Dogs and my 5k today

[hamit]

There are no bad dogs but only bad owners. Today had a really scary time on my 5k run.

After 2 runs at me I shouted to the owner to control the dog. Nothing happened on the 3rd run at me I stumbled. Dog came at me again for the 4th time snarling so it contacted my running shoe in its face. The owner started being abusive to me so I just run on. So what's a runner supposed to do? I must add that 99 percent of owners would have control. This dog being out of control gave me great concern and give dogs a bad name.

I am now in pain due stain when I stumbled. I am 75 and could do without this.

[Jell6 Graduate]

This is awful for you. I got bitten on a run a couple of years ago. I did involve the police as I knew where the dog had come from.

The owner was warned but didn't comply with the police action, that the dog had to be secure and muzzled. I am still wary on that part of my route.

I'm not sure what you can do if you don't know who the dog belongs to.

Sorry that yoy have hurt yourself because of this.

[hamit Graduate in reply to Jell6]

well I think I got off lightly compared with you. Almost seems to me that we get the blame, how dare we run in a public park.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to hamit]

And you have a legal right to be safe... I have had a few issues and have reported those owners to the police as many folk with small children use the field trails at weekends.

Its quite terrifying... especially if the dig is very large. The owner is at fault... they are in the minority fortunately. Glad you are sort of okay!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Unfortunately this is an all too common occurrence.

I love dogs but was staggered once by the arrogance of a dog owner who allowed her dog to run at me (causing me no real issue, but surprising her because she was not paying attention. She said that runners should stop running when passing a dog.

I thought about this carefully and came to the conclusion that should I see her again, I would advise her that while I had a legal right to run or walk as I pleased on the public footpath, she had a legal duty to keep her dog under control at all times on the same path.

An overfriendly and cumbersome Labrador also contributed to an injury that stopped me running for about eight month.

"Harmless" dogs, but dangerous owners who really should not be allowed to own a dog are the real problem that runners are far too often having to face.

You could report to the police and if you have an injury as a consequence, then you probably should.

[Tazzy_wazzy Graduate]

I’m sorry you’ve injured yourself due to an irresponsible dog owner. Some people are so bloody selfish and don’t deserve to own pets. I hope you’re feeling better soon and I’m sending you a very big hug xoxo 😘

[Dendev75 Graduate]

sorry to hear you’re hurt due to inconsiderate dog owners. I wish they would just put their dogs on a lead - I’m sick of feeling scared and turning back the way I came due to dogs being off the lead.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Makes me so mad when dogs run at people

[Chinkoflight]

I ticked like but really I'm grumpy in sympathy for you. Perhaps an imaginery kick the owner next time!!! Lazy owners allow dogs off lead, but like you I find most make the effort and succeed in controlling their dogs. Most are really good and positively make space. Some are just slobs!! Not sure what the answer is as when on a run you don't want to stop and talk.

[LiisaM Graduate]

I’m in my mid 70’s, too, and also the owner of a rambunctious puppy. I have altered my walking and running route because of a dog. I heard of someone who got bitten subsequently while running near that dog. I am in sympathy with you!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

only well controlled dogs should ever be off a lead. Recently I had a dog come racing towards me full of intent and just as I braced myself (having been jumped on multiple times by a big muddy dog the week before) he came to an immediate halt and sat nicely to say hello! What a delight he was!

So many awful owners and pathetic excuses; you shouldn't be running, its your bright colours (dogs are colour-blind 🙄) its because you're wearing a visor (really!)

I did challenge one guy who then did recant, and admit, "Yes you're right, it's my fault, I wasn't paying attention, sorry".

Its such a shame for the dogs really 🤷‍♀️ they deserve better.

[HeavyFoot Graduate]

Difficult one, this. I’m quite a dog lover but am never sure if the oncoming dog is a people lover. I try a happy “hello “ to the dog to show I’m friendly. But of course that’s not guaranteed.

[Duckaroo Graduate]

I get this all the time as live in the country such a pain ..dog owner he only wants to say hello whilst it’s tripping me up or the dog chases you and the owner has no control it drives me mad

[Leotigris Graduate]

I'm not sure which is worse - the dog off the lead or the one on the extremely long extendable lead. In both cases the owner has no control over the dog and with the extendable lead you end up getting completely entangled with dog and lead

[JayneDoe Graduate]

Hi, on week 6 of C25K, I also have 2 Westies. We are very fortunate where we live, we have an old railway line that is 1.8 miles long, nice round figure of 3 miles from home to back.

I have and will control my dogs when I see a runner. My dogs are well behaved and will stand still until the runner has passed. I also do the same for those on bikes. What really irks me, is the lack of thanks. Found that runners are the worst. Kids on bikes say thank you every time, after reading the advice on here about speed, perhaps it could be that they are running too fast and cannot gasp ‘thank you’!

[Jell6 Graduate in reply to JayneDoe]

I always nod thanks or put a hand up. I do the same when cars give me plenty of space. Yesterday I was on a lane coming up behind a horse and rider, I called out ,is it OK if I pass, she was pleased and moved as close to the side as possible. Generally people are polite and accommodating.

Then again I get ratty if people don't thank me enough when I let them out when I am driving 😆

[hamit Graduate in reply to JayneDoe]

Well I always thank anyone that gives way for me. I also give way to cyclists, cars, Snails and low flying Space Craft.

[Liono Graduate]

I am sorry to read this, what a horrible experience for you.

Although it goes without saying that we have the right to run safely and it is the owners responsibility to control their dogs, the unfortunate reality is that some don't, or won't. It was standard advice among dog behaviourists when I was practising that if you feel threatened by a dog behaving aggressively, you should stand still with your arms by your side and wait for the owner to appear, or else walk slowly and calmly away, without turning around. Most dogs acting aggressively (barking/lungeing) are actually fearful and lack confidence, but they can feel a bit braver if you turn your back! And of course continuing to run can elicit a chase response. Any movement in the direction of the dog (eg flinging arms outwards, kicking) or raising the voice/getting angry with the owner could also cause the behaviour to escalate. Unfortunately many fearful dogs are tiggered by movement and high viz gear (practiced every day when they bark at the postman and he disappears!) which doesn't help when it comes to us runners!

[JulieByf Graduate]

I came across a very friendly, lovely dog yesterday when running, BUT as he thought I wanted play as I was running he almost tripped me over 3 times. He ran at me all happy but tangled himself in my legs, ran off and then did it again 2 more times but from behind so I wasnt expecting the hit. The owners thought it was great fun and just let the dog carry on. I almost fell over twice. I didn't, but it could have been a nasty fall for me. 🙄

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

I would post a picture of my dog bite on my thigh which I got while out walking with my dog in shorts a few years ago but it’s 🤢. It’s a such a shame but if I knew my dog would run after runners then I’d never let it off the lead in those places but find somewhere else. Lazy and careless people should not be allowed to own dogs.