Anxiety When Jogging By Unleashed Dogs

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.

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???

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.

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.

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???

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.