Chased by dogs a couple nights ago

[Hal65]

Over the weekend I was locked out of my computer and had to search for an Internet café to call tech support.

I was on Sukhumvit 22, heading out of a 7/11 at about 12am at a somewhat populated intersection (soi 22 and a smaller cross street), when a dog jogged up behind me. I saw it out of the corner of my eye, and not knowing if it was just going to sniff me or take a bite, I turned around and started backpedaling as it got within 1 foot of my legs.

As soon as I did this it barked while starting to charge at me aggressively and bite. We were now heading down the middle of the street backwards at a fair rate with the dog in active pursuit. At one point it seemed like it was going in for a bite and I lifted my leg, glazing the side of its head.

This made it angry, and its intensity went up even more. Then another dog ran up from the 7/11 to give pursuit to me also, as I was backpedaling down the street.

I was in a bad position but fortunately there was a Thai on the sidewalk, who seemed to be a local of the area. He yelled loudly something like "Hey!" and the dogs immediately broke off pursuit.

What kind of dogs were they? I'm not sure, I'm not too keen on dog breeds. Here are some pictures that loosely resemble their look and size.

I've heard of issues like this. The video below mentions that dogs completely change their character at night. My encounter happened around 12 AM and was one of the scariest instances of my life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lK7zBqr1mQ

I had actually seen this video before, but it's one thing to watch a video off YouTube, and another thing when a dog comes running up behind you at night as if to take a nip at your heels.

Edited September 29, 2014 by Hal65

[tubby johnson]

I like the guy's Mr Jihad T-shirt! I gotta get me one of those.

Yeah. Don't be a wuss. Dogs don't respect neurotic fraidy cats. Basically keep your eyes open and be aware of their location. Then stand your ground and scare them off.

Carry pepper spray. Or buy a water pistol and fill it with a mixture of vinegar and bleach. That should take care of the vermin.

[pigeonjake]

bloody hell theres a lot of bad dogs about this week,,,

every other thread, this dog has done that and this dog has done this,,

give me the sticks anyday,,

[scoutman360]

When I was a young kid, I had an early morning paper route and would get chased by one vicious dog almost every week. On the last day of my route, I brought with me a huge stick. I was serious to get my revenge. The dog spotted me at the end of the road and raced toward me at full speed. I got off my bike, and I ran at him with my stick ready for battle. We were like 2 freight trains heading for collision. As soon as he was close enough to see the whites of my eyes, he hit the breaks and ran the opposite direction as fast as he could. Never be afraid of them. You are bigger than they are, and they know it.

[ClutchClark]

Dog smelled your fear.

But be warned that the dog "will" very certainly remember you next time you go there at night so be prepared to stand strong and yell or choose another 7/11. (There should be one a few storefronts down on either side).

[thailiketoo]

Wow three dog problems running at the same time.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/763280-neighbour-going-for-530am-walk-everyday-wakes-everyone-up/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/764299-going-for-a-ride-on-my-push-bike-and-5-dogs-blocking-the-way/

Maybe should start a new forum category?

[ClutchClark]

Wow three dog problems running at the same time.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/763280-neighbour-going-for-530am-walk-everyday-wakes-everyone-up/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/764299-going-for-a-ride-on-my-push-bike-and-5-dogs-blocking-the-way/

Maybe should start a new forum category?

Are you suggesting Thailand is going to the dogs?

[geronimo]

He's right in what he says. You must act confidently and show no fear, especially in a surprise situation. If you're likely to encounter them often, intimidate the alpha. Just watch for a few minutes and you'll know which one he is. They all look to him.

[infinity11]

big topic for thailand

in New Mexico i once got surrounded by a pack and was scared out of my wits

day time too!

after that i learned about stooping down to just touch the ground

as if you are about to pick up and throw something

or go ahead and throw something

or pretend to

they scatter

they can be and are a big nuisance if you like to walk (or bicycle) at night in Thailand

or to new places even by day

fortunately the really BAD dogs are few and far between

i imagine many are bored hungry or lonely and are NOT feral

in other words they grew up around people and can relate to them

the bad ones i think get abused by people

if the tail is wagging that is a good sign

i have learned more about dogs than most anything else in thailnd

even learned how to make friends with them sometimes

it's a big difference when they are on your side or protecting you

they usually are just doing their doggy job of warning about strangers

as you can see, this is one of my fav topics

and also still a nuisance at times

[Sayonarax]

Run it over. Ive i got about 4 points on my soi dog tally.

