Anxiety When Jogging By Unleashed Dogs
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As a dog owner, you may not be aware of this, but to someone who is terrified of dogs, "attacking" and "trying to play" look pretty much the same.
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Not to sound mean, but if a dog is supposed to be leashed in the area she is in - she shouldn't have to make the determination if the dog is attacking or wanting to play. Owners should be more responsible of their pets.1 -
Alluminati wrote: »The biggest thing I want to add besides slowing down is to remove your hat and sunglasses if you are wearing them. Dogs get nervous when they can't see your eyes. I have had dogs go from about to attack me to walking away simply from removing my hat and sunglasses.
I thought you're not supposed to look at dogs in the eye (or their direction) anyway?
And if you're wearing sunglasses, they can't determine where you're looking. Which makes them nervous.0 -
As a dog owner these situations make me really sad. I have to agree with the pepper spray (only if actually being attacked and not just a dog trying to play) and calling the cops. You can also kick the dog if it's attacking you or scruff it and throw it to the ground (I've done this with a large german shepard).
As a dog owner, you may not be aware of this, but to someone who is terrified of dogs, "attacking" and "trying to play" look pretty much the same.
You're right, some dogs see runners and think "play time," whereas others see you running and think "kill time." There's just know way to know how individual dogs will react, which is why it's necessary to be as cautious as possible. Mace/pepper spray might be a bit much though, many dogs are just as startled with a quick spritz of water to the face. If you carry a bottle or pouch on your runs this might be something to try.
I've only been charged once on my runs, but there is this guy in the park who always lets his dogs run loose, in spite of the posted leash laws. One morning I was running and saw him coming my direction with his 3 hound dogs. I continued a little further and looked back up to see where he was (he had turned off the trail), and BOOM, rolled my ankle badly and smashed my knee on the ground. Seven weeks later and I'm just getting back to very slow jogging. So it's not just the potential for chasing and dog bites, there may be other things that can happen. I'm tempted now to go back to the park and let him know how much pain (and $$$) he cost me by having his dogs off the leash!
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This whole thread is confusing, inluding the OP. A dog attack is a serious matter. A dog attack is defined as where the dog bites down hard enough and does not let go until blood is drawn. A dog who barks, or snaps without making contact on the victim or where a dog who makes contact but is only putting the teeth on the victim but does not go through skin, is not considered to be attacking the victim, the dog is giving a warning.
I agree that a dog has to make contact to call it an attack. You can have 1/2 inch puncture wounds that don't bleed. Just because there isn't blood doesn't mean the dog didn't attack.
It doesn't matter if a dog bites or not. Dog owners are legally obligated almost everywhere to control their dogs. If the dog is leaving the yard to chase, lick, jump on or bite, the owner is wrong.
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Don't eyeball them, just walk on by. Fast moving arms are not a good idea, sometimes running and kicking up your heels can excite the dog to bark and run after you. Just walk steadily along. If a dog starts to jump and put its teeth on you, kneel down and curl up in a ball protecting your head and ears.
Again, if a dg has drawn blood with its teeth, this is considered to be an attacking dog and it should be reported to the police. Its not a question of being nice or not, as the op was worried about not being nice. What if a child runs by these pit gulls who you said "attacked" you? Most dogs won't attack for no reason, especially if they are just wandering around outised a fence and aren't tied up. A tied up dog or a dog who is protecting a yard behind a fence is apt to bark and jump up a lot.0 -
As a dog owner, you may not be aware of this, but to someone who is terrified of dogs, "attacking" and "trying to play" look pretty much the same.one1fast68 wrote: » [/quote]
Not to sound mean, but if a dog is supposed to be leashed in the area she is in - she shouldn't have to make the determination if the dog is attacking or wanting to play. Owners should be more responsible of their pets. [/quote]
A dog attack is clearly defined. barking, lunging, bareing teeth and jumping up, even mouthing without breaking the skin is not a dog attack. Thise are warning signs the dog is giving. An attacking dog is notgrowling any more, he is making hard contact with the victims flesh and biting down hard. Serious baring of the teeth and deep growling without jumping would probably be,the first sign before bitting. Some dogs jump up and go for the neck or face, this is serious attack. nipping ankles and wrists is not as serious, scary as it may be.
