How would you break up a dogfight?

[fureverywhere]

A good question for future reference. It's Spring and folks are letting the dogs out...In the past few weeks we've encountered off leash dogs while walking. People are too trusting...or ignant'!
The mini maltese that was next door was no big deal, Ophie just whined at it but there was a pitty mix down the street that jumped it's porch one night, Ophie barked and it turned tail...but I was nervous the whole way back home.
Then there was the rottie that flew off its porch with the owner standing there. She called it off but...felt like saying "Lady I've seen my baby kill three critters in front of me, never a dog but there's always a first time...". <shudder> Even if she's tied while I'm working in the front yard, I would NEVER leave Ophie unsupervised where she could get to other dogs. What's wrong with these stupid people???

[fureverywhere]

I guess my question is worst case scenerio, besides staying calm-if the owner is not in sight (and no response if you yell-there are no other humans around) and you encounter a dog off leash who approaches your dog what would you do?

[maryellen]

i have had the same stupid dogs charge us , and i put rufus behind me and yell at the dogs to go home, plus i carry mace with me. i have no problem kicking an oncoming dog to protect my dog. luckily i only get the same dogs charging us lol and they listen when i tell them to go home (then i yell at the owner who stands there)

carry mace,pepper spray, and basically keep your fingers crossed

[loverocksalot]

I have found walking and dragging rocky along has worked best as the dogs have lost interest. But both times were smaller dogs. I might start carrying a water spray bottle.

[wannabeowner]

The few times I've encountered off-leash dogs, I've just dragged Andrew along with me. Usually they don't follow us for long beyond that. I don't know what I'd do if Andrew actually got into a tussle with another dog, though.

[bluetrees]

Don't use your foot!

[fureverywhere]

Maybe the spray bottle is a good one for tonight, cool us all off.

[loverocksalot]

Yeah dogs seem to loos interest if you walk away and dont give them opportunity to sniff etc.