[nagdu] Dog attacks - was Blind Teacher's guide dog Attacked

[Brenda]

I read these accounts of dog attack on guide/handler teams with fear and 
sadness.   I can't change the behavior of the irresponsible owner but 
wonder what I can do to  be better prepared in case of an attack.

With all the natural disasters of late people are encouraged to have an 
evacuation plan and emergency supplies.  There are self defense classes 
for people defending against a human attack, doggie obedience classes 
for pet dogs, and places you can train a dog to perform any number of 
tasks.  Are there training classes for the human/dog teams (guide dog or 
not) to prepare in case there is a dog attack?  to include the use of a 
light stun prod (they have them at Tractor Supply) or pepper spray?Do 
the schools where guide/handler teams are trained address this issue in 
any detail?

I am in no way excusing irresponsible dog owners.  I have had my share 
of incidents with my pet dog.  the only preparedness training I got was 
when I contacted my local animal control officer who in answer to my 
question said I could carry pepper spray.  He did not recommend a stun 
prod but said I could use one if I wanted.  I'm a little afraid to use 
pepper spray because I don't want my dog to get sprayed.  My theory is 
to have pepper spray visible so the irresponsible owner sees it and 
secures their dog to avoid it being sprayed.  I have yet to test this 
theory, but it may be better than nothing.  It would be nicer if there 
were classes where attack defense skills could be learned.  I know 
before I get a guide dog (generic noun), I will investigate this further 
and perhaps consult with a local trainer.

Brenda