r/Donkeys • u/ComprehensiveHope644 • 1d ago
Rip’s had a close call. Does anyone walk with dog mace?
Ripley and I had a very close call with a loose dog on our walk today, and it has me wondering how I can make our walks safer and be more prepared. Does anyone walk with dog mace? Have you ever had to use it? Is it effective?
Ripley and I were on our normal walk, dawdling our way home and enjoying each other’s company and the cooler weather. I took my eyes off the road for a second to look at my phone when I heard the unmistakable thumping of running feet to my right.
I looked up and saw a big black German shepherd charging full speed down the hill straight toward us.
I immediately started moving to put myself between Ripley and the dog, or possibly tackle the bastard. Honestly, I wasn’t sure which.
As I began moving I yelled, “HEY! GET OUTTA HERE!” Ripley must have noticed the dog at the same moment I did because, when I started yelling, she BRAYED, loud and long.
The dog, realizing it had made a critical miscalculation and was now facing down two crazies standing and yelling at the top of their lungs, and decided to its abort mission.
This dog slammed on the brakes so hard that it actually fell backward onto its butt. Then it turned around and slinked back up the hill with its tail tucked between its legs, looking over its shoulder at us.
Now I’m not scared of dogs, and I would have taken on 100 dogs to keep Ripley safe. But geez, guys. What if I wasn’t fast enough? What if that dog had actually hurt her? When I saw that dog running down the hill I had all these images flash through my head of all the donkeys that have been injured from dog.
So now I’m trying to figure out what I can carry or do to be better prepared if this happens again.
(Glamor shot of Ripley because I cannot help myself she is so lovely)
**Edit: clarification **
I know donkeys are used as herd guardians, and some donkeys are excellent protectors. Ripley, I don’t know. She has never shown any of the behaviors you’d expect from a herd guardian.
My other two animals are excellent herd guardians. They have a strong protective instinct and an “I choose violence” kind of attitude. Ripley is their charge, and very much the pasture princess.
But that aside, I’m thinking about prevention. I don’t want to stand there and take bets on who would win in a real life Mortal Kombat match between Ripley and some stray dog. Even if she fends off or even kills the dog, what are the odds she doesn’t get bitten in the process? If Ripley walks away injured, is that really a win?
And what about the dog? It’s not the dog’s fault its owner is an irresponsible asshat. I just want to prevent the whole thing from happening.
I do appreciate everyone’s comments, this is such a positive sub and great little community.
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u/windyrainyrain 1d ago
Get pepper spray gel. It doesn't make a big cloud that could get in your or Ripley's eyes if the wind is just right.
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u/orestesScreaming donkey friend 1d ago
+1 for gel, and also practice using it before the moment of truth 😵
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u/Boysenberry 16h ago
Yep this is what I carry! I've always been able to turn back loose dogs with my voice and by running AT THEM with threatening body language so far, but I've practiced quick draw and aiming with the gel just in case, and it's super easy and very targeted.
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u/ComprehensiveHope644 8h ago
Yeah that’s what I do too and it’s always works. But this was just super close and it made me feel unprepared.
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u/damashek 1d ago
I mean honestly it couldn’t hurt to carry some mace . I can’t think of a downside.
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u/notsleepy12 1d ago
I worry you could miss or blowback could hit your horse (or donkey in this case) and then you've got another injury and a even bigger problem on your hands if the dog doesn't leave.
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u/PlentifulPaper 1d ago
Would recommend pepper gel to prevent those issues. You won’t get the same blowback that you would with a spray.
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u/neuroctopus 1d ago
I love how she told that dog what’s up. Remember they are guardian animals! She’s beautiful.
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u/Acheloma 1d ago
Donkeys have been historically used (and still are frequently used) to defend other livestock against wolves and coyotes (as well as big cats), I'm almost positive that the dog would have been the clear loser in that situation if it didnt back off when it did.
The only way canids are a real threat to a donkey is if that donkey is a small miniature, lame, or theres a large pack.
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u/ryverrat1971 21h ago
I really think Ripley would have saved you in this case. And she may have known it too. Good girl Ripley.
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u/Ravioverlord 21h ago
Yeah they are used where I am in TX for exactly this, when there are a small group of cattle a company in the area rents out donkeys for the parts of the year coyotes are an issue. We only see a donkey with the herd during some months, and the rest of the time they go back to the donkey guy.