Take care people to understand dogs and what is an actual attacking dog and what is a warning guarding dog.
Dear op, were you really attacked by two pitbulls?
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This whole thread is confusing, inluding the OP. A dog attack is a serious matter. A dog attack is defined as where the dog bites down hard enough and does not let go until blood is drawn. A dog who barks, or snaps without making contact on the victim or where a dog who makes contact but is only putting the teeth on the victim but does not go through skin, is not considered to be attacking the victim, the dog is giving a warning.
I agree that a dog has to make contact to call it an attack. You can have 1/2 inch puncture wounds that don't bleed. Just because there isn't blood doesn't mean the dog didn't attack.
It doesn't matter if a dog bites or not. Dog owners are legally obligated almost everywhere to control their dogs. If the dog is leaving the yard to chase, lick, jump on or bite, the owner is wrong.
A one half inch puncture wound that didn't bleed? yikes, was that yours?
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Dogs make me nervous when in running too, I try to avoid them if I can see they are off leash - I'll cross the road or go in the grass instead of the path if I can,
I don't think a lot of this advice is very realistic though - start carrying self defence items (illegal here anyway, I think), stop, take off my hat, give the dog a treat, wait to see if your precious mutt "just wants to play"????
Why should I have to interrupt my run, and make myself vulnerable while I wait to see if the dog is going to be leaping all over me "playing" or attacking?
My advice is to see if there are better routes/areas to run where there are less dogs (I can choose to go the other way and not run by the park), or more responsible dog owners (and letting your dog "play" running after and jumping on strangers is not the definition of responsible!)
And by all means, if the law says dogs need to be leashed, then get calling and hope your authorities take it seriously.
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I have to carry around pepper spray and have used pepper spray on strays or aggressive pets that people decided let loose. On my first run, I was bit by a small feral dog. I don't want to let that happen again.ashleyminnich1 wrote: »I like to say it's a bad dogs world, and good dogs just live in it. The general idea that runners get about dogs, and their level of fear makes me both sad and worried. I run with my dog. He is on a leash, he is trained to run straight and not pay attention to the people around him. He is two and still training however, and occasional he still looks in someone's direction. I'm afraid someday that someone will get scared and pepper spray him or strike at him. Even though he is on a leash. Doing something like that could damage my soft dog, and possibly make in aggressive towards strangers.
Please just think about this before carrying pepper spray and using it. Be certain that dog is being truly aggressive, because most dogs aren't.
http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/what-to-do-if-youre-attacked-by-a-dog
That being said, unless the situation was particularly dire, I would never consider using it on leashed dog. Hell, if I were a situation where I needed to spray a leashed dog, I'd probably have to spray their owner and call 9-1-1 as well.
Honestly, it's not even an issue when I'm just running. The last time I watched my sister's dog, I took her out for a walk and a stray was trying to mount her. The authorities around my area don't take the issue with them seriously.
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This whole thread is confusing, inluding the OP. A dog attack is a serious matter. A dog attack is defined as where the dog bites down hard enough and does not let go until blood is drawn. A dog who barks, or snaps without making contact on the victim or where a dog who makes contact but is only putting the teeth on the victim but does not go through skin, is not considered to be attacking the victim, the dog is giving a warning.
I agree that a dog has to make contact to call it an attack. You can have 1/2 inch puncture wounds that don't bleed. Just because there isn't blood doesn't mean the dog didn't attack.
It doesn't matter if a dog bites or not. Dog owners are legally obligated almost everywhere to control their dogs. If the dog is leaving the yard to chase, lick, jump on or bite, the owner is wrong.
A one half inch puncture wound that didn't bleed? yikes, was that yours?
