What is the proper way to protect yourself and your little one from being attacked???? I am seriously thinking about getting pepper spray!

I have used pepper spray a couple of times and it is very effective. You do need to be aware of the wind etc. so you don't spray yourself or your own dog though. Also check the legality in your area, since it may not be legal to possess or use. I bought mine at a store that specializes in items for police and security folks, so it is the "good stuff".

A lot of other dog walkers in my area also carry a "walking stick" or similar item that can be used as a club, although I don't carry one, it is another option. I have considered getting one of the collapsible batons to clip to my belt, but again they are not legal in some places. It is unobtrusive on the belt, but available if needed.

I'm not entirely sure what the "right" thing is to do, except pretty much anything but kill the other dog to get them away. Don't go anywhere near the jaw obvioulsy. And you also gotta remember they might try to attack you as well. If they are in prey/aggressive mode, seeing you grabbing for you pup might trigger an even bigger aggression towards your pup or towards you (like dogs with their food they become protective and will lunge at things that come near). Personally, I'd probably either hit them in the head, or give them a good swift kick in the ribs. You don't want to hurt/kill the other animal, but you do want to stun them long enough to get your pup away.

I know at the kennel we are not allowed to hit, or any other form of abuse, towards the dogs. But in a situation of 2 companion dogs fighting, or one attacking the other (I say companion dogs, strange dogs aren't allowed together in the same pen) we can shove, pull, grab, yank, any way to separate them if we feel the other will be injured or killed. And if I was being attacked I would do anything to protect myself from being mamed or killed.

Like I said, I don't know how "legal" it is, you could always go to your local court house and ask to see if they have any suggestions (you don't want to get yourself sued in the process ). Biggest thing, be receptive of the area around you. If you feel uncomfortable about the area, don't walk with your dog there. Or if you see a suspicious looking dog, maybe carry your pup (because he is SO huge ) until you feel safe again. Your pup may hate it ("But Mom! I want to explore!!") but at least you are comfortable and in control.

Amy

If you want to pull two fighting dogs apart you should grab the dogs by the hind legs and swing them around quickly. This will create enough force that they can't reach around and bite you. This will get them separated however you will have to have a plan of what you are going to do afterward if the aggressive dog tries to attack again. Never grab near the head or scruff, that is asking to get bit.

Ooh, that is a good way. I have never personally HAD to separate 2 dogs, but my manager has done it...once that I've seen. Usually, it's an issue of dominance and will back off once separated. Usually.

Amy

On our walks I usually look ahead to see if anyone else is heading our way with a dog. If there is someone coming our way I always go to the other side of the street, unless it's someone we know. I know it's not very sociable, but I'd rather avoid any potential confrontation.

Exactly! Keep your eyes & ears open at all times. Check your back trail. You don't have to be paranoid, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

After years & years of walking down country lanes with loose dogs around, I've only had to actually beat a dog away physically one time & I used whatever what was at hand, which at the time happened to be a leash with a great big heavy clasp at the end that I whipped down onto his head at the time till he got the idea to leave. If I would've had to, I'd have grabbed a rock & used that with my fist. It was freaky but it worked.

The good news is, because I've been really vigilant as to what was going on around me, I've been able to stave off countless attacks because I was vigilant. I can't tell you how many times we were threatened & I yelled the dog away, just by catching them before they got too close. The element of surprise is everything. If you can face them down before you get too close, at least 90% of the time they'll run home. You need to yell ' GO HOME' BAD DOG" while they're still a ways off, the further the better. When you see a dog sneaking or running up, loose, start yelling.

We have dogs running loose all over it seems, but usually they just come out of their yard long enough to show its "their property" and I keep my dogs close and from barking at them, watch the dog, but also keep moving forward.

But if one came after mine...I am sorry I will do whatever I have to to protect them- even if it means hurting another animal (if you look back a month I think there was a post going about carrying a gun-but it also offered other great suggestions)

As far as the legal end, in our city we have a leash law and if you injure a dog that is running at large because it is attacking you or your dog...they can attempt to sue all they want but I don't know any judges who would grant them a dime. They broke the law to begin with-thus endangering their own dog and others.

One other thing...if you have someone that is a problem....i'd turn them in to animal control. No one wants to make enemies with their neighbors...but it's a small price to pay. Plus you can ask that you remain anonymous...and the police officers have to respect that.