Dog attack

I've been putting off posting about this because I really don't want to offend anyone.  Know that I'm a serious animal lover and that DH is positively crazy about dogs.

DH was running on a local highway a while ago when he noticed a large-ish dog comming up on his side of the road (husky/shepherd mix).  As soon as he was within voice-distance of the dog, he started to talk to him in a calm, low voice.  He also slowed to a walk.  The dog reacted by putting his back up and showing his teeth.  DH stood still and tried to communicate with him.  The dog lunged at his legs.  DH gave him a solid kick to the chest to let the animal know that he wasn't going to tolerate any nonsense.  Then the dog jumped for his throat. 

DH was in the military (French equivallent of a Navy Seal) for ten years.  He was trained in how to neutralise (kill) attack dogs.  He's unfortunately run across the problem in the middle east several times.  He knows what to do when a dog goes for your throat.  When this dog tried to attack DH, he had no choice but to neutralise it.  The dog's owner was no where to be found and he was alone on this lonely highway out in the boonies.  In the process, he overreached and the dog bit his hand.  DH had gloves on, so he ended up getting his finger broken without the skin being pierced.

We looked everywhere for the owner.  DH thinks that the dog chewed his way off of his line because there was a length of cord hanging from his collar.  One thing is for sure:  that animal was very angry with humans.  (Rabies?)

So to make a long post even longer, I wanted to know what to use to defend myself when I go running.  If it had been me out there, I would have been seriously injured not having the slightest idea on how to defend myself other than trying to punch the animal in the nose.  I've thought of mace, but there are dogs that would just get more pissed if you used it on them.  Are there any sure-fire, light devices you can use to ward dogs off?  If so, where do you get them?

It's really not impossible that the situation could reproduce itself given where we live.  I think (from what I've read on this forum) that people are becoming less and less involved in the training of their animals and people just out for walks, jogs and runs are in danger of those acting irresponsibly with their dogs. 

Any advice?  I'd really appreciate it.  I've avoided running outside since the incident and would like to get back to it asap.

Thanks!

Wow, I'm sorry your DH had to deal with that, though it's a good thing he knew what to do. :(  I have had a couple of close calls with dogs while riding my bike but (thankfully) not while running.

Probably the best thing to carry with you would be a small can of pepper spray; this would also be effective against humans as well as dogs.  I recommend purchasing two cans - open one and learn how to use it by firing it, then keep the other one for your personal protection.

The best thing I have found to do is to be alert of your surroundings.  There have been times where I've seen a loose dog ahead while I'm running and have decided to just turn around or alter my route rather than risk it.  If you see them before they see you, that's obviously preferable.  Also, I stick to the same route every time I run, and therefore I've learned which homes have trained dogs and which ones I need to be cautious of.

Unfortunately, things do happen like what happened to your hubby, but the chances of it are pretty slim.  Don't let it frighten you; just stay alert and stick to familiar territory.

Wow! Scary. My neighbor had a dog jump over a fence and attack his dog while out on a walk. He now carries Mace. I suggest that.

I used to carry pepper spray while cycling after being bitten by a dog but I never had to use it so I don't know how well it would have worked in your husbands situation.  I stopped carrying it after the dog in question move off my normal route.  As Justlaura said, if your stick to regular routes you know where the loose dogs are and which ones are friendly.  I avoid roads where I know "unfriendlies" roam.

how awful!! hope your DH is ok! and that poor dog, probably the victim of a very poor upbringing. hate to think what could have happened if someone without military training had been running there!!

not sure what you could carry as defense, i was going to suggest pepper spray, but you might have a point about it just angering them more! what about a stun gun, if they are legal where you live? portable and effective i would think.

Cattle Prod. ~$30.00 on Ebay.

Sounds like your DH is the one to ask about how to defend yourself while you're out running...

I agree!  Mace or pepper spray...not deadly, but gives you the chance to get away!!! 

i always carry a very large knife switch activated steleto when i go running on back country trails... coyotes all over.

The situation with your husband sounds quite scary.  I have never come across a dog quite so scary but I used to run out on county roads with quite a few homes and dogs but not many leashed or fenced dogs. 

I got a small can of pepper spray at Sportsman's warehouse that velcros around my palm ($8), I hardly know it is there while I am running.  I only used it once on a dog that constantly came and nipped at my heels (never bit hard but made physical contact with me nonetheless).  After that one time he has never chased or nipped at me again.  Usually I would just talk to the owner of the dog but nobody was ever home at this particular house.

I don't think this would have worked with the dog that attacked your husband but it worked fine in my situation and didn't do permanent or serious damage to the dog.

I used to work at the human society and I know a few things about dogs.  First and foremost never ever run. Never turn your back on them either.  The first thing you should do is stop and face the dog.  Dont make eye contact beacuse it would be a challange, but hold your ground.  Start to take slow steps away from the animal.  Sometimes using common commands can help like stay, no, or sit (the dog may submit to verbal commands it knows) If you see a home or buisiness move towards an entrance and knock once there.  If the dog comes for you keep your face back:stick out an arm as a last resort to protect face.   If the dog comes for your face try to knee it hard in the chest.  If you see anything like a large metal or wood rod, pick it up and hit the snot out of the animal if it gets near you (remembering to keep your face/head back).  Target the eyes if you can.  If you have to, take off a shoe or something to push towards the dog to hopefully grab rather then your limbs.   If you get taken down, curl into a ball and hold still while ensuring your face and neck are covered by your arms.  If its a pack, well your in big trouble.  Your best bet is to take on the leader holding your ground and fight like hell while protecting your face and neck.. 

