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In the context of many recent (Rose N Poos) and long past (Quossum and Sugarfoot come to mind) situations where PF members have had to face the challenge of aggressive dogs while out on walks or at dog parks it seems really important for people to know how to handle (or at least have ideas to cope with) these issues.
The first thing I will say that having you safe is the first thing that you need to consider. Remember if you are a parent of minor children or care provider for an elderly or disabled loved one they will be really adversely affected by you being killed, disabled or otherwise maimed or traumatized. The instinct to protect your dog(s) must be subordinate to the needs of those people around you. Trust me I would be horrified to have one of our dogs maimed or killed, but I am the main financial asset (among many other things of value) to my family. If I saved Lily but I died the rest of my family would have a hard time making ends meet and maintaining their current quality of life.
In no particular order here are things I think are appropriate responses to an off leash aggressive dog:
Drop your leash(es); Your dog is more likely to be able to defend itself if it has a chance to make an escape if it doesn't become aggressive itself. If your dog does respond with its own aggression you can be as much or more of a target if you are holding onto the leash
Scream loudly to startle all of the dogs and recruit help
If your dog is trying to escape try very hard to get a hold on the aggressors hind legs and lift them like the handles of a wheelbarrow. this pushes that dogs center of gravity down low and to keep from doing a face plant they are not likely to take even one foot off the ground. Back away from the dog while you do this. It will make it almost impossible for them to reach around and bite you.
If you are going to carry some sort of spray make sure it is legal to use. For example you might be able to carry pepper spray to protcet yourself but not your dog. Pepper spray can blow back on you or on your dog making you more vulnerable. Canned air ofr an air horn are probably better choice.
Above are things I think are very basic for any size dogs.
More broadly always maintain situational awareness. Keep in mind where there are dogs charging front doors or dogs on tethers but the yard has no fence or has a poorly maintained fence. Avoid passing homes where you know people simply open their door and let their dogs loose on their property. How much car traffic might there be at different times of day that could obstruct your view of what is happening further down the street. Be mindful of your dog's own behavioral concerns and how to manage them. For example I never allow our dogs to greet other dogs when we are out for a walk. One neighbor who is frail and elderly and not so savvy about managing her dog(s) (walks them on extremely long bungy leashes) always asks me why I am walking aggressive dogs when I tell her I don't allow them to greet her dogs. Uh duh lady! First you don't have good control over your dog. Next I don't want my dogs playing around in the street. A number of years ago (when I had the patience to interact with her) Peeves' head came within inches of the front bumper of a car when he broke a sit stay to try to cross the street. Seeing her has become one of my situational awareness criteria. I generally turn around and pick up my pace so I can get away from her if I see her coming towards me.
I hope this is helpful (and you didn't have to pay for it). Add more and ask for it to be a sticky if you think it is worth it.
The first thing I will say that having you safe is the first thing that you need to consider. Remember if you are a parent of minor children or care provider for an elderly or disabled loved one they will be really adversely affected by you being killed, disabled or otherwise maimed or traumatized. The instinct to protect your dog(s) must be subordinate to the needs of those people around you. Trust me I would be horrified to have one of our dogs maimed or killed, but I am the main financial asset (among many other things of value) to my family. If I saved Lily but I died the rest of my family would have a hard time making ends meet and maintaining their current quality of life.
In no particular order here are things I think are appropriate responses to an off leash aggressive dog:
Drop your leash(es); Your dog is more likely to be able to defend itself if it has a chance to make an escape if it doesn't become aggressive itself. If your dog does respond with its own aggression you can be as much or more of a target if you are holding onto the leash
Scream loudly to startle all of the dogs and recruit help
If your dog is trying to escape try very hard to get a hold on the aggressors hind legs and lift them like the handles of a wheelbarrow. this pushes that dogs center of gravity down low and to keep from doing a face plant they are not likely to take even one foot off the ground. Back away from the dog while you do this. It will make it almost impossible for them to reach around and bite you.
If you are going to carry some sort of spray make sure it is legal to use. For example you might be able to carry pepper spray to protcet yourself but not your dog. Pepper spray can blow back on you or on your dog making you more vulnerable. Canned air ofr an air horn are probably better choice.
Above are things I think are very basic for any size dogs.
More broadly always maintain situational awareness. Keep in mind where there are dogs charging front doors or dogs on tethers but the yard has no fence or has a poorly maintained fence. Avoid passing homes where you know people simply open their door and let their dogs loose on their property. How much car traffic might there be at different times of day that could obstruct your view of what is happening further down the street. Be mindful of your dog's own behavioral concerns and how to manage them. For example I never allow our dogs to greet other dogs when we are out for a walk. One neighbor who is frail and elderly and not so savvy about managing her dog(s) (walks them on extremely long bungy leashes) always asks me why I am walking aggressive dogs when I tell her I don't allow them to greet her dogs. Uh duh lady! First you don't have good control over your dog. Next I don't want my dogs playing around in the street. A number of years ago (when I had the patience to interact with her) Peeves' head came within inches of the front bumper of a car when he broke a sit stay to try to cross the street. Seeing her has become one of my situational awareness criteria. I generally turn around and pick up my pace so I can get away from her if I see her coming towards me.
I hope this is helpful (and you didn't have to pay for it). Add more and ask for it to be a sticky if you think it is worth it.