Charlie is ok but I need advice

That's awful, Charlie!! You're going to get to where your mom (and you!) are afraid to go outside.. That's sad. I don't have any advice for you. I wish I did. Mom would panic, too! You're right, your fear will travel down the leash to Charlie. You just want him safe. Why are some people so dumb?

Try contacting a professional for advice. There has to be a reason these dogs are charging poor charlie. The only thing that comes to my mind, is maybe he's gotten into something and has an oder on his coat? I really don't know, but try giving him a bath and get in touch with someone. There are pro's that give advice on on-line sites. Trainers, etc. Good Luck to you both.

I learned this on DogTown. Carry citronella spray. That's what they use to break up dog fights.

I also use my leash and slap the ground when I see a dog coming toward me. It works really well if you can do it on pavement.

I always try and get my dog behind me also. With Joe it's much more difficult because he wants to fight whoever runs toward us, but I have enough control over Batman that I can put him on a down and deal with another dog.

You can't guard against dogs running loose, but you can protect your dog. But, I know what you mean about things happening so fast you can't think.

Batman got jumped at a dog trial and I could not think. Luckily, everyone else could.

I really don't know why dogs do this. My first dog was a really normal dog when he was a puppy, then he was attacked by a Black Lab and a Golden, and he was never "quite right" after that. Everytime he would let his guard down, dogs would beat him up. I took him to obediance school twice. During the first class, when he was a puppy, there was a dog that kept lunging after him whenever we were practicing "heel". AFter he had been attacked a few times, HE was the dog who was lunging. I don't know what to say except that you are right to be upset about this.

Wow, that sounds really terrible. I'm so sorry. I bet it is scary. I honestly cannot think of a reasonable explanation for the other dogs behavior if Charlie is being submissive/passive/unthreatening. Honestly, perhaps you should consider carrying a can of pepperspray for protection.

This is my thoughts as well -- the spray. Our instructor stated to never let dogs have eye contact either so putting your dog behind you or picking them up (Ojo / Roo are easier than Charlie) is also advised. We're glad Charlie is ok... I'd be fried too!

I don't have any advice, but I hope this stops! I don't like to walk my girls because of this. I'm always thinking "What if there is a dog loose?" I'm glad to know about the citronella spray. I'll get some of that! I hope you and Charlie are OK. That is really scary.

Thanks guys- I will give Charlie a bath to make sure he doesn't have a smell about him and I will definitely get some citronella spray! Add to this the fact that I heard coyotes at 9pm last night that sounded like they were literally right across the street, and I did not have a good doggy day yesterday at all!

Thanks a LOT. I just got a bath.....YUCK

Hahahah!! Oh, ya... sorry dude, this is for your own good. Mom said that the coyotes were proabably across the street! They LIVE in and around our neighborhood and we're not too far apart from each other. Scary.

Judi, you probably don't remember this, but last summer Deuce was attacked at the Broad Ripple Bark Park and it scared me really, really badly. I know exactly how you feel! Glad you're both okay.

Dude, sorry about the bath. Glad you survived the dog attacks and the bath. Which one is worse for you?

I do remember!! And you were brave and went back and everything was ok....wish I could be that brave.

wow...I'd be so mad, too. When we walk, we are 3 big strong dogs...I'd hate to see what would happen if some dog charged us; there's no way I could handle all 3 of mine under those circumstances!
I would definitely carry some kind of spray. Maybe a loud whistle, too? to catch the other dog off guard, in case you can't scream NO fast enough.

Wow guys, you sure have come up with some good suggestions for my scaredy-cat mom! Thanks!!! BARK