I have two dogs, one of which is a 10 month old puppy. He's a Bernedoodle and about 80 pounds (so far) and while rambunctious and excitable, as gentle a dog as you can imagine. He hasn't chewed up a single piece of furniture or a single shoe left on the floor, but he does a pretty good job chewing up his toys. Where I live we have more than occasionally spotted a coyote, some of which are pretty large. But I doubt that a coyote would attempt to attack a dog of 80 pounds being walked by a human, but I am not sure about that by any means. What I wondered about was how my big and clearly capable puppy would react if actually attacked by a deadly coyote? Would he just yelp and try to get away, or would the wolf genes still in him get him to fight back against a predator? I carry pepper spray and a pocket knife when we go for walks, but leave my handgun behind because we walk on the grounds of the local community college where of course carrying a gun is illegal. So it has crossed my mind that despite his size he might well be no match for a hungry coyote.
How much instinct survives in domesticated doge?
- Thread starter vito
- Start date
Unlikely, as you say due to his size,,,,BUT any critter that may be "hungry, or sick, rabies, distemper" may do the opposite,,,,and of course during the "season" if pups,(litters) and they "pack", a different story......we got the same thing around here, NE Ohio, but they are pretty wary, yes , once in a while one may nab a small "pet", cats or dogs, and yes, even an eagle has flown off with a white small poodle last year.....see more owls .hawks , take off with rabbits BIGGER than our small 'yorkie' Chloe ( 5 pounds soaking wet) 8) :roll: :wink:
There are folks here that know a helluva lot more about coyotes than I do...
I occurs to me however that a coyote attack might involve more than one coyote, given the fact that they are highly intelligent and known pack hunters.
Jeff
I occurs to me however that a coyote attack might involve more than one coyote, given the fact that they are highly intelligent and known pack hunters.
Jeff
Jimbo357mag
Hawkeye
I think domestic dogs can be very loyal and defensive of their owners. I have seen videos and read stories of domestic dogs fending off people and other wild animals. I would expect a fight even if the coyote was much more dangerous.
We have a neighbor that has a male Pit mix, maybe 70-80 pounds guessing 5-6 years old.
The dog is very friendly around people ( I personally have issues with the whole breed ) but
not so much toward other dogs. We have lots of coyotes and last winter I was woken up
to lots of coyote noise....neighbors dog was fighting a male coyote resulting in one dead
coyote and maybe 20 stitches in Fred. Coyote seemed about average size for here, guess
maybe 50 lbs. it's neck and throat were really torn up by the time Fred quit.
I didn't see any of the fight, it was over by the time I got clothes on and went out to
see what was happening. Thought maybe I would need to shoot the coyote to finish it off
but it was dead!
Don't have clue who went after who to start the fight.
Years before that a full size beagle belonging to people that lived across the street
would tangle with coyotes actually saw it chase one across my back yard.
Dave
The dog is very friendly around people ( I personally have issues with the whole breed ) but
not so much toward other dogs. We have lots of coyotes and last winter I was woken up
to lots of coyote noise....neighbors dog was fighting a male coyote resulting in one dead
coyote and maybe 20 stitches in Fred. Coyote seemed about average size for here, guess
maybe 50 lbs. it's neck and throat were really torn up by the time Fred quit.
I didn't see any of the fight, it was over by the time I got clothes on and went out to
see what was happening. Thought maybe I would need to shoot the coyote to finish it off
but it was dead!
Don't have clue who went after who to start the fight.
Years before that a full size beagle belonging to people that lived across the street
would tangle with coyotes actually saw it chase one across my back yard.
Dave
We have two dogs, both are around 65 pounds. I've been taking them both for walks separately, so I get twice as much walking in. But there is a creek by our house, and even though we live in the city, I've seen coyotes once or twice in the neighborhood around dusk in the summertime. I've often wondered the same thing, if we were to spot a coyote while out walking, what our dogs would do.
