[at-l] Bad Dog Advice (take with salt)

["Sam Teel" <steel@sfwmd.gov>]

Steve Miller (apparently without the band) wrote:

> i'm sure it is a good idea to be wary of stray dogs (as some can
> definitely be violent and terratorial, especially if it's current or previous owners were dysfunctional), but i think that a majority will leave a hiker alone if that hiker doesn't show the dog fear.
> ketzer (aka steve miller)

Some of this is a bit harsh, so if that sort of thing offends, delete now.

Absolutely true.  There are few dogs that will take on a determined man, esp it the human is MAD. (I own and train the exceptions)  When I said that I'm not afraid of any dog, that's true, but I accept that I very well may get bit once or twice before I gain the upper hand. (I've got scars to prove it)  When a dog seems aggressive to me, and moves toward me,  I start yelling and cussing him out, walking quickly TOWARD him, waving my arms and if I have my hiking stick, it's BUZZING through the air.  If I don't, I'll use rocks, knives and anything I can get my hands on. If he keeps coming he's gonna get knocked into the middle of next week.  (Email me off list for the hand to dog combat method).  Steve's technique is probably a better one if one is unwilling to accept even a single bite.  I also carry a spyderco and in the
end, I will prevail.  My experience would suggest if you wish to avoid combat:

Stay out of the dogs territory
Don't RUN away
Don't get into a staring contest, dogs consider that a challenge (which is why I do it, I'm alpha male of my pack)
Don't loose sight either.
Glance at the pup, and speak softly and move away.

The above assumes you have no stick.  If you do, start swinging it early.  Let him know it's gonna be costly.

If you don't have a stick and--
If he gets inside your space, like less than a foot, and you have no weapon, shout "Shutup!" "Get Out A Here!" "NO!" and step back. Some dogs have heard this so much that they respond automatically.   If he still comes on and especially if he opens his mouth and moves in, kick him under the lower jaw as hard as you can. but STAY ON YOUR FEET.  If he gets you on the ground, you're gonna get hurt badly.  If he grabs your leg and hangs on, don't try to kick him with the other foot, you'll just get tangled up and fall.  Make a tight, hard fist and hit him on the head right between his eyes, as hard as you've ever hit anything in you life. Yell for help, loose all pride and hope someone like me is around. If there are people around but are afraid to help you, shout at them to call 911.  At this point, if you have a weapon, use
it.  People get mangled by dogs because they or someone nearby  failed to use deadly force.  I'll kill a dog in a heartbeat to save a child's face.

I train the most powerful, ferocious dogs on earth. I say, "Here Brutus, get your treat" I break it into a piece the size of an acorn, put it between my lips and lean over . This eighty pound American Pit Bull Terrier rolls his lips over his teeth, holds his breath and takes the treat.  It's the owner, not the dog.  And Brutus is not even my dog.

Sam
Have a good weekend.


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