Lani - I can feel soreness creeping in my neck and knee...thank God it wasn't winter..by the time I fell Ollie and I were trying to get away in a home's yard, as I kept looking for somewhere to hide. So, I just fell on the grass but still unexpectedly..after getting up and walking down the block frantically and now both of them following us just as quickly is when I used my mace...didn't hit the dogs, just the tar and air...but the larger one probably got a wiff and eventually they went the other direction.
{{{Kb and Ollie}}} How terrifying for you both . sorry this happened. This is what I've learned from our dog classes in Scottsdale.
We took rattlesnake, wild animal and dog off leash training years ago.
What to Do When Approached By An Off-Leash Dog
https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/what-to-do-when-approached-by-an-off-leash-dog
Thanks, Lani.all good techniques and I used all of them without the first one relenting and then after the second one joined the first. I am intensely focused and aware as Ollie is now leash reactive after his first violent attack by a different dog...meaning if he sees an unleashed dog he barks...neither dog picked up on Ollie's reaction, neither dog retreated when I raised my one hand and screamed loudly back, stop, and no. In fact they approached rapidly alone and then together circling us. I did as fast as I could get myself up off the ground look for somewhere I could put Ollie..I can no longer pick him up but still looked. I also do this for coyote...look for places to put Ollie that is.
Both as quickly as I and Ollie tried to retreat they followed. It's only then I turned around and sprayed making sure not to hit the dog..I frankly was surprised the smell in the air and street was enough eventually to have them both retreat.
Nonetheless, this is why I am constantly on guard with Ollie and always take a turn down another block when I see a dog walker on a leash even...
This one came out of the bushes of a house yard and was running towards us, the second one was in the mode of helping the smaller one and joined in "the hunt"
I'm so glad I carry mace now. Ollie is trained as well...However, once bitten by an off leash dog (twice by same dog) I don't think he'll ever be the same....very sad.