EEEK!!!! Dog Attack Discussion

[windwalker]

Well this morning was one of those that runners/walkers have nightmares about. I was nearing the end of a 2.25 mile brisk walk to warm up for a good stretching routine. The area I was walking in was a commercial district with a lot of low income apartments over the businesses. I was across from a Tattoo place and a muffler shop, out of the corner of my eye I saw a huge black dog coming across the street fast right at me. I turned to face it and brace for the hit when a chevy blazer SUV smacked into the dog. It spun the dog around and launched it right into me. The dog slid into my lower legs hard and nearly knocked me over. The dog got up dazed and walked unsteadily back across the street where there was about a 10 year old boy calling him from a door way of one of the apartments. The dog went in and the boy closed the door.

That got my heart rate up there. This happend so fast. Thinking back over it I'm not sure the dog was attacking, it may have just been a big friendly dog that got loose and was coming over to say hello. Or I could have been seconds from a bad bite. I wasn't in much of a mood to workout any more after this so I just did the marketing instead.

I usually carry mace on long walks especially when I'm in residential areas but since I have never seen a dog in this commercial area I didn't bother to clip it to the back of my shorts waistband. Often when I'm walking I see a dog tied in a yard and wonder how I would handle an attack. I have a walking friend that was attacked while training in a residential sub division and bitten badly.

Erica was attacked a couple of years ago by a big boxer that a kid neighbor kid had let out of it's fenced yard. It hit her hard and bruised her entire thigh but didn't get a good bite, maybe because of the compression shorts she was wearing. She called the police with her cell phone since the dog had her pinned and would snap at her whenever she tried to move off.

Please share your encounters with dogs. I know this is a situation that everyone who run/walks worries about.

EEEK Panda

 

[WDWFAN9]

Dave What a scary experience for you! Glad that you are ok. Since I do almost all my training on my TM the only problems I have with dogs are when my two decide they want to go outside and I have to hop off the TM to let them out the backdoor.

 

[GirTheGecko]

I was running on a small local trail when a dog bounded up to me. I stopped in my tracks and it started snapping at me. All I could see was teeth. I had nothing but my wits when I was about to heave it into the pond if it got in arm's length. I guess the dog saw someone tastier and wondered off. I settled down into my cool off when it came zipping past me and went to it's owner. The owner saw the dog's behavior towards me and just sort of shrugged at me like "Oh well." I got back to the truck with the dbf's family and let loose a tirade of profanities. I do fear dog attack while running, so I try to stick to areas where there are very few or no dogs. I don't carry anything and wouldn't know what do if it happened.

That's the best part of my treadmill, no dogs or cars!

 

[bunnyfoo]

That's a scary story Dave! I'm glad you're okay!

I don't have any stories like that yet (knock on wood) because I've just started running outside. I would be interested to hear tips on what I should do if I come across an unfriendly dog.

 

[windwalker]

That's a scary story Dave! I'm glad you're okay!

I don't have any stories like that yet (knock on wood) because I've just started running outside. I would be interested to hear tips on what I should do if I come across an unfriendly dog.

That's why I thought we need this discussion. I always think: I could climb a tree or over a fence, maybe pick up something to throw ect... This is my first time and let me tell you it can happen so fast you are unable to really think at all.

EEEK!! Panda

 

[bunnyfoo]

That's why I thought we need this discussion. I always think: I could climb a tree or over a fence, maybe pick up something to throw ect... This is my first time and let me tell you it can happen so fast you are unable to really think at all.

EEEK!! Panda

I hear ya! I was talking to a co-worker about her camping trip over the long weekend and she told me that their group was walking through the woods and came across a bear. She said one of her friends panicked and ran for it. That's when everyone started screaming and the bear (which was heading towards the friend running away) took off. She said things happened so quickly she didn't know how to react and they pretty much forgot everything they learned about bears.

I wonder how the mailmen (or women) deal with dogs... It must be a problem for them too.

 

[dsnyfan21]

I have had a couple of runins with dogs in my neighborhood running loose. I have tried some things that I had researched awhile back and have, to this point, never gotten biten.

