What to do - encountering an off-leash dog

Just this week I ran into the same sort of problem while walking Morgan in our neighborhood.  There was a mama Pitbull running loose.  When I spotted her, I stopped our walk until she disappeared around a house, then we turned around and headed in the opposite direction.  Strangely, when I turned around a few blocks later, she was behind us!  Fortunately, she kept her distance (about 1/2 block) but followed us all the way home!  Like you, I tried not be nervous, but it was very unsettling since I had no idea how the two would react if they came in contact with each other.  I experienced the same thing yesterday (same dog) and my husband told me to start carrying my cell & call animal control next time I see her - which I intend to do.  I'm impressed that you were able to stay 'calm' - I can't imagine how I would have reacted if they would have actually gotten into a fight! 
 
Not only do we have to worry about our dogs, but what about us?  I don't think we should have to muzzle our dogs to go for a walk!...I'd rather they were free to defend themselves (and owners) if necessary.  I'm new at the dog ownership game, so, like you,  I'm wondering if there is anything out there that you can do or carry to safely deter stray animals if they approach you? 
 
Sorry I don't have any 'advice' - but I'm certainly interested in any responses to this problem...
Dragonfly
 

Direct Stop may help in some cases.

When I saw the dog following us, I did stop & look at her.  She stopped, too.  But when we started walking again, so did she.  I did this twice & then I guess I became unnerved.  I felt like this dog was stalking us...paranoia...but she did follow us all the way home!   I've had smaller dogs actually come up to us...they just sniff & we're on our way, but I'm always on guard in case they're not friendly.  Should I say anything or make a noise?

The dogs that I have run across that have been agressive are ones where you had no doubt.  They would stand there and bark in a manner that you knew might be trouble or would actually try and attack. 
 
There are those dogs that just see another dog and want to meet and be friends.  But I can't allow that b/c I have two dogs and they get wrapped around my legs easily in the excitement of meeting a new dog.  There are a couple dogs that we already "know", so I will let them sniff and greet.  We've seen other dogs that just try and follow us b/c they want to meet - but strange dogs I can't allow around.
 
So, I carry a walking stick that you can make small and carry, or lengthen out.  I will make it lengthen out, hold it above my head, and it a calm, but very deep, loud, and firm voice say "NO" to the other dog.  If neccessary, I will use the end of the stick to keep the other dog away.
 
Yes, sometimes direct stop can help --- but I have found if a dog truly wants to attack you, that it does it in a matter of seconds.  Literally.  We have had this happen twice.  The first time the direct stop only temporarily stopped the dog.  The second time - with a different dog - I used my cane.  In both cases, I did not have time to get the direct stop out before the dog attack.  There simply isn't time.  So, the advantage of walking with a cane /walking stick is that it is always in your hands.    If a dog is simply following, then you can probably get it to leave you alone by firmly saying "NO" and waving your arms.  If not, then there's not much to do but keep walking and keep a watch out.  Of course, in that instance, you would have time to get the direct stop out.  But, I repeat, in my limited experience, the two times we've been attatcked, the dog came running from far away and attacked in just a matter of 2 -3 seconds.  Those really do mean business, unfortunately.
 
Also, for those dogs that are not aggressive, but just don't understand why they can't play with your dogs, then squirting water from a water bottle just might do the trick.  They aren't bad dogs, they just don't understand.  But, many dogs don't like water squirted on them, so than might help them to take the hint.

First...I now understand that 'Direct Stop' is a product and not something I need to do!  I told you I was new at this dog stuff...[sm=blush.gif]
Second...where did you get the cane you use...I think that's something I'd like to have, too.
 
What did you do in the instances of the attacks?  Is there a safe way to break up a dog fight?

Ugh, I face this problem EVERYTIME I walk my dog. Except I have the dog aggressive dog.
I carry a breaking stick (she's a pit bull and I can use one on her as I've practiced with her at home) because they're not illegal here. I carry pepper spray, a spray bottle with water in it, extra control lead, treats, and a toy to distract my dog.

