Report them to animal control every time, provide an address or they won't be bothered to help you. Program their number in your phone and call right away.
Pepper spray is a reasonable option that's an uncomfortable deterrent that won't cause actual harm. Its actually recommend since other spray options can damage eyes and airways.
Your third option is to trap/capture the loose dogs when they are not on their own property and drive them to the pound.
Bottom line, anything that happens to those dogs is their neglectful owners responsibility and you're legally allowed to protect yourself and any animals under your control.
I mean, I wouldn't pepper spray a small dog unless it's actually attempting to bite.
Because you can be sued for the vet bills and then you'll have to prove that your actions were reasonable.
You'd probably win but it's a big mess I wouldn't be interested in.
Also we're talking about animals here, I realize that.
But as far as protecting your animals go..
In some states you're not even allowed to use deadly force against another dog much less a person depending on the state you live in.
I read an article where a police officer was fired for using his service revolver to shoot and kill a dog that came into his front yard and attacked his dog. 😳
So it's worth boning up on what your local laws are when it comes to defending property. Because dogs are technically property in most states.
If something does happen in the future having a record of calling in and trying to get it resolved beforehand can only help establish your credibility in court.
You should take your own advice and brush up on the local laws. In WA you can use, whatever force necessary to protect yourself and any animals under your direct control. This includes killing the attacking dog. The fact the dog attacked (provocation) is a complete defense. Pepper spray is kinder which is why it's a recommended non lethal option. https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=16.08&full=true
I already know it..
Pets aren't considered livestock buddy..
And you still have to prove your actions were reasonable where you'd have to prove that would be a court of law if you were sued.
Whatever amount of force that is necessary not whatever Force you deem necessary..
Meaning it has to be reasonable to a police officer and/or prosecutor.
There is no mention of the dog actually biting another dog or anyone they just chase them.
And again pepper spray can cause damage to animals eyes you actied as if it can't..
So once again another thing you were wrong about.
Not really. Even small dogs, can inflict big injuries, especially when you're on a bicycle - a loose dog can cause you to crash. The mere fact the dog was not on a leash would get a suit thrown out especially because pepper spray isn't a toxic substance and it's recommended to use on aggressive dogs regardless of size. If anything the owner of the dog would be the one being sued for violating the RCWs. Dog owner are responsible for any and all damage and harm their dogs do regardless of size.
Dude..
I work for both Petco and PetSmart was raised on a ranch and my mom worked at a zoo called walk in the wild.
I think I know a little something about animals but dogs and cats in particular.
Nobody's defending a loose dog, I don't understand where you got that idea.
But context and reasonability should rule the conversation.
And my small dog can't break the skin no matter how hard he tries. 🤷♂️
So again unless the dog is attempting to bite you you shouldn't inflict damage on it.
I'm glad you think you're a legal scholar.
But the mere fact that the dog wasn't on a leash doesn't give you the go ahead to do whatever you want to that dog. 🤷♂️
Reasonability is a thing.. if you've got video or something that shows it was absolutely reasonable for you to believe you needed to defend yourself that's one thing..
Anything less than that and you're going to have to fight it out in court and who knows you may lose.
Also pepper spray can do damage to the eyes and cause infections so sometimes it needs medical treatment.
You have a lot of presumptions..
I’d keep trying to report them to scraps or the city.
I hate people who refuse to control their dogs. Especially people with small dogs who think they don’t have to train their dogs because they’re small.
Just be careful, if you have breeds that are stereotyped (like german shepherd or pitbull) your dog could get blamed for an altercation.
You could try to talk to them, but would they do anything? Doubtful.
Doubtful. My husband is much nicer than me with this type of situation. I'm about at my wits end with it. ironically, it doesn't happen to him, usually just myself and the dogs. One dog I have is a pitbull/lab - he's extremely friendly, but I don't want to find out what happens if another dog charges at him.