Yes. I didn't understand why I wasn't covered in blood either. I had a bunch of puncture wounds from 5 bites. Maybe my pinch an inch of fat is why there wasn't blood!
Wasn't a mean dog either - goofy chocolate lab. He had gotten tangled up in rope. I should have called for help but thought I'd be fine. As I was untangling him, he bit me.
I wasn't wild about dogs before that. Hate being jumped on and licked. After being bit, I don't have much tolerance for dog owner's who don't train their dogs not to do that. No tolerance for loose dogs that come at me!
Dogs know when you don't like them and when you are scared.
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Report them.
I get you as well.
Not only have I been rushed and body-slammed while running by large, over-enthusiastic unleashed dogs that I didn't even see coming, I've got a dog that does not like other dogs. He's fine as long as other dogs don't run up in his face, but if they do that's it.
Mine's always on a very short leash and heels directly at my left side. Never a problem until the inevitable unleashed dog runs at him or another aggressive dog has a go at him. Then I'm having to get between the two dogs to keep enough of a separation to keep mine calm. The ignorant owner is usually harping on about how their dog is so friendly and I'm being ridiculous keeping them apart. They're always so huffy when I tell them that my dog is NOT friendly and to grab their dog before it gets bit.
It's a testament to their good fortune and my successful dog management that no one ever believes me on those occasions, I suppose.1 -
Alluminati wrote: »The biggest thing I want to add besides slowing down is to remove your hat and sunglasses if you are wearing them. Dogs get nervous when they can't see your eyes. I have had dogs go from about to attack me to walking away simply from removing my hat and sunglasses.
I thought you're not supposed to look at dogs in the eye (or their direction) anyway?
You don't want to continue staring the dog in the eye, unless your intent is to assert yourself.
How you're looking at the dog (past them, completely away from them, meet the eye briefly then turn away, etc) is a cue the dog looks for. Not being able to see it bothers some. Hoodies and hats can do much the same thing, and change the human silhouette into something not familiar and can frighten dogs who aren't familiar with those things.
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Report them.
I get you as well.
Not only have I been rushed and body-slammed while running by large, over-enthusiastic unleashed dogs that I didn't even see coming, I've got a dog that does not like other dogs. He's fine as long as other dogs don't run up in his face, but if they do that's it.
Mine's always on a very short leash and heels directly at my left side. Never a problem until the inevitable unleashed dog runs at him or another aggressive dog has a go at him. Then I'm having to get between the two dogs to keep enough of a separation to keep mine calm. The ignorant owner is usually harping on about how their dog is so friendly and I'm being ridiculous keeping them apart. They're always so huffy when I tell them that my dog is NOT friendly and to grab their dog before it gets bit.
It's a testament to their good fortune and my successful dog management that no one ever believes me on those occasions, I suppose.
Just out of curiosity, how do you keep the other dogs at bay while holding onto your dog? I'm thinking about getting a dog but my neighborhood has tons of strays/idiot owners. I've seen one of my neighbors walk her dog (on a leash) while carrying a golf club, which I'm assuming is for keeping other dogs at bay as well as for safety. Just curious how you do it.0 -
I've got a small story related to unleashed dogs. I'm an avid cat fan and at the time I had an outside cat. I started walking around the neighborhood and my cat started following me. It's my fault because I got her to follow me. But anyways, we were on a walk and a loose dog spotted us and started charging at us. I don't know if it was friendly or not, but I had a bad feeling so I ran and my cat ran in some other direction. I never saw her again. She was the sweetest cat. She showed so much love and was just content with laying on your lap. I pisses me off that that happened, and if I hadn't gotten her to follow me this would not have happened.
I say call the police. If they've attacked you before, then they are a known risk. You have a responsibility to yourself and to the rest of the community to report the dogs.0 -
A leashed dog, under control or one penned, shouldn't get sprayed or kicked, or anything else. There is a dog down one of the side roads here that is not restrained in any way and acts incredibly aggressive any time I go past. However, I have never seen it put so much as a toe over the property line so I walk past on the other side of the road and speak to it the whole time; no incidents between us. The dogs that have hackles up, crouched, snapping, snarling, that DO NOT stop are the ones that get sprayed. The first dog I had issues with that caused me to start carrying the spray would back me against a barbed wire fence until the owners would finally peek out to see what was going on. A couple times of that, even after speaking with the neighbor over it and that was enough.0
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Report them.
