Does anyone have any advice on bumping into dogs on runs?

[runfan41]

A dog bounded upto me at the beginnning of my run so I stopped dead and the owner waved at me to apologise but then nearing the end of the run the same dog appeared again so I slowed to a walk. Whilst walking and avoiding the dog I turned my ankle in a hole - better than a dog bite?

[Beek Graduate]

Blooming dogs and bad owners! Many of them are so inconsiderate and should keep their dogs under control. I have found that if I keep eye contact with the dog and carry on,staring at it and without flinching, then the dog usually backs off. I know it is hard to do, particularly if you are nervous with dogs around. I am.

Be careful on that ankle and next time try swearing at the owner. I've done that in the past and there is an element of satisfaction in it!

[runfan41 Graduate in reply to Beek]

Thanks Beek - I am nervous around dogs and I don't want any more excuses not to go out running! The dog run was yesterday morning and ankle feels fine. I do worry about being knocked over by large dogs and normally they run straight past me. I'm not sure I could cope with running and out-staring a dog.I see a lot of dog walkers who are often friendlier than fellow runners - so I better not get into the habit of swearing out loud!

[RunMacRun]

Ah! this happens to me too! It can really startle me as sometimes I can't see them bounding up to me. I find that the earlier I go out, the less dogs and their walkers I see! I expect that goes for the evening too...

[completerunner]

Try PET CORRECTOR... It's simply air in a can that is used to train dogs. It will startle them and stop them from jumping up at you... Just wait till it gets close and spray. It's totally safe as it is only air.

You should be able to pick it up at most pet shops but here is a link for it on Amazon....

amazon.co.uk/Company-of-Ani...

[christian1 Graduate in reply to completerunner]

Oh I want one of those! I am fed up of dogs coming up and slobbering over my legs while the owners just smile or ignore this behaviour.

I'm a little worried how the owners would react though. Would THEY end up swearing at US?

[completerunner in reply to christian1]

**I'm a little worried how the owners would react though. Would THEY end up swearing at US? **

Well that is always a possability as they are clearley ignorent to allow it to happen in the first place.. I am always brave enough to simply advise them it is only air and a recognised dog training aid.. By brave I mean I can run pretty fast.