Urgent Advice Needed Please :-(

[arealhuman]

Was just out on a walk with Jimmy, when we got to a T junction in a pedestrian-only lane. A Boxer was stood waiting there. As we moved to one side, the Boxer, who was off-lead, attacked Jimmy (always on-lead). The owner called to it, but it didn't respond and carried on attacking Jimmy, and I dived into the fray, trying to pull them apart. Jimmy somehow managed to get out of his harness and both dogs ran off, with me pursuing and the other owner calling his dog, Bruce. I managed to catch up and pull them apart, the other owner walked past me as though nothing had happened. I swore at him. My wife was with me and was petrified. We put Jimmy back in his harness and gave him the once over as we were near a streetlight, and he appeared OK. A later check at home has revealed no injuries we can see. To say I'm angry and upset would be a massive understatement. If my wife was alone with Jimmy, I dread to think how this may have panned out (she walks him on her own at lunchtimes). I have re-tightened Jimmy's harness but I now have an urgent requirement for something that is escape proof, offers us a degree of control over Jimmy, and won't snap or tear at the attachments when under tension. We looked in Pets at Home at the weekends, and didn't really see anything suitable, but now our need is more urgent. We don't think the harness undid during this event, but due to the commotion and need to attend to all manner of things at the time, cant be sure. If it wasn't undone, I have no idea how he could've gotten out of it (it looks like this one but without padding on the strip underneath).

Also, how can I or my wife fend off an attack like this? I carry a metal torch which I assume could've been used as a defensive weapon, but in the commotion I dropped it as I was trying to part the dogs. I hate to say this, but I do wish I had the presence of mind to punch or kick the other dog. Are there any defensive measures we can take? Also, is it worth reporting this to the authorities (but who?)? I personally want to, for no other reason to make sure the owner realise this is unacceptable, however there are reasons why I think he won't give a shit (sorry for the language). I have scratches on my leg caused by his dog, but nothing major. I also wanted to go back and give him a piece of my mind - but as we were shook up it was probably best not to.

Thanks for reading, sorry for the depressing post. All suggestions will be gratefully recieved.

 

[JudyN]

What a horrible thing to happen. I think you need to self-medicate with gin.

On the plus side, it's great that Jimmy wasn't injured - and that you weren't bitten. I would definitely report the incident, in the first place to the police, as it sounds like the boxer was dangerously out of control in a public place, and off-lead on a roadside, both of which are offences. Even if the boxer wouldn't actually injure another dog (which I expect the owner would claim) he could easily cause a major accident by himor his victim running into the road. And even if the police don't do anything, if other people report this dog, they will eventually have to take action.

You could also try the dog warden if the police aren't interested.

Could you or your wife carry a walking stick to fend off the other dog? I'd have no qualms about kicking a dog who attacked mine, but it could make the dog more likely to bite.

 

[LPC]

I had a look at the link you put in about what your dog harness looks like. It is more or less a standard double-loop harness, which is fine for most dogs, provided (and that's important) it is done up very snugly.

If your dog was in a fight, my hunch would be that he pulled sharply backwards, pulling a presumably loose harness over his head. The only other real possibility is that the fastening came undone during the fight, but that is unlikely.

If you are worried that this could happen again, I have two suggestions:

1. To discourage aggressive dogs coming up, you could get an ultrasonic noise emitter, which is not audible to humans but can startle (but not hurt) another dog. Some are better than others, so it is worth checking the reviews carefully before choosing. This would be a wiser and more humane choice than attempting to punch or kick an aggressive dog; that could put your own safety at risk.
2. You could buy a triple hoop harness. There is a picture of one on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/459859811934646808
But please note that you may need to register with Pinterest before you can see the picture.

Every best wish to you!

 

[Josie]

Oh no @arealhuman that sounds awful!! I’m glad Jimmy hasn’t been hurt. Hopefully it won’t affect him mentally :-(

You always come away wishing there was something more you could have done! Hate that feeling. I (touch wood) haven’t been in a situation like that so I don’t know how I’d react...

 

[arealhuman]

Thank you all for the prompt replies. I will try and do some research tomorrow (work permitting!) about the harnesses and sound emitter.

