Dog Attack!

Glad you were not seriously injured. I've had a few encounters with dogs and it wasn't pretty. One challenges my dog every time we run by (they live close and I can't get out of the neighborhood without passing) and the owner refuses to keep him contained despite the leash law. So I reported them a few times. They've paid a few tickets. And we still have a problem. I don't want to be a jerk, but my dog can be aggressive and I don't want to be in the middle of a fight that shouldn't even be happening. People have to be responsible pet owners! Please do report the incident so at the very least a record is established and the owner will be put on notice.

I have posted before that I have many years experience training dogs....and have owned too many to mention.  I love dogs.

I would kill that one. 

At the very least, report your incident.

This!

Sorry to hear about that. The dog knocked you over but did not bite you? If it really wanted to attack you, it would have mauled you after it knocked you over. It probably wasn't being aggressive. Even if it wasn't being aggressive, its still a horrible situation. The owners need to do more to keep the dog from getting free and it is definitely appropriate to contact the authorities. Killing the dog like one poster suggested might be a bit extreme.

To some of the other posters, because we don't know all the facts it might be counterproductive to engage in hysteria (all I hear in my head is Maude Flanders screaming "WON'T SOMEBODY PLEASE THINK OF THE CHILDREN"). 

I would call it in and just let them know what happened.  I know that dog attacks are nothing to take lightly, but perhaps this dog got out and the owners had no knowledge of it either.  Our dogs would never attack anyone, but have managed to escape from our fenced in yard every now and again.  

I know that most times, the owners know that the dogs are loose, but it could be a misunderstanding.  I am very thankful you weren't hurt!  

All you mention is being knocked to the ground, but nothing about any hostilities otherwise.  Was this dog playing with you? 

I'm a big animal lover but that is a bad situation. It is absolutely worth a call to the local law enforcement desk number. I'd do this not only for your protection and others but also for the protection of the animal. It may have been an honest accident that the dog got out, but it also may suggest a pattern of neglect or less than optimal care of the animal on the owner's part.

It's worth looking into.

If the dog was that large and knockd you down it was likely "playing". I don't mean to minimize how frightening this was but if the dog was extremely aggressive it would have bitten you and pressed on its attack to a mauling. I'm certainly glad that didn't happen.

Definately make the call on this one.

Interestingly, this underlines the lack of effectiveness of chemical weapons in an attack like this. You never would have had the chance to employ a weapon if the dog attacked from behind. once he had you down, if you did employ a spray, chances are you might have gotten as much as the dog. No good answer here.