I have yet to come across an aggressive dog, but they're usually the type that don't understand that they cannot come up and greet my dog. See, Ella doesn't growl at dogs, she simply looks really interested and pulls towards them. If given the chance she'd attack. I cannot control off leash dogs who refuse to leave us alone. This is what scares me.

Yes, your BEST BET is going to be to carry around a huge stick to shoo off other dogs.

You don't need a walking stick btw, any object like it will work - a tennis raquet, etc. Something to put between you and the dog.
 
 
 
 

My list of ideas in case of a dog attack:
(1)  a tennis ball to throw [maybe the dog(s) will chase it]
(2)  a handful of smelly treats (toss on the ground and leave)
(3)  SprayShield Animal Deterrent Spray (formerly Direct Stop)
www.dog.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=101367
(4)  a very loud whistle or air horn (dogs have sensitive ears)
(5)  pepper spray or mace
(6)  a stout walking stick or umbrella (one that pops open)
 
CAUTION:  Causing a dog pain can potentially escalate a fight.
 
Note:  Always walk your dog in closed-toe shoes and, if possible, in long pants.  Sandals and shorts can get you hurt if you have to deal with a dog fight.

What I like about my walking stick - it's a hiking stick (ll bean or other outdoor places) - is that I can make it smaller and then longer as needed .  But, I know when I am in the "area" where the dogs of questionable nature are.  So, if I hear one starting to bark, then I can quickly lengthen it.  The first time I was at my mailbox when the dog came charging down a hill.  I used 1/2 the Direct Stop and managed to get up the first set of steps.  The dog ran away, but then came right back up the driveway where I preceded to use the rest of the Direct Stop and he left again - so I made it to my door.  He was truly aggressive, and known to bite people.
 
The second dog was one where we crossed paths everyday and I simply could not make friends with him - but he stayed his distance by about 15 feet.  This dog was actually a frequent visitor.  Well, one day, another frequent visitor dog was also there - so this time the unfriendly dog decided to "show off" to his friend.  He attacked and I used the walking stick to hit him with - which bought me time.  But, I still had to make it to someone's house and get on their porch where, blessedly, there was only one small entrance -so I stood at the entrance and would yell and hit the dog when he came towards us.
 
I do not bother to carry Direct Stop anymore.  I have bought several bottles, but they all break where you attatch it on you - and to put it into something is not handly.  My preferences are the stick and a water bottle.  I try and be "bigger" and use a deep voice to warn another dog off and that usually works.  I think that if you throw treats down, the dog will only gobble it up and come after more.  I also think that if a dog is going to stop to eat treats, then he isn't very intent on attacking.
 
I think most dogs do not attack. I walk frequently almost every day for years and so even tho my two incidences sound like a lot, I think in the number of walks we have done, the percentage is very low.  I am on guard, however, with any new dog and some of the ones I know that don't attack, but I also know just aren't friendly.  (That's when I walk with the stick extenede).  We pass some small dogs every day that are not friendly, and have bitten realives who were in their yard.  But, they have never tried anything with us - they will only bark.  So, with them I do not worry.  I just stay on the side of the street away from their property and they just act big on occassion.  You just get to know the regualr dogs and what their limits are.
 
I've not tried the air horn, but it sounds like a good idea.  An umbrella would work better if your dogs are behind you - I like the idea that it pops open.  My problem is that I have not trained mine to go behind me and so I need something that will reach past them.  It would be helpful for you to work on a command (and practice outside) to teach your dog to stay behind you.

Also you have to worry about pepper spray blowing back into your dogs face.

 ersonally, I have come to the conclusion that nothing can stop a dog who is intent on following you...or making trouble.  They will shoo off for a moment or two, but will continue to follow (and sometimes terrorize)  until someone comes to your rescue, or you can escape, or they find something more interesting to get in to.

Me and Chewbecca have been in a gazillion threads (or more) discussing this very same thing.  All you have to do is click on one of our names and you will find more threads about the same issue.