@JudyN - sorry, I wasn’t descriptive enough, this lane isn’t near a road and is open to pedestrians and cyclists only. Should I still report it? I like the idea of going to the dog warden.

 

[JoanneF]

Yes go to the dog warden. This dog out you in fear, as you know that is at least enough to trigger the DDA. It may not be the first time this has happened. If it is, the owner will likely get a yellow card (if identified). If it's not the first time, all the more reason to report (although of course you won't know that but the dog warden will).

you could get an ultrasonic noise emitter, which is not audible to humans but can startle (but not hurt) another dog.

This would startle Jimmy too and might make him run off. I wouldn't recommend this. A walking pole can be used to block a dog.

Have a look for the Houdini harness.

Sorry for the brief reply, I am on my phone.

 

[Nanny71]

My dog was attacked a couple of weeks ago by a dog which had escaped from its owner. Dudley is very small and this dog was german shepherd size. The dog had obviously slipped its collar and left the owner with that and its lead. My dog was hurt and very traumatised. The owners were completely ineffectual at getting the dog off my little one. I reported it to the police who had no interest whatsoever and to the dog warden who also had no interest. I now carry a walking stick which I will use if Dudley is attacked again.

 

[arealhuman]

Just a minor update - Jimmy was OK at home last night, he seemed his normal self. On his usual morning walk today, we passed the area where this incident happened and I thought he might be wary of going there, but he didn't hesitate at all. I have the local Dog Warden's contact details and will be speaking to them later this morning. Thank you all for the supportive and helpful posts.

@Nanny71 - sorry to hear about that, that sounds like a very distressing event for you and Dudley. The owners seem to get away with it as the authorities aren't interested, which is very frustrating. I hope you both get over it mentally and physically.

 

[Josie]

I'm glad Jimmy wasn't hesitant on this mornings walk @arealhuman. Hopefully you won't bump into the boxer and his owner again!

Sorry to hear of the attack on Dudley @Nanny71 - It's not very reassuring when authorities aren't showing any interest!

 

[arealhuman]

Right, I've spoken to the Dog Warden (they're actually called something else now, but can't remember what!) and had a good conversation. As I suspected, they said they couldn't do much as I didn't have the owner's details. However, they were happy to take the details in case they received earlier reports or receive subsequent reports. I was told if it happens again to call the Police on the emergency number. They did say they may well send a patrol to the location, which I said would be a good idea as there's also a huge problem with dog fouling there (as both - both! - my boots will testify this morning ).

Harnesses - had a quick look online and some look very impressive. Will post back details later today.

 

[arealhuman]

I've had some time over lunch to have a look at harnesses as posted above and in my other thread here. Thanks for all the suggestions. Here are my thoughts:

Ruffwear
I like the look of these.
Pros - appear comfy, high quality, sturdy, possibly escape proof.
Cons - no shoulder attachment point for lead, cost, possibly escape proof.

Houdini Harness (several search results, this is just one of them)
Pros - padded straps, cost, marketed as escape proof.
Cons - Potential for strap to interfere with dangly bits, no shoulder attachment point for lead.

Perfect Fit
Pros - padded straps, cost
Cons - fiddly to put on? Lots of individual pieces, no shoulder attachment point for lead.

@LPC - I was able to view about a page or so of images, I think some of my search results above fit the bill. Thanks.

I would be very interested in what people think or can recommend through personal experience as I need to get one ordered as soon as I can! Thanks to everyone again

 

[JoanneF]

We use the Perfect Fit. It's not fiddly, you don't have to unclip all the pieces. I can' imagine it being escapable but I have heard good reports about the Houdini for that reason.

 

[arealhuman]

Thanks @JoanneF

 

[arealhuman]

Just an update in case anyone's interested:

• Harness - I went to order one of those listed above some days back, only to find they're not accepting orders this side of Christmas! In the meantime, I regularly check the tightness of Jimmy's harness to ensure it's a very snug fit.
• The dog that attacked us - I was recounting this incident to someone recently, and by sheer coincidence I now know who owns the dog and where they live. Any future incidents will be immediately reported to the police.