1. Take precautions to avoid getting into a bad situation. Most dog attacks are the result of human provocation or simple mistakes that can easily be avoided.
2.Watch the dog's body language. If the dog approaches you with it's head held high or low it is probably not going to attack. A dog who's head is level means business.
A loping gait means the dog is playful and checking you out. An even, steady run means business.
3. Remain calm (This one is tough). There's some truth to the adage that dogs and other animals can sense fear. If you panic, you may make the dog feel more confident in his attack, or you may appear threatening to the dog. Neither of these is a good situation.
4.Control the situation. Remember that most dogs are in subjugation to humans. A commanding "Down!" or "Go Home!" may stop an attack momentarily, giving you time to back away.(I have personally done this, the voice should not be a shouting voice, its kinda quick, steady and clear)
5. Don't run. Running away can awaken the dog's instinct to chase and catch animals, and he may pursue you vigorously even if it's initial intent was just playful. In addition, you won't be able to outrun a dog if you're on foot, even if you are on a bicycle you usually will not be able to outrun a dog.
6. Hold your position Dogs have short attention spans. Often after a bit of barking the dog will lose interest and go away (This one has worked for me also.). Do not appear threatening to the dog, and don't open your hands and arms up to a bite by extending them. Keep your fingers curled into fists to avoid getting them bitten. The dog may come quite close, even sniffing you, without actually biting.
7. If Cycling, dismount and keep the bicycle between you and the dog. This will create a barrier of protection.
If a dog is attacking you (vs, just barking) use the bicycle as a weapon to strike the dog. Holding the bicycle by the stem (handlebars) and the seat, swing the bicycle tire to hit the dog. But don't lose you grip as you will have lost a valuable defensive tool.
If the dog is lunging at you, wave a cloth away from your head. The dog will be more likely to lung at the cloth than your face or neck.
8. Back away slowly and leave the area once the dog loses interest in you. Staying calm and stationary can be a real test of your nerves in this situation, but it's the best thing to do as long as the dog isn't actually biting you.
9. Curl into a fetal position if you're physically attacked. Use your arms and hands to protect your face and neck, and curl up in a ball. Remain motionless and don't scream. Dog will almost always lose interest in you if you remain still. Wait until the dog leaves the area before getting up.
10. Don't use pepper spray or mace (I know that some of you do this, but I learned not to do this). The odds of hitting dog in the face before it can attack you are very small. You are more likely just to make the dog mad.
11. Don't hit the dog on the head. Dogs have very thick skulls. You will only make the dog mad. The only place to hit a dog that will have an effect is across the back of the neck near the base of the skull or across the sensitive nose. This may not be useful in self defense but can certainly be used if a partner is being attacked.
12. Avoid making eye contact with the dog. Dogs perceive eye contact as a challenge and a threat. Look slightly down or askew of the dog, but keep him in your vision.
13. Avoid smiling at the dog. You may be putting on a friendly face, but an aggressive dog sees you baring your teeth for a fight.

After an attack:
Attend to any wounds. If you do get bitten, be sure to take care of any wounds promptly, as even minor bites can cause infection. Apply gentle pressure to stop minor bleeding. Use a clean cloth or sterile gauze pad. If bleeding is serious or if it won't stop after several minutes of applying pressure, seek medical attention.
Wash the wound thoroughly. Use warm water and soap (preferably antibacterial soap) to gently cleanse the wound.
Dress the wound. Use a sterile band-aid (for very small cuts) or sterile bandages.
Apply fresh bandages and apply antibiotic ointment at least 1 or 2 times a day.
See a medical professional promptly if you suffer serious wounds or if your wound shows signs of infection, including redness, warmth, increasing tenderness, or oozing pus. Also see a doctor if you haven't had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years.
Contact the owner and animal control authorities. In order to prevent such incidents in the future, as well as to determine if the animal has rabies, you should notify the local police or animal control department promptly. Many states have laws holding owners responsible for the actions of their dogs.