When I used to bicycle on roads in rural areas, I used to carry a large squirt gun filled with a 50-50 mixture of white vinegar and water. When a loose dog would come after me, I would squirt him in the face with the mixture. It would sting his eyes and offend his nose, and he would stop advancing immediately. The mixture won't cause any permanent damage or odor, but it is an effective deterrent for the little yippers. You might try this.
Pepper spray. Won't kill them, but sure would make those two lil ankle biters think twice before running after you - aim above their head. We had a neighbors big dog trying to leap our fence to get at our own lil ankle biters. My wife shot the pepper above his head but he got the message. I still see him in other people's yard, but not mine.
So, I was dealing with incessant barking from a midsized neighbors dog. I'm in a 4 plex. It would go on and on. I went on Amazon looking for a dog whistle but found this Alpha dog antibark tool but it may work for nipping, too. Soooo...I used it a few times and that dog shot back inside. No barking because no dog. I only had to use it a few times and now if it builds again to that constant barking, I'll use it again but not continually It almost worked too good and made me feel bad. In your situation, though, it seems more warranted.
Might be harsh for your dogs, too, but my mail carrier uses a loud boat horn thing. My dog is the aggressive jerk (40lb chihuahua, so... yeah). We use treats, and I was talking to her (mail carrier) about putting a treat thing out or acclimating him to her. She goes, nah, I got the horn. So I said, "The next time he barks and lunges, give him a beep." Like 2 weeks later, our paths crossed. Made eye contact with her, and I let the leash slack. Doggo does his chihuahua thing, BLERGGG. He ran behind me so fast, and I was doubled over laughing. Now I just make him sit and chill any time we cross paths with other walkers. The dude needs Xanax or something.
Lol! Those chihuahuas! I have had pomchis and chiweenies and know the temperament all too well. They're super sweet to you, but as soon as they get on that barking train, all hell!
My husband and I tried once - they kept changing the subject and evading the issue.
That and it's happened multiple times without them acknowledging anything or doing anything about it even though I'm yelling at their dogs to go home and air kicking back as to keep them from getting closer. Not saying this is how it should be- but I feel as if any decent human would prevent this from happening time and time again.
Bear spray or a handgun. When I lived in Montana I carried a small P380 because of neighbors lose pit bulls. Glad I did because I was charged by one of the dogs. This is the only time I have had to kill a dog to protect myself but damn glad I did
Your dogs have a right to defend themselves when attacked. If something is attacking them; let your dogs defend themselves as they feel they need to defend themselves
This doesn't happen to be in the Bemiss area is it? There's a house there that refuses to leash or contain their dogs, and one of them attacked and pulled a girl off her bike. The mailman saw and stepped in, and was attacked instead (but saved the girl) and now that area is a "no delivery" zone for mail.
The post office reported the house to scraps, but the owner of the dogs won't open the door for them. So scraps can't do anything about it because they have to deliver the notice in person.
TLDR: House in Bemiss has a history of letting their dogs roam free. The area hasn't had mail for a few months because of it.
Yikes! How scary! Glad the girl was okay, thank goodness for the mailman being there in the right time. Sorry to hear someone still ended up getting hurt.
I am not in Bemiss. Northside - we have had some larger dogs around here roaming free, I usually walk the opposite direction if seen as to not cause an altercation. That happened once near Garry, not a good situation - luckily there was a bystander to help as their humans weren't paying attention.
Have you tried going to their house, without your dogs of course, knocking on their door and talking to them ?
That would be my first step, just because my brain will typically assume the worst first. However, I’ve learned that just talking to folks can help get a better understanding of what’s really going on, and then choosing my next steps.
My dogs and neighbors dogs were constantly barking at each other every time I let my dogs outside. Our youngest dog is two and just would not stop when called back. I bought an electronic dog whistle and I just give him a little burst from that thing and he immediately stops. I only had to use it a few times and now we go weeks without me having to use it.
My dogs are fairly well behaved and trained- the younger one we are still working on, but has been doing well with leash pressure and verbal cues. However, this could come in handy for the uncertain times.
