what should I do with an unleashed dog in community (house, neighborhood)

[RTP2008]

I was walking with my 5-mo old baby in stroller in our community after dinner tonight. An unleashed black dog was running to us. I was totally scared, I screamed and cried when it was running to us. It looked like not in control. It tried to approach my baby and its mouth was opened abnormal. I covered my baby right away and was ready to fight with it. At that time, an old couple pass-by helped me and yelled at this freak dog. I can't image what will happen without their help.
The owner of this dog was not around and never show. There is a tag under its neck. I don't know whose dog it is and what happened to this dog.

Before it rushed to us, I noticed that it had same issue with another man with his white dog which is leashed. At that time, that unleashed black dog didn't show calmly. The guy was asking whose dog is this and tried to leave this dog, as this black dog barked to his own dog.

I really don't know what to do. That's the reason I came her to seek help. I have never met such an unleashed dog. All the time, when I walked with my baby, all the people with their on-leash dogs stand on the edge of the road and let us go first, which I really appreciate.

I am scared now, I don't want to walk outside anymore as I am afraid of this kind of dog. But I really want to enjoy the nice weather recently with my baby. What should I do?

[RedZin]

Call animal control.

[rwsnc]

You shouldn't have to stay in the house of an irresponsible dog owner. I'd pick up a good can of pepper spray and go about my business.

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by meh_whatever

Call animal control.

Originally Posted by rwsnc

You shouldn't have to stay in the house of an irresponsible dog owner. I'd pick up a good can of pepper spray and go about my business.

Both of the above. I'd carry a walking stick, also.

[twingles]

All of the above, but your reaction just made the situation worse. Dogs can smell your fear and your reaction would send the right message to a human ("she's ready to fight") but not to the dog. Try to stand still and then slowly walk away.

But get animal control's # and bring your cell phone on walks and call them.

[don6170]

Originally Posted by twingles

All of the above, but your reaction just made the situation worse. Dogs can smell your fear and your reaction would send the right message to a human ("she's ready to fight") but not to the dog. Try to stand still and then slowly walk away.

Dogs read body language and react to it. Avoid eye contact as that can be perceived as threatening.

[NM posts]

Definitely call animal control, but maybe also pick up a can of Spray Shield. it's not pepper spray, it's citronella, which smells bad to the dogs and they will probably leave. I have some but haven't tested it yet.

SprayShield Animal Deterrent Spray - Repellents - Training & Behavior - PetSmart


I do NOT think you should buy pepper spray, because you are walking with your baby and if you spray pepper spray at the dog it will also get on you and the baby and hurt the baby (and you).

It's very scary to see an unleashed dog. It happens to me all the time and since my dog doesn't like it when unleashed dogs run up to her, it's really a bad problem.

[cat_link]

This. And try to get a picture of the animal too.

[rwsnc]

Originally Posted by NorasMom

Definitely call animal control, but maybe also pick up a can of Spray Shield. it's not pepper spray, it's citronella, which smells bad to the dogs and they will probably leave. I have some but haven't tested it yet.

SprayShield Animal Deterrent Spray - Repellents - Training & Behavior - PetSmart


I do NOT think you should buy pepper spray, because you are walking with your baby and if you spray pepper spray at the dog it will also get on you and the baby and hurt the baby (and you).

It's very scary to see an unleashed dog. It happens to me all the time and since my dog doesn't like it when unleashed dogs run up to her, it's really a bad problem.

I understand your concern about the pepper spray but you said it yourself "..... it' citronella, which smells bad to the dogs and they will PROBABLY leave." On the other hand they might NOT leave. Pepper spray should be a last resort, meaning if it came down to my baby getting mauled or getting a little residual pepper spray in his/her eyes, I'd opt for the pepper spray. But that's just me.

[Eeyore1]

Animal control is worthless. We've had stray dogs in our neighborhood for as long as I can remember. These dogs have injured people and killed other dogs, and animal control won't do anything.