More than likely, the coyote would run off. I'd almost bet on that. Unless it had rabies. I do know, our one dog, Rainy, seems scared at almost everything, but onetime in the evening, at the school yard, another dog was trying to start a fight with Blizzard, our other dog. Rainy came in teeth barred ready for blood trying to defend Blizzard.
So, yes, I do think they inherit some natural instincts. While both our dogs are big furry puppies at heart, and would never bite or attack a person; if push came to shove, they would stop at nothing to defend my daughter and wife. If my daughter has friends over, Blizzard will guard them even inside the house.
And what's really funny, if my daughter and I start to rough-house, Blizzard will jump in and get between her and I and bark at me to stop! :D No respect, I tell ya...
More than likely, the coyote would run off. I'd almost bet on that. Unless it had rabies. I do know, our one dog, Rainy, seems scared at almost everything, but onetime in the evening, at the school yard, another dog was trying to start a fight with Blizzard, our other dog. Rainy came in teeth barred ready for blood trying to defend Blizzard.
So, yes, I do think they inherit some natural instincts. While both our dogs are big furry puppies at heart, and would never bite or attack a person; if push came to shove, they would stop at nothing to defend my daughter and wife. If my daughter has friends over, Blizzard will guard them even inside the house.
And what's really funny, if my daughter and I start to rough-house, Blizzard will jump in and get between her and I and bark at me to stop! :D No respect, I tell ya...
OP
Since we've owned this big puppy there has not been any instances of someone or something acting threateningly to either myself or my wife (and the dog is far more devoted to my wife than he is to me) so I have no idea if he would just bark and be confused, ignore the threat, or become defensive. Many, many years ago I had a dog that I inherited from my boss who was being reassigned, and this 100 pound lab/Doberman mix was welcoming to visitors in our home if I was present. But if my wife were home alone he would not permit ANY male into the house, only females. My former boss said that he had never been trained to behave this way, but had been so since he was a puppy. In truth, he scared my wife a bit due to his protectiveness, and she would have to lock him in the bathroom if she needed to let a man into the house. This even applied to my next door neighbor, a physician, who my dog would love to see, wagging his tail and excitedly wanting to go to him. But if I were not present, even this neighbor, if he came to the door, would be met by bared teeth, scary growling, tail down and no question that he would attack the neighbor if he could get to him. I bring this up just as an example of a dog whose protective/defensive instincts were very, very present. I'm just not at all sure if my dog today would be anything like that even if physically attacked.
BearBio
Buckeye
Retired Wildlife Biologist with 20 yrs experience working for the Feds, an MS in Animal Behavior with a thesis in Black Bear behavior.
How is he around other dogs? Cautious, aggressive (not likely from your description), "cowardly"?
Remember, if attacked he will likely defend herself, although being immature he may be more subservient. Varies somewhat with breed.
A few anecdotes: We had a "schnoodle" (schnauzer/poodle) that stood up to two Rotties (woulda got his fanny kicked!!). Had a large GSP that was very docile but took no guff from other dogs (Rescue and he had some obvious fighting scars). We have an 80 lb Pointing Griffon that is friendly but has gotten into some pretty bad scraps with our whippet/terrier (He starts them with her). I saw an akita that I knew (I managed pet shops while in college) get attacked by pits. A white guy in a black neighborhood and two blacks "sicced" their pits on the akita. The akita snapped one's neck when it came in low and sidestepped the other and laid the ribs open! My ex-wife's Dobie killed two coyotes (NOT at the same time). They lived in the foothills of Glendale, CA.
Evolutionarily, dogs came from different backgrounds: Some evolved/were bred from jackals and some from wolves. Breeding ((a form of GMO, in my opinion) has bred different traits. Worked with an American pit bull who was a REAL baby but was very territorial. Her territory was wherever she was! Dobies don't "turn"=they simply hold their training better. Train them (improperly) to be vicious and they will be vicious. Trained properly and they will retain proper training.
Pepper spray is an excellent idea. Maybe a stout club, as well.
How is he around other dogs? Cautious, aggressive (not likely from your description), "cowardly"?
