Protection from dogs

3 pit bulls?

357 magnum and at least 4-500 rounds of range practice until your grouping is real tight. With only 5 shots, you don't have a lot of margin for error.

Of course, you could go with something like a .45 or 10mm, but wheels are a little more reliable.


For a non-lethal solution on unknown-if-aggressive dogs, they make mace specifically for dogs.

I love dogs. I've done rescue and shelter work. I've trained dogs. I grew up with a pack of pit bulls that were hunting dogs.


All that said, lethal force would not be excessive if actually attacked/bitten by a pack pits while on a run.

Report to the police and run somewhere else

I'm sorry but if someone was attacked and the authorities are not doing something about it, then I would say there are other circumstances that were involved. Dog attacks aren't taken lightly, and if the dogs weren't removed then something is weird there. As another posted run in another area away from the dogs.

Side note: Love how people always blame the dogs instead of the idiots who made them that way. Pit bulls if raised right are very sweet, kind dogs. Often called nanny dogs for their nurturing demeanor around children. It's humans who treat them horrible that turn them into attack dogs.

* Edited to add that I wasn't referring to anyone here about blaming the dogs. I know that wasn't your intent, was just making a comment in general.

I don't agree with RUNNING away.

Dogs (all dogs) are predators. If you are bitten, you're in a bad situation. If you are bitten by two or three pits, even worse.


But DON'T RUN away. They are programmed to chase/catch/bring down. If you aren't prepared or aren't inclined to use physical or chemical force - stand up to them and be as confident as possible, face them, and use your physical size and confidence to "call them off."

Running from them will make it far, far worse.

What will protect us from a pack of dogs while out running? (friend attacked by 3 pit bulls on morning jog).

Stun Guns? Pepper Spray? Loud noise? What works?

Beef Jerky. Just toss it and they leave you alone.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

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I dont understand why people can not keep their dogs secure.

In some places, dogs are running as pack animals because their owners have long since given them up and moved on. Detroit in particular has this problem with over 50,000 running wild. Of course, over seas there are certain countries that suffer the same problem, but that's because they are less "pets" (a western thing) and simply predators like wolves or foxes.

Beef Jerky. Just toss it and they leave you alone.

No. No, no, NO. That is asking for trouble. If the dog is loose and can get close enough to bite you, having treats in your pocket is only going to make the situation worse.

Stop and face the dog (as another person suggested). They might not know "go home," but odds are they will probably know "sit." Even a snarly, worked up pup that knows his basic commands is going to be caught off guard and will sit without thinking. Follow up with other commands such as "home," "down," and/or "stay." It won't always work, but taking charge and issuing commands turns the table on the dog. Most will back down.

**Even if it backs down or goes home, call Animal Control and report it. The next time it charges it might be towards a kid.*

I'm a serious dog lover. Was raised with and have raised several labs/lab mixes. I'm a strong believer that there really are no bad dogs. But there are a whole hell of a lot of STUPID people who own dogs. People who don't train, train wrong, abuse, or neglect dogs. Unfortunately those people raise problem dogs, and ultimately it is the dog who suffers.

Even if the dog goes home call animal control. If it growls or attacks call the police right then & there. (My local animal control's message even says if you are being attacked, chased, or bitten to call the police). Carry mace. Don't spray the owner even though they're the ones who deserve it. Call the police.

Never - NEVER - run.