Note that while in some parts of the world rabies is more common, it is quite rare in the U.S. and most of the developed world. That said, if the dog appears sick or if he falls ill within 10 days of the incident, the dog should be tested for rabies immediately. If the dog tests positive you must go through a series of rabies shots. If the dog cannot be found after the incident, you should see a doctor to determine whether you should get the shots. The rabies shot sequence, if it is necessary, should be begun as soon as possible after the bite.
Dog bites have significant potential for infection, but cat bites are actually even worse.
Every mid-size and large dog breed can be dangerous. While some breeds have been singled out as being particularly vicious, beware any attack and react appropriately. Conversely, understand the the vast majority of dogs of any breed are gentle and won't attack a person.

Hopefully, some of this can be helpful and has helped me in the past. I have come across a German Shepard, Beagal, and two cross breed dogs in the past. I do try to keep an eye out pretty far ahead of me so that if I see a dog, I keep clear of the area. I listen for voices of dogs to know where they are (Important to keep the MP3 player lower also for this reason - a dog could be right up on you from behind and you would not know about it until its too late!!). I also keep an eye for excapes from dogs, like getting in a truck bed or jumping on a car, but remember about the not running away from them. I had a dog come running up to me and I just stood still with my hands by my side in first looking stright forward and clearly and commandingly saying, "No, Go Home." and just stood still. The dog slowed down, sniffed me, jumped up on me, I again said, "No, Get down, go home" the dog lost interest and moved on. I backed away and went off in a differetn direction. Believe it or not I have gotten attacked by more Mocking Birds, Blue Jays, Boat tailed Gackles and Crows (all birds) than dogs.

Take care, Tracy

 

[ghoulishgirl]

http://www.runango.com/forums/topic_show.pl?tid=84726

Check out the reply from notsofast about pepperspray vs mace on dogs. Who knew? I didn't!

 

[Goofyin08forErica]

I never saw the boxer who tried to take a hunk out of my thigh. He came from behind me. As long as I stood my ground he was ok, but he would get upset if I started to move. When the sheriff and animal control rescued me, the dog started biting the tires on the vehicles. Needless to say I stay away from the area where that dog lives.

According to the animal control here, don't spray pepper spray at Pit Bulls as the only effect it has on them is to make them more vicious.

Erica

 

[SamSam]

Dave, Glad you are okay. I haven't experienced any attacks while running,but it is something I fear because I run on a dike/running path that is away from houses, etc.
When biking I had several dog encounters, luckily none of them resulted in being attacked, just chased. Very scary.

 

[BamaEd1]

I've been bitten by a little dog that, according to its owner, "would never bite anyone." I called animal control and had her cited. I've also been charged a couple of times without being actually attacked. Very scary. There are a two homes that I run by that have pits. I'm thinking about carrying my pistol just for that reason. Those things mean business when they attack and if you're not ready, you could end up dead or maimed. I cannot for the life of me, understand why anyone would want one of those things for a pet.

 

[Caseydilla]

I have never been attacked by a dog on a run but have had way too many times where unleashed dogs have come at me. I just had one last week, a big black dog. I always yell something out loud to the dog and owner along the lines of, "I don't want to be bit, please." They usually take offense and I am always amazed at the attitudes I get from the owners of these unleashed dogs. I have a dog and I don't think it's okay for her to run around unleashed around runners, walkers, and kids. My husband was attacked by a dog(German Shepard) when he was younger and has scars all over his face from the attack.

Whenever a dog comes at me, the first thing I do is stop running and put my foot out towards the dog. (To get ready to kick it if I have to.) I carry pepper spray on me most the time. If I don't have it on me, I will look for a rock. We're in the desert, rocks are all around on runs usually.

 

[Scott H]

I have been lucky and never had a bad encouter,

Mace vs Pepper spray: the old mace CS or CN usually will not work on dogs, no tear ducts, so pepper spray is the way to go with muttleys.

I am a dog lover and believe there are no bad dogs just poor owners.

In back country situations I have carried three kinds of bear spray (pepper) 1. bear spray a fogger type, 2. .44 cal, 3. 12 ga.

If you want spray get a fogger not a stream, easier to aim.

Pepper spray uses capsasium (sp?) measured in Scovile units. The higher the number the stronger.