(Edit for the dog lovers.. they where sleeping in the street or ran across the road.)

Edited October 1, 2014 by Sayonarax

[Denim]

Thought this was a thread about a a tourist in Soi Yodsak.

[Somtamnication]

Take a shower next time!

[cgphuket]

On Soi 22, even the dogs get crazy at midnight.

[roadrunerboi]

Lived in Soi 22 for 6 years... and moved up. It has changed so much... cept for the 2 schools...

[chrisinth]

The dogs were probably Thai ridgeback (top photo) and Bangkaew (bottom picture judging from it's tail).

Two fairly aggressive and territorial dogs (Bangkaew used by the police (I think) and military as guard/attack dogs).

The very worst thing you did was to turn around and back away from them. Dogs see this as a sign of weakness and this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs.

But definitely two dog breeds to keep an eye on................

[thailiketoo]

Run it over. Ive i got about 4 points on my soi dog tally.

(Edit for the dog lovers.. they where sleeping in the street or ran across the road.)

"The assumption that animals are without rights, and the illusion that our treatment of them has no moral significance, is a positively outrageous example of Western crudity and barbarity. Universal compassion is the only guarantee of morality."

-- Arthur Schopenhauer

[thailiketoo]

The dogs were probably Thai ridgeback (top photo) and Bangkaew (bottom picture judging from it's tail).

Two fairly aggressive and territorial dogs (Bangkaew used by the police (I think) and military as guard/attack dogs).

The very worst thing you did was to turn around and back away from them. Dogs see this as a sign of weakness and this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs.

But definitely two dog breeds to keep an eye on................

You wrote, " this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs." I walk past 20 soi dogs almost every day and they see my front and side and back as I walk away. Mostly they just lay there and continue sleeping.

[chrisinth]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

The dogs were probably Thai ridgeback (top photo) and Bangkaew (bottom picture judging from it's tail).

Two fairly aggressive and territorial dogs (Bangkaew used by the police (I think) and military as guard/attack dogs).

The very worst thing you did was to turn around and back away from them. Dogs see this as a sign of weakness and this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs.

But definitely two dog breeds to keep an eye on................

You wrote, " this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs." I walk past 20 soi dogs almost every day and they see my front and side and back as I walk away. Mostly they just lay there and continue sleeping.

Do you turn around, face the dog and then back-off away from it?

In most cases if you are walking past dogs showing confidence you will have no problems. When you are unsure and anxious, this is when the dogs pick up on it.

Certainly not a dog behavior specialist but the above is my experience anyway that you should never back away from any animal. Try it and see...................

[thailiketoo]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

The dogs were probably Thai ridgeback (top photo) and Bangkaew (bottom picture judging from it's tail).

Two fairly aggressive and territorial dogs (Bangkaew used by the police (I think) and military as guard/attack dogs).

The very worst thing you did was to turn around and back away from them. Dogs see this as a sign of weakness and this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs.

But definitely two dog breeds to keep an eye on................

You wrote, " this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs." I walk past 20 soi dogs almost every day and they see my front and side and back as I walk away. Mostly they just lay there and continue sleeping.

Do you turn around, face the dog and then back-off away from it?

In most cases if you are walking past dogs showing confidence you will have no problems. When you are unsure and anxious, this is when the dogs pick up on it.

Certainly not a dog behavior specialist but the above is my experience anyway that you should never back away from any animal. Try it and see...................

I adopt soi dogs and take care of them. I have heard that dogs don't think - they react. Given that yesterday my dog dug a hole and carried a pain (2) of my shoes and put them on the outside of the hole. Not in the hole. The dog has never moved any of my shoes before. She may take one of my wife's shoes and run around to encourage my wife to chase her but never my shoes and never two of any persons shoes. I know the dog is trying to send me a message. But I can't figure it out. Why both shoes? Why outside of the hole? Why now when she has never done this before?

[1BADDAT]

The dogs were probably Thai ridgeback (top photo) and Bangkaew (bottom picture judging from it's tail).

Two fairly aggressive and territorial dogs (Bangkaew used by the police (I think) and military as guard/attack dogs).

The very worst thing you did was to turn around and back away from them. Dogs see this as a sign of weakness and this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs.