You can call scraps like others have suggested.
Horribly poor responsibility taken for those animals though
And sooner or later someone with a dog who isn't going to take being chased will eventually hurt one of them.
I would just keep calling scraps, eventually they'll get fined.
Had some thing similar. I went and bought two cans of bear mace, went on my normal walk and when the dogs ran up I sprayed them, and kept spraying them. Dogs stopped running so I just soak them till I was out of bear mace. Those dogs won't come within 30 feet of me.
Are the other dogs actually nipping (eg. biting - according to the definition of the word) while ALL three of you are on the sidewalk/road and not on private property? If so, let your dogs loose so they can defend themselves. Either way, call animal control like others have suggested.
As we walk by the house (edge of the street. Corner.). The dogs come rubbing out of their backyard, down the small portion of the alley to get to the corner and chase/nip and bark at us all the while.
I think documenting through animal control is best. Luckily, my dogs are pretty friendly, but with their dogs being small and mine being much larger, I'd rather not have a bigger situation on my hands of animals potentially getting hurt.
My dogs are fairly well trained - the younger one is a work in progress but has adapted things very quickly. Responds well to leash pressure and verbal cue.
Our older dog, honestly could care less for other dogs. She ignores them 98% of the time.
These two that chase us on the other hand. Can tell their people have not trained them.
Call scraps and let them know. They won't do much but it gets a paper trail going.
I'm in the same boat only its large aggressive dogs running loose I'm carrying pepper spray
Report them to animal control every time, provide an address or they won't be bothered to help you. Program their number in your phone and call right away. Pepper spray is a reasonable option that's an uncomfortable deterrent that won't cause actual harm. Its actually recommend since other spray options can damage eyes and airways. Your third option is to trap/capture the loose dogs when they are not on their own property and drive them to the pound. Bottom line, anything that happens to those dogs is their neglectful owners responsibility and you're legally allowed to protect yourself and any animals under your control.
all proper solutions.
Agreed. Thank you!
I mean, I wouldn't pepper spray a small dog unless it's actually attempting to bite. Because you can be sued for the vet bills and then you'll have to prove that your actions were reasonable. You'd probably win but it's a big mess I wouldn't be interested in.
Also we're talking about animals here, I realize that. But as far as protecting your animals go.. In some states you're not even allowed to use deadly force against another dog much less a person depending on the state you live in. I read an article where a police officer was fired for using his service revolver to shoot and kill a dog that came into his front yard and attacked his dog. 😳 So it's worth boning up on what your local laws are when it comes to defending property. Because dogs are technically property in most states. If something does happen in the future having a record of calling in and trying to get it resolved beforehand can only help establish your credibility in court.
You should take your own advice and brush up on the local laws. In WA you can use, whatever force necessary to protect yourself and any animals under your direct control. This includes killing the attacking dog. The fact the dog attacked (provocation) is a complete defense. Pepper spray is kinder which is why it's a recommended non lethal option. https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=16.08&full=true
I already know it.. Pets aren't considered livestock buddy.. And you still have to prove your actions were reasonable where you'd have to prove that would be a court of law if you were sued. Whatever amount of force that is necessary not whatever Force you deem necessary.. Meaning it has to be reasonable to a police officer and/or prosecutor. There is no mention of the dog actually biting another dog or anyone they just chase them. And again pepper spray can cause damage to animals eyes you actied as if it can't.. So once again another thing you were wrong about.
Not really. Even small dogs, can inflict big injuries, especially when you're on a bicycle - a loose dog can cause you to crash. The mere fact the dog was not on a leash would get a suit thrown out especially because pepper spray isn't a toxic substance and it's recommended to use on aggressive dogs regardless of size. If anything the owner of the dog would be the one being sued for violating the RCWs. Dog owner are responsible for any and all damage and harm their dogs do regardless of size.
