why is it illegal to carry a cricket bat? I'd just make sure you had a ball and some wickets, so it looked like you'd just left a match :)

There are those unbreakable, defensive umbrellas that you can get that are very good for use as weapons. Check them out on Google.

Thanks so much for all the replies. The umbrella idea sounds the best and, so far, the only one I could try legally. We are not allowed to have mace, pepper or any other sprays. Nor or we allowed a taser. Anything resembling a weapon eg cricket bat, would be deamed illegal. I think I would have a hard time convincing them I was off for a game/from a game in my disability scooter - wickets, balls or not - Ha! Ha! Ha! Worth considering though! It is hard to defend yourself legally over here. Somone suggested a loud horn, which you can buy here (has a pressurised canister to blow the horn), but that would upset my dog terribly as I hear that they are REALLY LOUD. So, that would be a last resort. I am going to google defensive umbrellas now and see if I can get one.

Isn't it awful that we have to resort to this sort of thing because other people are so selfish and inconsiderate. We actually have to consider hitting their animal to protect ours! I LOVE animals and HATE the idea of being forced to do that to save myself and my dog- what is wrong with people that they force us into this situation. They don't seem to even think about their dog getting hurt - how can they love their animals.

Thanks again. Any more suggestions anyone?

A $200.00 for a good umbrella that you can use to defend yourself in a big dog attack seems a small price to pay when you are in the middle of an attack and you will find it is money well spent. Works just like a charm so far. Even the nastiest dog has stopped in its tracks and/or backtracked when faced with that big wide sight facing them. I have never had any dog sustain or even try to sustain a challenge with it.

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.

The world is full of irresponsible dog owners and on-purpose owners who love to see their bigger dog intimidate a woman out walking a small dog. It truly is amazing what that big old black open umbrella does to a dog with an attitude. It changes that attitude in one big hurry.

Walking 2, especially big boys like mine, is scary because it is difficult to pick them up quickly. Most large dogs easily jump to reach, so picking them up is no guarantee of safety. I have been jumped on when I picked up Max.

The park we go to is generally safe, but there is one dog owner who drives in every night with 3 unrestrained dogs hanging out of his car windows. Twice, his yellow lab has almost jumped out the window when they passed. :mad:

Here, I see some who walk with a golf club in hand...and when our fearless coyotes start to prowl in the evening...you can best believe these people won't hesitate to "golf".

On the other hand, after a recent incident & not of a vicious dog but, a stupid human...neighbor:rolleyes: who thought it was funny to let out a shrill whistle when he saw me walking all three of my girls scared the crap out of all of us!

Poor Abby doesn't do well with surprises or noises and such and then went into a skitzo-moment and started attacking Bella who was unfortunately joined with her on the same tandem leash.

When I lifted the leash up, Abby slipped out of her harness and that freed Bella. However, then Pheeb's reacted to Abby and came into shark infested waters thinking she was gonna calm Abby down and she got bit, too.:(

Of course, I reach down to pry Abby off of Pheebs and get a nice bite to my leg and finger and a scratch on my forehead (still haven't figured the forehead one out:confused:).

All the while, my neighbor sat looking at the whole scene and not once did he say...sorry. Grrr...then is when I so wished I was carrying my golf club!:rolleyes:

Since this episode, I've decided to only walk Abby solo now and Bella & Pheebs are perfect walking companions so, they're fine without Abby. Just means more walks...I guess my hips should be thankful!:D

Great thread! I have wondered about this as well and am already a bit nervous about those first walks we take when Katie Scarlett is big enough. I think I'll take our big umbrella too and be ready to have it out at a moments notice. Great suggestion!

I always keep "Halt - dog repelling spray" on hand when out with the dogs. Never had to use it thank goodness but it's comforting knowing I have it with me. (I found it on Amazon.)

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 baby 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 Jilly was attacked, my walking stick(pre-umbrella) was how I saved her life and how I got her free of the big dog's jaws. It was after the attack that I decided to use a closed unbrella for future walks - 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 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.

Can you tell me how the spray works....does it hurt the dogs eyes so that he has to stop attacking???

Also, where did you purchase your umbrella from....the one I found online is called the "unbreakable umbrella" is this the one.

I am always nervous walking Trixie and will only walk her if my husband comes so that there are two of us to help her if there is a problem.

My current umbrella came from an "antique" store, is very old and heavy but when it is done, I will purchase one of the umbreakable ones from the web.

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!

Good for her! They are so nice for long walks....tehe.

Another thing you can try, is an emergency recall with your baby so that they know what to do in an emergency.

I've taught Harley to run up my leg and jump into my arms when I say "ici" Now I don't even need treats. I've called him into my arms a few times because I've passed off lead pitbulls (with sketchy looking owners). I also do not allow him to cross the street on lead, he has to be in my arms, cause I've witness too many crazy drivers that have almost hit us.

If anyone wants detailed instructions on how to teach this properly feel free to PM me. I use a shaping methods which I find to be much more reliable than luring. I had him doing it within a week or so.

You can probably modify it to get your baby to run up and jump on parts of your scooter, it may just take a bit more work.

I also like the sound of the umbrella.

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.

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.

The umbrella sounds like a wonderful idea for a woman walking alone even if she isn't walking her dogs.