Remember, if attacked he will likely defend herself, although being immature he may be more subservient. Varies somewhat with breed.
A few anecdotes: We had a "schnoodle" (schnauzer/poodle) that stood up to two Rotties (woulda got his fanny kicked!!). Had a large GSP that was very docile but took no guff from other dogs (Rescue and he had some obvious fighting scars). We have an 80 lb Pointing Griffon that is friendly but has gotten into some pretty bad scraps with our whippet/terrier (He starts them with her). I saw an akita that I knew (I managed pet shops while in college) get attacked by pits. A white guy in a black neighborhood and two blacks "sicced" their pits on the akita. The akita snapped one's neck when it came in low and sidestepped the other and laid the ribs open! My ex-wife's Dobie killed two coyotes (NOT at the same time). They lived in the foothills of Glendale, CA.
Evolutionarily, dogs came from different backgrounds: Some evolved/were bred from jackals and some from wolves. Breeding ((a form of GMO, in my opinion) has bred different traits. Worked with an American pit bull who was a REAL baby but was very territorial. Her territory was wherever she was! Dobies don't "turn"=they simply hold their training better. Train them (improperly) to be vicious and they will be vicious. Trained properly and they will retain proper training.
Pepper spray is an excellent idea. Maybe a stout club, as well.
OP
BearBio said:
Thanks. I appreciate the input. I've considered a stout walking stick, but when I walk two dogs I already have both hands full. I need a third hand for the stick I guess.
nvbirdman
Blackhawk
I watched my 50lb black lab scare off a coyote. She told him this was her house and he didn't belong here. Even if the coyote wins the fight he may end up in no shape to go rabbit hunting that night.
Bob Wright
Hawkeye
Carry a cat along with you?
Bob Wright
Bob Wright
I have walked my last lab male about 80 lbs. in woods while scouting and seen coyotes watching but staying away. Out west here most coyotes are in the 40 lb range.
I was a Fish/Game troop for 9 years, we got calls every week all summer long of all kinds of BS calls about wolfs and cougars. 99% when I investigated were coyotes.
But I got a call of a cougar attacking a lab. The dog was full grown male and normally outside at night during the summer. Kept on a cable run with a leash attached to it. They woke up to the fight, the dog fought the cougar. They never seen it. Dog got a few stitches. I confirmed it was a cougar by the tracks in the unknown animal blood at the attack site and several hundred yards away where it stopped and was still bleeding. It left several nice tracks in it's blood. Followed up rest of summer and it never returned to the area.
I was a Fish/Game troop for 9 years, we got calls every week all summer long of all kinds of BS calls about wolfs and cougars. 99% when I investigated were coyotes.
But I got a call of a cougar attacking a lab. The dog was full grown male and normally outside at night during the summer. Kept on a cable run with a leash attached to it. They woke up to the fight, the dog fought the cougar. They never seen it. Dog got a few stitches. I confirmed it was a cougar by the tracks in the unknown animal blood at the attack site and several hundred yards away where it stopped and was still bleeding. It left several nice tracks in it's blood. Followed up rest of summer and it never returned to the area.
protoolman
Service-Sixer
Coyotes main food is rabbits and mice. Or your dogs food off the back porch. They normally wont mess with humans or dogs unless your dog catches them stealing his food you will be fine.Ive lived with wild coyotes my whole life out in the west never seen them be agressive to a big dog or human unless competing for food. I hear in cities they act differently due to them adapting and losing their fear of humans, no experince with that.
No scientific data to back this up, but I think environment may come into play. Let me explain.
I had a Great Pyrenees/Alaskan Malamute mix, named Girl. She weighed 120 lbs. Docile, gentle, played with other dogs of any size, shape or breed. She was born and raised in the city. Not an aggressive bone in her body the entire time she lived in the city, which was about 6 years. Never a growl or a fight or even a "warning nip" towards anyone, two legged or 4 legged. Wouldn't even chase a cat.
