Well, that was tense...

[Mitch Rapp]

It's amazing how many things your mind can think of at the same time. I had to pull my handgun in self defense against a vicious dog earlier. I had the safety off and had begun pressing the trigger when the dog backed off just as fast as it had charged. In that instant I had also registered the fact that there were houses behind my target, but that the angle I was about to fire at would put the bullet into the dirt if it exited. Also the legal ramifications went through my mind, and I had made the decision that this fit into what I thought would be legitimate self defense, as I was definitely in fear of grave bodily harm, and could not retreat because my back was against the hood of my car, and any retreat would require me to turn my back on the rottweiler, not an option.

Thankfully I did not have to fire, but it's nice to know your training has paid off.

I am even more thankful that I had decided to keep my kids in the car in case it started to rain. If the dog had gone after one of them, and they had started running, this would not have a happy ending. I did call the police, and got in my vehicle and followed the dog home, where the owner said to me and the police "That's crazy she has never acted like that before"......

 

[shootingbuff]

My daughter had 70,000 dollars worth of medical bills this past summer due to a dog - hers. Luckly he didn't try and maul her nor was he the typical strong jawed dog. I and my daughter loves dogs. That stated a dog that charges is one asking to be put down if my kids are around or it gets off leash out of the yard etc.

Great performance by the way.

 

[dennishoddy]

Glad it turned out as it did.
Bluff charges are common among all dangerous animals, and your absolutely correct, running would have been the wrong thing to do. Did the dog owner get a citation for allowing the animal run loose?

 

[Matt1911]

Crazy how many things race through your mind at once.
Glad you didn't have to fire, but it's good you were prepared for it, and I think in your case if it were me and the kids were out of the car and in danger, the trigger would have been pulled before the dog got close enough to try.

I drive a route out in the country for my job and I come across dogs all the time. Most of them are friendly and just want attention, but I've been snipped at more than once. Unfortunately carrying my gun while at work would get me fired, but I do keep a tire thumper with me in case I have to fight back. So far I haven't had to use it but there have been close calls.

 

[Mitch Rapp]

Glad it turned out as it did.
Bluff charges are common among all dangerous animals, and your absolutely correct, running would have been the wrong thing to do. Did the dog owner get a citation for allowing the animal run loose?

I do not know, but I will find out. Either way, our community has a size restriction on dogs, and this one exceeds it, so it will not be a future problem in my neighborhood at least...

 

[Mitch Rapp]

Crazy how many things race through your mind at once.
Glad you didn't have to fire, but it's good you were prepared for it, and I think in your case if it were me and the kids were out of the car and in danger, the trigger would have been pulled before the dog got close enough to try.

I drive a route out in the country for my job and I come across dogs all the time. Most of them are friendly and just want attention, but I've been snipped at more than once. Unfortunately carrying my gun while at work would get me fired, but I do keep a tire thumper with me in case I have to fight back. So far I haven't had to use it but there have been close calls.

Oh yeah, that big of a dog, the moment it acted aggressive at all it would have been put down. Thankfully, due to weather, they were in the car.

 

[Armyguy78]

I had almost the exact same thing happen to me about two weeks ago. I have a lake down at the end of my driveway which is a long way from the house so I always throw my little Kel Tec PF9 in my back pocket before the kids and I walk down to go fishing. As we are fishing two pit bulls start barking and making their way down the hill. I pushed my kids behind me and pulled my gun. I racked the slide and the slide stopped half way down. I looked down and noticed that the round was almost sideways. I cleared the round and racked it again with the same outcome. At this point the dogs had stopped and were looking at me like I was an idiot and I felt that way. After further inspection I noticed that my firing pin was stuck in the fire position. I don't know how in the hell this had ever happened. It literally would had to have happened on the last round I had fired out of it. I'm lucky it didn't feed or I would have had a 13 ounce full auto, which would have impressed the kids and the dogs and made me change my pants. That being said, Kel Tec will be fixing a gun.

 

[jtischauser]

I received a visit from the county deputy a few weeks ago to tell me my dog bit a Neighboor that was walking by. I was shocked! people walk by my house everyday and this dog plays more than barks but you just never know how a dog is reading your body language. The wrong read can turn an otherwise good dog into a killer.