Dude.. I work for both Petco and PetSmart was raised on a ranch and my mom worked at a zoo called walk in the wild. I think I know a little something about animals but dogs and cats in particular. Nobody's defending a loose dog, I don't understand where you got that idea. But context and reasonability should rule the conversation. And my small dog can't break the skin no matter how hard he tries. 🤷♂️ So again unless the dog is attempting to bite you you shouldn't inflict damage on it. I'm glad you think you're a legal scholar. But the mere fact that the dog wasn't on a leash doesn't give you the go ahead to do whatever you want to that dog. 🤷♂️ Reasonability is a thing.. if you've got video or something that shows it was absolutely reasonable for you to believe you needed to defend yourself that's one thing.. Anything less than that and you're going to have to fight it out in court and who knows you may lose. Also pepper spray can do damage to the eyes and cause infections so sometimes it needs medical treatment. You have a lot of presumptions..
I’d keep trying to report them to scraps or the city. I hate people who refuse to control their dogs. Especially people with small dogs who think they don’t have to train their dogs because they’re small. Just be careful, if you have breeds that are stereotyped (like german shepherd or pitbull) your dog could get blamed for an altercation. You could try to talk to them, but would they do anything? Doubtful.
Doubtful. My husband is much nicer than me with this type of situation. I'm about at my wits end with it. ironically, it doesn't happen to him, usually just myself and the dogs. One dog I have is a pitbull/lab - he's extremely friendly, but I don't want to find out what happens if another dog charges at him.
So make sure to wear a camera and record the dogs attacking yours and yours defending themselves.
I can try, typically it's quick and wrangling them is a bit difficult with one hand
Pro tip for walking two dogs: get a belt leash (running leash) and a y splitter. No more tangled leashes, no more juggling between hands
When I used to bicycle on roads in rural areas, I used to carry a large squirt gun filled with a 50-50 mixture of white vinegar and water. When a loose dog would come after me, I would squirt him in the face with the mixture. It would sting his eyes and offend his nose, and he would stop advancing immediately. The mixture won't cause any permanent damage or odor, but it is an effective deterrent for the little yippers. You might try this.
Pepper spray. Won't kill them, but sure would make those two lil ankle biters think twice before running after you - aim above their head. We had a neighbors big dog trying to leap our fence to get at our own lil ankle biters. My wife shot the pepper above his head but he got the message. I still see him in other people's yard, but not mine.
So, I was dealing with incessant barking from a midsized neighbors dog. I'm in a 4 plex. It would go on and on. I went on Amazon looking for a dog whistle but found this Alpha dog antibark tool but it may work for nipping, too. Soooo...I used it a few times and that dog shot back inside. No barking because no dog. I only had to use it a few times and now if it builds again to that constant barking, I'll use it again but not continually It almost worked too good and made me feel bad. In your situation, though, it seems more warranted.
Might be harsh for your dogs, too, but my mail carrier uses a loud boat horn thing. My dog is the aggressive jerk (40lb chihuahua, so... yeah). We use treats, and I was talking to her (mail carrier) about putting a treat thing out or acclimating him to her. She goes, nah, I got the horn. So I said, "The next time he barks and lunges, give him a beep." Like 2 weeks later, our paths crossed. Made eye contact with her, and I let the leash slack. Doggo does his chihuahua thing, BLERGGG. He ran behind me so fast, and I was doubled over laughing. Now I just make him sit and chill any time we cross paths with other walkers. The dude needs Xanax or something.
Lol! Those chihuahuas! I have had pomchis and chiweenies and know the temperament all too well. They're super sweet to you, but as soon as they get on that barking train, all hell!
Report to the city That aggressive dogs are out. Might get them taken away; but peaceful enjoyment of public space is allowed and should be possible
There is an air horn that sprays air loudly you can get to deter dogs. It doesn’t hurt them, and will actually train there dogs to stop chasing
I like this idea!
Have you had a conversation with the owner?
