Dog ruins run ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ•: Morning running fiends... - Bridge to 10K

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Dog ruins run ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ•

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10
โ€ข81 Replies

Morning running fiends,

So, set out for a lovely 5k at 6:15am today, feeling springy after a 2-day break. Temperature was much cooler at 17 degrees, and the sun was out. Nice.

Did my usual loop through the woodland and then headed out into the wider park to do the last 2km, when this great big lunk of a dog comes bounding up to me barking, and not in a friendly way. Terrified, I stood stock still, not wanting to reinforce in this beastโ€™s imagination that I was a bunny to be chased and eaten. As it approached, I noticed it was muzzled. Phew. But still, it circled me barking aggressively and I couldnโ€™t continue my run. I saw the owner in the distance, so I shouted to her could you come get your dog please? She ignored me. I shouted again, please could you come and leash your dog? She shrugged, and mimed โ€œhe has a muzzle, itโ€™s okayโ€. It was at that point I lost my sh*t big time. I DONโ€™T CARE! YOUR FRICKING DOG IS BEING AGGRESSIVE COME LEASH IT AND GET IT OUT OF MY WAY PLEASE!โ€ The dog got bored and ran back to her of his own volition and she finally leashes him. I was so wound up, and this is not like me, but as I trotted past her I shouted โ€œYOU STUPID WOMAN! YOU SHOULD KEEP THAT MUTT ON A LEAD! STUPID!โ€

Now I love dogs, and only a moment earlier a gorgeous chocolate lab had bounded up to me (smiling, it was), and licked my leg, ankle to thigh. I was laughing and patting it. That owner was all apologetic! Woman with mad dog could not even see fit to come get her growling, circling, barking devil dog.

I was on course for a 30-min 5k, but what with the stopping for the aggressive dog, and the fact that I had lost my mojo so much I ended up walking the last few minutes, I came in at 34 mins. I am still fuming.

Other than that, it was a lovely run. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Love,

Sadie-runs xxx

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Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runs
Graduate10
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81 Replies
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pinkaardvark profile image
pinkaardvarkGraduate10

Oh wow.. you sound scarey!

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply topinkaardvark

I am so not, normally, a renowned avoider of confrontation. Must have been the adrenaline and the fear. ๐Ÿ˜•

pinkaardvark profile image
pinkaardvarkGraduate10โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

*backs away slowly*

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate10โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

Iโ€™d have been the same ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿฝ

Morning Sadie! Well done on your run, I'm sorry the dog ruined it. Well let's be fair, it was the dog's owner. I agree with pink though, you do sound rather scary lol These things are sent to try us, but also form part of why we love running outside so much, it's never dull, is it? Always something to captivate us, draw our interest.

Well done you xxx

Oh and I see we've become running FIENDS again :P

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply to

Why am I getting bashed here and not the owner of the aggressive dog?! I am baffled! ๐Ÿ˜ข

pinkaardvark profile image
pinkaardvarkGraduate10โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

Coz we can't tease the old boot with the devil dog..

โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

Sorry Sadie, I didn't mean it like that at all. The dog owner was clearly in the wrong, heck, I've had my fair share of scary doggy encounters whilst out on my running adventures too, with the added element that if it all goes pear-shaped I could end up in the canal :) It's actually refreshing that you stood up for yourself, and I often wish I had the balls to do that myself. Maybe if I had, my life wouldn't be in quite the mess it is in!!

Anyway sorry, I hope I haven't mortally offended you, and you're still my best running bud!

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply to

No, not mortally offended! I just don't take teasing very well. :-( Youngest child syndrome. Honestly, I am normally a meek and mild and polite person, but when I see an injustice, I can blow my top. I have a VERY long fuse, but oh boy, you don't want to light it LOL! xxx

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate10โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

Iโ€™d have been mega annoyed too if it had ruined my run!

Ang33333 profile image
Ang33333

A muzzled dog should not be off the lead. End of... I'm so sorry you had a bad time. It is not your fault and you have every right to be annoyed and angry!! I would have done exactly what you did.

My husband was walking in the playing field behind our house and a very large unmuzzled dog ran up to him. He froze. The dog's owner appeared and shouted to my husband not to move as the dog might go for him. He finally controlled his dog . My husband told him he would phone the police if he saw the dog loose again. What if he had been a child? It is totally irresponsible of the owner.