I get you as well.
Not only have I been rushed and body-slammed while running by large, over-enthusiastic unleashed dogs that I didn't even see coming, I've got a dog that does not like other dogs. He's fine as long as other dogs don't run up in his face, but if they do that's it.
Mine's always on a very short leash and heels directly at my left side. Never a problem until the inevitable unleashed dog runs at him or another aggressive dog has a go at him. Then I'm having to get between the two dogs to keep enough of a separation to keep mine calm. The ignorant owner is usually harping on about how their dog is so friendly and I'm being ridiculous keeping them apart. They're always so huffy when I tell them that my dog is NOT friendly and to grab their dog before it gets bit.
It's a testament to their good fortune and my successful dog management that no one ever believes me on those occasions, I suppose.
Just out of curiosity, how do you keep the other dogs at bay while holding onto your dog? I'm thinking about getting a dog but my neighborhood has tons of strays/idiot owners. I've seen one of my neighbors walk her dog (on a leash) while carrying a golf club, which I'm assuming is for keeping other dogs at bay as well as for safety. Just curious how you do it.
In the way most likely to cause me harm, of course
I pull my dog behind me with the leash and get in front of him, telling him to stand (freeze in place). Fortunately, he listens pretty well and I don't have to keep the leash taut to keep him back there so long as he's calm.
Meanwhile, I keep myself between the dogs and use both hands (leash still around my wrist) to fend off small to large dogs. If I can grab the collar on a clearly friendly dog, I will and hold them until the owner takes control. I can't fend off the really mini dogs with my hands and still be able to move quickly if necessary, so I'll use my feet. I've not had to actually kick, just get a foot on the dog and push them back.
I'm fortunate (I guess) that my dog never thinks to protect me from other dogs or this would never work. Just himself.
Carrying a golf club is not a bad idea, but I'd be more inclined to get a walking stick. It'd be just as useful, but a little less obvious a weapon.0 -
blues4miles wrote: »ashleyminnich1 wrote: »I like to say it's a bad dogs world, and good dogs just live in it. The general idea that runners get about dogs, and their level of fear makes me both sad and worried. I run with my dog. He is on a leash, he is trained to run straight and not pay attention to the people around him. He is two and still training however, and occasional he still looks in someone's direction. I'm afraid someday that someone will get scared and pepper spray him or strike at him. Even though he is on a leash. Doing something like that could damage my soft dog, and possibly make in aggressive towards strangers.
Please just think about this before carrying pepper spray and using it. Be certain that dog is being truly aggressive, because most dogs aren't.
http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/what-to-do-if-youre-attacked-by-a-dog
I don't think I'd ever spray a dog on a leash where the owner still had their hand on the leash. It's pretty obvious when a dog is aggressive/not aggressive. Non-aggressive dogs are looking down / looking where they are going. They might start to meander towards you to sniff you but generally keep their heads down and keep moving on a walk. An aggressive dog will attempt to jump at you (meaning if the owner has a good grip it will be up on its back legs) and is barking at you or growling at you. If your dog is barking at people while on a walk, you need to train your dog better.
Like I said before, most large dogs I run into are super chill. They are trying to get their walk on, they want to GO. They might try to smell me as we pass, but aren't super interested in me. I get a lot more angry little dogs (though for the most part they are leashed), I suspect because the owner thinks their poodle isn't a killer and so train it poorly. Yeah it probably can't kill me, but I still don't want to get bit. Maybe the most common thing I run into is inconsiderate owners often walking 2+ little dogs who do nothing to pick a side of the road/path. Sometimes I have to slow down to a walk to make sure I get past without kicking their dog or tripping over the leash. Like please pull in your leash and you and your dogs need to pick a side of the road I don't care which. Sometimes I sense some sort of anti-runner sentiment in these people like I'm out there doing something unnatural, why should they have to adapt. I think it is because it's a park and they have this idea about "runners" that we shouldn't be in their park. Sometimes I have to deal with bikers on the walking path (because they have decided not to use the road next to it) or the occasional large family that won't reign in their toddlers either so I will jump out into the road when passing them so I don't knock over their sweet little kids who are entitled to the entire path. Not sure why this turned into a rant on everything, guess I am grumpy today.
