Aggressive Dogs? Ask The City
The Question:
While walking on the Greenbelt with my dog, and being approached by another walker and dog owner, their dog would be overly aggressive and too strong for its handler to hold it back. This has occurred twice with one dog owner, in which the Rottweiler literally pulled down and drug its owner a few feet. Another situation occurred yesterday, with a different handler having two dogs (bull dog and pit bull mix) which they pulled him towards my dog and me, him unable to stop them. He was out of control and could barely hold them back. In turn, I am grabbing hold of my dogs collar and moving off the path and as far away as possible, all the time worried the dogs will actually get loose and be a significant problem. How can I safely protect myself and my dog in that moment? What is a good recommendation if those dogs were to get loose and attack my dog or myself?
“When dealing with uncontrolled dogs/dog owners the best thing to do is stay calm and try to keep your distance. You are doing the right thing by walking out of the way and controlling your dog. If you can keep yourself and your dog calm it helps deescalate the situation. If necessary, walk away but don't run and stay calm. If the other dogs attack they will almost always go for your dog, if you cannot pull your dog away using your leash then let go and give strong verbal commands trying to startle the dogs. If they are actively fighting DO NOT try to break them up with any part of your body. Use a stick, back pack, coat or anything you can find to break up the fight, do not attempt to grab either of the dogs. Even your own dog may bite you if you grab them while they are engaged in a fight. If you have a cell phone take it with you and report uncontrolled dogs to dispatch so that hopefully we can contact them to prevent future problems. When passing other dog walkers on the green belt it is usually best to keep yourself between your dog and the other dog walker and shorten up your hold on your leash, preventing the two dogs from having contact with each other. Please do not hesitate to contact the Animal Shelter at telephone number 721-5398 with any other questions.”
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