These days, I take my truck and keep the back open. That way I not only have an escape route but a safe place.  If I see a loose dog come out of the blue, it is kennel up time. Not a fun way to live, and doesn't make for really long enjoyable walks...but I have come too close...too many times.

 The last time we ventured out on our own without the protection of the truck... 3 large loose dogs came barrelling out of nowhere.

I got us to safety, barely.  But that was the end of it for me.

[] This is why I'm so afraid to walk my little guys around outside of our fenced property.  There is a neighborhood across the street and behind our home, but so many irresponsible owners let their dogs escape on a regular basis, that I'm afraid I won't be able to protect my dogs if we meet up with the wrong dog.  My dogs are so small, that it wouldn't take much from a larger dog to cause a fatal injury.  Plus it doesn't help a dog with prey drive that my 2 look like bunnies from behind with their white fluffy tails [sm=lol.gif]

My neighbor had 3 un-neutered/un-spayed Filas that would get out and roam around at least 3-4 times/week.  You just never knew when they would be out wandering around, and they were not at all friendly.  One of them charged the gate and came into my yard once, ran toward one of my tzus, and then peed all over everything and refused to leave.  Meanwhile, his female partner in crime stood at our driveway between our 2 lots with a stiff stance, stare, and a low growl if we moved toward her owner's home.  It was awful.  DH had to DRIVE to the neighbors house and tell him to come get his *&^% dogs.  Anyway, that's when I stopped walking my dogs.  Two of the Filas have since "disappeared" over the last month, and now there is just one un-neutered Fila (about 8 or 9 months old - came from the litter of the 2 missing Filas) over there.  I haven't seen him wandering the streets YET.[:@]

I have my 2 Tzus enrolled in different classes at the Kennel Club, and the weather is getting perfect for practicing our loose leash and healing skills. 

Should I just arm myself with a spray bottle and one of those big sticks and take a chance...[8|]  ??

Is there a safe way to break up a dog fight?

Other than things I listed in my last post:
 
In a backyard situation, you can try by
(1) using a water hose/bucket  or
(2) tossing a blanket over the dogs.
 
A much more dangerous way that can be used in many places is
with two people
(1)  to have each person grab the hind legs of a dog and quickly walk backwards -or-
(2)  to have each person slip a looped leash around the hind legs of a dog and walk quickly backwards 
with only one person
(3a)  to attach one dog to a fence (or other stationary object) via a leash around the neck or around the hind legs and then
(3b)  to grab (or slip a looped leash around) the hind legs of the second dog and walk quickly backwards.
 
Separating the dogs can be much more complicated if one of the dogs is a bully breed.  Breaking the bite of such an animal may require a "breaking stick" to pry the dog's mouth open.

Tzumommy, 
 
I would be extra scared too with having such small dogs.  The smaller dogs that are not friendly that I mentioned earlier don't bother us, I think, is b/c my dogs are bigger than them.
 
I definately would not walk both your small ones at the same time b/c I'm thinking you might could get one in your arms, but probably not both.
 
Of course, if  you had a relatively safe neighborhood, then that might be different.  But, who has that?
 
I completely understand you being extra cautious with such small dogs.  And I would not leave home w/o water bottle and stick and maybe air horn.  (I may have to get one of those ---). 

We had a small incident yesterday and I'm wondering if I reacted in the best way.

As far as I am concerned any actions that prevent a fight or break up a fight without the dogs getting hurt are the "right" actions.   I know that folks say "never get in the middle of a dog fight", but I couldn't stand on the sidelines with my walking stick and let my dog get hurt.  Luckily I have never actually been attacked - have been harassed though. 
 
I live in a concealed carry state (people can get a license to carry a concealed weapon).  One scream from my sister's apartment in the middle of night brought out at least two guys with guns, so I imagine that a lot of Texas dog fights are stopped by a bullet.  Irresponsible owners who let their dogs roam free may never see them again between cars, dog fights, bullets, and coyotes!  [sm=banghead002.gif]   [:@]