Several dogs have been attacked recently by loose dogs in Yucca Valley. Your very best option to protect your dog when walking together is to walk carrying some sort of stick, such as a walking stick or cane, at least two feet long and one inch in diameter. Reporter Diana Jones says the Dog Breed Information website offers the following tips on how to defend yourself and your dog with the stick…
If attacked, point the stick at the dog’s nose and keep it there. While still pointing your stick at the dog, take a small step towards it. If the dog backs up, take another step until the dog retreats. If the dog does not back down, use the stick as a joust, not a club. The goal is to have the dog grab the stick so that its mouth is occupied. When it grabs the stick, it will instinctively pull. DO NOT PULL BACK. Instead, step toward the dog and push the stick into its mouth. If the dog does not grab the stick and does not back away, begin poking the dog with the stick. It will soon grow tired of being jabbed and retreat. Hopefully these tips will help protect you and your dog from dog attacks.
