Anxiety When Jogging By Unleashed Dogs

gonzanab

I'm an avid dog fan I love dogs and I was a dog owner for 17 years. I don't have a phobia of dogs, but I do get anxiety when I jog by unleashed dogs in public parks I go too.

In NJ, it's a law to have a dog leashed in public parks.

I've been attacked by 2 pitbulls while on my jogs. When I confronted the owners, before hand, they assured me that I'd be fine and tell me that their pets are well behaved. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

I'm not sure how to approach this situation. I don't want to be mean and call the cops. At the same time, I want to be able to enjoy my job without stressing.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Does this happen to anyone else?

thereshegoesagain

Get some pepper spray to take with you.

arditarose

Wait...so you mean you still see the same dogs that attacked you unleashed? Or you are just stressed running past unleashed dogs since the attack?

I feel you. I was attacked when I was a little girl and I really get freaked out by unleashed dogs now. I don't know.

Cherimoose

Pepper spray, 2 ounce can or larger.
Buy an extra to practice with (not on dogs).

lorrpb

I'm the same. Cornered by a German Shepherd as a child and extremely anxious near unleashed strange dogs. When I ask owners to get their dogs away from me, they get extremely indignant. Why???

jdhcm2006

I was attacked by a leashed dog and the owner was right there and barely did anything to stop it. I kicked the mess out of it (it was a small poodle) and she got mad at me. Say what? But she made sure to pay attention from there on out when she was out with her dog and I was walking to my door.

I agree with the pepper spray suggestions.

gonzanab

I definitely sympathize and feel you all. It's nice to know I'm not alone. Dog owners generally don't sympathize. However, when I had my beagle, a dog who would lick someone to death if not careful, I always had him leashed and did not allow him to jump on strangers.

It's a relief to see I'm not the only one who feels anxiety. The two dogs that attacked me aren't around, but pitbulls are big in this area and while owners defend them for being great pets, understandably, more often than not these dogs are one's that require more attention. I see them a lot without leashes and since I've been attacked by two, my opinion is a bit bias.

I'm not targetting them specifically though because I see other breeds loose. The small dogs don't bother me as much, but the big one's definitely.

I've considered purchasing weapons because it seems communicating to dog owners doesn't work well. It's the law here to have your dog leashed in NJ in public places. My dad told me to call the cops when I see it happen because people get fined big time. Do I really want to go to that measure? Not really, but other than bringing weapons and calling the cops I don't see any other way to avoid this anxiety I feel when I approach dogs.

FatMoojor

Firstly, slow down and walk past dogs which appear to be quite jumpy/barking. You can normally tell these from a distance when on your run.
If even then the dog is circling you, jumping etc. Just stop. If the owner is around, then ask them to take their dog. If not you will probably have to wait until the do arrive.

If a dog activily attacks you, then yes, you need to phone the police or whoever and report that.

gothomson

I'd say don't escalate it with weapons and pepper spray. You are clearly dealing with people that are not willing to do a reasonable thing to make everyone feel safer. Oh and yeah I've heard the "it's ok my dog wouldn't hurt a fly" speech before - its not the point, the dog should be under the owners control. Frankly your dads right, report them to the cops, its not mean its the right thing to do, then let the cops deal with it. Pretty soon your mouthy dog owners will either move on, or obey the law.

minniestar55

Report them. Think about what could happen if a kid runs by them & they attack. I would also check local laws & see if pepper spray is legal to use in the circumstance, if so, I would take it & use it if necessary.

chaney3000

This is a simple fix. Call the police. Report the and if you see it again call the police again. Simple. After multiple fines, the owners will make sure to get the situation cleared up.

I have a pit bull and she is the sweetest thing I know. With that said, I'm aware that others may fear my dog and don't want to risk anything. That's cool, and it's totally your right to be that way. My dog runs around outside when I'm out there with her and if I see someone walking or running on my street, I call her over to me and see sits next to me until they go by.

Real easy and it's the RESPONSIBLE thing a dog owner should do.

