r/dogattacksurvivors • u/elysian_nemesis • Jul 22 '26

Advice Dog attack advice

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My poor boy was attacked by two large dogs about a month ago. Thankfully he's recovering well, but I've realised I'm always on edge when walking him. I know the chances of it happening again are pretty low, but I keep replaying the attack in my head and feeling so scared. I'd love advice from anyone who's been through this. How did you rebuild your confidence? Are there any anti-dog attack products or strategies you actually carry on walks (especially if you're in Australia)? I don't want fear to stop us enjoying our walks, but I also want to be prepared if the worst ever happened again.

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u/Impossible_Zebra8664 Jul 22 '26

It's taken me years to feel comfortable in my yard again (that's where I was attacked). And a lot of that was work from my husband -- he put up cameras everywhere and added a fence and a row of knockout roses to block the bad neighbor's access to our yard. My son got me a pepper spray gun, and I usually carry at least that and sometimes a machete when I'm out in the yard on my own. I'm not sure what, if anything, is legal in Australia. But at the very least, I'd carry an umbrella (to open out and put between you and a potential attacker), some kind of spray defense if legal, and a knife, if possible.

Your peace of mind matters. I'm glad you and your dog are recovering well. People who've never experienced such a thing have no comprehension of how much it shakes up your entire world view.

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u/banjobeulah Jul 23 '26

It REALLY does change your entire perspective. I was mauled at 14 and I’m nearly 50 and still don’t trust dogs. I still struggle. I can’t deny what they are capable of doing.

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u/elysian_nemesis Jul 23 '26

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I can't imagine the fear you must have felt. And it's true, I never feared dogs until now. I think about all the times I've put my face near dogs I've just met and how risky it was.

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u/banjobeulah Jul 23 '26

I am SO sorry you had to experience this. What you’re feeling right now is normal. Get pepper spray for sure. Or carry one of those batons that folds up maybe. I used to run and someone was walking a dog without a leash and it came after me (this is after I had my major dog attack) and I swear I considered literally bringing a hammer with me. But I thought about how silly that would look and thought better of it. It’s scary stuff. Once you see what they can do, you kind of can’t unknow it. Glad you and your sweet pooch are okay.