Circumstances dictated a permanent move to the country for her and I, along with my other cow dog Sugar. At first she stayed home, never left my sight or the yard. Gradually she began to explore the ranch property, venturing further and further away. Then she started disappearing at night for hours at a time. A few times I'd find her in the morning. on the front porch where she slept, with blood on her muzzle, head and neck. I'd check her for wounds and never found even one. One evening we were enjoying the twilight after sunset when a pack of coyotes began yipping and yapping (contrary to popular belief coyotes seldom howl). Girl's ears perked up, she put her nose in the air for a few moments and then she took of like a shot into the night. I don't know what happened but she did come home eventually with blood on her.
Long story made short: that was the beginning of a change in her demeanor and lifestyle. She was still gentle with people and domestic animals; she was absolutely aggressive towards coyotes (and occasionally skunks, but that's another story). I witnessed on more than one occasion Girl chasing and driving 2 and 3 approaching coyotes. I believe the change in environment and the presence of truly wild wildlife awoke her more basic instincts that lay dormant when she lived in the town environment. I don't know how else to explain the change.
I had a Great Pyrenees/Alaskan Malamute mix, named Girl. She weighed 120 lbs. Docile, gentle, played with other dogs of any size, shape or breed. She was born and raised in the city. Not an aggressive bone in her body the entire time she lived in the city, which was about 6 years. Never a growl or a fight or even a "warning nip" towards anyone, two legged or 4 legged. Wouldn't even chase a cat.
Circumstances dictated a permanent move to the country for her and I, along with my other cow dog Sugar. At first she stayed home, never left my sight or the yard. Gradually she began to explore the ranch property, venturing further and further away. Then she started disappearing at night for hours at a time. A few times I'd find her in the morning. on the front porch where she slept, with blood on her muzzle, head and neck. I'd check her for wounds and never found even one. One evening we were enjoying the twilight after sunset when a pack of coyotes began yipping and yapping (contrary to popular belief coyotes seldom howl). Girl's ears perked up, she put her nose in the air for a few moments and then she took of like a shot into the night. I don't know what happened but she did come home eventually with blood on her.
Long story made short: that was the beginning of a change in her demeanor and lifestyle. She was still gentle with people and domestic animals; she was absolutely aggressive towards coyotes (and occasionally skunks, but that's another story). I witnessed on more than one occasion Girl chasing and driving 2 and 3 approaching coyotes. I believe the change in environment and the presence of truly wild wildlife awoke her more basic instincts that lay dormant when she lived in the town environment. I don't know how else to explain the change.
Rick Courtright
Hawkeye
Hi,
To build on what's already been discussed, I wonder if the question should really be "How much instinct can be triggered in domesticated dogs?" (Or maybe a real doge if you've been to Venice lately and brought home a rescue!) I think most all of the early "instinct" still survives the generations, but, like storing our firearms in the safe, it may take more or less effort to get one out if required.
Domestic dogs can go feral without much input. I've witnessed that in person in some of the areas we hunted for rabbits and squirrels as a kid. A Border Patrolman warned us about packs of them and pointed out areas to be especially careful of. He cautioned us that if we ran into them coming at us, shoot one as quickly as we could. He told us as soon as one went down, the rest of the pack would turn on the injured animal and kill it, giving us a chance to hightail it out of there. It was a couple of more trips before we got to put his advice to work. He was right!
And then we've supposedly got a hybrid running thru our hills I've never seen, but have heard reports from folks who say they've seem 'em: a "coy-dog." Apparently a coyote and a similar sized dog have no problem getting together and getting busy as it were. Rumor has it their offspring are rather dangerous in that they have all the wild instincts of the coyote, without the caution about humans, courtesy of the domesticated parent. True or old wives' tale? I dunno.
Add tons of anecdotes acquired along the way, and I'm not so sure little Fluffy's actual "instincts" are really that far from Jack London's White Fang's. It's just a matter of getting out whatever's hidden inside.
