How to repel an attacking dog?

[BMW6]

For the second time my on-his-lead dog has been attacked by the same bull mastiff off lead and unmuzzled. My dog OK, not bitten, but I was bitten on the right hand by the mastiff. Owner ran over and grabbed his dog then scarpered but I have found out where they live (just around the next street) and police are taking action.
Am now very wary and nervous taking my dog out in case the dog comes at us again - likely to encounter as they are so nearby.
I dont want to have to hurt any dog in protecting mine (like by hitting on head with a club - would rather hit owner) but does anyone know of any repellant I can use that is legal and readily available?

[Lucyellensmum99]

Im really sorry that you were bitten. I would imagine that the owner of the dog, whilst being an irresponsible twat, will be sufficiently shaken up to keep his dog on a lead and muzzled from now on. Lets hope so

[ChickensHaveNoLips]

I vaguely remember hearing that you should shout 'stop' commands at the attacking dog (so, 'sit!', 'stay!', 'no!' etc). But of course that can only work if the dog has been trained at all. I'm not sure what you can do in the situation you describe. I hope that the police going around has an affect on the idiot owner.

[BMW6]

Dream on Lucy - the dog was off lead again today in childrens play park outside my home...... I suspect their reaction the the police will be outright denial or a big shrug.

[BMW6]

Chickens I did command stop and put out my hand in a stop gesture, which is when it bit said hand.......

[Lucyellensmum99]

well, i was just trying to make you feel better - Report them to the police again.

[BMW6]

I'm amazed my poor Arthur hasnt been injured either time - he's a Westie cross Chihuahua (allegedly) - looks like a golden Basil Brush, hardly a fair fight.
I'm so angry at the owner - there were a dozen children in the park with this beast running freely among them. I just don't understand some people.

[BMW6]

Sorry Lucy I really didn't mean to sound sarky at you!!

[JennerOSity]

Is pepper spray or similar available to buy? Mini can of hairspray would probably do the trick actually.

[Lucyellensmum99]

no worries BMW - at the westie x chihuahua. But still phone the police again to report that the dog is still off lead. It is a timebomb

[TheCunnyFunt]

I wouldn't use hairspray, might not do his eyes any good if it got in them. I believe Victoria Stilwell has used cans of compressed air before for stopping dogs doing something or other that I can't quite remember. But they're supposed to shock the dog into stopping whatever it's doing

[PieceOfTheMoon]

Sonic / ultra sonic dog repeller?

[GrimmaTheNome]

even a water spray might be worth trying. Another tactic I've heard of but don't know if it really works is to throw it something tasty - no harm in trying that anyhow.

Hope your hand is OK and you and your lovely-sounding Arthur don't get attacked again.

[ChickensHaveNoLips]

Christ, the owner must be a complete moron. I don't blame you for being nervous tbh.

[BMW6]

Thanks for your replies and suggestions. I;ve been researching internet and appears pepper spray v effective but illegal in UK.
Think I'll get water pistol and add bit of washing up liquid or lemon juice to sting eyes a bit without damaging eyes in case arthur gets squirted in the process.
Will ring police tomorrow to advise dog still out of control & will let you know result of police visit to owner scheduled for Tuesday.
Some people are just a waste of space

[Signet2012]

My stories are about on the doghouse somewhere about when we got attacked on 3 separate occasions.

The first time was 2 staffies off the lead. They where persistent little buggers. DP kicked them repeatedly. I screamed like a girl and then went in with my arms to force them off my dog and one of the little shits latched onto me. It was really scary at the time but quite funny looking back because I wouldn't let go of the lead and DP is huge but looked like Bily elliot gone wrong trying to dodge a lead and a scared dog whilst trying to kick two small dogs! They did eventually back off.

The second time it was a bull mastiff staffy cross (note: there is a massive number of staffys bred for the wrong reasons as status symbols- not the dogs fault) Anyway it was off the lead, and ran over snarling and latched onto my dogs neck. I er, screamed again whilst punching it and DP kicked it and punched it resulting in it not beng able to walk properly. Felt really bad but he was going to kill my dog.

Don't walk him round here now, put him in the car and take him to safer areas, certainly don't walk him on my own!

I don't have any appropriate advice, kicking and screaming worked for us. Wouldn't recommend it.

[MagratGarlik]

To put a downer on it, the police will not usually act on dog-on-dog aggression.

[NarkedRaspberry]

Carry a walking stick. If a dog attacks, hit it. Hard. Protect your dog.

Keep your arms down if a dog is attacking.

[fluffacloud]

Fire extinguishers work on dogs the way that pepper spray works on humans. Police often use this tactic when entering a property with a dangerous dog.

Mini extinguishers are available at Halfords etc.

Doesn't work with all dogs, just as pepper spray doesn't work on all humans.

If the dog has bitten you, there's a good chance that the owner will be dealt with fairly swiftly by the police. Especially if you have visible injuries.

[Alameda]

pet corrector (air, makes a horrible noise) could work and is completely harmless

your poor dog :(

[Alameda]

from £3