Jogging & dogs

[skijay]

If you are out for your evening jog, and a dog comes after you and attempts to bite you what would you do? I am getting a little irritated with some dog owners around where I jog in my neighborhood. Just because it maybe around 7:00pm and it is dark out , it does not give these dog owners the right to allow their pets to roam. We have a leash law in my town.

My thoughts are to carry a pepper spray or Mace product. I do not want to harm someone’s pet I just want it to leave me alone. I love dogs, just not the ones that are about to maul at my leg.

 

[trailbiscuit]

This is a bummer, and it drives me nuts.

This is going to sound strange, but a little reverse psychology has worked well for me in the past: with the angry dog barking and coming at you...do the same thing. I've had good success scaring off/confusing dogs with this approach. If you don't show fear, they usually back off.

Also, it's easier to rationalize with a person, than a dog. Call the owners and ask them to please leash their dogs if unattend.

Third, check the lease laws in your town. It's never fun, but you may have to bring authorities in if all else fails.

 

[smitty77]

Try running with a water bottle, and give the dog a shot or two (or 5) between the eyes when he comes after you. This worked for me on several occations when bike riding. Actually, I use a small spray bottle when I'm training my own dog, a 10 month old Siberian. I get an instant behavoir correction that doesn't hurt the dog, and I'm noticing a huge improvement in her behavior. In fact, her whole demeanor changes when she knows the spray bottle is within arms reach.

Beyond that, if you can corral the owner point out that the leash law is a 24/7 ordinance. Some of them just don't realize their dog is a nuisance.

As a general disclaimer, the above may not work on all dogs so use at your own risk. Happy trails!

Smitty