I you get the pepper on you flush with plain old water, baby wipes work pretty good, do not wash effected clothes with other clothes, wash separately.

 

[windwalker]

The spray I carry is called HALT, it is what mail carriers use, at least that is what it says on the package. Not sure what's in it. It's supposed to give the attacking dog a warm cosy feeling so it will stop being vicious and want to join you for a beer or something like that.

Walking Panda

 

[dsnyfan21]

My dog incident this morning.

Was on my long walk this morning about 6 miles. The first mile goes through my neighborhood that has sidewalks on both side with a swale between the two lane road and the sidewalk. Was coming back home at about mile 5.20 when I see a dog down about 4 houses away. At this time of day I am heading east with the sun in my face, so needless to say I can't see this dog very well, what color, if it has a collar or not. It looks like a lab of some sort and as I get closer it sees me and so I decide to start going across the street to get on the other side and then the dog starts full force at me barking. I move towards a car to have that as a posible escape route if needed. I stand my ground and don't move and put my arms to my side with fingers in. The dog trys to circle me and barks. I tell him "No, go home" and stay still. He gets behind me and barks. hHe starts to sniff my hands and stands behind me. I say again to go home. He walks off, but goes to the house about 1 away and stand in the middle of the sidewalk facing me. SO I start yelling to see if anyone is outside. I am afraid at this moment to move or he'll start again. I get a car to stop and pick me up to take me down to the next corner. Then as i'm getting in the car the man comes out the the front of his house and sees the situation and calls his dog back. As I go by in the car he asks what happened. I told him and of course he gives me the ol"He's a friendly dog who probably just wanted to walk with you." I just don't get it. There is a leash law in my city, but I guess he doesn't follow it. He wasn't "with" his dog and was in the backyard. I own a dog and she has 2 obedience titles, but I would never leave my dog by herself anyway, you never knwo what they will do when you are not with them. So the nice neighbor lady, took me about 6 houses down and let me out. I thanked her very much. So, that is my story for today.

Take care, Tracy

 

[windwalker]

Tracy thank you for sharing. If we compare notes it will help all of us keep our heads when we have a potentially dangerous encounter.

We have a chocolate lab, and we have a fenced yard for her to romp in and when she goes walking with Erica she is on a leash and has been to training class. Both Erica and the lab, Erica didn't learn much from the obiedence classes, the dog did great though.

Walking Panda

 

[Scott H]

We have a chocolate lab, and we have a fenced yard for her to romp in and when she goes walking with Erica she is on a leash and has been to training class. Both Erica and the lab, Erica didn't learn much from the obiedence classes, the dog did great though.

Walking Panda

I feel a smart bump comming on.

 

[Jynohn]

Dogs are one of the reasons why I run almost exclusively on my treadmill, but I was out on my bike last weekend when I was nearly attacked by a pit bull mix. I saw him run out into the street a few houses away from me, and he was barking pretty menacingly, so instead of biking past him, I turned around and went in the other direction. This was a big mistake, because he came running after me, barking and growling the whole time. This dog meant business, and I was terrified. I could hear him coming right up behind me, and I was starting to panic, but just pedaled as fast as I could. He finally gave up after a minute or two, but I think he would have attacked if he had caught up to me.

I've never been chased or attacked while running, but this is the second time it's happened while riding a bike. The first time I was a kid, and it was a Doberman. He actually knocked me off of my bike, but thankfully the owner came running up and pulled him off.

It's enough to make me grateful for my treadmill, and really make me think twice about riding again.

 

[twoWDWfools]

Dave and Tracy - glad you are both ok!

Fortunately I've never been attacked however actually had more trouble with dogs on the mile long retractable leashes. People let the dog wander all over the trail dragging the lead around which depending on light can be very hard to see especially when biking.

Our dogs were always kept on leads when out walking.

 

[Steffwalks]

Oddly enough, I am not scared of dogs. I have never been attacked. Pets can usually be "talked" out of an attack simply by using your "I am in control" stern voice. Trained attack dogs, are a whole different animal, but are usually (although not always) leased or fenced.

My biggest problem with dogs and it happens even with cats, is that they want to go with me!