I love dogs. I'm a dog owner. Our dog is badly behaved and he stays on the lead. Other dogs run up to us and there is sometimes trouble. We are sometimes told to control our controlled dog! It's a joke!! ๐Ÿ˜–๐Ÿ˜–๐Ÿ˜–๐Ÿ˜–๐Ÿ˜–

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toAng33333

Thanks Ang. Oh your husband's experience sounds very scary indeed! As you say, what if it had been a child too scared to listen to instruction? I love dogs too and as a runner I am always careful not to antagonise/excite them โ€“ if only the owners showed the same consideration. No such thing as a bad dog / only bad owners. I was reasonably polite to her, I said please multiple times, apart from the bit where I called her a stupid woman, and in my defence, I was only speaking the truth LOL xx

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunGraduate10

Iโ€™m really sorry to hear about this and totally get how you would lose it in this circumstance. I am a big dog fan but sadly some owners just let the rest of us down. I always expect to have to stop if Iโ€™m in an open field and a loose dog is around as you just never know when those natural chase instincts for anything or anyone running might kick in.

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toRunBrianRun

Thanks for your sympathy, Brian. It was actually a little scary. I always stop when running in fields if a dog approaches, and happily it is usually just a curious dog and I end up having a nice cuddle! I love dogs too, but big aggressive ones are always a shock!

Ripcurlrana71 profile image
Ripcurlrana71Graduate10

Oh gosh Sadie how awful and flipping annoying!!!

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toRipcurlrana71

It was. :-(

Ripcurlrana71 profile image
Ripcurlrana71Graduate10โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

I had a puppy pug basically sat on my trainer last week as I was running and owner did nothing - just watched! I stopped and gently pushed him off me. He then kept trying to grab my ankle but I out ran him! ๐Ÿ˜ฌ

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toRipcurlrana71

Cute, but annoying! And of course you outran him, Miss Speedy Gonzales. :-)

Ripcurlrana71 profile image
Ripcurlrana71Graduate10โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

I would would have been hugely disappointed if I couldnโ€™t have! ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚

LoungeLizaard profile image
LoungeLizaardGraduate10

Oh dear! The owner should have been more responsible... at least it had a muzzle on! (so the owner knows it's an issue!)

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toLoungeLizaard

Agreed โ€“ but the owner knew it was an issue, so the bugger should have been on a lead, too. Especially in a park renowned for joggers. Pfffff, eh?

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate10

Sadie this woman has forgone her responsibilities as a dog owner and could face an unlimited fine and/or 6 months prison. For further detail: gov.uk/control-dog-public

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toWhatsapp

Oh, I did not know this. I suppose she could argue that the dog was muzzled anyway. I sort of knew I was not in any real danger, but it was intimidating nonetheless. And I was just peeved it ruined my 5k time, of course!

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate10โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

She still has a reponsibility to control her dog, it doesnt have to bite someone to injure them.

I love animals but it is antisocial behaviour and intimidation caused by terrible people owning dogs. She had an opportunity to reinforce to the dog that it should not behave like that. You were well within your rights.

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toWhatsapp

Thanks, you are right, I know. I did get angry, but stayed polite (until the "stupid woman" outburst!)

Tbae profile image
Tbaeโ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

I was very aware of what Dave has very helpfully supplied the facts of the matter.

I am afraid Sadie I would have been much less patient and tolerant in trying to resolve this matter.

I have adequate aggressive dog handling skills, but I am afraid I would have possibly ended up doing all concerned a favour, dog, owner and any future unfortunate bystander a service by reporting this incident.

This poor aggressive animal is in a heightened state of stress because it does not like being the pack leader and expects to be controlled by its owner.

Hope you are OK.

Take good care of you.๐Ÿ’ฅ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ’ฅ

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toTbae

I am okay, thanks Tbae. Though I do think it shook me up a bit more than my jokey post implies. It is my favourite place to run, not sure now that I will feel as safe running there again. Which of course makes me sad. xx

Tbae profile image
Tbaeโ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

That is not acceptable.

It would frighten you .

Ironically, in order to control an aggressive dog you have not to show fear, stand tall and take control.The animal wants to please and will.it knows that itโ€™s stupid owner will not take control and that is what stresses the animal.๐Ÿค”

If I were in your position I would report it.

