I live in a gated community, and my neighbors have dogs. Some of them walk their dogs on a leash, but make them poop on people's lawns. The rest simply open their doors, and let their dogs run wild. I have been here three years, and had to remain in my car for long period of time because a dog is in my driveway. I come home late, and there is nobody in the street in case I get attacked. I go for a walk between 9 pm, and 11 pm when the heat goes down. I was suprised by two huge dogs, and they must be between 100-150 lbs each. I was terrified, and continued to walk. The bigger one followed me all the way to my house while smelling me, and I was afraid to sneeze. I could easily be killed if the two of them attacked me, and they were pretty tall. I complain to management, and even expressed my concerns to my neighbors. The HOA usually send out letters, and the owners just continue letting their dogs out unsupervised. My neighbor told me that his dog was harmless, and would never attack me. HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF AGAINST AN ATTACK? I do not think pepper spray will stop such huge animals, and you cannot get your mail without a dog watching you. I do not have anything against dogs, but people seem to think that they are humans and they are not. I just want to be able to defend myself if a dog jumps me, and it is only a matter of time before it happens to somebody. You cannot tell who the owners are excactly, and the HOA is not doing anything about it.
Take pepper spray with you if you're worried about it, its supposed to bother them as much as it does humans and if they attack for some reason, it may buy you enough time to get inside.
I wouldn't worry about it though.... chances are they're friendly. :)
Keep pestering the HOA. It is their responsibility to enforce leashes and poop pick up. Meanwhile, take a few dog treats with you and make friends.
At least they will love you and protect you from real vermin while out for a walk.
Blessings, S.
Call the humane society and tell them there are loose dogs in the neighborhood. They will pick up the dogs.
They owners of the dogs are liable.
Make sure you get a good description of the dogs too. For your own documentation.
And if they are wearing collars or not.
Yes, carry pepper spray.
And imagine if children/a child was out there? They could get attacked and this has happened. If you read the news. It does happen.
And their Owners will STILL say, that their dog is "harmless." Yah, right.
I would, maybe get a Lawyer to draft up a letter for you, then send that to the HOA.. and then they are obligated to address it. If you want to take it that far.
At least in our State, dogs have to be leashed. Gated community or not.
all the best,
Susan
Most dogs will not just attack - you will see a sign of aggression first, and most dogs that are not protecting their own property will give you a chance to back down if they issue a challenge. That's the good news - you probably don't have to be terrified of these dogs (although you might want to do some research on dog body-language so that you know when a dog is issuing you a challenge and how to react appropriately). Never make eye contact and never run. Never panic, as the dog will then see you as prey. Remain calm and in control, and you might even try giving these dogs commands (in a firm, not shaking voice) such as sit and stay. If you are attacked, absolutely use pepper spray! I've worked with dogs in shelters for years, though, and I've only been bitten a couple of times (never seriously). MOST dogs aren't going to do anything worse than jump on you to say hi or growl a warning (ALWAYS respect a dog's warning).
I always call the police when I see a stray dog, and I recommend you do the same. I work in animal rescue, and a dog on the streets is a risk to drivers, to walkers, to children, and to other people's pets (dogs in electric fences and cats are easy prey for a dog that has no boundaries). I recently moved into a neighborhood like yours where most of the strays actually belong to the person up the street, and it drives me crazy, not only that these people have no respect for me and my dogs, but also that they have no respect for their own dogs' safety. Especially with large dogs, I always call the police. I inform them of the description of the dog, whether it has a collar (if I was able to tell), the direction it is moving, location, etc. I tell them if I have seen this particular dog loose before, if the dog has done anything suspicious or dangerous (for itself or others). I have had to call the police repeatedly for a couple of the dogs in my neighborhood. Since you HOA isn't dealing with this issue, I definitely recommend you step it up a notch.
That is crazy! I agree with Julie S.! I can't believe you live in a gated community and are having this kind of problem, thats really ridiculous.
I would take it a few steps further with talking to management, perhaps even contacting above management if you can.
This is something close to my heart, because I rehabilitate and foster all of the "bully" breeds - American Bulldogs, Staffordshire Terriers, basically "pit bulls" or mixes of the two. This makes me so angry because owners like the ones in your area are the ones that are really screwing up!! So many dogs get put down because of their stupid owners not being responsible!! Personally, I would talk to your neighbors face to face and explain that you are afraid, concerned and very uncomfortable with their animals walking unsupervised. Its worth a try. If nothing else ...contact anyone you can and request a little community "back up" to help these people realize that not everybody loves dogs and is comfortable around them.
As for what to do:
Do not look in the eyes.
