WWYD? Walking w/ DS and approached by random dog...

I was taking DS for a walk in our neighborhood this afternoon and we saw a random dog running down the street. It had tags on, but I had DS in his stroller (he is 9 months) and didn't want to get near the dog. He was large and looked kind of pit bull-like. He was stopping traffic since he was running down the street, and then he started running for me and DS. I stopped, then started walking the other way and crossed the street, but of course he quickly caught up. I didn't recognize the dog, but we haven't lived here long and I really only know our immediate neighbors.

WWYD in this situation? The dog did not seem friendly. He wound up being distracted by another dog, and I ran DS into our house. I just felt so uneasy, like he could have easily attacked DS in his stroller.

Message edited 4/1/2010 4:12:44 PM.

Re: WWYD? Walking w/ DS and approached by random dog...

I would have done what you did. I love dogs, but not ones I don't know and especially near my child. If he was to keep coming our way I probably would have looked for a big stick or taken off my shoe to hit him in the snout. I don't take chances with random dogs (big or small) and my child.

Re: WWYD? Walking w/ DS and approached by random dog...

i bought a loud horn for this reason...the pressure ones that are pretty much deafening and would hopefully make a dog run the other way...

i've had this happen a few times and luckily i have just been able to walk the other way and/or someone else outside has been able to distract the dog and then call the cops for a pick up...

Re: WWYD? Walking w/ DS and approached by random dog...

Re: WWYD? Walking w/ DS and approached by random dog...

I probably would have done what you did. I always am on the lookout for dogs when I am out with DD because it is a fear of mine. I had a dog lunge at DD while she was in the stroller and the dog was on leash, I swerved the stroller out the way and the owner pulled on the leash so there was no contact but it really shook me up. Typically when I am out with someone and DD the person not steering the stroller will walk between the stroller and any dog walking by just in case.

Re: WWYD? Walking w/ DS and approached by random dog...

i keep a whistle in my purse . I would've done what you did and blown the whistle.

Re: WWYD? Walking w/ DS and approached by random dog...

My sil carries pepper spray when she walks her kids.

I personally would have gone into the closest backyard. I doubt someone would mind me going back there to escape a dog. I also carry a phone at all times so I would have phones for help.
The only time I have been approached by dogs were by 2 labs that were frolicking. They were friendly as can be but I put myself between ds and the dogs since I had no other option. They came fast and I had no where to go. The gates were on the other side of the house we were in front of and the dogs came up fast since I wasn't paying attention. You can bet I now pay attention

eta make sure there is not a dog in the yard you choose

Message edited 4/1/2010 5:26:42 PM.

Re: WWYD? Walking w/ DS and approached by random dog...

I would have done the same. If I didn't have DC with me I would have called the dog over and if it was friendly tried to find it's home which I have done countless times.