|
I've been unlucky as far as dogs and culture are concerned. I had a German Shepard Dog when they were the "big mean evil dogs that kill people." Then I had a doberman--guess which breed was next in the news. After that, I had a statfordshire bull terrier, which then was branded the dreaded "pit bull" of 6:00 news fame. Now I have a rat terrier, and I'm just waiting for them to be the new evil puppy breed of doom.
My shepard would sit in the yard and watch people walk by. She got blinded by a jogger who freaked because *gasp* it's an EVIL SHEPARD! and sprayed her in the eyes.
The real problem isn't with dogs, it's with bad owners. Spray the frickin people who don't socialize and train their animals, and the ones who can't keep them under control.
Also, know how to approach a strange dog. I've had my dog on a leash on heel, and been amazed at how some people will stick their hands and faces right in the dog's face! First, my dog is doing a job: walking on heel. Don't distract them. Second, my dog is A DOG! Dogs can react to lots of squeaking, rapid movements, and tasty pieces of meat/scary pieces of meat in their faces in a rather obvious way.
I don't want to blame the victim, so if the problem is with strays or dogs not under control, then it's time to be a bit more actively defensive. Be aware that for most animals, spraying them will just piss them off. Don't ever run from a dog, you'll just turn on their prey drive. Sometimes you can even command a strange dog: tell it "NO" in a low-pitched, firm voice *even if the dog doesn't speak your language.*
Dog bites should get reported to your local health department. The dog will be checked for a current rabies vaccination or quarantined. There might also be vicious dog laws on the books to force the owner to kennel the dog.
Given the choice between using a weapon on a dog, or considering something else, I'd have to go with something else.
|