Today, Jake and I were confronted by a big, blue pitbull in our neighborhood while we walked.
I am thankful it was just us.
I am thankful we were not hurt.
I am thankful for the man on the bike who helped and grabbed the dog and took him to the owner.
My husband took the kids out for some daddy time at the park with our other dog, so it was just Jake and I! His disappointment for being left behind was turned quickly to excitement when I got the leash out of the drawer. We were ready to go!
We walked a few blocks, with Jake taking a few "pit stops" on trees, fences, etc. I get slightly annoyed, like I have to get where I am going. But where am I going? No where, just out. About a half block in, I realize that and slow down and let him sniff and mark and detour. I am a big supporter of not letting a dog walk me, but train them to walk close with a slacked leash. He got good at that early on when we got him. He's a good boy.
About six houses from home, a big, strong, strange dog intercepted us. Chest out, no barf, he was there before I ever heard him. Jake is NOT dog-social. We used to go to dog parks and socialized him early, but when our daughter was born, he changed into an aggressive protector.
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| Taken on another walk, my daughter and Jake. | | |
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Jake immediately prepared for battle today. I was pulling him back and away from the dog, who was baring his teeth and Jake did too. The dog did come from across the street so we were not on the dog's territory. I reeled Jake in, and the dog followed Jake. I told the dog NO over and over and it did respond. I put about 8 feet between Jake and the dog, and it started to retreat.
I don't know if I did the right thing in the moment. We avoided bloodshed. We made it home safe. I thought to myself, 'I can't even walk safely in this neighborhood.' But we will. Next time, however, I will have a walking stick and my pepper spray.
If you are ever in the situation, stay calm, get home quickly, and be thankful.