I too don't feel easy running by unknown dogs with or without leashes. I will defend myself at all costs though so that may mean the death of your pet if it comes down to it. Sorry, but true.

blueeyez939

Carry something to protect yourself with. Pepper stray can definitely be effective although in most cases it would be overkill, but at least carry a sturdy stick or something of that nature to defend yourself with. Biggest thing to remember, dogs love the chase and there more scared you are the more that dog is gonna want to mess with you. When you see unleashed dogs coming up, do not look at them or engage them in anyway. Paying them ANY attention, even just a glance or a second of eye contact will open up that door for them to come check you out. If you completely ignore the dog and it continues in your direction, slow your pace. Speeding up when a dog approachs will only trigger his instinct to chase after you and bite at you even if all he wants to do is play with you. If you have slowed down and the dog is still heading your way, just stop completely. Remember, to the dog this is all just a game and the game is a whole lot less fun for him if your not participateing. If you have stopped completely you will quickly see the dogs intentions, he will likely either come running up wagging his tail all excited or he will loose interest and go find something more interesting to chase... But if he does happen to be aggressive, at least you will be in a position to defend yourself and not get into a situation with the dog. It irritates the crap outta me that irresponsible dog owners create these situations by not keeping there dogs on leases, but unfortunately there is nothing we can do about that..... Really thought, the key is just looking at things from the dogs point of view, staying a step ahead of what the dogs thinking and being smarter than the animal at hand hope this helps!

100df

I feel anxiety just reading this! I am a wimp and changed my walking route because of a golden retriever who charged down the driveway to lick and jump on me. Feel stupid being terrified but can't help it. I'd probably faint if pit bulls came at me.

I am with the people who say call the police. There is probably a dog officer.

I wouldn't carry pepper spray because I would end up spraying myself. So the dog bites me and I am self sprayed! If you can use it safely, it's an option.

gonzanab

I'm so thankful that I created this topic because it's helped ease the anxiety and guilt I get for thinking how I do sometimes. I appreciate everyone who replied in this thread. I definitely will use these approaches next time I go on a jog.

yesimpson

I always slow to a walk to pass unfamiliar dogs, especially if I'm approaching from behind. I'm lucky that most dog owners in my area are sensible and considerate, but I did almost give a terrier a bit of a kick once when it tried to bite me and luckily just got my tights. The owner came running up shouting and swearing at me for 'lashing out' at her dog (I hadn't actually connected with it, but would have no qualms doing so to stop it taking a chunk out of my ankle). Her logic was it was my fault because 'she's nervous around female joggers'. If it has an irrational fear of women dressed in gym clothes moving slightly faster than walking pace, keep the yappy little thing on a lead maybe???

misskris78

I had a rottweiler blow through an invisible fence and chased me up a tree. The owner assured me that it never happened before and that he was a wonderful dog. Low and behold, I was jogging with my infant son when the same dog blew through the same invisible fence again. This time I wasn't nearly as polite, and the owner had the nerve to tell me that I shouldn't walk on "his" street since the dog is obviously so angered by me. Ugh. I'm not sure if there is much you can do. A lot of dog owners think their pooches have the same rights as people, and if you're not a dog lover, it's a battle you are going to lose. I work where there are a lot of pit bulls - many of them former (or current) fighting dogs. I always carry biscuits with me. It has worked so far, but I'm still nervous around them.

meritage4

I had a friend -who was very fit-and if a dog ran at him he'd chase the dog. Scared most dogs and the owners sure reacted quickly to get their dogs out of his way.

Not sure I'd suggest it-BUT it worked for him.

VeryKatie

Call the cops.
It's not mean. It's the law.

Asher_Ethan

6 years ago I was bitten by a leashed dog while running and I still have a scar.
Pepper spay is the way to go.

robertw486

Report them. People should know their animals well enough to keep them under control. And that even includes the ones that are harmless in nature. The majority of the time it's not the animals that are the problem, it's the owners that are the problem.

