Chased by dogs a couple nights ago

[chrisinth]

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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 ;-)

Oh for sure they won't be pedigree, I was basing that on the phots the OP showed. Regardless, it also depends what percentage of genes have been passed across as to how aggressive/dominant/territorial the end product is.

For info, and nothing concrete to back this up with, but I believe that about two years ago, a pedigree bangkaew from the Sukhothai area sold for around 200,000 baht.

[WitawatWatawit]

All well and good, guys, but when a pack of dogs comes running out of left field, all snapping and snarling, it's hard not to crap yourself. Even with soi dogs that you are familiar with - the ones down the end of my street in Bangkok were always quite friendly, until one night a new alpha appeared and wound them up. There were several other new dogs as well. So I'm relatively unconcerned until the alpha launches himself at me. A big black brute tackled him in mid air and while they were fighting, I slipped away with only a twisted ankle. So all the theories are fine until something out of the ordinary happen - in this case an alpha trying to establish dominance, I would guess.

[jaywalker]

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.

Yeah carry a stick.

Damned shame one has to do that in Thailand, but most Soi Dogs will back down when it looks like your arm is a meter longer than it should be.

If they don't, clean their clock with it.

I bought a 3 inch diameter, 3 foot stick once, as there was a particularly cantankerous dog that HATED me (I LOVE COOL dogs...Got a Maltese that I let sleep on the foot of my bed - she's as cool as they get).

Anyhow, that dog was limping every time I saw him after that and stayed WAAAAY away from me. Pretty sure I broke his back leg, but, hey! It was either him or me, & he lost.

He'd snapped at me once before...didn't break the skin though & all I did was walk up to the bar at the community swimming pool to order another beer.

Only in Thailand will they keep and feed an aggressive dog that prevents customers from placing an order in a place of business.

They offered to give the dog to me. Thainess logic at its best all around.

Edited October 2, 2014 by jaywalker

[jaywalker]

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.

On my way to meet the boss for a trip to Phitsanoluk from BKK one morning about 0530 hrs and 3 aggressive mongrels came charging at me out of the shadows.

I had my work boots on, stood my ground & timed it just right. I kicked the leader in the throat with all my might. I guess it cut off his air.

Anyhow it worked. All 3 turned tail and ran.

Just another day in Thailand.

[Munsterman]

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.

Or a loaded pistol if you have a permit. I hate soi dogs. All of those making excuses for their aggression have never been surrounded by a pack of 20+ crazy dogs late at night. You need sometimes to kill a few to let them know you have moved into town. Preferably the alpha males, then the new top dogs teach the others to leave you alone.

[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.

Or a loaded pistol if you have a permit. I hate soi dogs. All of those making excuses for their aggression have never been surrounded by a pack of 20+ crazy dogs late at night. You need sometimes to kill a few to let them know you have moved into town. Preferably the alpha males, then the new top dogs teach the others to leave you alone.

You have a permit to carry in Thailand? If not why would you bring it up? We are 99% Farangs here on Thai Visa and carrying a gun would have no significance to your readers here. Do you just like to talk about shooting dogs? If you want to shoot dogs I suggest you go back to the place you came from where you can get a permit to carry and shoot dogs.

[Hal65]

Found some good information on Wikihow:

Make yourself rigid and motionless like a tree. When a dog approaches, stand completely still with your hands at your sides, like a tree. Do not wave your arms around or kick with your legs; the dog may perceive these actions as threatening. Don't make eye contact, since that could also cause the dog to lunge. In many cases the dog will lose interest and walk away if you ignore him.

• Never run. Running away can awaken the dog's prey instinct to chase and catch animals. He may pursue you vigorously even if his initial intent was just playful. In addition, you won't be able to outrun most dogs if you're on foot. Even if you are on a bicycle, many dogs will be able to catch up to you.
• Stand sideways to the dog and keep him in your peripheral vision instead of facing him and making eye contact. This will signal to the dog that you are not a threat.
• Don't open your hands and arms up to a bite by extending them. Keep your fingers curled into fists to avoid getting them bitten. The dog may come quite close, even sniffing you, without actually biting.