 

[jtischauser]

This damn new version of this forum software won't let me do squat on my iPhone! I can't see the full version can't edit post so that's why all my posts are illiterate! Eff!!

 

[Burk Cornelius]

Was it true?

I received a visit from the county deputy a few weeks ago to tell me my dog but a Neighboor that was walking by. I was shocked! people walk by my house everyday and this dog plays more than barks but you just never know how a dog is reading your body language. The wrong read can turn an otherwise good dog into a killer.

 

[Wormydog1724]

I've shot several dogs out of defense for my livestock. Dad has shot several that have come to the house when people dump them out in the country if they act aggressive. I don't like shooting dogs, but certain ones have no business in being around. 12 gauge with #4's is our choice.

 

[dennishoddy]

This damn new version of this forum software won't let me do squat on my iPhone! I can't see the full version can't edit post so that's why all my posts are illiterate! Eff!!

Fixed.

 

[dennishoddy]

I've shot several dogs out of defense for my livestock. Dad has shot several that have come to the house when people dump them out in the country if they act aggressive. I don't like shooting dogs, but certain ones have no business in being around. 12 gauge with #4's is our choice.

We have the same situation. People dump their dogs in the country, and they try to make it, but eventually make it to our house. Covered in ticks, chewed up by coyotes, and in really bad shape. Nobody loves dogs more than my family, but the Humane society won't take them, the city won't as we live in the country in an adjacent county, and there is no choice left but to end their suffering. Its a heartbreaking job, but its worse to let it live in their condition.

 

[Wall]

Was it true?

I can't imagine. His dogs are awesome.

 

[jtischauser]

Deputy said he had a bruise or redness on his arm but no skin puncture. I think he may have been playing like I do with him. If a 200 lb dog bites you with the intent of actually biting you you get a broken arm or a stump not a bruise.

 

[Spiff]

I've shot several dogs out of defense for my livestock. Dad has shot several that have come to the house when people dump them out in the country if they act aggressive. I don't like shooting dogs, but certain ones have no business in being around. 12 gauge with #4's is our choice.

No one in my family has ever shot a dog.

ARs work pretty good. 10/22s with Stingers are surprisingly effective also. 44 mag's real good at close range.

 

[McGuire]

I hate the thought of having to put an animal down for no reason, but when it comes down to my familys or my own safety, the choice is automatic. Just like it would be with a person, no questions, when the line is crossed its game over. Good job and quick thinking

 

[nikatkimber]

It's a matter of time if you live in the country. I hate it, but you do what you have to.

Good to know you responded the way you trained.

 

[Adam Striegel]

Last year I was riding my bike and had a pitt bull and chow run up on either side of me and got both my legs. The guy was technically on county property instead of city, so all he had to do was isolate his dogs are the vet for a week. Not sure there was even a fine associated with it. My insurance company was more than happy to send him all the bills though. I still have a gash on my right leg from where the pitt bull got me.

Needless to say, I won't be riding without my Glock anymore.

 

[Vash1023]

i live in an area thats oversaturated with Pits and mutt pit breeds. many are breed and raised for fighting.

last summer during a jog (always carry my G19) i heard some loud femal scream coming from an alley. i assumed it was a rape in progress due to the specific areas criminal history and made best speed to assist. (no cell phone on my jog).
when i rounded the corner there was a 15yr old girl being mauled on here lower leg by a large "blue pit". wearing shorts and an underarmor shirt i decided against the hands on approach and immidieatly deployed my glock and gave the dog two rounds in the hind quarted to avoid the girl by as much as possible, after the second shot the dog changed target and began to charge me with 3 legs.
i began backpeddeling down the alley to get distance from the girl before putting down the dog with 2 shots in the head/neck area.

i holstered and began to comfort the girl as neighbors began to file out to see what happened. finally one had the common sence to dial 911.
the girl ended up needing 2 surgerys to be able to walk again.

thankfully the judge threw out the "discharging a firearm in city limits" citation so i didnt loose my CCW.