IzzyBooNZ1

i have dogs, love dogs and I think it is terrible how many here have been bitten, all thanks to useless dog owners. What is so hard about leashing your dog?? jeez. I would call animal control /police and report them. I don't want the dog put down but I want the owners to have a damn good talking too. My dogs are always leashed unless I take them to an off leash area. I get so mad when other dog owners don't respect leash laws as it ruins it for other dog owners and it simply isn't fair on those who are nervous around dogs.

3dogsrunning

If you carry water with you, spraying the dog in the face often helps too. A gatorade type drink stings a little.
Personally, I'd prefer that over pepper spray because I hate the stuff and whenever you use it, chances are you are going to get some too.

DeficitDuchess

It isn't just dogs, that aren't on a leash; that're problematic but the ones that're in yards, with fences low enough; for them to jump over. I recently saw a man working on his truck, on the side of a home; in which had a dog in the yard. I asked him, if that was his dog & if the dog, could jump the small fence & he said, yeah but he knows better. Then I just said because that's scary. He must have gone to the yard, as I was passing by & called the dog, away from the fence but that just tells me, that he understands; that his dog could become a danger or possibly he was afraid, that I'd report him. Hopefully he'll put a large board there because the rest of the fencing area, is behind an apartment complex's; high fence.

I think that the best thing to do, is carry dog treats; with you. Since some of these dogs might be regulars, befriending them; might help prevent an attack but also have mace ready, just in case; befriending doesn't work & ALWAYS notify the authorities because even if you might be able to prevent the dog, from attacking you; they might attack someone else later. It's also the best avenue, to prevent a dog from having to be euthanized; by preventing the possibility from them being able to attack to begin with.

itsbasschick

call the police - the next person one of the dogs attacks could be a small child or someone who can't get away. and as FridayApril01 says, you can save the dogs from being euthenized by stopping the owners from putting the dogs in a position to bite anyone else.

Becca_250

FatMoojor wrote: »

Firstly, slow down and walk past dogs which appear to be quite jumpy/barking. You can normally tell these from a distance when on your run.
If even then the dog is circling you, jumping etc. Just stop. If the owner is around, then ask them to take their dog. If not you will probably have to wait until the do arrive.

If a dog activily attacks you, then yes, you need to phone the police or whoever and report that.

Agree with this

Penthesilea514

This upsets me as a dog owner, I would like to bring my dog on my runs (leashed) but there are several unleashed dogs that roam around here. I know how to (generally) avoid getting hurt by them but I have been cornered by a very aggressive dog and scratched/bruised/minor bleeding from another (this one was just ill mannered and young). Just a reminder- not all aggressive dogs are loud, some of the worst I have seen are completely quiet ("stalking", staring you down, aggressive stance). And this has NOT been associated with breed to me. Some of the sweetest, goofiest dogs I know are Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and Dobermans.

I agree with advice with walking/stopping and ignore them (don't look at them). That was my experience until recently, so I may now have to bring pepper spray with me after that last dog actually drew some blood. Make sure it is legal to carry it in your area and research who to call- animal control or humane officers usually have a non-emergency numbers (i.e. not 911) to make such calls and not tie up emergency operators. It makes me feel better to use those numbers in situations like these.

Nausicca55

I have this issue on my paper routes when people have their dogs out in the yard and I have to go to the porch to leave the newspaper. What I usually do is when the dog approaches me I shout "Sit!" or "Stay!" in an EXTREMELY commanding tone. If the dog continues toward me, I leave the paper on the lawn or drive, I don't go any closer. But if you are attacked, I believe the owner is responsible by law to have the dog tested for rabies.

T1DCarnivoreRunner

I was attacked by a couple of dogs when I was 2 years old. For most of my life, I have been very afraid of any dog. If it was a dog the size of Toto across the street, I would still be afraid.

Anyway, I've gotten over that mostly by now. If a dog runs up to me, I slow or stop. They usually only want to chase and once I stop, I can decide based on what it does as to whether I need to pet it or hold it down.

