Dog Problems

[DisneyDreamerMom]

Do any runners out there have suggestions on how to handle aggressive dogs? I've got new neighbors on one of my running routes that have a very large (looks like a St. Bernard mix) unfriendly dog that roams free. He's not tried to attack, but he growls and makes me very nervous. I'm thinking of take that route out of my rotation, but it is one of my favs and one of the only ones that is fairly flat.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Tabetha]

Aside from talking to the owners or calling animal control or finding a new route there are some things you can try.

Dogs are very 'motion-triggered', so if he sees you running in 'his territory', he might consider you an aggressor. When you see him, you can try taking a walking break. Don't make eye contact with him, that's a sign of aggression, too.
If he's really making you nervous, you can turn around and slowly walk in the other direction.

Alternately, you can try telling him 'No', 'Down' or 'Sit' in a clear, firm voice.

Some people carry pepper spray, or suggest chucking rocks at the dog but that just seems mean to me since it's just a dog being a dog. A poorly behaved dog, but still a dog. I'd actually be tempted to toss him a cookie since he's new to the neighborhood and to see if I could get him to associate my presence with something good. But then, I'm a softy.

 

[Tabetha]

bad caribbean internet = double post!

 

[rubato]

I carried pepper spray for awhile due to an aggressive acting dog. But, when running by one day, his owner was out. I stopped and talked to her about her dog and explained my fears. The dog was never roaming free again. So, if it's at all possible to talk to the owners or animal control, that's where I'd start.

 

[DisneyDreamerMom]

Thanks! I really didn't want to do the pepper spray route - I have two dogs myself and just can't bring myself to do it. I'm going to use your suggestions, Tabetha, until I can talk to the owners.

Thanks so much!

 

[cewait]

Actually, pepper spray is not a great solution unless the dog is one that is in attack mode. Besides being cruel, you can create bubba joe six-pack issues.

Next time when he comes up and is still 5-10 feet away stop and turn to face him and put your hand up and firmly (yell if needed) say STOP. Most dogs will do just that. He knows you are not playing since you quit running and by turning and facing him you are showing you are the pack leader.

On a bike I have pulled out my water battle and sprayed the dog on the nose as I yell stop. That tends to keep them away.

 

[DisneyDreamerMom]

Thanks coach! The water bottle is an especially good idea - I've used it on my own dogs once before. I don't know why I didn't think of that!