It is no different if it were a person and you were in fear for your life or being , that is the legal definition of assault.

Think about it. The owner has to be councilled that this is not acceptable responsible behaviour.Perhaps she does not even realise it.On reflection forget what I have said , she probably has been instructed to muzzle the dog and if so she would also have been instructed to have the dog on a lead permanently in public.They go together.๐Ÿค”Take care of you Sadie.

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toTbae

Thank you Tbae. I will report it if I see her again โ€“ I am not sure how they would be able to locate her based on my report. I didn't get a close view of her โ€“ she was quite far away when her dog loped up to me. And she didn't get close enough to me, or her aggressive dog, for me to get a good look at her.

I will go back to the park; I will not be driven out by one bad dog owner, I won't! xx

Tbae profile image
Tbaeโ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

Way to go Sadie.๐Ÿ‘

Next time take a photo of both the animal and owner even if she is at a distance.

Poor animal has probably got form and the owner a record.๐Ÿค”.

Good that you are armed with a plan in case of a repeat.

Look forward to seeing your sub 30 post for your 5k.

Take care of you.๐Ÿ’ฅ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ’ฅ

Gillma profile image
Gillmaโ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

I usually hv my phone in my hand - maybe Iโ€™ll photograph owner and dog next time it happens to me. Not sure what Iโ€™d do with it then!

icklegui profile image
ickleguiโ€ข in reply toWhatsapp

blimey. Thanks whatsapp - it's always good to know this sort of thing. "makes someone worried that it might injure them" - well, if it's muzzled it can still worry you and could still knock you over!

Sadie-runs I also am non-confrontational and then I spend weeks seething after incidents like this! I'm glad you wrote about it, I'd not thought what I would actually do if I encountered this.

Berksrover profile image
BerksroverGraduate10

Really sorry to hear your tale Sadie-runs I can imagine how scary and frustrating it was, I have never been the same around dogs since I was bowled over by a Great Dane on my way home from school as a 7 or 8 year old! I have been fortunate so far, the worst I have had to endure was a slightly quizzical look from a cow in the field next to where I ran๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿ‘€

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toBerksrover

Yikes! Danes are big dogs!

Berksrover profile image
BerksroverGraduate10โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

And I was only a small boy (not much bigger now lol) I could have saddled it and ridden it

APScotland profile image
APScotlandGraduate10

How frustrating for you, especially missing your target time for 5k! Very glad the dog was muzzled. It's such a shame that there's a minority of dog owners who don't look after their animals properly - both for the dog and the public. We runners unfortunately encounter them frequently, since we're doing something that triggers the chase / bark response. Like you, I have a very long fuse under most circumstances, but once lit the after effects rumble on for hours. Shame you couldn't have harnessed the adrenalin and run a massive PB! I love your last sentence tho :) xx

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toAPScotland

Thanks AP. I honestly do take care when running "in the wild", keeping my eyes peeled for dogs, and trying not to run too near them. But you are right โ€“ we are bound to encounter them, given what we do. Sigh. I still ran 5k, no matter the time, I suppose โ€“ and i am always happy I have run! xxx

Fishypieface profile image
FishypiefaceGraduate10

Some people are responsible dogs owners and some...... arenโ€™t. Itโ€™s not funny when you are on the receiving end of 10 stone of uncontrollable muscle, fur and teeth. Silly cow ๐Ÿ˜ก some people just donโ€™t give a toss. She could have made the effort to come over and sort it out, that kind of complacency really makes me cross. I want to come and punch her lights out for you and Iโ€™m normally very passive!! ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚ xx

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10

Thanks FPF. I would have been absolutely fine about it if she had come over right away and leashed him. It was the complacent shrug from a distance with no effort to come and restrain the mutt that really wound me up. She was a silly cow, great summation! If I see her again I will not hesitate to video her, and the dog, and report it. And call her much more than "stupid woman!" xxx

Yikes Sadie thatโ€™s awful. People can be so irresponsible with their dogs and cause the lack of discipline than can lead to aggression. I had a minor incident this morning with a woman with a small dog on an extending lead (those leads are a pain) who stood beaming indulgently, obviously wanting me to admire her dog, asi ran past. I know how dangerous those leads can be, having been tangled up in one when a dog ran round me and rope burned my hand when I tried to grab the lead to stop it tripping me up, so ran out into the road to avoid this one.

