Q&A for How to Protect Yourself from Dogs While Walking

It depends on the dog as they all have different personalities. Some may be frightened from loud banging or yelling while others may become more aggressive.

It depends on the dog and your relationship to it. If it is an unfamiliar dog, it may view this as a threat or invitation to attack.

Laws vary depending on your area, but in general if you believe your life is in immediate danger you are allowed to defend yourself. Pepper spray might be a better option if you live in an area with very strict gun laws, or have little experience with gun safety. Check your local laws and ordinances before carrying a gun outside your home.

Just make your voice as deep as you can when dealing with loose dogs, and it does help. All the tips in here help.

Probably not. Dogs love sticks (obviously) and it will probably just follow you. But if you throw the stick far away, it might chase the stick and give you time to vamoose.

No, it's quite a bad idea. Kicking a dog can just make the dog attack you, for "revenge". Bring a large stick or a stun gun instead, or any of the other things mentioned in the article.

I suppose it depends on your behavior. You shouldn't go around kicking dogs that you're afraid of.

If worse comes to worst, purchase a short leash - or you can chock up on the leash you already own. If there is another threat, you might have to pull up the dog from the neck and hold onto it. Even though this sounds harsh and painful, dogs are not affected that much by this. You also might purchase a brace that can be hooked up to a leash so you can pick up the dog the same way. Having pepper spray may come in handy.

Don't stare back, as the dog might take this as a sign of aggression. Avoid eye contact, turn your body away from it, and slowly walk away. You want to show that you mean no harm.

You might have been too close to them. When you see your neighbor, say, "Hello, When I was taking my morning walk, your dogs attacked me. I would like to know what the best way to make sure this doesn't happen again." Hopefully they will have some advice for you, or they will take the hint and make sure their dogs are secure so they cannot attack anyone again.

Coyotes and bobcats do not generally attack humans. Carry a walking stick if it makes you feel better.

Protect your dog in the same way that you protect yourself. Bring a protective stick or stun gun to use on the aggressive dog. Try to avoid areas with dogs that are not on leashes or areas that pass by another dog's yard if the dog is aggressive.

Explain to your family why he is becoming dangerous. Try to catch him in the act and get a video or some evidence that he is becoming aggressive, and if all else fails, call local authorities to deal with the aggression if you fear someone is in danger.

Not likely to happen in most communities. That said, taking a stick or bat with you when you go walking somewhere is a good way to prepare in advance for a scenario like that.

Bikes intimidate dogs. So try walking with your bike when you see a dog near you.

Bring protection such as a big stick or stun gun. You can also try a dog whistle that irritates the dog. Try to walk in areas where there aren't many dogs.

Protect your dog in the same way that you protect yourself. Bring a protective stick or stun gun to use on the aggressive dog. Try to avoid areas with dogs that are not on leashes or areas that pass by another dog's yard if the dog is aggressive.

Yes, a dog whistle can be an effective deterrent.

Carry an automatically opening umbrella on your walk. Point it at the dog and push the button to open it. It may scare the dog and afford you protection at the same time.

One thing you can do is yell. If there are people nearby, then they can potentially help. Yell at the dog to make it stay back. If the dog is already attacking, then protect yourself by covering your neck and face with your arms in an X position.

Yes it is safe to use pepper spray, but make sure you're aware of wind conditions as it's possible for the pepper spray to be blown back towards you. Additionally, the pepper spray will not harm the dog permanently. The chemical that makes pepper spray hurt is the same one that makes peppers spicy, just in a very concentrated solution. The pepper spray will burn for 30 minutes to 2 hours and the dog will be temporarily unable to see or smell for that time, but serious lasting damage is rare.