But definitely two dog breeds to keep an eye on................

You wrote, " this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs." I walk past 20 soi dogs almost every day and they see my front and side and back as I walk away. Mostly they just lay there and continue sleeping.

You cant tell the difference between walking past a dog and walking away in fear? A dog certainly can.

[kkerry]

After the Bangkok floods almost all the aggressive dogs out my way vanished, but going for a walk at night lately and there is one smallish dog that kept charging at me from out of a small sub soi, like it really wanted to kill me, a bit scary. It wasn't until after the third time that I realized why. I have a cap with a built in light and it's having the light on at night that sets it off. Walk past with the light off and it doesn't come near me.

Edited October 2, 2014 by kkerry

[chrisinth]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

The dogs were probably Thai ridgeback (top photo) and Bangkaew (bottom picture judging from it's tail).

Two fairly aggressive and territorial dogs (Bangkaew used by the police (I think) and military as guard/attack dogs).

The very worst thing you did was to turn around and back away from them. Dogs see this as a sign of weakness and this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs.

But definitely two dog breeds to keep an eye on................

You wrote, " this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs." I walk past 20 soi dogs almost every day and they see my front and side and back as I walk away. Mostly they just lay there and continue sleeping.

Do you turn around, face the dog and then back-off away from it?

In most cases if you are walking past dogs showing confidence you will have no problems. When you are unsure and anxious, this is when the dogs pick up on it.

Certainly not a dog behavior specialist but the above is my experience anyway that you should never back away from any animal. Try it and see...................

I adopt soi dogs and take care of them. I have heard that dogs don't think - they react. Given that yesterday my dog dug a hole and carried a pain (2) of my shoes and put them on the outside of the hole. Not in the hole. The dog has never moved any of my shoes before. She may take one of my wife's shoes and run around to encourage my wife to chase her but never my shoes and never two of any persons shoes. I know the dog is trying to send me a message. But I can't figure it out. Why both shoes? Why outside of the hole? Why now when she has never done this before?

I know you are into soi dogs thailiketoo from other posts, and good on you for the care that you give.

As for what dogs do, and more, why they do what they do, that can be humbling at times. I have two fully grown 4 yo Siberian huskies that we have had since they were 3 months old and they can still teach me a thing or two. We live in the corner house of a mooban which backs onto rice fields and behind those, quite a large water park up here in Phitsanulok, perfect for active dogs like sibes.

Last Wednesday when I was taking the male out for it's evening walk about 21:00 he started acting in a way I hadn't seen before.

There are no street lights on the back road where we normally walk, just the natural light coming from the sky, I always carry a powerful hand torch just in case. Anyway, walking along and he started pulling to the side, which he never does. He then mouthed (not bite) my arm, I thought he was playing but he still continued to pull to the side. It was then that I noticed that the shadow on the ground I had missed stepping on by about 4 or 5 inches (truthfully) seemed to be moving. When I lit it up with the torch, I was looking at a young Burmese reticulated python (judging by the colouration and size) of between 2 and 3 meters. I had walked over it by ignoring the dog, he had walked round it!

Anyway, sorry for the hijack of the thread, back to the story.................

[ClutchClark]

The dogs were probably Thai ridgeback (top photo) and Bangkaew (bottom picture judging from it's tail).

Two fairly aggressive and territorial dogs (Bangkaew used by the police (I think) and military as guard/attack dogs).

The very worst thing you did was to turn around and back away from them. Dogs see this as a sign of weakness and this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs.

But definitely two dog breeds to keep an eye on................

Don't you think there is a greater likelihood they were just Soi Dogs of various bloodlines? I have not seen many stray Ridgebacks in Thailand ;-)

[ClutchClark]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

The dogs were probably Thai ridgeback (top photo) and Bangkaew (bottom picture judging from it's tail).

Two fairly aggressive and territorial dogs (Bangkaew used by the police (I think) and military as guard/attack dogs).

The very worst thing you did was to turn around and back away from them. Dogs see this as a sign of weakness and this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs.

But definitely two dog breeds to keep an eye on................

You wrote, " this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs." I walk past 20 soi dogs almost every day and they see my front and side and back as I walk away. Mostly they just lay there and continue sleeping.

Do you turn around, face the dog and then back-off away from it?

In most cases if you are walking past dogs showing confidence you will have no problems. When you are unsure and anxious, this is when the dogs pick up on it.