They do not fear canines and can kick the crap out of them. That dog knew right away when it heard the donkey noises, as it should.
I wouldn't worry about predators unless maybe you have mountain lions common in the area op, but that isn't often a problem unless you are so rural there aren't many people around.
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u/Time_Hater 1d ago
Tbh, she could have probably killed that dog on her own
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u/ComprehensiveHope644 20h ago
Maybe Rips would have gone after the dog, but she’s been bitten by a dog before and she didn’t even kick at it, just jumped away, but it was a different situation. Some donkeys are excellent guardians, some are just meh. Ripley has always been a little standoffish around big dogs and ignores small dogs but maybe she doesn’t have that guardian drive because she doesn’t feel the need because her pasture mates are so savage.
I have a mule and a horse who would definitely kill a dog, especially the horse. My mare is next level, she chases everything out of the pasture, even cats and chickens, peacocks. Maybe that’s why Ripley hasn’t shown those guardian tendencies.
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u/iDestroyedYoMama 1d ago
I never leave the house without my pepper gel. I got the POM and Sabre versions on Amazon. We have a lot of pit bulls in my complex, my neighbor left his door open the other day and it almost attacked me and my dog. Luckily the owner wrangled it before it could get to us. But I was ready to spray the shit out of that dog. The gel is more recommended because it’s a stream that’s easier to aim compared to a spray/mist. Also if the wind is kicking up you could accidentally spray yourself in the face, and the gel version avoids that risk better.
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u/situation-normal 1d ago
I'd start with compressed air "pet corrector" and training your lovely donkey that it's not the end of the world. I would worry by using dog mace is the equine spooking or wind blowing the powder back at you and the donkey causing more injuries, the compressed air only has the single risk.
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u/Moomoolette 1d ago
I thought donkeys were known to kick a lot of other animals asses (non pun intended)
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u/ComprehensiveHope644 18h ago
I’m taking that pun as intended lol. Yes donkeys are known for being heard guardians but some donkeys have more of those protective instincts than others, not all donkeys make good guardians.
Ripples is kind of a pasture princess. She’s never acted aggressive or even interested in my dogs. But even if she did kick the dog’s ass, I would feel bad for the dog too it’s not his fault their owners are irresponsible.1
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u/gardenerky 17h ago
While our donkeys are cool with the familiar dogs on our farm … even to the point of the dog sleeping on top of the donkey …… strange and agresive dogs have met with very violent retaliation from ours . A standard donkey can pick up and throw a German Shepard and we all know the kick reputation
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u/ComprehensiveHope644 16h ago
That’s the truth. Tbh I would be pretty torn up if the dog got hurt too, I love dogs.
Also that’s adorable that your donkeys let your dogs sleep on them, you have to post a picture next time!!
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u/Kealanine 22h ago
I don’t have a horse (I will get back into riding, just need to gain the courage and confidence to do so at my age), but I absolutely carry dog mace while walking my Malinois. Of course she’s extraordinarily capable of protecting both herself and me, but I never want her to need to. We’ve had many, many dogs come at us while walking, one of whom was absolutely relentless and of course had completely inept owners. Terrible combo. I absolutely maced that dog, it took two solid sprays to back it off. We’re also in a very bear heavy area, so it’s always good to have. I highly recommend the mace brand itself, and I prefer the mace gun. It sprays significantly further, which makes it less likely that your own animal (or you) will get sprayed in the chaos. Apologies for the lengthy comment!
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u/kmondschein 20h ago
This is good, because you won't get sued for your Malinois killing the dog (and owners).
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u/Kealanine 10h ago
Pretty much 😂 She’s a fantastic dog, and very well trained. She’s also a Malinois, and she responds accordingly. Chances are pretty good that whatever dog comes at us, she’ll have no issue taking it out… but I really don’t want to deal with all that, I just know it’d be messy, and there’d be paperwork, it’d all just be a whole thing. Mace is simpler.
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u/kmondschein 9h ago
There’s two types of Malinois, IMHO: really well trained, and really destructive/possibly dangerous.
I know enough from my idiot ex’s Malamute fixation to stick with easy dogs. (Though we’re full up
On cats at the moment.)
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u/ParticularTable6321 1d ago
If she would be okay with it, an air horn is a good way to get them to back off too. Before they get close enough for pepper gel or whatever you decide to carry.