Unfortunately with bicycles, unless there's a bike lane and/or shoulder on the road & if the bicyclist isn't able, to keep with the speed of vehicles; they have to use the sidewalk.0 -
FridayApril01st2016 wrote: »blues4miles wrote: »ashleyminnich1 wrote: »I like to say it's a bad dogs world, and good dogs just live in it. The general idea that runners get about dogs, and their level of fear makes me both sad and worried. I run with my dog. He is on a leash, he is trained to run straight and not pay attention to the people around him. He is two and still training however, and occasional he still looks in someone's direction. I'm afraid someday that someone will get scared and pepper spray him or strike at him. Even though he is on a leash. Doing something like that could damage my soft dog, and possibly make in aggressive towards strangers.
Please just think about this before carrying pepper spray and using it. Be certain that dog is being truly aggressive, because most dogs aren't.
http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/what-to-do-if-youre-attacked-by-a-dog
I don't think I'd ever spray a dog on a leash where the owner still had their hand on the leash. It's pretty obvious when a dog is aggressive/not aggressive. Non-aggressive dogs are looking down / looking where they are going. They might start to meander towards you to sniff you but generally keep their heads down and keep moving on a walk. An aggressive dog will attempt to jump at you (meaning if the owner has a good grip it will be up on its back legs) and is barking at you or growling at you. If your dog is barking at people while on a walk, you need to train your dog better.
Like I said before, most large dogs I run into are super chill. They are trying to get their walk on, they want to GO. They might try to smell me as we pass, but aren't super interested in me. I get a lot more angry little dogs (though for the most part they are leashed), I suspect because the owner thinks their poodle isn't a killer and so train it poorly. Yeah it probably can't kill me, but I still don't want to get bit. Maybe the most common thing I run into is inconsiderate owners often walking 2+ little dogs who do nothing to pick a side of the road/path. Sometimes I have to slow down to a walk to make sure I get past without kicking their dog or tripping over the leash. Like please pull in your leash and you and your dogs need to pick a side of the road I don't care which. Sometimes I sense some sort of anti-runner sentiment in these people like I'm out there doing something unnatural, why should they have to adapt. I think it is because it's a park and they have this idea about "runners" that we shouldn't be in their park. Sometimes I have to deal with bikers on the walking path (because they have decided not to use the road next to it) or the occasional large family that won't reign in their toddlers either so I will jump out into the road when passing them so I don't knock over their sweet little kids who are entitled to the entire path. Not sure why this turned into a rant on everything, guess I am grumpy today.
Unfortunately with bicycles, unless there's a bike lane and/or shoulder on the road & if the bicyclist isn't able, to keep with the speed of vehicles; they have to use the sidewalk.
In my state, cyclists are not allowed on the side walk, whether there is a bike lane or not. But in this case, it's a park with a concrete path/sidewalk that goes around it AND a two lane road that goes around it. The only cars on the road are the people coming in and out of the park, so it's not a very busy street by any means. Oftentimes there won't be a car for 5-10 minutes. The cyclists that hop on the sidewalk tend to be families with kids. If it's just a little kid by themselves or with an older sibling it's not so bad, because their bikes are small. But when it's Mom, Dad and 3 medium to small sized bikes coming down the path I typically have to hop out of the way because the kids just aren't skilled enough to not hit me and there isn't enough room to pass on a bike on the sidewalk. I get Mom & Dad might feel the kids aren't "ready" for the road, but a skinny little path means all the pedestrians have to give them right of way! There are other parks in town where a whole street is closed to road traffic and the parents could bring their kids to ride there instead.