Rick C
To build on what's already been discussed, I wonder if the question should really be "How much instinct can be triggered in domesticated dogs?" (Or maybe a real doge if you've been to Venice lately and brought home a rescue!) I think most all of the early "instinct" still survives the generations, but, like storing our firearms in the safe, it may take more or less effort to get one out if required.
Domestic dogs can go feral without much input. I've witnessed that in person in some of the areas we hunted for rabbits and squirrels as a kid. A Border Patrolman warned us about packs of them and pointed out areas to be especially careful of. He cautioned us that if we ran into them coming at us, shoot one as quickly as we could. He told us as soon as one went down, the rest of the pack would turn on the injured animal and kill it, giving us a chance to hightail it out of there. It was a couple of more trips before we got to put his advice to work. He was right!
And then we've supposedly got a hybrid running thru our hills I've never seen, but have heard reports from folks who say they've seem 'em: a "coy-dog." Apparently a coyote and a similar sized dog have no problem getting together and getting busy as it were. Rumor has it their offspring are rather dangerous in that they have all the wild instincts of the coyote, without the caution about humans, courtesy of the domesticated parent. True or old wives' tale? I dunno.
Add tons of anecdotes acquired along the way, and I'm not so sure little Fluffy's actual "instincts" are really that far from Jack London's White Fang's. It's just a matter of getting out whatever's hidden inside.
Rick C
Coyotes have been known to attack people out for a walk as well, as people out walking their dogs. Since half my life I lived in Alaska, that's where I've heard of it happening most often. Can't say so much about back east. One attack were two ladies walking their dogs out on a walking path near Elmendorf AFB and the coyote came in and tried to get the dog. The lady made the mistake of trying to ignore the coyote which encouraged it. She got bit as well.
Another instance was up by Chicken in a camp ground a coyote chased a single lady luckily she was close enough to an outdoor toilet to only get bitten a couple of times on the back of her leg and her butt. Someone saw it and came along and chased the coyote away. It was common knowledge that wolves and coyotes got dogs at night on the hillside area.
Understand it's a completely different story when your dog is in his yard and a coyote comes into your dogs territory, and if you are out walking in "neutral" territory and wonder across a coyote. It can happen either way but I'm thinking more often in the dogs territory there may be more than one coyote or your dog is small enough the coyote believes he can win the fight. It's important that you act aggressive toward the coyote or even another dog. Carrying pepper spray is a good idea. Wait to use the spray until it's within 10-15 feet. Around here people walk with a walking stick or cain. Away from town I would always carry a gun.
Probably you remember Governor Perry taking his dog out for a walk in Texas and a coyote attacked. Perry was carrying a Ruger LCP and shot the coyote.
Anywhere in this country whether a coyote, or a bad guy, awareness is key to protecting yourself or your pet. I think I told the story about a friend of mine who had a coffee shop in Anchorage, and I gave him a Ruger LCR. I told him from that point on to always carry that gun. Well he didn't. He had his dog out for a walk one night and a dog came out of nowhere and attacked his wife. Fortunately, it was very cold that night and they were dressed with heavy gear but the dog left bad bruises on her stomach, all he could do is put the boots to the dog which finally took off, and he took her to the hospital. After that he took the gun on the walk. People would see them out for a walk and literally stick their head out the door and ask if he had his gun. He'd say yes, and they'd say "can I walk with you?" Be prepared for anything that "MIGHT" happen.
Another instance was up by Chicken in a camp ground a coyote chased a single lady luckily she was close enough to an outdoor toilet to only get bitten a couple of times on the back of her leg and her butt. Someone saw it and came along and chased the coyote away. It was common knowledge that wolves and coyotes got dogs at night on the hillside area.
Understand it's a completely different story when your dog is in his yard and a coyote comes into your dogs territory, and if you are out walking in "neutral" territory and wonder across a coyote. It can happen either way but I'm thinking more often in the dogs territory there may be more than one coyote or your dog is small enough the coyote believes he can win the fight. It's important that you act aggressive toward the coyote or even another dog. Carrying pepper spray is a good idea. Wait to use the spray until it's within 10-15 feet. Around here people walk with a walking stick or cain. Away from town I would always carry a gun.