 

[Mi_chelle]

I am sorry to hear your dog got attacked like that, it must of been awfully frightening for you all, I am pleased he wasn't hurt and seems to of not had any lasting worries.

Something you could may be keep in your pocket is a can of Pet Corrector, it won't harm the dog and you don't spray it directly at them but the noise startles them and stops them doing what they are doing, should this happen again it might be enough to deter any more serious happening.

 

[JoanneF]

Something you could may be keep in your pocket is a can of Pet Corrector, it won't harm the dog and you don't spray it directly at them but the noise startles them and stops them doing what they are doing, should this happen again it might be enough to deter any more serious happening.

One of the reasons products like this make me uncomfortable though is that the dog who is being attacked gets an equal effect and that could ramp up his anxiety. These products can cause more harm.

 

[arealhuman]

I did use one some time ago to help with our dog's training and whilst the distraction worked for the first few times, after that it was ignored.

 

[Zedek]

Was just out on a walk with Jimmy, when we got to a T junction in a pedestrian-only lane. A Boxer was stood waiting there. As we moved to one side, the Boxer, who was off-lead, attacked Jimmy (always on-lead). The owner called to it, but it didn't respond and carried on attacking Jimmy, and I dived into the fray, trying to pull them apart. Jimmy somehow managed to get out of his harness and both dogs ran off, with me pursuing and the other owner calling his dog, Bruce. I managed to catch up and pull them apart, the other owner walked past me as though nothing had happened. I swore at him. My wife was with me and was petrified. We put Jimmy back in his harness and gave him the once over as we were near a streetlight, and he appeared OK. A later check at home has revealed no injuries we can see. To say I'm angry and upset would be a massive understatement. If my wife was alone with Jimmy, I dread to think how this may have panned out (she walks him on her own at lunchtimes). I have re-tightened Jimmy's harness but I now have an urgent requirement for something that is escape proof, offers us a degree of control over Jimmy, and won't snap or tear at the attachments when under tension. We looked in Pets at Home at the weekends, and didn't really see anything suitable, but now our need is more urgent. We don't think the harness undid during this event, but due to the commotion and need to attend to all manner of things at the time, cant be sure. If it wasn't undone, I have no idea how he could've gotten out of it (it looks like this one but without padding on the strip underneath).

Also, how can I or my wife fend off an attack like this? I carry a metal torch which I assume could've been used as a defensive weapon, but in the commotion I dropped it as I was trying to part the dogs. I hate to say this, but I do wish I had the presence of mind to punch or kick the other dog. Are there any defensive measures we can take? Also, is it worth reporting this to the authorities (but who?)? I personally want to, for no other reason to make sure the owner realise this is unacceptable, however there are reasons why I think he won't give a shit (sorry for the language). I have scratches on my leg caused by his dog, but nothing major. I also wanted to go back and give him a piece of my mind - but as we were shook up it was probably best not to.

Thanks for reading, sorry for the depressing post. All suggestions will be gratefully recieved.

 

[Zedek]

Hello, I hope you have this sorted by now but if you haven't this may help. We have a very energetic, occasionally bolshy Rottie, he is actually very loving but if another dog barks at him he will respond. We use a Julius K9 power harness (type used by emergency services). It is very strong and escape proof. It has a handle on the top/back which is strong enough to lift the dog if necessary and to certainly hold him back. It does have a ring on the top to attach a lead to or you can use a head collar. (we use a leather Dogmatic) the fabric one does not fit him as he is quite small. Julius K9 is available in Pets at home however if you purchase direct from the manufacturer they have a lot more sizes available and they are very helpful. Harness is about £40 but it has helped me,a 65 year old female, to feel that I can keep him from charging off.

 

[arealhuman]

Hi @Zedek and thanks for your reply. We're making do with his current harness at the moment, making sure it's fairly tight fitting before each walk, but not uncomfortably so. I saw the K9 harnesses and liked the look of them but they seemed to be secured with velcro, which is great when it's new, but no so good when it's fastened/unfastened as it becomes weak and I'd be worried this could lead to the dog escaping. Is this the case, or was I confused by what I saw (a strong possibility!).