Unfortunately, it is illegal to injure or kill a dog, even when it is attacking and killing your pet or livestock.
You could potentially try to cover a dog's face with a heavy coat or grab your dog's leash and try to pull yourselves away, though these options can carry risks. “If you have a deterrent like bear spray, spraying nearby or even at the dogs is a better option than allowing a dangerous fight to continue,” she says.
Among the most effective methods of defense against dog attacks are pepper spray, legal self-defense weapons, a dog defense spray or a pepper gun. Dog experts advise not to immediately run away in fear in the event of a dog attack, as the four-legged friends are usually faster than humans.
Walk in Front of Your Dog
Walking in front of your dog allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he's the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk.
A quick and easy way to check if it's safe to walk your dog is to place the back of your hand on a sunny patch of pavement. If you can't comfortably hold it there for at least five to ten seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog.
Some deterrents include: Whistle with a sharp note or ultrasonic: Dogs have sensitive hearing and a whistle with a sharp or ultrasonic tone can be effective in shutting down a dog that's engaging in aggressive behavior.
Most scientific studies indicate that it is very possible to rehabilitate a dog after they bite another dog or person.
When a dog bites another dog, the consequences can vary, depending on the bite's severity and the state or municipality in which the incident occurs. Generally, the dog's owner may be held liable if their dog causes injuries or property damage. The dog may be quarantined or euthanized.
The safest and most effective way to treat an aggression problem is to implement behavior modification under the guidance of a qualified professional. Modifying a dog's behavior involves rewarding her for good behavior—so you'll likely be more successful if your dog enjoys praise, treats and toys.
Contrary to popular opinion, pepper spray and Mace are seldom effective. In fact, these agents are known to actually provoke dogs into redirecting their aggression.
The dog's weak spots are the back of its head (not the top, where its skull is thick), nose, and throat. Otherwise, use your full weight and elbows or knees to wrestle the dog down.
Don't put your hand near the fighting or attacking dogs' mouths, or touch the dogs where they could easily turn around and bite you. Do not grab collars.
Any dog that is walking out in front of their humans will begin to regard himself as the alpha of the group. By making the dogs heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, you are communicating to the dogs that the humans are above them in the pecking order and that all the dogs are on the same follower level.
This outdoor exercise is good for their health and helps them to work off excess energy. It also gives them an opportunity to engage in their natural instincts, including sniffing the world around them—and this is why we should let them stop and smell along the way. "Dogs were born to sniff!
Throw a blanket or jacket over each dog so they can no longer see each other. Or spray the dogs' faces with citronella spray, lemon juice spray, or a vinegar spray. Use an object to separate the dogs. Be certain to keep your hands and face as far from the dogs' mouths as possible.
Use Spray Shield™ (Premier Pet Products, formally called Direct Stop). Spray Shield™ is a citronella spray that can be used to interrupt attacks by surprising/distracting animals with a powerful, unpleasant scent, and has been found to be as effective as pepper spray without the harmful effects on animals and people.
You should immediately turn a claim into your insurance company. In most cases, the claim department will investigate the incident, determine if you are legally liable, and pay the claim. Some insurance companies have changed their insurance policies in response to an increase in dog bite claims.
Now granted, while many of us love our pets and consider them more than property, legally speaking, animals (including dogs and cats) are just that. This means that if a dog just sprints towards another dog and bites it, the owner of the aggressor dog will bear responsibility for any injuries to the unprovoked animal.
A couple of legal proceedings are possible when a dog injures or kills another companion animal. A person who alleges that his/her animal was injured or killed by another person's dog can sue for money and can also make a dangerous dog complaint with the local agency that handles such complaints.