Do not approach (obviously)
Do not speak.
DO NOT RUN. Don't pick up your pace either.
Place yourself into a safe state of mind, don't let your anxiety show if you can help it - watch your body language. Breathe deeply and concentrate on taking one step at a time in your normal walking pace.
If you are going on regular walks, you need to continue to take your pepper spray because it is somewhat effective in that it can disrupt their vision... and make it easier for you to get away. However, you need to take a walking stick or bat with you... something sturdy and large - even a tennis racket will to. Use this to create space between yourself and the dog if it is approaching you in an aggressive manner (tail up, or teeth showing, or both... look for a stiff tail - that comes before teeth). And of course, if you are being charged, defend yourself with it.
Whatever you do, don't run and don't speak. Speaking does nothing. They don't understand you and the only thing you will be communicating is your tension through a shaky or unstable voice/breath.
Remember that dogs are not as aggressive as you may fear them to be. Mostly they are extremely curious... and mostly they are responding to YOUR demeanor. So try to remain calm and controlled. At least long enough to get safely indoors.
*Most* dogs that are pets, probably like the ones in your neighborhood, are just curious about you, and you may be mistaking aggression for attentiveness. If a dog is alert, that does not mean he is aggressive. Just because his ears are perked and he's staring at you, doesn't mean he wants to hurt you.
HOWEVER - if there are dogs in your neighborhood of "bully" character - boxy heads/faces, very stocky, very muscular, you need to be much more adamant about this situation. If you're just around a bunch of Labs and a few mixed breeds... I wouldn't be too worried, but if these owners have bulldogs of any kind they need to be made more aware of the danger of allowing these breeds to have that much control over their territory. A pit bull is naturally more aggressive than other breeds, they are much stronger and much more tempermental if not properly and carefully trained.
ALSO - if these dogs are Rottweilers or German Shepherds... use the same caution. Rottweilers have the strongest bite pressure and are as tempermental as the bully breeds, and German Shepherds are extremely over protective and can be very territorial.
I hope some of this helped. I wish you the best of luck, and I do hope that everything goes okay. Please know that not all of us dog lovers out there are that stupid... most of us realize and respect dogs as animals and not humans....
Hang in there!!
We are having a similar problem recently too, even this morning! We were told by the animal control officers to take photos of the dogs off leash or on your property for evidence.
You should trust dogs more than people. You're more likely to be attacked by a man than by a dog at 11 o'clock at night. And the bigger the dog, the sweeter the dog is. I wouldn't be so afraid of dogs. But still people shouldn't let their dogs run wild. I live in a building with a lot of dogs, we even have a dog park attached! But recently the HOA posted notices in the elevators and surroundings areas, if your dog is off a leash when not in the dog park and/or if the owner does not pick up after them they will be fined. I'm sure the HOA would love to do that, since the HOA loves to make money off of everything. By the way, pepper spray is really cruel. What is wrong with some of you!
It is VERY irresponsible of the owners and the HOA to allow these dogs to roam around like that. If the dog were to attack you, you could sue them both for negligence, pain and suffering and medical bills. So many dogs die from being run over as a result of being left loose, without a leash and without supervision and this could happen to these dogs as well, but I guess the owners don't care in this case. I have never understood people who have pets and then fail to care for them, it's just as bad as having a baby and then leaving it home alone. I am not sure if there is a national or statewide leash law but there ought to be. If there is, call the police. If there isn't, or if the police refuses to get involved for something like this, call animal control. I am sure that they'd love to make money off of these irresponsible, selfish people. Don't let fear control your life or stop you from doing what you need to do because of others' lack of consideration. I can understand your fear because EVERYONE has a fear of some animal, whether it's a snake, a roach, a pitbull, etc., so I can understand why some large dogs chasing you might be what scares you in particular. As to the poop issue, as soon as you find out who the owners are, throw the poop into their yard. And no, it's not any ruder than having them allow their pet to use your lawn as a toilet and for you to clean up after them. This has worked effectively for me when I used to live in a house, even if it sounds childish. Some people need blunt clues to know they're being disrespectful and that everything, including their pets' excrement, belongs to them and is their total responsiblity. If they don't get a hint, put a note in their mailbox and let them know this won't be tolerated. You can make an anonymous note if you're afraid of any of these people. Whoever's managing your property's a total joke and should be replaced. They should be concerned about the residents' well-being as well as with cleanliness and general appearance of the properties. They should force the owners to use baggies and clean up after their pets, just like they do in the public parks!
what kind of dogs are they and why would you be so sure they are going to attack someone. I am not condoning the fact that the dogs are loose but you seem to have a phobia of dogs.
