How to protect myself against dogs

[Dogscared]

I know this topic is somewhat done to death on MN but I'm stressing.

I have two Ddogs (large breed but not a breed considered aggressive). I also have a 7 month old DD.

I walk the dogs everyday with my DD in a sling. They're always on leads and always under control. I've just seen on the news a local man has been attacked by 2 dogs and later died from his injuries. The dogs have been put down.

My dogs need walking. I don't have anyone in the day to take care of DD while I walk them unless I get up super early and walk them before DH goes to work and my DD loves being in the sling with me while out on our walk.

Part of me thinks why should I have to change a lovely activity for my DD because of these out of control dogs...but I'm not sleeping well thinking of what I would do if dogs started to attack us.

AIBU to stop walking the dogs with my DD? Does anyone have any ideas for dog deterants?

The attacks are horrific but still very rare. I don’t see why you should have to stop an activity that, as you say, is lovely for your dd (and you and your dogs) when the odds are you would never be involved in such an incident.
Depending on where I walked I’d be prepared to turn round and walk away from any dogs I didn’t like the look of. There’s one walking route near me where two large breed dogs have got out/been let off the lead recently and have attacked at least one dog I know. They aren’t Bull breeds either and belong to a ‘pillar of the community’ so god knows if anything will be done about keeping them secure. So I’m avoiding that walk for now.

The size of your dogs is probably going to put off most arsey dogs. I wouldn’t advocate a stick or spray because it’s more likely to harm your own dogs or exacerbate the situation.

If a dog approaches you then you should stand still, don't make eye contact or smile, and don't make any sudden movements. If it was to attack your dogs then, awful as it sounds, leave them and get you/your DD to safety, you'll only risk getting you both injured if you try to intervene. If a dog was to attack you then curl up on your front with your arms, face, DD hugged underneath you to protect everything vital.

These attacks whilst horrific are still rare. We leave the area as soon as we see an xl bully in the park, which has happened twice. My pug wouldn’t stand a chance in hell defending himself against a carrier bag let alone another dog, so I steer clear of parks in areas when I’m by myself.

Unfortunately life can never be risk free. However you are far more likely to be injured by a car than seriously attacked by a dog. Horrible though the recent stories are it's important to keep these things in perspective.

With respect OP if you have big dogs you’re part of the problem. But if a dog attacks your dogs - then let them. Let go of the lead. Your baby matters more, as do you.

This sounds like it could be a symptom of postnatal anxiety
Post natal anxiety is really common and also treatable. If it becomes overwhelming I would speak to your GP or Health Visitor. CBT can be really helpful.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/postpartum-anxiety-an-invisible-disorder-that-can-affect-new-mothers-202107302558

Owing large breed dogs does not make the OP "part of the problem"

But ultimately OP, I agree with the advice. The safest thing to do would be to let go of your dogs and let them deal with the situation themselves.

Thank you, you've calmed me down a bit. I think because the attack was local it felt worse...like I'd been walking around putting my DD in danger. Sounds dramatic I know.

I always give lots of space to any dogs anyway, I'm overly cautious because I don't want to get into any fight while wearing DD.

I usually walk along the canals so I just think if worse comes to worse I'd let the dogs go and jump into the canal. Breaks my heart thinking of my dogs being attacked aswell.

I think I'm going to carry on with the walks and take the advice as above. I'm sure we are more likely to be attacked in a residential area by a dog that's gotten loose rather than along the canals. That's what I'll tell myself anyway.

Well it does because I’m sure there’s plenty of people who want to avoid her large dogs.

What an ignorant statement - big dog doesn't equal dangerous dog. I suggest educating yourself to avoid spreading incorrect information that could cause others problems.

The most obvious one in your case is not to have dogs yourself and removing them to somebody prepared to walk them.

However, that's not reasonable and neither is worrying to this extent about other people's dogs when there are plenty that would happily see yours PTS just for existing.

I know what you mean re large dogs, they can be intimidating.

I alway keep my dogs on lead. They're not allowed to go up to other people or dogs. I give lots of space to other people and dogs when walking. I do what I can to keep myself, my dogs and others safe.

Well it does because I’m sure there’s plenty of people who want to avoid her large dogs.

If I did, I’d just cross over or something. It’s not my absolute right to walk along the street and only encounter Bichon Frisées

Disclaimer: I have crossed over or turned around for large dogs in the past because previous dog hated a certain breed so I did it to save an embarrassing kerfuffle. I did get some eye rolls at times and explained “It’s not your dog, it’s her” if possible but I don’t owe anyone an explanation as to why I’ve swerved their dog and neither does OP.

While the link is helpful nobody here is in a position to diagnose the OP with a MH condition or call her feelings "symptoms".

I would argue that in the current situation (dog attack highly unlikely but not impossible), to seek some advice about what to do should the emergency arise is actually perfectly rational, sensible behaviour.

…..oooook

Im not sure I claimed people should have a right to never encounter large dogs. You just imagined that part

My point is the OP is worried about dog attacks because Irresponsible people are taking out their untrained and dangerous dogs. But having a large dog herself she is part of the problem of public fear.

I cross the road if I see a large dog coming. I’m not taking any risks. If a no non fires attacked me I’d just kick it and it would be over. I’ve no chance with a large dog

I agree entirely with this and I find it quite offensive that someone has gaslighted the OP into thinking her fear is irrational. I don’t think it is at all

You’re not really making much sense now @MartinChuzzlewit. As a pp said Large Dog does not equal Dangerous Dog. I wouldn’t cross the road for a Newfoundland, for instance, but I would for an XL Bully.

Large dogs are more likely to do harm though if they are dangerous than a little Lhasa or a Yorkie. Hence why I’d cross the road if I saw OP coming - though I’d be v happy she had the dogs on a lead!

doesn't seem like OP is part of the problem if her dogs are on leads. (and I am not really a dog person)

Completely agree. Thankfully, most people are delighted to see my golden retriever and don't try to beat her with a stick or run away screaming 😂

and I also understand the worry about how to protect oneself and DC if you meet or are approached by an unknown dog. (and I'd like to know the best things to do too) I have a 3 and 1 year old, and avoid popular dog places (e.g. forestry commission) because they make me worried and there's dog poo everywhere.

Perhaps a little perspective will help you.
Since you have a young baby, do you have a partner? Is it a male?
If yes, and you are brave enought to do that, to live with a male (who is statistically) most dangerous thing you can have in your and your daughters life, then maybe don’t worry about some dogs so much.
Seriously, the most likely thing to hurt you or your baby, or your dogs actually too, is (again, I’m assuming you have one) male partner.

@Dogscared as a teenager I’ve been attacked twice (I grew up in a country with serious lack of control on aggressive dogs)

1st time I screamed my head off, I was still attacked, ended up in hospital (no major injury but had to do anti tetanus etc)

2nd time, I was smart, saw it coming , turned my back, head down and hands crossed on my chest, dog came near me and left (another poster mentioned same tactic)

definitely no movements and don’t look!

it ll be fine still it’s pretty rare in this country

WTAF

Some people on MN seriously need therapy.

aren't children statistically most likely to be harmed by road accidents or house fires in the UK?