Dog Attack While Detecting

[utmike]

I will save all the trivial information that led up to this and contact with the dog owner afterwords...., but suffice it to say, I experienced one of the most terrifying encounters yet while detecting. A large pit-bull mix escaped his owner's control and charged me intent on attack. I have had plenty of dog encounters that have ended well and know the difference between a defensive animal and attacking one. I didn't get bit but for a couple of minutes had to keep the dog at bay with the detector shaft and coil (which it grabbed but didn't damage). I normally keep my occupation away from the forums because A. it is private and B. not everyone likes the police, and C. I like to avoid legality of metal detecting conversations. I'm bringing it up here because I was able to apply tactics on this dog that eventually led to the situation being controlled. I wanted to share this video link ( be forewarned it's a little cheesy) in hopes that it might help someone in a similar situation. The techniques are not foolproof in my opinion and anything can happen. For me, it has worked in the past and especially the other day.

Moderators, please delete this if it is inappropriate or too far off topic.

HH
Mike

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkJZOkl1O_I[/video]

 

[IDXMonster]

One of the reasons I carry a sharp SHOVEL...

 

[cz70pro]

Glad to hear you came out of that unscathed Mike. Luckily, you knew what to do in such a situation. Just got done watching the video and I definitely learned something. Thanks for that and more importantly, thanks for being a cop as well. HH and keep safe out there.

 

[sprchng]

Nice little video but the mods will move it to the Metal Detecting forum shortly so more may see it
Two notes however , a dog that's tied is a different animal than one that's loose and all bets are off when you're carrying a big stick , or a detector.
I often have my dog with me and he diffuses most aggressive dogs well before they come to me but a pocket full of treats is the secret weapon.

 

[diggervance]

Hey Mike,

Glad you are o.k.

Thanks for the video and heads up!

 

[IDXMonster]

Nice little video but the mods will move it to the Metal Detecting forum shortly so more may see it
Two notes however , a dog that's tied is a different animal than one that's loose and all bets are off when you're carrying a big stick , or a detector.
I often have my dog with me and he diffuses most aggressive dogs well before they come to me but a pocket full of treats is the secret weapon.

The pocket of treats,if you think you might run into a dog for some reason,is a GREAT idea. Maybe Combos? That way I can eat them too if I don't need to give them up...I've never tried Beggin' Strips...

 

[Mark kus]

One of the reasons I carry a sharp SHOVEL...

Yes me too always!

 

[utmike]

-- moved topic --

 

[hawgdawg]

Thanks for the info and video. I'm glad you were able to thwart the attack. And also , thank you for risking your life to help save ours. I know it can be a hard job to do sometimes. And i know it can take a toll on your personal life as well. But you , and your fellow officers around the country are appreciated for your sacrifices for us. Thank you , and I hope you have a great holiday.

 

[utmike]

Thank you hawgdawg! That means the world to me. You have a great 4th also!

 

[Silver Bullet]

Thanks for the video. Also, thanks for your service!

 

[Cameraniac]

Helpful video. Thanks for posting it.

 

[Pokeymon]

Several months ago at a park in Green River UT, two pit bull pups, about 4 - 5 months old, came at me. While one tried to get behind me the other came from the front, but I was able to keep wildly swinging the Etrac to keep them from biting. I was all alone and nobody in sight. After about 5 minutes, which seemed like an eternity, I was able to connect solidly on the mouth of one dog with a satisfying crunch. He took off howling and whining and the other followed him down the road. A kid in that situation wouldn't have had a chance. I now carry bear spray whenever I'm in an isolated area, and keep aware of my surroundings.

 

[nge]

I, unfortunately had to dispatch an attacking "Pit" in my local park. I was down digging a target when I heard heavy footsteps moving really fast, when I turned and looked towards the sound, it was already in launch mode and in the air, I Lesched it right in the chest. Always keep your diggers razor sharp. As it was in it's dying thro's I kicked it in the river. About 1/2 hour later and a clean pair of shorts, an older woman came by and asked if I saw a dog, I said NO! And she continued on looking for her dog. You know, there is a reason that our parks have a written law that says "all dogs MUST be on a 6 foot leash!" this one had no collar and wasn't dragging a leash........NGE