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We read so much about pet owners being attacked when walking their dog in the park or wherever..

Now, rightly or wrongly, I consider my first duty is to him.

1 I make sure his collar is such that I can slide it off in an instant, freeing him and making it difficult for (my) attacker, mugger or would-be rapist to catch hold and hurt him.

2 He is trained to on command, if we are trouble. The last thing an attacker wants is attention: so the more noise the better. Every time I walk him, I train him with (small) dog biscuits to bark instantly and loudly. He doesn't need to bite, just bark.

Being very world-untrusting, I always have some means of protecting him [and myself!] in the event of being under threat.

3 Firstly, his lead has a fairly heavy clasp, such that it can be slashed through an attacker's face or eye. At the first sign of danger (release your dog) and wrap the lead around your hand with the clasp hanging down for about 30 inches just behind your buttock. As he closes, slash the clasp through his face, and back again most rapidly and violently, causing him some inconvenience! This is similar to the martial art manrikigusari-jutsu.

4 But personally I always have a second effective weapon with me ' a six inch long dog's chew tucked in my belt. The martial arts system yawara-jutsu uses a short stick to stab into eyes, mouth, hand or wherever. The chew makes for an excellent yawara-stick. Most effective and ' perfectly legal! You cannot be accused (by the would-be rapist) that you used a martial arts weapon to beat him up! [Although you actually have!]

5 But above all - Be Aware! Don't be where Danger might be!
And always carry that long dog chew! Survive!