I do hope the incident doesnโ€™t curtail your running at all. Iโ€™m very wary of dogs when Iโ€™m running, for this reason, but luckily most are fine. One problem is ownersโ€™ inability to see any wrong in their dog (usually men guilty of this one - sorry chaps but itโ€™s true).xxx

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply to

I am a bit nervous about going back to my beloved park. I still cannot quite believe that she did not come over and help me / sort her dog out. That upsets me more than the dog barking at me, by far. xxx

โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

Next time report her. I get it when walking my dogs. Iโ€™ve had my nervous lurcher bitch pinned to the ground by her throat by an Australian cattle dog, whose owners attitude was much like parents when I grew up if their child bullied another: let them sort it out. Donโ€™t let it put you off running. The chances of coinciding with her again are probably not that high if you vary the time or route a little, and remember the dog was muzzled so less dangerous. Iโ€™m not making excuses for it here, just trying to reassure you a little. And if you get a good look again, report her.

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply to

I will. I will even try to film her / take a photo. Haven't seen her / that dog before, so maybe that was an unusual time for her to be out. I cannot vary the time I run as I have to get it in before work. I am hoping that is not her regular time โ€“ and now I can recognise the dog, I will definitely go the opposite direction to it if I see it again. And yes, I am so grateful it was muzzled. I was wearing shorts, and I am sure it would have had a bite of my legs if it wasn't for the muzzle. Thanks Flick. xx

โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

There is a dog called Billy who is around the place we used to walk our dogs in Oxford. Big mastiff cross. He bit my dogs a couple of times when he was quite young. I warned his owner that it could get him taken away if the habit got worse. The male ownerโ€™s response was that he was only playing and that the behaviour was what dogs do. Ha! They also kill each other and are aggressive in their natural state but, like human children, puppies need to be taught what is and isnโ€™t acceptable behaviour. We met Billy again recently when we took the dogs back to their old haunt. He came bounding over and I chased him away. Fellow dog walkers we know said he has become dangerous, is supposed to be muzzled and on the lead now, by court order, and has savaged several dogs. His owner clearly is taking no notice whatsoever. Itโ€™s always the owners at fault. And itโ€™s usually men, who either indulge the dog so that it has no boundaries (Mr I Donโ€™t Snore does that with Dennis, who luckily isnโ€™t aggressive but who does need strong boundaries to give him security - itโ€™s me not his indulgent daddy he comes to when fireworks go off outside), or over discipline it like a military regime. Most dogs with aggression problems are frightened because they havent been given from boundaries within which to feel secure.

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate10

Yeah, that would drive me insane. Idiot and a Beast. I see them where I live, big bull-mastiff 'controlled' by a creature half its size. 'No. he's friendly!' Yeah, right. 'He's not chasing you, he just wants to play!'

Well done on keeping your cool and letting out afterwards!

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply tomrrun

Thanks mrrun. I always feel that you have to rise above these idiots and not swear at them etc. I think calling her "stupid" was pretty mild in the circumstances. I meet some lovely mutts on some of my runs, but now I have to admit to being a bit worried.

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate10โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

I saw that bull-mastiff running free in Dulwich Park, of all places. When I was a boy I got attacked and bitten so learned never fully to trust them even when they are 'playful'. When I saw the owner, the picture was complete. Thankfully, the beast didn't want to engage with me.

I commend your choice of words under the circumstances. My language would have been more elaborate, colourful and descriptive.

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply tomrrun

Of all places! LOL! I love Dulwich Park, but may avoid now. Sorry to hear you got bitten as a lad. Scary. The trouble is, any tw*t can own a dog, it seems, and in the wrong hands they are like weapons.

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate10โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

No, no, no, Dulwich park normally hosts those little designer dogs with interesting faces and 6 legs, or summink. That bag of teeth and muscle was anomaly. Well, put it behind you, that thing happening again would be very rare and unlikely.

