Cujo attacks when out walking?

So, this makes me feel very, very old to post this.

I have a neighbor, we'll call him Bob, who has a dog. Some kind of birding spaniel (I don't know spaniels)

Last fall, when I walked (on the road, no where near his drive way), his dog would come flying down the driveway, teeth bared, growling. He'd circle me, growling. He did this to my 80+yo mom. He did this a friend out running. He jumped a ditch to go after my horse when I was out riding. Completely unresponsive to Bob's wife and sort of responsive to Bob when Bob was right on top of him. I was really angry and I love dogs. Bob says, "Cujo likes to say hi with an open mouth."

Right.

I know what he means but this is not "saying hi."

So, I have met Cujo in the house, with Bob and he is polite enough. It's when he's outside. Not leashed.

So, hadn't seen Cujo in awhile but Friday, sure enough, I'm out walking and not paying attention and down the driveway he comes. This time, he gets his mouth around my leg. I'm screaming like a banshee and Bob's daughter, who had him on the porch, calls him and come out to see me, crying. "Oh, he's never like this inside," she says.

I'm pissed. I'm yelling that her dad knows all about this. this is not okay,, something needs to be done, blah blah blah. Bob comes home. Same story. saying hi with an open mouth (told him that's just not true). Daughter silly to leave him unattended (true but you know about him) well we got him neutered (right and that's great but HELLO! he's still at it). More murmurs about that fence (yes yes, do that!) then bob says I am "free" to pepper spray him if I want...? well, yeah, but I don't want to, if I don't have to. But yes, have bear spray, not fun for any animal (or me if the wind isn't right)

I really don't want to be that crotchety neighbor (heeeeey, your dog is in my flowers again!!!!!) and I do not want the War of the Roses (of the War of the Animals). I have my own (who never, ever get to do meet and greets without me, closely supervising)

So, I have a big old bruise on my leg but Cujo did not break skin. Dog laws are that basically dogs get a "free" bite because, how could their owners reasonably know they were dangerous until they did something?

I want to get along with people, not, as I said, be a jerk about someone's dog I know they love. I also don't want to get hurt.
I'm willing to carry spray although I wish I didn't have to, but maybe that's the best solution? Keep pestering about the fence? do those work?

Anyone been in a similar situation?

Is there an approach that leads to peacefully working things out, because that's what I'd like. Never been in this position before.

Thanks so much!! Yes, I'm a rural girl, so no strict liability here. That means if I (God forbid) get bitten, and I sued, I would have to prove prior knowledge of dangerousness (that's where the "one free bite" comes from). I think I could do that but I am hoping not to get there.

I had just hoped they'd take care of it, and yet, here we are.

I will call Animal Control and see what they say. . I have not previously (nor have others) called because Bob is a nice enough fellow and because range wars are really, really unappealing. We have a great little neighborhood, such as it is, so calling the police, even for bonfires, firecrackers, parties and all that almost never happens.

But as people pointed out, and thanks, if nothing happens, nothing happens. So, besides calling will also carry spray, grudgingly. I know I could shoot the dog, and if he were threatening someone else, or my animals, I would. Not there (yet) hate thinking about that.

Really very grateful for the advice!

again, thanks SO MUCH!!
Yes, rural vs urban - dog bite laws apply in urban (incorporated towns/cities). Strict liability if bitten. NOT true in rural areas.

Interestingly I got home a little late and was out walking tonight (no Cujo) and Bob drove by. So I ask him WHEN IS THE FENCE GOING IN?? he's a little dodgy, then says, "The call has been made." Whatever that means. So again, I tell him about elderly people, kids on the road, just not safe. And, I add that I would hate to hurt his dog, with...whatever. And he tells me, "Oh, if you use spray, it's not hurting him, it's training him...." ????? Bear spray??? Seriously? I adore dogs. There is no way, in hell, ever, I would voluntarily expose any of my animals to that. I just want him to install the effing invisible fence he keeps talking about. You betcha I'll use it but it hardly seems like the best training solution (to me, anyway)

Sigh.

Don't work?

Beautiful.

I know zippo about invisible fences. Never had to use them. A former neighbor of mine years ago had one for his dog, but the dog was very nice and friendly to begin with.

Funny, I actually wondered about that, as my horses from time to time will blow through my electric fence (particularly in winter with thick coats) so I have to really make sure I am at full zappage. Otherwise, they too will think, "one little moment of discomfort..an entire pasture of long, thick, luscious grass."

Bob assured me that Cujo, who I guess has a shock collar, will be attentive.

And quite right--he is "somewhat" responsive to Bob...when Bob is practically on top of him ("Oh...hey! Hi! So...what's up?") and not at all responsive to Bob's wife, who is the wringing-hands-dithering-"oh, you bad, bad doggie, you!"- type

I really do hate to nail him with counterassault bear spray, which is what is commonly carried--2 mill SHUs is just NOT so fun and why anyone would want their animal to go through that... I was in a bar and some idiot let off a tiny bit of pepper spray. The whole bar (large, warehouse type) had to be evacuated.

Anyway...thanks again, really.

Well, I 'm actually very happy at the moment.
Husband came home late...whatever night from Sundance, and I ran the whole story by him. He is also aware of the other considerations at play here. I told him that something, animal control, i.e., had to be done, although I was not enthusiastic. He asked for a chance to chat with Bob before I did that and I agreed.

I have no idea what he said--he can be...persuasive--but shortly after they spoke I got a call from Bob, who a) has a date--this week!--to install the fence, b) has a trainer scheduled next week to work with him and the dog on all sorts of issues, and said a regular fence will be installed ASAP if this one doesn't work, c) now has the dog wearing a remote shock collar all the time, d) has dog always either in the house or in the back (fenced), e) noted that it is no one's responsibility to carry/use spray on his dog, f) said that neighborhood safety was his concern as well and he wanted to keep both others and his dog safe, and g) was practically crying with gratitude that AC had not been involved.
As I said, my husband can be a persuasive fellow.

I spoke with neighbors also familiar with the dog, who are in agreement that this solution, if it works, is optimal (Bob dealing with dog) but of course AC is always an option and Bob is apparently well aware.

I am (now) quite willing to call AC and I certainly appreciate the feedback and reminders that that is both appropriate and in some ways, helpful to the dog as well. And that while I may not like it, nor see it as a "solution," carrying spray is not a bad idea (for protection, not for training) so thanks so much for that.

We have a fantastic neighborhood and we definitely take care of our own. Some people may consider it a matter of "bravery" but it's a very small community. We all plan on living here a long time, and unlike larger urban areas, our safety and security in so many ways depends not on the police or whatever but on each other. We have (the whole community) worked out issues of loose horses, speeding, fencing, dogs pooping on yards, cattle escaping, all night parties, letting off fireworks over horse pastures, and so forth. We watch out for each other, and if Bob can take care of this as he is apparently now willing to do, then yay.

So, I guess we'll see. I was certainly very happy with the call from Bob who could not have been more responsive. Maybe he just needed a minute to recognize the severity of the problem. I hope that's true.