In my state, bicycles are supposed to be in the street and follow the rules of the road. Adult cyclists are not always much better. In an industrial area I used to run in there was a stretch of road with a wide shoulder but no sidewalk or bikelane. So I would be on the shoulder running against traffic. Cyclists would be coming towards me because they were in the traffic lane. Then they would hug the shoulder like it was my responsibility as the runner to move further into the street. Have had others run red lights and almost run me down as I was crossing a cross walk with a walk signal.
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FridayApril01st2016 wrote: »blues4miles wrote: »ashleyminnich1 wrote: »I like to say it's a bad dogs world, and good dogs just live in it. The general idea that runners get about dogs, and their level of fear makes me both sad and worried. I run with my dog. He is on a leash, he is trained to run straight and not pay attention to the people around him. He is two and still training however, and occasional he still looks in someone's direction. I'm afraid someday that someone will get scared and pepper spray him or strike at him. Even though he is on a leash. Doing something like that could damage my soft dog, and possibly make in aggressive towards strangers.
Please just think about this before carrying pepper spray and using it. Be certain that dog is being truly aggressive, because most dogs aren't.
http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/what-to-do-if-youre-attacked-by-a-dog
I don't think I'd ever spray a dog on a leash where the owner still had their hand on the leash. It's pretty obvious when a dog is aggressive/not aggressive. Non-aggressive dogs are looking down / looking where they are going. They might start to meander towards you to sniff you but generally keep their heads down and keep moving on a walk. An aggressive dog will attempt to jump at you (meaning if the owner has a good grip it will be up on its back legs) and is barking at you or growling at you. If your dog is barking at people while on a walk, you need to train your dog better.
Like I said before, most large dogs I run into are super chill. They are trying to get their walk on, they want to GO. They might try to smell me as we pass, but aren't super interested in me. I get a lot more angry little dogs (though for the most part they are leashed), I suspect because the owner thinks their poodle isn't a killer and so train it poorly. Yeah it probably can't kill me, but I still don't want to get bit. Maybe the most common thing I run into is inconsiderate owners often walking 2+ little dogs who do nothing to pick a side of the road/path. Sometimes I have to slow down to a walk to make sure I get past without kicking their dog or tripping over the leash. Like please pull in your leash and you and your dogs need to pick a side of the road I don't care which. Sometimes I sense some sort of anti-runner sentiment in these people like I'm out there doing something unnatural, why should they have to adapt. I think it is because it's a park and they have this idea about "runners" that we shouldn't be in their park. Sometimes I have to deal with bikers on the walking path (because they have decided not to use the road next to it) or the occasional large family that won't reign in their toddlers either so I will jump out into the road when passing them so I don't knock over their sweet little kids who are entitled to the entire path. Not sure why this turned into a rant on everything, guess I am grumpy today.
Unfortunately with bicycles, unless there's a bike lane and/or shoulder on the road & if the bicyclist isn't able, to keep with the speed of vehicles; they have to use the sidewalk.
Not to get off-topic but that depends on where you live. My city, for example, has a bylaw that all bikes with tires larger than 50 cm (about a foot and a half in diameter for you Americans, so anything larger than a kids' bike) must ride on the road only unless the sidewalk is a designated multi-use pathway.
It's one of the reasons I run everywhere and don't use my bike - I'd rather not get murdered by drivers who think cyclists are a personal affront to their right to drive, but it's illegal for me to ride my little one-speed commuter at any speed on the sidewalk, even if I walk it across intersections, signal my presence to walkers, and use all due caution. Very frustrating when it feels incredibly unsafe to be poking along as close to the edge of the road as possible at my speed while cars roar past at 20km over the limit and try to make right-hand turns into me.0 -
Alluminati wrote: »The biggest thing I want to add besides slowing down is to remove your hat and sunglasses if you are wearing them. Dogs get nervous when they can't see your eyes. I have had dogs go from about to attack me to walking away simply from removing my hat and sunglasses.