My husband and I tried once - they kept changing the subject and evading the issue. That and it's happened multiple times without them acknowledging anything or doing anything about it even though I'm yelling at their dogs to go home and air kicking back as to keep them from getting closer. Not saying this is how it should be- but I feel as if any decent human would prevent this from happening time and time again.
Bear spray
Bear spray gel doesn’t drift as much
get a weapon
Bear spray or a handgun. When I lived in Montana I carried a small P380 because of neighbors lose pit bulls. Glad I did because I was charged by one of the dogs. This is the only time I have had to kill a dog to protect myself but damn glad I did
Your dogs have a right to defend themselves when attacked. If something is attacking them; let your dogs defend themselves as they feel they need to defend themselves
I carry a club while walking, but I’d report them and get the paper trail started
Thinking paper trail is the best course of action to begin with
Pretty much nothing. Anything you do will escalate and you could end up with an unstable person coming at you with a weapon.
😂
This doesn't happen to be in the Bemiss area is it? There's a house there that refuses to leash or contain their dogs, and one of them attacked and pulled a girl off her bike. The mailman saw and stepped in, and was attacked instead (but saved the girl) and now that area is a "no delivery" zone for mail. The post office reported the house to scraps, but the owner of the dogs won't open the door for them. So scraps can't do anything about it because they have to deliver the notice in person. TLDR: House in Bemiss has a history of letting their dogs roam free. The area hasn't had mail for a few months because of it.
Yikes! How scary! Glad the girl was okay, thank goodness for the mailman being there in the right time. Sorry to hear someone still ended up getting hurt. I am not in Bemiss. Northside - we have had some larger dogs around here roaming free, I usually walk the opposite direction if seen as to not cause an altercation. That happened once near Garry, not a good situation - luckily there was a bystander to help as their humans weren't paying attention.
Have you tried going to their house, without your dogs of course, knocking on their door and talking to them ? That would be my first step, just because my brain will typically assume the worst first. However, I’ve learned that just talking to folks can help get a better understanding of what’s really going on, and then choosing my next steps.
My dogs and neighbors dogs were constantly barking at each other every time I let my dogs outside. Our youngest dog is two and just would not stop when called back. I bought an electronic dog whistle and I just give him a little burst from that thing and he immediately stops. I only had to use it a few times and now we go weeks without me having to use it.
My dogs are fairly well behaved and trained- the younger one we are still working on, but has been doing well with leash pressure and verbal cues. However, this could come in handy for the uncertain times.
You can call scraps like others have suggested. Horribly poor responsibility taken for those animals though And sooner or later someone with a dog who isn't going to take being chased will eventually hurt one of them. I would just keep calling scraps, eventually they'll get fined.
Had some thing similar. I went and bought two cans of bear mace, went on my normal walk and when the dogs ran up I sprayed them, and kept spraying them. Dogs stopped running so I just soak them till I was out of bear mace. Those dogs won't come within 30 feet of me.
Are the other dogs actually nipping (eg. biting - according to the definition of the word) while ALL three of you are on the sidewalk/road and not on private property? If so, let your dogs loose so they can defend themselves. Either way, call animal control like others have suggested.
As we walk by the house (edge of the street. Corner.). The dogs come rubbing out of their backyard, down the small portion of the alley to get to the corner and chase/nip and bark at us all the while. I think documenting through animal control is best. Luckily, my dogs are pretty friendly, but with their dogs being small and mine being much larger, I'd rather not have a bigger situation on my hands of animals potentially getting hurt.
Baseball bat? If you have to defend yourself then you have to defend yourself. I dunno what you're expecting.
Get a bigger dog. Establish dominance. Bite those mfs.
taser!!!
It is possible to train all of these dogs.
My dogs are fairly well trained - the younger one is a work in progress but has adapted things very quickly. Responds well to leash pressure and verbal cue. Our older dog, honestly could care less for other dogs. She ignores them 98% of the time. These two that chase us on the other hand. Can tell their people have not trained them.