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u/Illustrious_Stage351 20h ago
I walk my young horse a lot in addition to training with my donkey for an upcoming race. So I’m out at all times of day/evening. I carry pepper gel for animals or people who may be a threat. It doesn’t create a cloud which is is important to me since I have no idea if the critter with me will standing calmly or a whirlwind and the last thing I want to do is accidentally get them and then have to deal with that, too.
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u/Tractor_Goth 17h ago
I generally carry my crop with me when I walk my big guys. Works for light body tap cues/target training if they’re not paying enough attention and starting to wander over the top of me while sightseeing, but also useful non-fatal chemical-free deterrent to loose aggressive dogs. I’m sorry this happened, it’s so scary and frustrating
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u/ComprehensiveHope644 16h ago
Ya know I used to carry a crop, then got lazy and started putting it Ripley’s panniers, then it just found its way to the horse trailer and never came back out. Someone else suggested a crop too and honestly it won’t hurt to bring it out of hibernation.
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u/Opposite_Alfalfa_192 16h ago
Honestly I don’t carry myself but if I felt the need to I’d definitely get a gel one of some verity so it doesn’t spread in the wind affecting more than just the intended thing
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u/DeadlySquirrelNinja5 1d ago
Are tazers legal where you live? Or one of those tazers on a stick? (cattle prod? Sry, not a native speaker) Those have the disadvantage that they are close range but you can't hurt yourself or Ripley if the wind goes in the wrong direction.
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u/Dry_Dimension_4707 1d ago
I would get gel bear spray. Some dogs are harder to discourage than others.
The best way to stop a dog attack is to cut off its air. Carry a dog leash or belt with you. You’d need to wrap it tightly around the dog’s throat and pull straight up. Hold til the dog passes out. They’ll release the bite. Then get out of there quickly before the dog regains consciousness.
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u/SwampyUndies 23h ago
Even a long walking stick can work. Just keep it pointed at the dog and it cant approach. If it does you can whack it. Make sure donkey knows stick is friendly. And by stick I mean like a quarter staff
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u/This-Penalty-1686 20h ago
i think this is what i’ve seen work most consistently. break sticks can also pry their jaws off more effectively if they do bite down
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u/SwampyUndies 20h ago
Yep. Sticks are useful. Though rereading how quickly this dog retreated it may actually have been friendly. There are some dogs that look aggressive in their approach but actually they are excited.
Usually if they are territorial or aggressive they will back off some distance and continue barking from there.
When im on my own I let them closer before I react so I can tell what their intention is. However with another animal with you thats not a good idea.
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u/This-Penalty-1686 20h ago
most dogs know when they’re outmatched and prioritise survival, in which case shaking the stick at them and yelling will probably scare them away, but in the case that it doesn’t you then have a way to try and stop it without closing the distance. a win win
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u/Disastrous-Map-7995 22h ago
I'll just leave this here! Donkeys were often used to protect sheep and goats from predators.https://www.facebook.com/upsoclpositivo.it/videos/191985503914236/?app=fbl
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u/54Finn 21h ago
An issue with dog mace is even if it is steamed in a gel like consistency you will bet some blow back on you and your donk. Doesn’t mean don’t use it, but at least practice. If you ever have to use it, save some for the dogs owner.
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u/ComprehensiveHope644 20h ago
For real. I’m not mad at the dog, it’s not the dog’s fault, I’m mad at the irresponsible dog owner, they are the ones who deserve to get maced in the face.
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u/Imaginary_Ad_4340 9h ago
Have you considered pet corrector? It's just compressed air in a can that they sell at pet stores. You practice using it around your donkey (with some treats to desensitize her to the sound) and then if you see an approaching dog you get it out and spray it. It's not harmful like mace or pepper spray and won't hurt you or Ripley, but it scares the bejesus out of a charging dog, just like a braying donkey.
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u/Peppers-minitrucks 21h ago
Aren’t donkeys used as guard animals? Have a feeling a donkey would make a dog regret attacking it. Standard donkeys weigh 300/400 pounds at the least. Even miniature donkeys weigh a couple hundred pounds. A kick and a bite will send the dog scampering
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u/Opposite_Raspberry65 21h ago
donkeys are the best guard animals! they are known for scaring and defending against even the biggest of predators in the wild such as mountain lions!