Sqkr profile image
Sqkr

Dogs are funny things, and owners funnier still. My wonky gps sent me up a farm track (trespassing probably, but Strava said go that way so I did) on Sunday and I met a lovely border collie, clearly the working sort rather than the lie-by-the-fire sort. She was shy, but cautiously snuffly and liked a pat on the head. Cue the arrival of her friend, a tricolour sort of sheepdog, I was delighted to see yet another dog (dogs! Yay!) but unfortunately he decided I was indeed trespassing and shouted at me, crouched right down and bared his teeth. Suffice to say I ran away with sheepdog no2 in hot pursuit. BARKBARKBARKBARK. I learnt the valuable lesson that not all dogs are friends. โ˜น๏ธ In this instance totally my fault for assuming he would be agreeable, and also for being on his farm. But I think it was a good reminder that we are a bit vulnerable as runners, all soft and only covered in lycra. We are probably just weird sausages in the eyes of dogs.

(I can't believe there isn't a sausage emoji.)

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toSqkr

"Weird sausages" LOL!! Thank you for making me laugh when I have been feeling a bit glum about it all! And sorry to hear about your experience โ€“ ugh! When you love dogs, it sort of feels worse when they are not friendly. x

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate10

Urggg I have had that alot, and I am petrified of dogs. The owner usually laughs and says that they are harmless. Its not the point is it!! I tend not to say anything nasty as its usually men and its always in the woods,I wish people would have more control over them!!

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toju-ju-

Oh you poor thing, ju-ju โ€“ I am luckily not scared of dogs (well, I wasn't before today), so when you are it must be twice as bad. I honestly wasn't rude to her โ€“ until she had the dog leashed โ€“ and that is when I called her stupid. I could not help it โ€“ I had the mist of rage over my eyes by that point. Plus she did not look very fit, so if it had turned nasty I could have easily out run her. :-)

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate10โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

Well said Iโ€™d say she is stupid!!

โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

You go girl ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ’จ๐Ÿ’จ๐Ÿ’จ

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduate10

Sorry you had such an awful experience. Must have been terrifying. If I've shouted at people in situations like that I always feel more shaken up afterwards and wish I hadn't - but I think you were right to do so, might make her think a bit more about the impact.

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toancientrunner

Thanks ancientrunner. I was so polite at first, asking her to come help, to put her dog on the lead etc. โ€“ it was her lack of help that blew my fuse and caused me to call her stupid. I turned into the incredible hulk at that point. :-( I will definitely run out of my way to avoid pooches in future. x

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10

Iโ€™m so sorry you had such a horrible experience but am so glad you gave that owner an earful. People like that infuriate me. You, as a runner, should feel free to run in the park and feel safe. She has a dog with aggressive tendencies that she feels the need to muzzle when she takes out so it should be on a short leash and under control at all times. It may be worthwhile reporting this incident to your city bylaw officer or whomever would deal with those types of complaints. Iโ€™m sure youโ€™re not the only one to encounter this beast of an dog and the idiotic owner!

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toSaskAlliecat

Thanks Sask. I managed to remain calm whilst the dog was barking at me / circling me, thankfully. I just stood still, and tall. And my thoughts precisely โ€“ if it was muzzled, why was it not on a lead?! She had another dog with her that was behaving itself, and was not at all interested in what mr growler was doing to me. :-(

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

You did everything right, the idiotic owner did everything wrong. Frustrating but glad you are ok.

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate10

Sorry to read this, Sadie. I love animals but I am happy to admit Iโ€™m scared of dogs. And they sense it. I wouldโ€™ve been just as unhappy as you were.

Given the heat and how dogs cool Dow it says something that the dog has to be muzzled. That doesnโ€™t feel safe.

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toJay66UK

Well, I didn't used to be scared of dogs. :-( I am not going to let this stop me running wild and free, though it will make me way more wary. x

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate10โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

Good for you. I hope the next one is less canine.

orangeguy profile image
orangeguyGraduate10

It reminds me of many years ago I was running in some local woods, a favourite with dog walkers. The was nobody in sight but I could hear something moving through the undergrowth in front of me suddenly there was an Alsatian thundering through the trees towards me, I totally froze, and he just went straight past me, no sign of an owner anywhere, very scary indeed.

