I Have a Dog - Forum & Chat Board | encountering loose mean dogs

While walking my leashed  sheltie a big growling dog came out of his yard ( gate was open) after us. Fortuantely owner came out,but didn't apologise or say anything. He really scared us. what is the best way to stop an attack? This could happen again.  

 Well that is a perpetual problem.  You will always run the risk of being attacked whenever you venture out onto the streets of a mean world!  

It's also one of the reasons I bought a pit bull.  And he's really a sweet dog.. just an occasional Chihuahua for breakfast is all ... he he he

They should at least sincerely apologise, and then look at why the gate was open if their dog is like that. If they cant keep the gate shut for some reason, then they should put the dog on a chain long enough for him to run around but not so long that he can get out into the street and cause harm to others.

They should at least sincerely apologise, and then look at why the gate was open if their dog is like that. If they cant keep the gate shut for some reason, then they should put the dog on a chain long enough for him to run around but not so long that he can get out into the street and cause harm to others.

first, never run.

you have two options and by paying attention you can know which to use.

1. stand your ground like the previous advice.

2. completely ignore the dog, don't look at it, walk calmly by like it isn't there.

Growling may not mean he's going to attack. It's a warning to keep your distance. Some dogs growl when they want to play.

I was walking my little dog one day in town. (occassionaly we like to do this there are no sidewalks in the country) While walking along a lady with her dog off leash passed by. The bigger strange dog catching site of my dog charged silently straight at us. Seeing that she was paying attention to my dog and not me, I stepped in front of my dog as she got close and jabbed her in the chest with two stiff fingers. At the same time I told her calmly and firmly "Sit."

The dog gave me this extremely surprised look and sat down. The owner swear to god apologized and burst out crying in amazement. She offered to pay me to train her dog. :)

I have 4 dogs an Old English Bull, an English Bull and a Chuinnie and a Pug.   This cul de sac is home to many dogs who mostly stay in their back yards. 

But occassionally one will venture out into the open.  These times my canines are with me.  So what I do to calm the situation is to greet the dog with a cheerful hello and some conversation. 

Dogs know some spoken language, tones and body language so pretend that this scary dog is infact a long time friend whom you haven't seen in awhile.

What ever you do do not run because dogs love to chase.   So be cheerful in voice and stance.

May the next dog you meet become a good friend.