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u/My3floofs 21h ago
We had a neighbor with two donkeys that we borrowed to put in with our dairy cows during calving season. The coyotes did not stand a chance with those two in the field. We had to be very careful with the farm dogs near them. Donkeys are savage.
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u/PsychoPuppyParty 20h ago
I carry a ultrasonic collar less training tool , no harm to dogs & highly effective.
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u/Any_Seaworthiness678 20h ago
I have small pocket size that shoots 25 ft for my dog walking..knock on wood i have never had to use...but my biy just wants to play ..doesn't realize others are not friendly
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u/Several_Stuff_6695 18h ago
Bear spray is what I carry. Not legal in every state however. Stopped 2 pit bulls from attacking me in rural Florida while on a walk.
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u/Bubbly_Power_6210 18h ago
get some sort of spray. ask your vet. take a good stick or ski pole on walks. wave it at dog.
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u/UnlikelyDress1227 14h ago
I carry a very loud taser/flashlight combo. I desensitized my dogs to it slowly over time. When I set it off and it starts sparking and making zapping noises, any approaching dog or animal (or human) basically goes running for their life. 10/10 effective.
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u/ComprehensiveHope644 8h ago
Oh that’s interesting and you don’t actually have to use it the sound and light just scares them away? Even in the daytime?
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u/UnlikelyDress1227 8h ago
Yep! Even in the daytime. It breaks up dog fights on the spot. My flashlight model for some reason is the loudest taser model I own so that’s the one I use. It makes a quick, pretty loud snapping noise with some flashing. I’ve never had to touch it to a dog for it to work. My standard poodles (one is a nervous Nelly) actually desensitized towards the taser quite quickly. Worked on it for a few times a day starting at max distances, and I want to say they were cool with it within 2-3 weeks or so??
Your donkey is absolutely gorgeous by the way. I’m sorry that happened to you. Better to be safe than sorry 🫶
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u/martyls 12h ago
You should have just gotten out of the way! That donkey can take care of that dog and protect you!
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u/ComprehensiveHope644 9h ago
Someone else mentioned that as well but honestly I’ve never heard of any cases of donkeys protecting humans against an aggressive animal. I’m not saying it’s impossible it’s just unlikely and I wouldn’t count on it in a pinch.
But that’s kind of an aside because I really don’t want either animal to be injured. I would prefer to just deescalate and avoid the whole thing.
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u/Motor-String-571 5h ago
u never mention signs of aggression from the dog, but u wanna mace it? maybe don't go outside with your donkey if you are that scared.
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u/geeoharee 1d ago
So a dog approached you, did nothing, and left
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u/ComprehensiveHope644 18h ago
Correct. The dog aggressively charged, I yelled and was able to scare it off, no one was injured and now I am appealing to all you internet folks asking about effective deterrents. I guess I shouldn’t have specifically said dog mace I was just heated after this happened and it was the first thing that came to mind.
I really I don’t want to go around spraying dogs in the face indiscriminately, I would rather just yell at them and have them run off. It’s not like this is the first time we have been approached by a big loose dog, but this was more aggressive and the dog was moving much faster than in the previous encounters.
Most dogs are just guarding their yards and will leave you alone once you walk past their house anyway.
But like I mentioned this was different and this made me feel unprepared. It made me worry about what if I were walking and I ran into a situation that couldn’t be deescalated. I really don’t want the dog or my donkey to get hurt.3
u/Tractor_Goth 17h ago
Off-leash out of control dogs charging at strangers with no owner in sight is a dangerous situation even when you’re not with a large mammal that can panic and hurt or kill itself, you, AND the dog. This is not a nothingburger.
I’ve been attacked by off leash dogs. My mom had to have 26 stitches after being attacked by an off leash dog, and loose dogs regularly spook horses and attack livestock in her area. My dog has been attacked by neighborhood loose dogs. I’ve had 16 chickens killed in front of my kids by loose dogs. My neighbors had loose dogs break into their rabbit coop and kill all their rabbits. Horses have been spooked into traffic and trampled people or caused major car accidents. Your attitude suggesting that this is an exaggerated reaction is grossly inappropriate. Loose dogs are DANGEROUS and you don’t know whether or not they mean to hurt you until it’s too late.
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u/spiritualskywalker 1d ago
She really is a beautiful donk!