Updated
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first, call the police when you see this and keep a log of whenever it happens to build a case because it's illegal for unleashed pets to be roaming the streets and the owners can get fined.
as for protecting yourself, carry pepper spray.
I would call the police. We have a leash law for a reason. Maybe if they get a ticket or their dog gets picked up by animal control, they'll change their ways.
You sound scared. And with reason good enough to call the police since your management people won't do anything. I also live in FL and there is a leash law where I live. I don't know if it's a law throughout FL or just up to each county. I, too, have a big problem with dogs not on leashes (I am terrified of dogs), so much so that now everyone in my neighborhood who has a dog knows of my fears and they walk their dogs on a leash. You can also get animal control involved by calling them and informing them of dogs running through your community. You will need to describe the animals as best as possible and the times which you have usually seen them. I don't know what you can legally carry for which you can defend yourself with. You will have to ask the police about that one. I have carried a large, long stick with me....it is rude for these people to allow their dogs to defecate on your property, as well. It would be ideal if you happened to be home when it happens so that you can snap of picture of the animal doing it. It would be proof of exactly whose dog it is.
We have all heard horror stories of dogs attacking, or attacking people's dogs as they walk them. I believe dogs should not be just let out but have had one in my neighborhood , a lab, who was very sweet and smart, knew how to look both ways before crossing the street! Everyone knew this dog, there was no problem. As a big dog lover, I am biased. I think they are mainly sweet and just curious or want to smell/greet you. I find that smaller dogs are more likely to bite you! I wonder how many there are in your neighborhood, if you are new there, and how others feel. Regardless, you should not be made to be afraid to exit your car. I would not want to have them taken away from their owners by calling animal control but I would kindly tell the owners again that you are frightened and it is against the law.
Hi - I have 5 dogs ranging from 85 pounds to 2.2pounds. I love animals. However I have met some dogs who have bad owners and have taught them to be aggressive. There is a difference. Please don't use pepper spray, unless you know how it feels first. Just put equal parts water & vinegar in a spray bottle and have the nozzel set to jet stream and squirt the dogs with that if you are so afraid of these animals.
I think you have to keep onto your HOA - if there is any kind of restriction attached to living there then THEY are the ones to inforce it. If you are that scared then call the law! I know when any of my dogs have gotten out of my fenced yard (Ilive on an acre in the countryside) I immediately go looking for them!
Also dogs smell fear so try and relax and don't run they think it is a game
Good luck
Your best bet concerning the dogs, is to ignore them and keep walking. Don't even look at them. If he was sniffing you, it was just curiosity. I had a neighbor whose dog had to be taken away by animal control for biting, but in the dogs mind it wasn't unprovoked. He got on people's lawns and was then chased away, once with a shovel. He shouldn't have been there, I'm just pointing out that his biting was in response to being "attacked". On the flip side, I had a large dog growing up who was very gentle. The mailman came to the door with a package, took one look at him and stuck his foot in my dogs face. My dog grabbed his foot, not to bite, but to play. The mailman freaked out, and my dog ran away with his tail between his legs. He was just being paranoid and scared my dog half to death. So, whatever the dogs intentions, just ignore it. It is the owners who are doing something wrong here. You are part of a HOA so I assume their are leash rules. Most cities have leash laws as well. If you have spoken to the owners and they won't use a leash, call animal control and report that there are dogs running loose.
Yes pepper spray will stop them so I would carry it with you when you walk at night just in case but you would be surprised how far a stren voice and showing them that you are not afraid of them will go. Normally once you show them that you are top dog and can't be intimidated by them you they are no longer interested in you. I would also continue to let my neighbors know that this is unaccceptable, the squeekie wheel gets the oil you know
pepper spray should work and never look a dog in the eye they consider it a challenge. Don't run either. call animal control on them they should pick the dogs up and fine the owners.
Call the police or animal control. There's no reason why you should be afraid to get out of your car in your own driveway!
As for when a dog comes up to you - stand still (like a tree). Do not look the dog in the eye or smile at it (showing teeth is aggressive). Very slowly walk away. Never, and I mean NEVER, run from a dog.
I don't care how "gentle" a dog is - they are still animals that can attack. Again - never run. If you get knocked down, curl up in a ball and cover your head and neck with your hands. You may want to contact a local animal shelter to get some lessons on what to do if you are attacked by a dog.
Good luck and let us know what happens.
If you live in a gated community the you probably have a homeowners association? It is up to the association board to make the homeowners comply with the association rules. Read your association rules and see if they have a leash rule. If they do and they refuse to enforce it you can sue the association.