Probably you remember Governor Perry taking his dog out for a walk in Texas and a coyote attacked. Perry was carrying a Ruger LCP and shot the coyote.
Anywhere in this country whether a coyote, or a bad guy, awareness is key to protecting yourself or your pet. I think I told the story about a friend of mine who had a coffee shop in Anchorage, and I gave him a Ruger LCR. I told him from that point on to always carry that gun. Well he didn't. He had his dog out for a walk one night and a dog came out of nowhere and attacked his wife. Fortunately, it was very cold that night and they were dressed with heavy gear but the dog left bad bruises on her stomach, all he could do is put the boots to the dog which finally took off, and he took her to the hospital. After that he took the gun on the walk. People would see them out for a walk and literally stick their head out the door and ask if he had his gun. He'd say yes, and they'd say "can I walk with you?" Be prepared for anything that "MIGHT" happen.
Rick and I must have been writing about the same time. I would add, I've always heard to shoot the wild dog that was the apparent leader. Sometimes it's hard to tell, sometimes not so much.
Be especially leary if a coyote comes toward your area and then runs off. Coyotes will try to get a dog to chase them and then lead a dog into a trap where multiple coyotes are waiting to attack the unaware dog. Best to keep your dog on a leach and not let the dog "run the coyote off" as that can spell disaster.
Be especially leary if a coyote comes toward your area and then runs off. Coyotes will try to get a dog to chase them and then lead a dog into a trap where multiple coyotes are waiting to attack the unaware dog. Best to keep your dog on a leach and not let the dog "run the coyote off" as that can spell disaster.
I can only guess that a "Bernedoodle" is a St Bernard/poodle mix??????? Neither is a really aggressive dog(or not in the past X X generations) so hard to access just what the protective instincts might be. Having the dog in the house is not conducive to handling large predators FTF. It would hardly be a 'fair fight' pitting a wild predator that kills for it's living against a house pet that chews up a fluffy stuffed toy.
The guard dogs we use ARE instinctively protective and seem to know how to fight from the beginning. When we got the first dog, many GD owners stated that the dogs would not be effective if handled or 'humanized' but I proved this wrong by training them to be obedient and manageable. That said, no way do we make them 'pets'. The Grandkids were allowed to handle them and play with them as young puppies in order to allow bonding with their new owners but that was the end of being 'pets'.
The guard dogs we use ARE instinctively protective and seem to know how to fight from the beginning. When we got the first dog, many GD owners stated that the dogs would not be effective if handled or 'humanized' but I proved this wrong by training them to be obedient and manageable. That said, no way do we make them 'pets'. The Grandkids were allowed to handle them and play with them as young puppies in order to allow bonding with their new owners but that was the end of being 'pets'.
My wife's niece has a neutered male Belgian Malinois that can go from peaceful
friendly big lap dog to a snarling beast with a single word from her.
Don't know how much is training or protective instinct but I'm sure that dog
would die trying to protect her. Very athletic animal, impressive to watch
chasing his toys. He doesn't seem to have much regard for his own body or
whatever he has to run around or through to get what he's after.
Dave
friendly big lap dog to a snarling beast with a single word from her.
Don't know how much is training or protective instinct but I'm sure that dog
would die trying to protect her. Very athletic animal, impressive to watch
chasing his toys. He doesn't seem to have much regard for his own body or
whatever he has to run around or through to get what he's after.
Dave
Rick Courtright
Hawkeye
Dave P. said:
Hi,
Are those dogs used by police K-9 units? Years ago we had a female K-9 unit officer who'd bring her dog in to the trap and skeet range clubhouse on occasion. Big, black, kinda furry, it was a "Belgian something" that looked like it could swallow a medium sized child in one gulp. She said it was her best canine "partner" of the several different kinds of dogs she'd had.
