[slade]

I was planting some trees up at the church today. I arrived early and was getting some tools out of the truck when I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye and growling.

Two big (80#) black dogs charging me. Some kind of Pit Bull mix. Thanks to previous trips to the gun range, I quickly drew my S&W 340PD and took a defensive stand, finger on the trigger aimed at the first one. I was amazed at how my reflexes worked... weird, like I was on auto pilot. It's also amazing that I made a quick decision to fire if he came within about five yards.

Both dogs stopped. The lead dog was thinking about a charge... which would have been fatal as I'm loaded with .357 135 grain Gold Dot defensive rounds.

They took off and I planted some trees instead of dead dog. REALLY glad I was armed today.

 

[HotGuns]

Sometimes you get lucky and a defensive posture will deter a dog from pressing an attack...but only if the dog is not commited.

Other times, you may have to stick the gun in its mouth and pull the trigger.

From one that has been there and done that, I am glad that you were prepared. It could have been the difference between life and death.

 

[jcephl]

Maybe they sensed that you weren't scared and decided not to chance an attack.

 

[grady]

Good to be prepared. Dog attacks can happen just about anywhere.

Did you notify any authorities of the dogs? Wouldn't want the dogs to come back when there are unarmed people around.

 

[10thmtn]

Hmmm...two relatively small, fast moving targets...and only 5 rounds of ammo in the revolver...

And don't assume only one round will be needed to stop a large, aggressive dog.

Hmmmmm....

Don't want to start the old revolver vs pistol thing, but...glad it turned out ok for you.

 

[alelks]

Maybe they sensed that you weren't scared and decided not to chance an attack.

EXACTLY!

You let them know who was the Alpha Male. Dogs can DEFINITELY sense fear.

 

[nutz4utwo]

Good work. On the trees I mean!

Glad it was a non-incident. I find it interesting that DC forum members seem to draw on dogs more often then people. I guess it is wise not to underestimate 4 legged predators...

 

[RETSUPT99]

Staying armed is important, but being alert is really important...you were...nice effort!:hand10:

 

[larefugee]

Did you yell anything at the dogs before they turned away?

 

[Eagleks]

Ah.... come on..... they just wanted to be the first to initiate the tree..... LOL.

 

[Beans]

Did you yell anything at the dogs before they turned away?

Here Kitty Kitty :rofl:

 

[slade]

Did you yell anything at the dogs before they turned away?

No, it happened too fast.

 

[slade]

Ah.... come on..... they just wanted to be the first to initiate the tree..... LOL.

They almost made me initiate the tree!

 

[slade]

Hmmm...two relatively small, fast moving targets...and only 5 rounds of ammo in the revolver...

And don't assume only one round will be needed to stop a large, aggressive dog.

Hmmmmm....

Don't want to start the old revolver vs pistol thing, but...glad it turned out ok for you.

They were moving... straight at me. Easy shot. Didn't carry the Kimber as I was doing grunt work. However, I'm sure the .357 could handle it fine. The noise alone would probably have made them run with a miss.

 

[gunfan]

I have had a similar situation here in Vancouver, WA. (right next to Portland, OR.). I have a CHP and will plant any dog that is acting agressive and approaching quickly. The law is on the side of the pedestrian, as it is considered self-defense against a potentially lethal attack. The Vancouver City District Attorney knows that Washington State law sides against unrestrained animals. The local LEO's know it too!

 

[SpringerXD]

Did you notify any authorities of the dogs? Wouldn't want the dogs to come back when there are unarmed people around.

But there were two dogs and only one of him. It would have been their word against his.

:danceban:

 

[Thumper]

Good thing you didn't have to shoot... from what I've read, there are those here who believe that gun loaded with .357 would have ripped your arm off! :rofl:

 

[grady]

But there were two dogs and only one of him. It would have been their word against his.

:danceban:

:rofl:

Precisely why he needed to make the call before they did!

 

[searcher 45]

Slade You did the right thing, the 5 yard limit is a great idea. These dogs were big and aggressive but not trained attack dog. If they had been trained attack dog you would probably had to kill both of them, 357 mag. would have been a good choice for that.

If it had been a mother with small children coming by the church to get maybe a Sunday school book or something and had her small children out of car with no way to defend them at hand, well you get the idea!!

It is funny that these same dogs might have been very friendly with a mother with children but you never know!!

 

[orangevol]

Maybe they stopped because they suddenly realized they were standing on holy ground!!! :yup:

Glad the ending was good.