The headlines are frightening (and these are all from 2025) –

• Second deadly dog attack in 3 days in Central Alabama
• Oklahoma Woman loses all 4 limbs after dog attack
• Woman, 72, killed in apparent dog attack in Miami Gardens
• 71-year-old woman attacked by numerous dogs
• Woman, 86, mauled to death by 2 dogs outside her home

 

Irresponsible dog owners are letting their pets run loose in parks, on walking and hiking trails, and on the streets. Horrible people are abandoning unwanted dogs on city streets and in rural areas, leaving them to fend for themselves. Unfortunately, many of these neglected dogs have had little or no training.  Some become aggressive toward people and pets they encounter. In pairs or packs, they can become very dangerous.

In addition to dog attacks, coyote attacks have been a serious problem in some areas –

• Coyote attacking people in Atlantic Beach, Florida
• Coyote attack at a softball game
• Mother rescues her 6-year-old son from coyote attack
• Coyote pack attack kills dog and injures owner
• 5 coyote attacks in Bellevue within the last week

 

If confronted by aggressive dogs or coyotes, would you know what to do? Would you know how or have the tools available to protect yourself, your children and pets?

 

There are a variety of ways to protect yourself and loved ones from attacks by aggressive animals. The first line of defense is to repel the potential attack.

• The Electronic Dog Trainer & Repeller is a small, hand-held device which can be used for for training your own dogs or for repelling stray animals. It’s completely humane and causes no pain to the animal. While this device will get an animals attention and could cause a loose canine to back off, it shouldn’t be depended on to repel a very aggressive animal. 
• Pepper Spray is a also humane and very affordable. It offers a great way to ward off an attack and give yourself time and space to get to safety. Some pepper spray is formulated to ward off attacks by humans; other pepper sprays are crafted to repel canines. Bear spray is designed to fend off bears of all species. The range and spray pattern of the various sprays is designed to put a barrier between you and the aggressive animal, giving you a chance to Escape Unharmed.

 

If an attack occurs, you may need other tools to defend yourself – 

• Stun Cane, Stun Walking Stick, Expandable Stun Baton, Stun Flashlight – These are tools that are easy to carry on  walk in urban or rural settings. They function like high voltage stun guns, but they’re longer, giving you an increased buffer zone between you and the aggressive animal. A quick discharge from a distance may well be enough to startle and deter an aggressive animal. If the beast keeps coming, a well-placed zap will cause pain (temporary) and disrupt muscle function for up to 20 minutes – allowing you a chance to get to safety. These objects can also be used as striking tools as a last resort, if necessary.

 

• Low Tech tools like Canes, Walking Sticks & Expandable Batons – Though they’re not flashy and high tech, these options can still cause approaching canines and deter potential animal attacks. Holding a long stick or pole in front of you, pointing it at the aggressor while the animal is still at a distance can cause some animals to keep a safe distance. If it keeps moving forward, shouting and swinging the object may cause the beast to back peddle. Simply snapping an expandable baton open can startle a dog and cause it to back up. Of course, if it keeps coming in to attack, as a last resort, all of these objects can be used as striking tools.

 

Of course, none of these tools is guaranteed to work in every instance. Not all are legal in every jurisdiction. (Check HERE to see what’s legal in your area.) But even the best tool can only work when you have it with you and ready to use when you really need it. Charge the tools that need charging; replace sprays when they reach expiration. Always carry them with you and have them within easy reach when you may be exposed to danger. Planning ahead and being aware of your surroundings when out in public can greatly reduce the risk of dog and wild animal attacks.