Self-Defense Zone: Crime Prevention & Self-Defense Forums

Roadkill · Newbie Joined: 31 May 2008 Posts: 2

Recently when my auntie who was out walking a couple of dogs for her friends, a couple of teenage girls let their pet pitbull attack one of the dogs she was walking.

The dog that got attacked was some small breed of dog, obviously the pitbull thought it would be a good play-thing to bite around the head.

None of the other dogs helped(you know the nice tame domesticated dogs, some were quite large, (if she had her boxers with her)).

My auntie tried to get the dog off of course, I think she tried kicking it, but she couldn't deter it, the pitbull probably let-go after the small dog stopped whelping or struggling or something.

The small dog was rushed to the vets with a crushed skull.

The girls were never caught because they gave fake names and addresses to my aunt, obviously they didn't care.

If I was there I probably would have dug my thumbs into its eye-sockets, do you think that would get it off?

Now for my question...

I live in the U.K, what would be a good weapon I could carry while walking the dog which would allow me to get a dog that was attacking mine? and would also allow me to fend off the so called "tough-guy" owners that like to own violent breeds of dogs (if they had a problem with me killing their pet?)(I have a Jack Russel for all you dog-lovers out their...).

Ideally I would like a swordcane because its hard enough hitting to fend off a large dog and I dont really want to have to get my hands close to one(so range is good)... but these are illegal (which isn't the problem its the OBTAINING one that is the problem). Its also kinda dorky to carry a walking stick when your 25...

A Teloscopic batton would be second choice... (however is illegal aswell).

So I'm wondering what other options do you guys think would be good?

glistam · Newbie Joined: 07 Aug 2008 Posts: 2 Location: USA

Tough call. I would actually disagree that carrying a walking stick at your age is dorky. I do all the time and I am both 26 and not disabled. It's my weapon of choice for more restrictive environments. I have a little Italian Greyhound whose met his share of bully breeds.

It doesn't have to be a sword cane. Just a normal hardwood cane. The trick is having the right material. It should be very sturdy, like hickory, ash, or my personal favorite, Chinese waxwood. Not aluminum or hollow. It doesn't need to have a crook, or a fancy top. My own is made from a waxwood staff bought from a kung fu equipment supplier. I simply cut it to a length to suit me (35"), put a rubber cane tip on the bottom, topped it with a dull brass knob (one can use the type meant for drawer-pulls if needed) and wove a grip with leather strips just under that. It resembles a short hiking staff rather than a gentleman's stick.

Being optimistic, your advantage in a dog attack is that you are not necessarily the target of the attacker. This gives some tactical advantage. As the attacking dog approaches, you can attempt to order the dog as though you were its owner ("No!" "Sit!"). Sometimes it works, other times not, but it's worth a try. While doing this, bring the stick up behind you, preparing for an overhand swing. Some dogs recognize your movement as preparing to strike, and will back down. This has happened a few times for me.

If the dog does not stop, bring it down hard on its head, neck or back. The first swing will likely hit with the tip end, since your holding the other end when walking. Striking with this end is faster and but does less damage.
Time and circumstances allowing, you can strike with the knob end. Connecting with the top of the dogs skull can knock it out or kill it, and sometimes can be better than a body shot with a pistol (pit bulls notoriously survive being shot in the torso, but no amount of toughness can withstanding having it's brain knocked about). Be ready to hit it again and again.

It's a messy situation, but it's worked for me so far.