From <http://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Dog-Attack>

Face the dog and command, "back away." If the dog continues to behave aggressively, and ignoring or pacifying him is no longer working, face him and sternly command him to leave. Use a strong, deep, commanding voice. You should still avoid making eye contact. The dog may become discouraged or intimidated and leave.

From <http://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Dog-Attack>

If the dog lunges, fight. Dog attacks can be fatal. If the dog starts biting you, you've got to defend yourself. Hit or kick the dog in the throat, nose, and the back of the head. This will stun the dog and give you time to get away.[1]

• It's OK to raise your voice at this point. Yell for help as you're fighting back. Hopefully others will hear and come to your aid.
• If you have a stick or another weapon, you can (and should) use it to hit the dog. Don't hit him over the head, though; most dogs have very thick skulls, so this will only serve to make the dog angrier.

From <http://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Dog-Attack>

Use your weight to your advantage. Bring your entire body weight to bear on the animal, specifically pushing down with the hard points of your knees or elbows. Dogs are vicious biters but cannot wrestle, so try to get an advantageous position and break their bones fairly quickly. Get on top of the animal and concentrate force on areas such as the throat or ribs while minding to keep your face out of clawing/biting range.

• If you are looking for a more humane solution and can manage it, straddle the back of the dog with your partial body weight and apply forward pressure to the back of the neck to immobilize the dog until help comes.

From <http://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Dog-Attack>

If you fall to the ground, protect your face, chest, and throat. If you're on the ground, not only is it more difficult to fight off a an angry dog, but vital areas on your torso, head, and neck are also now vulnerable to attack. These are the most important spots on your body to protect because bites in these places will inflict the most damage and will have the greatest chance of killing you. Protect your vitals by rolling onto your stomach, tucking your knees in, and bringing your hands (balled in fists) up to your ears.

• Resist the urge to scream or roll away, as these actions may further encourage the dog.

From <http://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Dog-Attack>

Back away slowly and leave the area once the dog loses interest in you.Staying calm and stationary can be a real test of your nerves in such a stressful situation, but it's the best thing to do as long as the dog isn't actually biting you.

From <http://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Dog-Attack>

• Try using pepper spray! Try hitting the face but in case you miss, it might be enough even if spread close to the face or on the body, because a dog's nose is very sensitive. In this case repeat over and over, if necessary until the dog stops. Dogs sense your fear, but also your determination for defense, except if the dog is really aggressive (rabid, a history of abuse or frustration, etc).

From <http://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Dog-Attack>

[weegee]

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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?

The dog is asking you in it's own way, if you want to be buried with your boots on????.....

[OnMyWay2]

Dogs bark at me all the time i started carrying around food and feed them suddenly they are my best friend.

[jpeg]

The photo of the dog posted is a Mah Thai. Also known as 'the dog that stays by the cart'. Loyal, intelligent and beautiful. Now Cruft's registered. Best dog I ever had. And, of course, ALL dogs 'pack' when left on the street/soi, particularly at night. See very few now here on Phuket. You see him again, you contact me. I'll take him

BTW. Always Carry Kibble

[jpeg]

Or a loaded pistol if you have a permit. I hate soi dogs. All of those making excuses for their aggression have never been surrounded by a pack of 20+ crazy dogs late at night. You need sometimes to kill a few to let them know you have moved into town. Preferably the alpha males, then the new top dogs teach the others to leave you alone.

I have. Dogs pick up your scent. If you're a pussy, pussy, they WILL attempt to defend what they regard as their 'turf'. Much as you would your's. Wambo

Christ, ignorance has no limits on this forum

[losworld]

I just returned from Siam Reap and you can't believe how refreshing it is to walk about the town and area with not a dog in sight! And no they are not eating them to my knowledge.

[Gecko123]

Just keep saying: 'Nice doggie, doggie, doggie."

[geronimo]

All well and good, guys, but when a pack of dogs comes running out of left field, all snapping and snarling, it's hard not to crap yourself. Even with soi dogs that you are familiar with - the ones down the end of my street in Bangkok were always quite friendly, until one night a new alpha appeared and wound them up. There were several other new dogs as well. So I'm relatively unconcerned until the alpha launches himself at me. A big black brute tackled him in mid air and while they were fighting, I slipped away with only a twisted ankle. So all the theories are fine until something out of the ordinary happen - in this case an alpha trying to establish dominance, I would guess.