Rick C
At least in Oregon the Belgian Malinois is more popular than the German Shepard nowadays as a police K9. They are a smaller dog normally 85 to 100 lbs were many GS are in the 120 range.
None of the police dogs will be aggressive unless told to or feels threaten. If they cannot be controlled they loose their job. Normally during training they get weeded out but some make it to the streets and fail there shortly after.
The K9 guys I worked with over many dogs could be in the squad room sitting next to their handler. Anyone could pet them, ask first. You could sit in the next work station a few feet away. Dogs do not care. Many K9 handlers took them to schools as show and tell.
If you discharge a gun while they are tracking off leash, you could get bit. Or while there tracking and your on foot ahead of them chasing the crook it's best to stop when they radio DOG TRACKING.
Disclaimer: I never worked around any military dogs and that could be different.
None of the police dogs will be aggressive unless told to or feels threaten. If they cannot be controlled they loose their job. Normally during training they get weeded out but some make it to the streets and fail there shortly after.
The K9 guys I worked with over many dogs could be in the squad room sitting next to their handler. Anyone could pet them, ask first. You could sit in the next work station a few feet away. Dogs do not care. Many K9 handlers took them to schools as show and tell.
If you discharge a gun while they are tracking off leash, you could get bit. Or while there tracking and your on foot ahead of them chasing the crook it's best to stop when they radio DOG TRACKING.
Disclaimer: I never worked around any military dogs and that could be different.
Depends on the dog. But drop some off in the middle of nowhere and they will go feral and do just fine. Usually the bigger breeds.
I believe the Bernadoodle is a Bernese Mountain Dog / Poodle. The Bernese Mountain Dog, well, Fast Ed’s Hoss was a Bernese Mountain Dog. They are cousins with Australian Sheppards.
One of our neighbors has one, I see them walking on the bike path from time to time. Just about the cutest dog ever.
One of our neighbors has one, I see them walking on the bike path from time to time. Just about the cutest dog ever.
toysoldier
Hunter
Don't count on your dog putting up an effective defense. You should be prepared to protect your dog. I walk my two small dogs (a half-doxie and a spaniel/terrier mix) on the one-mile loop around our semi-rural subdivision. On two occasions, they have been attacked by another dog. On both occasions I beat off the attacking dog with help from the owner or a neighbor, but I was seconds from pulling out my LCP and killing the dog. I now carry a fencing saber, to give me a less-than-lethal option. Shooting a neighbor's dog can really sour things.
Toysoldier, another option is pepper spray. It typically works on dogs. I don't think a fencing saber would be all that effective. Just another option. I carry a spray called Pom. Recommended by the guy that does Active Self Protection. He says he's used it on dogs 3 times. Personally I would think a bigger canister would be better.
I am trained in fencing, but my foils would be difficult to carry while walking a dog. Could be very effective against a dog or neighbor. How do you carry yours? How long is it and type of blade? My Pyrenees/Kuvasz chased coyotes, but to my knowledge never killed any.
gramps
gramps
JackpineWillie
Single-Sixer
Had a 14 pound Rat terrier that ton different days attacked a Rottweiler and an English Mastiff. Another time spared with a rather large black bear for over an hour over my salt block.
toysoldier
Hunter
gramps said:
The saber I carry has a blade marked S-2000, 34" long. It is completely blunt, with a foiled (bent-over) point, aluminum guard, and plastic grip. I use a soft woven belt with double ring buckle, worn over my shoulder like a baldric, with the blade slipped through the buckle rings. Being a leftie, the dog's leashes are in my right hand, with the right elbow on the hilt to keep the sword from flapping around. The last dog to attack was an Anatolian shepherd, bred to kill wolves.
Cool! I have both blunted and sharpened triangular blades. Once upon a time I considered getting one in a cane, but illegal almost everywhere! Dogs are a crap shoot! Some will protect most turn tail and run. The man in Eagle River, Ak that was attacked by a grizzly had a large German Shepherd that bailed immediately. The owner protected himself with a Ruger Alaskan .454?toysoldier said:
gramps
