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

[Sam Hogle]

Hi Brenda. When I was at TSE, we had a lecture on dog attacks. They told 
us to first, let go of the dog's leash and harness. Even though we want 
to protect our dogs, holding on to them could get us bit and block them 
from escaping. Even if they run off, chances are they will come back to 
you, and running off is definitely better than getting seriously 
injurred. Also, they said to have a cell phone on you at all times so 
you can call for help. Finally, they said to make as much noise as 
possible so the attacker might get scared and leave or so passersby 
might notice and come to your aid. Finally, I was told to never try to 
break the dogs up as that's a good way to get bit. They never mentioned 
the pepper sprey, but it doesn't sound like a bad idea.
Sam and Seeing Eye Dog Mason
On 10/3/2011 12:13 PM, Brenda wrote:
> 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
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