I agree with those who suggest reporting them, but that is the long-term solution to clean up the problem. It will take a lot of reports before the community starts leashing dogs. In the mean-time, the short-term solution is not pepper spray, it is bear spray (which is pepper spray, but in concentrated form and can be sprayed in a particular direction). Check local laws, of course, and use it only as a last resort. Try slowing down first.

I'm not sure if I agree with throwing dog treats. If a dog starts chasing you and you throw a treat at it, they get positive reinforcement. This teaches dogs to chase runners. Don't do that.

GYATagain

Coming from a dog-trainer, it is just a sad and disgusting thing that people are dumber than their dogs. It is the law folks! Leash your dog if not for the safety of others, for your dog's safety also! When out jogging and you come upon an unleashed dog - Do Not Make Eye Contact! Slow down and stop if necessary, not making eye contact, but be aware of where the dog is. Tell the owner to get their dog. I hate to say this, but yes, get pepper spray. If you do make eye contact, do not look away and don't run away - that just invites "chase and bite". I talk to and see people that think they have The Perfect dog and would never hurt a flea -- be that as it may, it is the law. And there is good reason to leash your perfect dog - for their own safety! *sigh SMH* With repeat offenders, call animal control and turn them in. And, also, please do not approach leashed dogs unless you know them or you ask the owner if that is okay. Never ceases to amaze me how people will just go up and put their faces right in a strange dog's face.... again, smh.

A couple of weeks ago, my Bullmastiff (leashed) and I were jogging and got attacked by an unleashed, very aggressive chow/shepard mix. Chow figured out real quick he didn't wish to tangle with my big guy. Unfortunately, in protecting me, my 150# dude popped his collar and chased the chow back to the owners who were now screaming about a "pitbull" (no, he is a bullmastiff) being loose. My guy, did not attack anyone and came back to me to be collared and leashed - however, we suffered damage from the chow. I have since invested in a large harness to keep him from getting loose. He can still, of course, dislocate my shoulder again trying to protect me. And I took steps to make sure those folks to not come back out to the country and let their dog run loose.

wonko221

The secret to being around dogs and owners: Always assume dogs are dangerous, and the owners don't understand their dogs that well. This is NOT the truth, in many cases, but if you assume this, you take responsibility for your own safety.

Give dogs, leashed or unleashed, a wide berth, and pay attention to them, without making eye contact. As you approach, give a confident "good morning/afternoon" aloud, so that you don't startle them, and so they see you approach and pass.

I also make it a rule never to ask to pet a leashed or unleashed dog, whether the owner thinks it will bite, or not. I'd rather appreciate it at a distance than try to force a petting on it and trigger its anxiety. If the dog approaches me, i'll relax, and drop a hand for it to smell, as long as it isn't displaying any warning signs. If it acts sociable, i'll then happily rub its head or play with it. But the last thing i want to do is make a dog nervous.

DeficitDuchess

midwesterner85 wrote: »

I was attacked by a couple of dogs when I was 2 years old. For most of my life, I have been very afraid of any dog. If it was a dog the size of Toto across the street, I would still be afraid.

Anyway, I've gotten over that mostly by now. If a dog runs up to me, I slow or stop. They usually only want to chase and once I stop, I can decide based on what it does as to whether I need to pet it or hold it down.

I agree with those who suggest reporting them, but that is the long-term solution to clean up the problem. It will take a lot of reports before the community starts leashing dogs. In the mean-time, the short-term solution is not pepper spray, it is bear spray (which is pepper spray, but in concentrated form and can be sprayed in a particular direction). Check local laws, of course, and use it only as a last resort. Try slowing down first.

I'm not sure if I agree with throwing dog treats. If a dog starts chasing you and you throw a treat at it, they get positive reinforcement. This teaches dogs to chase runners. Don't do that.

@midwesterner85 my advice concerning offering a treat, was meant to hopefully be a 1 time thing; per dog because I also advised that they ALWAYS contact the authorities & hopefully the dog's custodian/family (I am against considering pets, as property), would then obey the laws; once they're aware that they'll most likely be continually reported.