I would suggest also, making sure you know how to read, and pay attention to, your dog's behavior and reactions. You note correctly that your dog can help you scan for threats, but you need to let your dog tell you.
First you need to understand what your dog is trying to tell you. Some owners have trouble distinguishing between "somebody left p-mail here" from "something is really interesting over there" from "something is off." Working breeds, especially, can be hard to tell the difference on the last two because they are protectors and tend to instinctually address threats directly.
Second, you need to spare enough attention from your own scan and assess, to catch what your dog is sending. It's the opposite problem of over focusing on the dog to the exclusion of all else.
I fear other dogs when walking. I feared for dogs and their owners/claimers when I lived outside Houston, now in the country it's just dogs that have never been confined or restrained.
I have a Shepherd's hook about 7' tall formed of 1-1/2" diameter vine material, I believe.
I feel more confident using that to "pull" an aggressive or curious dog away from mine using the hook. Pepper spray is next-level, especially for numerous dogs, which is not unusual in the country.
The only confrontation I've encountered was when a neighbor's unrestrained dog left it's yard to attack my elderly Shorthair on the sidewalk, leashed. The people were in the front yard and immediately started forming their defense. We split the Vet bills for my dog, not ideal, but....
I honestly don't want to injure the dogs, it's not their fault. But, my dog's safety is paramount.
I had always planned on just letting go of the leash.
Another situation to consider is eating sloppy (read: "delicious") foods, such as wings and ribs {not the weak kind cooked on venturi tubes, eh, Mark? :) }
I eat mine with my weak hand to keep my strong hand free of grease/sauce.
Lee, generally great advise. For the most part, I would favor letting go of the dog's leash during an attack. A dog will likely be better in defending itself (or you) without the leash getting in its way. Plus, the dog is faster than we two-legged animals, so why slow it down? We are told that if attacked and carrying something, let it fall to the ground. With both hands free, we are better able to do what is necessary.
Although it is traditional to teach dogs to heel on the handler's left, I have always taught my dogs to heel on my right. This is because, being left-handed, I need to be able to hold my dog's lead while simultaneously drawing my sidearm.
Thanks - great article!
I would suggest also, making sure you know how to read, and pay attention to, your dog's behavior and reactions. You note correctly that your dog can help you scan for threats, but you need to let your dog tell you.
First you need to understand what your dog is trying to tell you. Some owners have trouble distinguishing between "somebody left p-mail here" from "something is really interesting over there" from "something is off." Working breeds, especially, can be hard to tell the difference on the last two because they are protectors and tend to instinctually address threats directly.
Second, you need to spare enough attention from your own scan and assess, to catch what your dog is sending. It's the opposite problem of over focusing on the dog to the exclusion of all else.
Very, very great points, Boris. Big thanks!
Great and practical write, Sir.
I fear other dogs when walking. I feared for dogs and their owners/claimers when I lived outside Houston, now in the country it's just dogs that have never been confined or restrained.
I have a Shepherd's hook about 7' tall formed of 1-1/2" diameter vine material, I believe.
I feel more confident using that to "pull" an aggressive or curious dog away from mine using the hook. Pepper spray is next-level, especially for numerous dogs, which is not unusual in the country.
The only confrontation I've encountered was when a neighbor's unrestrained dog left it's yard to attack my elderly Shorthair on the sidewalk, leashed. The people were in the front yard and immediately started forming their defense. We split the Vet bills for my dog, not ideal, but....
I honestly don't want to injure the dogs, it's not their fault. But, my dog's safety is paramount.
Onward, Christian soldiers!
A M E N! Thanks, Guido. Appreciate your info.
A very thought-provoking and useful article, thank you!
Thanks for this.
I had always planned on just letting go of the leash.
Another situation to consider is eating sloppy (read: "delicious") foods, such as wings and ribs {not the weak kind cooked on venturi tubes, eh, Mark? :) }
I eat mine with my weak hand to keep my strong hand free of grease/sauce.
Loved the comment!!!
My plan too. Holding on to the leash when you are in a gunfight where you have to reload is not a good plan.
Lee, generally great advise. For the most part, I would favor letting go of the dog's leash during an attack. A dog will likely be better in defending itself (or you) without the leash getting in its way. Plus, the dog is faster than we two-legged animals, so why slow it down? We are told that if attacked and carrying something, let it fall to the ground. With both hands free, we are better able to do what is necessary.
Really great advice. Our biggest problem here in Oregon is pitbull‘s, and the owners who don’t control them.
Although it is traditional to teach dogs to heel on the handler's left, I have always taught my dogs to heel on my right. This is because, being left-handed, I need to be able to hold my dog's lead while simultaneously drawing my sidearm.