If you are regularly encountering these dogs, befriend them confidently. When I meet a new bunch, I always crouch to the ground a respectable distance from the Alpha and hold the back of my hand out while tutting slowly. I watch him and sooner or later his tail wags and he slowly makes his way forward. It's very important at this point to make no advancement (or retreat) just stay crouched. They always end up sniffing the back of my hand (which is always extended and motionless) and after that, all will be well. Eye contact and no fear are also important. It works for me but I can understand how some situations might not allow for such behaviour though.

[MilesofSmiles]

I love dogs, but I don't take sh*t from lower down the food chain.

Some of those hints about fighting a dog are a bit odd. Good luck with standing still like a tree, let me know how that works out for you.

Get a stick/umbrella/club and beat it in the head a few times.

Otherwise, a low Muay-Thai style chop kick direct to the head, the same height as just below where a human's knee would be.

I got bitten on the hand by a dog owned some food stall people outside a 711 last month. Unprovoked.

On my way back out of the 711, the dog was still there, unchained( of course). It was still aggressive, and the idiot owner had done nothing, I walked up to it and kicked it so hard it flew a foot or two.

Since then it runs away every time it sees me.

[Thanet]

Aggressive dogs should be put down.

[Gringoperdido]

Dog's can be kinda racist - they can tell someone that is different. Gotta smell more Thai. Try eating lots of Sum Tam Boo Bpla La.

[impulse]

If you are regularly encountering these dogs, befriend them confidently. When I meet a new bunch, I always crouch to the ground a respectable distance from the Alpha and hold the back of my hand out while tutting slowly. I watch him and sooner or later his tail wags and he slowly makes his way forward. It's very important at this point to make no advancement (or retreat) just stay crouched. They always end up sniffing the back of my hand (which is always extended and motionless) and after that, all will be well. Eye contact and no fear are also important. It works for me but I can understand how some situations might not allow for such behaviour though.

Good way to lose a hand. Or at the very least, end up in the hospital for rabies jabs.

Nobody can know what just happened to a strange dog 10 minutes ago, or 3 days ago- that could set it off the next time someone crouches down to extend the back of their hand. Maybe they'll sniff it. Maybe they'll take it off.

I love the other posts about "generally" or "usually" or "the vast majority of dogs.." Those ain't the dogs that seem to make it into these forums. It's the tiny minority, the few that will actually tag someone without warning- that I worry about.

Had one last month that watched me walk past- uneventful, then ran up behind me and took a bite at my pants below the knee. If I hadn't been wearing loose fitting pants, he would have taken skin. Had one a couple years back that latched onto my fanny pack that I wear up front. That one could have gone real bad if he grabbed onto a different sack right behind the fanny pack.

With so many feral dogs running around Thailand, it only takes a tiny percentage of unpredictable one-offs to present a real danger.

[Time Traveller]

Most of the advice here, while well meaning is completely impractical if you have young children who often panick around aggressive dogs.

Apart from being armed, the only solution is the complete elimination of homeless dogs. Any dog found unregistered and not on a leash gets collected and sent to slaughterhouse. It works in other cities and can actually provide jobs for dog catchers. Kill kill kill.

[Gringoperdido]

I agree about pepper spray. Saw some cops use it on an aggressive Rottweiler once and it was really effective. I don't know the legality of carrying pepper spray in Thailand though.

It's probably a good idea to teach kids to ball up their fists and put them under chin to protect throat if a dog attacks.

[Wuvu2]

Gee whiz Hal this is Thailand.

Go find the biggest badest dog in the neighborhood and offer him some tea money.

[tim armstrong]

Stand very still and talk to them calmly but not too loud. Hold their gaze you are the Alpha male, let them know it.

[Skip Tracer]

Get some pepper spray and use it!

[Cereal]

To hell with soi dogs. It should be legal to shoot them like rats. As for me, I bought a pure breed doberman. Every dog in my 'hood has had its ass kicked. Dogs aren't idiots and they see my dog is #2 in my pecking order so they give me a wide berth now even when I am alone.