Would you be comfortable leaving near multiple XL bullies?

[BlackFriYay]

I live on the edge of a large estate and see three of them often. Two are owned by a young couple, they have shit recall and don't listen. They are often off lead running around by the newsagents (why would a young man spend much time hanging about near a newsagents, I wonder..)

The other one is also owned by a young man, early to mid 20's and clearly not big nor strong enough to control it. He's smaller than me.

It spooked us the other week as it stopped dead in it's tracks and stared when it clocked me crossing the road with my 5 year old. DS is autistic and scared of dogs. He was chased in the park last year and has never forgotten about it so can get quite stressed by approaching dogs, let alone ones that look like that.

Would you feel comfortable living close to these dogs or is my worry about my DC clouding my judgement?

I wonder about this too, as people walking around we're basically defenseless against large dogs ? I feel a random spray might make them angrier and I doubt I would have the presence of mind to punch one.

Pepper spray is illegal. Citronella spray isn’t and is far more effective on most dogs.

I don't understand why I've never heard of an XL bully before this year.

Like everything, it'll be the decent people who probably weren't going to be an issue anyway, who'll muzzle and lead. The idiots who think they own their local area because they have a bully, won't. And there won't be anything that anyone will do about it.

No i wouldn't at all

I would be terrified living near to 1.

Ah, thanks, I had no idea of this. Does citronella spray work on rapists?

Don't most people carry a small bottle of perfume in their handbags? That could be used to squirt a dog that attacks.

No i wouldn't be comfortable. I struggle being on same path as one of these dogs, i cross over.
They worry me.
If the dogs are running around uncontrolled , id report owner

Pepper spray on an attacking XL wont stop it. All you will do is make sure you get killed faster. They don't even stop when shot.

I was attacked by my neighbour’s English bulldog when out walking my dog. I carry this at all times now.

https://www.police-supplies.co.uk/k917-dog-deterrent-spray

Christ, that is chilling.

Thank you! I'm having a look at that now.

I'm really sorry you were attacked. How did you manage to fend the dog off? Were you badly injured?

YANBU there’s one in our village.
It drags its helpless owner along behind it and it’s only eight or nine months old.
At the moment it’s very friendly in a manic way but if it was being unfriendly they couldn’t stop it.

I would be terrified. I love dogs, have had large peaceful breeds before but now have a lovely small breed who is the friendliest dog ever.

I read recently that XL bullies kill one dog a week in the U.K.

I would also be worried for my own safety, and DH and DCs’ safety.

They are not suitable as pets and need to be put down.

The law comes in, in February

Luckily my dog was on his long lead so I let him run to its full length while holding the bulldog by the harness. I had tried kicking it away but it was so solid my kicks were t even registering with it. Thankfully another neighbour came to rescue and took over holding the bulldog back so I could get away with my dog. He was very badly shaken.

A couple of months later my stupid neighbour let the dog out onto the street with no lead on - he went straight for my husband and dog and this time my husband was injured and my dog needed vet treatment. The police were involved (treated seriously as I had reported the first attack so had a crime number). She was a total cow to me after the first attack so I was very happy to see their house going up for sale shortly after the police knocked on her door at 8am on a Sunday morning 😂

Ive never had to use the k9 spray but I’ve threatened to a couple of times.

@BuddyBuddyBumBum

What did the police do about it may I ask?

I really don't think any household spray would stop these dogs in attack mode. I've seen grown men punching and kicking these dogs with full force, trying to get them off their dogs. They don't even flinch! So a can of deodorant won't work...unless maybe you had a lighter on hand too!

I wouldn't feel comfortable, same with any large status dog. I think all dogs over a certain weight should be muzzled in public

Great outcome in the end Buddy but bloody hell, I can't believe it went on to attack your husband too. The nerve she had to be an arse to YOU about her dogs behaviour. I would have put the flags out the day she moved. Horrible dog.

We was toying with the idea of getting a little dog before we moved here but I've shelved it completely now. I think having a dog, especially a little one, can make you even more of a target to those XL's.

I've bought two cans of that K9 spray. I'm sure I'll feel that little bit more relaxed for having it. I tense up every time I've seen them lately.

Also - PP you mentioned the law taking effect from February? What happened to December 31st?

The first time they came out to speak to us and recommended I speak with my neighbour to try to keep things ‘on good terms’. I tried but she got very defensive, insinuated I was exaggerating and then tried to blame my dog for ‘looking at’ hers. 🙄

The second time they came back out to us and when I told them how she’d reacted the last time they went straight to her door and spoke to her. They told us that they’d warned her that the dog needed to be on a short lead at all times, it was their responsibility to control him (she tried blaming my husband by saying he’d taken our dog out at a different time from his usual walks) and if he attacked again further action against them would be taken.

I was sitting opposite one on a four hour train journey the other day and I was so anxious about it. It kept staring at me.

Unless you move what else could you do?

It wouldn’t bother me at all.