Dogs

[Dottyblue]

Morning - am in the fourth week of consolidation after C25K graduation and have just had my first encounter with a dog who clocked me running and then ran towards me, barking. It was an Alsatian, off the lead, and its owner was on horseback with another rider. I’m afraid I didn’t cover myself with glory - I screamed and cowered away. Owner very apologetic, etc, etc, and called it back - it responded reluctantly.

What to do, as I’m not going to give up running after all the effort I’ve put in. I was thinking of getting one of those personal attack alarms with the piercing noise in case of future incidents.

Not sure given this morning’s scenario how the horses would have responded but then surely the dog should have been under control.

Maybe with an alarm I would feel more confident in “facing” a barking dog down; not showing fear. I understand all that guff about “he wouldn’t harm you” and “he’s only playing” (dogs in the family) but people do get bitten/attacked by them as well.

Anyone have any thoughts, advice they could offer?

[sparky66 Graduate10]

How frightning for you 😳 especially an Alsatian..very scary!!

I also am afraid of dogs when they are off their leads.. jumping up really frightens me.. so much so I get panaky approaching them on a run..

The owners should put them on a lead !!!

[Hidden]

I love dogs, but on a leash and kept tight under control when I am passing by when I am running. I've had different kinds of situations with dogs, ranging from getting slobbered in the face to almost getting bitten on the buttocks.

And I have to admit I do let myself be influenced by their looks. I'll be easier scared of a vicious looking dog than a homely looking dog. Few weeks ago passed a child with a Doberman (or how do you call it in English). I was almost shitting my pants, LOL.

And about a week ago I passed a house when a man came outside with 2 neurotic fluffballs on a leash. They really snapped at me and pulled their leashed to get to me. Small can bite too!

Still I love dogs (though cats do have my preference). We used to have a neighbor with a BIG (no breed) dog who liked to jump against their fence. Many people (most people) were afraid of that dog, but I quickly saw she had no aggression in her. She just wanted to be loved and was very enthusiastic. Every time I passed her, I scratched her on the head or gave her a hug. One day she had escaped the fence and was running down the street, I ran right after her and dragged her back on her collar. Had no fear doing that, while there were people who sometimes took another route just so they did not have to pass her.

When running though, you can present yourself as something to hunt on. You pass the dog and you run away from them. That can trigger something in them. I think that IF a dog runs up to you, it is best to stop and stand still, maybe put your hands under your armpits. Definitely don't run away, they can run faster and it just triggers them on. Call for the owner, say you are scared, they'll understand. In any case, don't pull a knife on the dog. A runner here in Belgium did that a few months ago and killed the dog (it was a small dog without aggression who was just playing). It caused a whole manhunt, almost literally, he got dead threats and all.

[dijep Graduate10]

In sorry you've had an unpleasant experience.

I think it's easy to forget when you have a dog of your own that other people are scared of them for a whole host of reasons. I used to work with a guy who was really apprehensive of dogs as a result of his years as a postman.

My dog is always on his lead as he's an ex racing Greyhound with a very strong prey drive and will happily chase anything small and fluffy. I have the same problem with people not putting their dogs on the lead and letting them come up and bother him.

I've no idea if those alarms would deter a dog maybe worth trying but as you say probably not in the situation you described. All I can suggest is if you do get chased is to stand still fold your arms and shout at the top of your voice.. Most dogs I meet when running tend to come across to say hello but I realise this is still unnerving if you are apprehensive.

I hope it doesn't stop you from getting out.

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

I also have two large dogs, who I walk off lead for the most part. We always carry a ball with us precisely in anticipation of situations like this, so we can distract when there are runners or cyclists around, although they tend to ignore them anyway.

I second the advice that dijep and others have given. If a dog chases you, always stop and stand still with your arms folded and look down and away from the dog, turning your body sideways so it's not facing the dog. Avoid screaming and running away because that will only make an excited dog even more excited. I tend to slow down and increase the distance between me and the dog when I'm out running and I see a dog off lead. Most will either say a quick hello or ignore me. Even those who bark are usually either playing or just asking for space but it must be quite worrying if you're not used to dogs.

[Fleetnot Graduate10]

It's really difficult as it's the owners not the dogs. Legally dogs should be on a lead on a public highway but on our country lanes they often aren't. I've been jumped on by two 'friendly' dogs recently. One hurt and I shrieked, owner got annoyed and said dog was just being friendly. Got home, leggings torn and blood dripping down my leg....