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toorangeguy

Yikes!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

Oh Sadie-runs I wouldโ€™ve been trembling in that situation and I think you handled it much better than I couldโ€™ve done. The trouble is so many people have dogs now and they donโ€™t train them . My bug bear is the owner who has an extendable lead so the dog is on one side of the pavement and the owner is on the other. Are we meant to hurdle as well as run? What happened to teAching a dog to heel. And walk alongside the owner?๐Ÿ•๐Ÿฉ

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toDexy5

I was a bit trembly after! And you made me laugh, thanks! Perhaps hurdling needs to incorporated into our runs for extra fitness benefits. ๐Ÿ˜‚

Sarakc profile image
SarakcGraduate10

I really feel for you! I love dogs too but have a bit of a fear of โ€œlooseโ€dogs. Think it stems from childhood when neighbours had 2 big Alsatian guard dogs and I was absolutely terrified of them as they used to come up to gate and bark! To this day I get really scared walking past houses if thereโ€™s a dog in garden! ( Could never be a post woman!!! )

Anyway sorry it spoilt your run! But good for you sticking up for yourself and hopefully youโ€™ll never encounter them again ! ๐Ÿ˜€

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toSarakc

Thanks Sara. ๐Ÿ˜˜ Bad canine experiences as a kid can really stick with you, canโ€™t they? I hope I donโ€™t come across them again, I really hate confrontation and it kinda spoiled my happy run. x

Sarakc profile image
SarakcGraduate10โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

Iโ€™m same!! I hate confrontation too! But if something really gets to me I can turn scary!! Or so my family tell me ha ha!!!!๐Ÿ˜‚

mountaindreamer profile image
mountaindreamerGraduate10

Sorry you had this scary run, Sadie-runs. Iโ€™m not normally scared by dogs, but was bitten twice by different dogs when I used to have trouble walking, so Iโ€™m a bit more wary these days. (Someone told me the dog sees a person struggling to walk as injured and it brings out โ€œattack modeโ€ in some dogs, just as I guess running near dogs can.) As others have said, itโ€™s bad owners not bad dogs that are the problem! I hope this doesnโ€™t stop you running where you want to. โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply tomountaindreamer

Oh how awful, mountaindreamer, so sorry to hear this happened to you. x

That's awful Sadie. Dog-lover here but hate when they're not looked after and controlled properly. As a Chihuahua mum you can imagine my fear when I meet these people and their dogs. ๐Ÿ˜ข

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply to

Yes, completely understand how worrying it must be when you are parent to a wee dog. ๐Ÿ˜• Hope your operation went okay and you are resting up/healing nicely, dear. xxx

โ€ข in reply toSadie-runs

It's like have your baby just out of reach when you have a little dog on a leash. I must upload her picture some time.

I'm good, all went very all. Nerve damage minimal and much less than anticipated. Resting up and sleeping a lot! ๐Ÿ˜˜

Gillma profile image
Gillma

I donโ€™t know why people are so nice to owners of dogs that run up and interrupt a run - even if theyโ€™re only small and yappy. We have sheep on the hill where I run and loads of dog walkers, some leash others donโ€™t. The point is some canโ€™t control their dogs and seem to think their dog has a natural right to chase anything that moves. I ALWAYS call them out and say โ€˜that doesnโ€™t feel very good; please leash your dog if you canโ€™t control itโ€™. If you pet the dog, the owner and the dog think itโ€™s ok. I like dogs btw.

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toGillma

I love dogs. Happy to interrupt my run to pet a friendly one. But terrified when approached by an aggressive one that doesnโ€™t return to owner when out of control!

Richard7 profile image
Richard7Graduate10

I feel for you and your frustration. Personally my view is that if a dog cannot maintain its control it should not be off the lead. Or if off the owner should be close enough to handle the situation. Unfortunately my dog has no self control and is never off lead when it is out - it is a shame for him but regrettably necessary. I would never forgive myself if he jumped up at a child even if he did not mean to cause harm the damage is done to the child who is then scared for life of dogs.

On a different note well done with your run, it has set you up for a great time next time out.

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate10โ€ข in reply toRichard7

Thanks Richard. I really would not have been cross if she had come over to retrieve her dog; it was her lack of caring that wound me up! x

Week7 profile image
Week7Graduate10

You were right to stand up for yourself, but like most of us who don't normally do confrontation you end up feeling uncomfortable afterwards.

Hopefully after the owner has time to reflect a little of what you said may get through to her thus avoiding a more serious situation for someone else.

I am a dog lover with a rescue dog who I

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