Chows and Chow X's are notorious for attacks on humans. My mailman has found that many dogs are infuriated by both mace and pepper spray. Many dogs have been intimidated by people with sticks and will chose a person with a walking stick or umbrella to attack. My vote for protection would be a long sharp ended hunting knife and be sure you know how to use it or better yet get your carry permit and purchase a small handgun. I know one person who was still able to strangle a dog though they were severely bitten but don't count on getting that chance. Unfortunately I have had several encounters with stray dogs attacking my sheep and know what damage and suffering they can cause and I will not hesitate to kill an aggressive dog that comes onto my farm no questions asked.

To add to my post, I am a great dog lover and owner of 3 different breeds. I socialize my animals and they co-habit with poultry, livestock and children. It's not dogs I dislike it's irresponsible owners that really get me.

Run here in Vietnam. Dogs are on the menu here; they seem to know that and behave pretty well most times:-)))

Just a warning: Pepper spray and mace are illegal to carry in some states unless you have a "License to carry" authorization.

In Massachusetts at least, you need:

firearm identification card (FID)—a process which, in Cambridge, requires proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of Cambridge residence, fingerprinting and background checks. There is a fee of $25 for the license and an extra $20 fingerprinting fee.

Some places also require that you take a class upon registration. 

Hanno -- that's hilarious!

giggle_puppy -- Stilletos...What an awesome idea.  Where do you find them?

kurtb -- How heavy is a cattle prod?  Could you run properly with one in your hand?

blacksheep -- handguns are very, very difficult to obtain in Canada.  I think I'm leaning toward the knife idea (although running with a hunting knife might be awkward).  I have also heard that pepper spray can infuriate the larger breeds.  But then, couldn't a knife wound have the same result?  You'd have to be sure of where you're sticking them, right?  It might be hard to be precise with a dog hanging off your arm.  Mind, it's certainly better than nothing at all.

Healthyhtide -- I've heard of packs of domestic dogs in our area.  Apparently, they like to take down small deer.  I simply wouldn't know what to do if confronted with the situation. 

lilsammi23 -- Yes, DH is the man when it comes to dog defense, but he no longer has access to trained dogs and full protection body suits -- both of which are essential elements when learning how to neutralise an attack dog. 

Basically, when the dog jumped for his throat, he leaned back and "invited" the animal to jump as high as it could so that he could wrap his arm around him (went too far and put his hand in the dogs' mouth - hence, the broken finger) and then he flipped it over, dropped down sharply onto his right knee while slamming his left into the back of the dogs' neck (that is, his whole body weight accompanied that of the dog's and helped in breaking the bones).  Broke his neck right away.  It's a maneuver that I would very much like to learn, but you need to have the proper equipment and trained animals.  DH has said more than once that he wished he'd shown me what to do when he was still in active service (he was high enough up that he could have invited me to the base and trained me there).

This all happened in an isolated area.  There were no houses or buildings anywhere around (we're in Quebec, ten minutes from the Vermont border, if that gives you an idea).  Add to that is the fact that the dog had chewed off his rope in order to get free.  So, this is an animal that the owner obviously had doubts about.  (And why not a chain?  What use is it attaching a large dog on a rope?)

The situation that DH was confronted with further feeds a fear of mine which stems from the fact that I've already been attacked by dogs (Shepherds) three times in my life.  I can't act calm and collected if one is running at me.  My heart-rate skyrockets and I basically freeze.  I need something to defend myself with so that I don't feel so vulnerable.

I also need to figure out where to go to buy the proper defense equipment.  On-line is iff-y because where it's legal in one state, it might be terribly illegal in Canada and I have to cross the border to pick up anything I order off the 'Net.

When I get it figured out, I'll post on it.  Promise.

Thanks, everyone.

um whats a DH?

What does DH mean?

DH usually means "Darling Husband" or "Dear Husband"

wow im really sorry this happened. its really unfortunate that most dogs in situations like this are only trying to protect themselves, but in the process seem to harm others. lucky that your hubby knew what to do!

i hate situations like these where the animal isnt in his right mind. my family has owned 6 pitbulls in my lifetime (16 years) and none of them have ever attacked anyone, despite the breed being notorious for doing so. it just goes to show it really is the owner, or lack there of, whose truly the one responsible for the animals behavior.

Either run with your DH or get in your car and drive to a safer area to run. If you have packs of dogs running wild in your area, there is nothing you can carry that is going to ensure your safety. It's inconvenient, but in the end, your personal safety is more important. We have people in our running club who drive 30 minutes to run with a group rather than take the risk of doing a long run in a remote area.

Good luck with your training!