I thought you're not supposed to look at dogs in the eye (or their direction) anyway?
You don't want to continue staring the dog in the eye, unless your intent is to assert yourself.
How you're looking at the dog (past them, completely away from them, meet the eye briefly then turn away, etc) is a cue the dog looks for. Not being able to see it bothers some. Hoodies and hats can do much the same thing, and change the human silhouette into something not familiar and can frighten dogs who aren't familiar with those things.
thanks for clarifying 0 -
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?
You were attacked by a couple of pit bulls? That is very serious, was it an attack? Were you bitten through the skin? This should be reported to the city police.
Yes, they were actual attacks where I received bite marks. I reported it to the authorities and on both occasions the dogs were stripped from their owners by authorities.
Edit:
I'll go in depth and explain what happened the two times that I was attacked. This way people can get an idea of what I went through to determine if I am being unreasonable or not.
I was fifteen when I was attacked the first time by a pitbull. In my teen years, I was a active soccer player where keeping in shape was essential and at the time I had a companion to keep me company on my runs. My beagle, named Paulie RIP, was at my side during the running session.Image of Paulie
I had him leashed to my hip. We were running side by side at a park. We were at the two mile mark when I noticed a big dog running right at us. My first impression, being naive at the time, was that the dog would approach mine. I stopped and kept my dog calm, however, the pitbull had no interest in mine whatsoever.
The pitbull didn't even try to do what most dogs tend to do when they meet another dog, but instead went straight for me. I don't think I'd be standing here today if it wasn't for my beagle stepping in. The pitbull had a hold of my arm when my dog stepped in a second later. He fended the pitbull off for about 2 or 3 minutes until the owner showed up. The owner apologized and expressed how his dog never attacked anyone before. Paulie's nose was covered in blood and my arm had some vicious bite marks.
The second time I was attacked I no longer had my companion. I was 25 at the time. Since I learned the first time around to be wary around unleashed dogs, I noticed an unleashed pitbull on my run. I stopped when I spotted the owner nearby. Kindly, I asked the owner to please leash his dog because it barked at me and that it made me feel uncomfortable because it was unleashed. The owner smiled at me and explained that his dog wasn't a harm to anyone. It hadn't attacked anyone before, thus, it wouldn't attack me.
Once again, being the naive person that I am, I trusted his judgement and continued on my run. The second time I ran by the dog, after a full mile, it attacked me. Fortunately, the owner was around to pull his dog away before it did anything severe. I yelled at the owner for not listening to me. He apologized and used a similar excuse that the first owner did.
With that said, I notified the authorities and both pitbulls were stripped from the owners after court hearings. The owners still have issues with me to this day.
Do I want to take pepper spray on my runs? I don't, but I feel that I might and along with that I might have to call the authorities. I don't have an issue with dogs and I do understand the difference between an aggressive one versus a non aggressive one. The problem is the parks I run at have large signs everywhere which clearly state that a dog has to be on a leash. There are dogs that are super friendly and wouldn't harm a fly. This is true. I've ran by some that pay no attention to me, but the anxiety is there.
Having been a dog owner, I do not want to call the authorities simply because of that mutual respect. I know the feeling of trusting in your pet. I don't want to cause problems for the owners in the area. Unfortunately, I feel it's the only way owners will listen.0 -
I'm feeling the anxiety too. Are there any high pitch whistles which earn off dogs that can't be heard by people. Less drastic than pepper spray. Just a thought. I'll look into it for myself!0
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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.
You "kicked the mess" out of a small leashed poodle? Well aren't you a big, tough person! If the poodle was leashed, why didn't you just avoid it?
OP, running past unleashed dogs can be dangerous. Pepper spray may injure the dog permanently and that doesn't seem to be your objective. May I make a suggestion? A few companies manufacture a kind of dog repellent spray which is noxious to the animal but doesn't injure them. Below is an example of such a product.
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