How would you handle a dog attack with your kids?

ghm

I usually am out alone with the kids at night, sometimes with a kid on a bike and 2 dogs on a leash (girls in jogging stroller).

The other night E spent the night with my brother/SIL, and DH and I had the girls out for a walk (no dogs as we were going a long way and my arthritic dog can't walk as far as we were going right now). Anyway, we were walking about a mile from the house when a very large dog came running and started jumping on the girls in the stroller. He was barking, not growling and didn't attempt to bite, but it freaked me out. Jon had me stop and he corned the dog up on a porch while I walked away with the girls.

Anyway, it had me freaked out about how I'd handle a dog attack if I was alone with everyone. Has anyone ever put any thought into this? 

justEK

You know me with my irrational fears. I've thought about this and I am terrified of dogs. I didn't used to be, but I was attacked when I was around 18.

I bought mace awhile ago, though I don't carry it. I could picture me kicking and even biting the dog. We had a very dangerous pitbull attack my neighbor and another dog in our neighborhood. All I kept imagining was E's face being ripped off. I guess all I can say is I would sure put up a fight.

And I think I would have picked up the stroller with the girls in it to swing at the dog that was barking at your girls. Probably not the smartest thing, but oh well. Maybe carry a spray bottle?

DandelionMom

I've picked the stroller right up over my head.  But I was only out with one kid. 

Usually dogs respond to a shout of "go home!" in a deep authoritative voice. 

august06mom

Probably the same way I'd handle an attack by a human if it ever happened -- try to scream as loud as I can for help, and try to defend myself and the kids. I guess it wouldn't hurt to carry mace or something because it's not like the dog can use it against you, but we don't really have a problem with roaming dogs in my area that it would be worth worrying about.

breezee_bean

I was bitten by a dog once and cornered by a pack of dogs once.  Dogs still make me twitchy and I have one of my own.  I carry dog/bear spray with me. 

dnagal

I always put myself between the dog and the kids when we come upon a strange dog (especially one without an owner in tow.)  If the owner is there and says "he's friendly/loves kids, etc.) then I'll move aside and let DD pet it.  I've been threatened by loose dogs before (without the kids) and I usually just keep moving (slowly, no sudden movements) and firmly say something like "go home".  

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ak1234

Funny you ask this, because with summer coming, and seeing neighbors walk their dogs, I was thinking I need to get some dog/bear spray.