Whether or not the HOA is concerned, surely there are leash laws. You should contact the local authorities. They can contact the neighbors or perhaps patrol when the dogs are out unaccompanied.
Carry pepper spray at all times.
Just because a dog is big, it doesn't make them dangerous, but you don't know that and the owners shouldn't just take it for granted either.
My uncle is in his 70's and walks every night in his beautiful community. He always takes a golf club with him, just in case.
The other thing is....dogs smell fear.
Don't let them smell it on you. Be as confident as you can.
I am an owner of two German shepherds and I am very confident that neither of them would EVER intentionally hurt someone for no reason, they are quite friendly. However if I am honest I must add that I believe it's possible for someone afraid of dogs to provoke my dog through fear into attacking them due to certain actions the person takes as preemptive to PREVENTING their attack in the first place! Look at it from the perspective of the dumb animal, all he knows is signs and gestures to interpret friend foe or prey. If you are relaxed, calm and sure of yourself ignoring the animal then it's business as usual. BUT if you stop in your tracks and stare at them, they immediately sense you are something other than a friendly co inhabitant of the area. The dog will start to size you up and watch for any sign of aggression or fear. If you at this point try to chase him off, well that is aggression and he is going to signal back with growling or barking. You have got to understand that once a cold war situation like this is created, it becomes problematic to end. My dog might wish for everything he is worth that this challenge had not started but now that has he is stuck, he IS frightened but knows instinctively that if he turns and runs that he becomes prey to you and will likely loose if you pursue him. On the other hand all human style logic is out the window, my dog is not a great thinker diplomat type he is just a dog, so now if YOU decide to turn tail and run then without a thought he is probably coming after you ...it was after all a gun fight YOU started (in his eyes) and you blinked first. Just remember my dog did not have the tools to diffuse the situation as soon as it started, but YOU ought to have! All you needed to do was to begin a friendly dialog, avert your eyes maybe drop down to his level and say things like "good dog, you are such a good dog" etc at which point my guy is going to be really confused and change instantly. My one dog would likely approach with his ears back and tail between his legs ready to accept and return affection and become fast friends forgetting forever the whole thing that started it, my other one is a bit more proud and would likely judge you a weirdo and just back away slowly and then turn and leave the area. Just learn how dogs think and save yourself a lot of fear. Of course there is the exceptions, that extreme minority of psychotic criminally insane dogs. THESE are the animals that everyone fears and loathes including us owners of "normal" animals. I wish you the best of luck if you come across one of these, as far as I am concerned, anything goes then ... club it, shoot it, taser it to death or whatever ... and when you finish the dog start on it's crazy owner who likely created the problem to begin with ...and good luck with that one too!
I am not defending any right to have dogs off-leash if it's illegal, I'm just pointing out the facts of what is. You can wish all you want that there never would be unleashed dogs in your path but how is that wishing going help you when it happens? As far as defending yourself against the average domestic dog rather than using diplomacy , well lots of things would scare the daylights out of them even a cap gun for 90% of dogs and I imagine pepper spray would totally ruin any dog's whole day if it got on thier nose and eyes. But like I say it is so dang easy to just avoid creating a situation with a normal dog to begin with that there is just no reason.
Best wishes
I wish I had an answer to this. I have no problem with a little dog running when they keep to themselves and are just sniffing around bushes and looking for places to mark. But when it's a dog of any size that's getting up in a persons face, is barking, and or following us, it's SCARY. I've been bitten twice and am naturally afraid no matter how much I try and stay very calm.
This week I was at a park and my dog wanted to sniff another dog. I just assumed that anyone with a dog at a park with a very young child and around other children would have a "NICE" dog. So I let my dog go within a few feet of hers. She couldn't control her dog and he came the rest of the way and grabbed my dog by the neck. We weren't hurt and she got him off. But I was scared and my dog was crying.
People NEED to control those dogs, especially the big ones!
You can definitely call animal control. If you don't want to go that route than carry a baseball bat. chances are a big dog like that running up on you will make some sort of noise for you to hear. I have this problem in my area too. We had 2 HUGE pitbulls. One would growl at my family which made me nervous bc it would come right up to the car when i pulled in to my driveway. the other attacked and killed one ladies animals and the owner of the pitbull paid her off to keep her from calling police on him and than the same dog got ahold of another dog and broke the dogs jaw and it required stitches. this while the owner of the smaller dog was walking it. the police were called and they had to shoot the pitbull. pretty scary as this dog was in my yard a few times and i don't have a fence and i have 2 small children and small dogs!!!! the pepper spray would probably work but you'd have to get closer than you might want to in order to use it.