Certainly not a dog behavior specialist but the above is my experience anyway that you should never back away from any animal. Try it and see...................

I adopt soi dogs and take care of them. I have heard that dogs don't think - they react. Given that yesterday my dog dug a hole and carried a pain (2) of my shoes and put them on the outside of the hole. Not in the hole. The dog has never moved any of my shoes before. She may take one of my wife's shoes and run around to encourage my wife to chase her but never my shoes and never two of any persons shoes. I know the dog is trying to send me a message. But I can't figure it out. Why both shoes? Why outside of the hole? Why now when she has never done this before?

A warning of what comes next if you don't get some odor-eater insoles?

[ClutchClark]

The dogs were probably Thai ridgeback (top photo) and Bangkaew (bottom picture judging from it's tail).

Two fairly aggressive and territorial dogs (Bangkaew used by the police (I think) and military as guard/attack dogs).

The very worst thing you did was to turn around and back away from them. Dogs see this as a sign of weakness and this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs.

But definitely two dog breeds to keep an eye on................

You wrote, " this action alone will lead to aggressive behavior in most dogs." I walk past 20 soi dogs almost every day and they see my front and side and back as I walk away. Mostly they just lay there and continue sleeping.

You cant tell the difference between walking past a dog and walking away in fear? A dog certainly can.

TLT can not only tell the difference but he can tell you what the dog was dreaming when he walked by.

;-)

[Time Traveller]

I'm not sure what can be done since carrying weapons for self protection is illegal in Thailand.

It's a joke how these dogs have taken over many towns simply because people are too lazy to do anything. It really does make the country look like a 3rd world slum. In fact, much more impoverished places don't have thousands of homeless dogs roaming the streets, probably because they have some pride in their towns.

Edited October 2, 2014 by Time Traveller

[Zooheekock]

The dogs were probably Thai ridgeback (top photo) and Bangkaew (bottom picture judging from it's tail).

Running around in the road? It's possible but a bit unlikely. More probable that they were just everyday, bog standard ma muang.

Generally, I find when dealing with the semi-strays which are everywhere that being as aggressive as possible works wonders. Generally, you can leave them alone but if they're being a pain in the arse (when one is on heat, for example and you get a rolling mass of a dozen dogs <deleted> and fighting outside your front door all night long), pick up a stick and run straight at the biggest one. Shɪts them right up. And, as somebody else said, they learn very quickly who is going to run toward them and who is going to run away.

Edited October 2, 2014 by Zooheekock

[ClutchClark]

I'm not sure what can be done since carrying weapons for self protection is illegal in Thailand.

It's a joke how these dogs have taken over many towns simply because people are too lazy to do anything. It really does make the country look like a 3rd world country. In fact, much more impoverished places don't have thousands of homeless dogs roaming the streets.

There is a bit more to it from a cultural context than simply being lazy but as for a weapon, the very most you would need is a small can of pepper spray but honestly, you probably have a bigger risk of that going off in your pocket than you have of a dog bite in a sidewalk setting.

Now if you are walking along some roadways or more rural areas then maybe it would be useful but probably you will find that your carrying it will provide you a sense of confidence rather than fear that the dogs are picking up on and they will likely steer clear because of that confidence.

But these are only generalizations based on my experiences and I don't mean to diminish yours. If you will be in thailand for awhile you might consider the Rabies vaccination series of 3 shots. It can provide you alot of peace of mind.

Good luck.

[Zooheekock]

...a sense of confidence rather than fear that the dogs are picking up on and they will likely steer clear because of that confidence

Yes. These dogs live on a narrow ledge, stuck between needing to steer clear of humans who are going to give them a whack (or worse) and finding a decent and reliable source of food, so, provided they get clear clues, they seem fairly good at intuiting how to respond to people. If you make it clear to them that you will take absolutely no nonsense, they'll nearly always give you a wide berth (though with a few I-can-'ave-you-any-time-I-want barks thrown in from a safe distance).

[thailiketoo]

I'm not sure what can be done since carrying weapons for self protection is illegal in Thailand.

It's a joke how these dogs have taken over many towns simply because people are too lazy to do anything. It really does make the country look like a 3rd world slum. In fact, much more impoverished places don't have thousands of homeless dogs roaming the streets, probably because they have some pride in their towns.

Carry a cane (if you are old) or an umbrella if you are concerned.