What Would You Do (warning, long)

[CamColt]

I usually walk a 3 mile route, 5 days a week. In the summer I have my kids with me, the 4 yo in a stroller and 7yo walking with me. Within the past year or so I have had a few(3 or4) run ins with a dog on my route. He will run toward me/us, jump around us, follow us for quite a while, still jumping at us. Its not so bad that hes ever actually pushed my kids or bit any of us, but its enough for a good scare. Today he came charging at us, across a busy street while we were waiting to cross. He kept going at my 7yo so much that he started running and I had to yell at him to stop. I thought this might freak the dog out more and push him to bite/attack. Traffic was stopped watching this too.
In the end, a woman in the neighborhood heard me yelling and she told me where he lives and doesnt blame me for being mad as they never keep him on a leash. It seems like this could be an issue in their neighborhood.
Not only am I worried about us walking, but this dog could cause a major accident if he makes a habit of darting out into this street. In fact when he charged at us today he almost got hit by a motorcycle. I hate to think what would have happened to that driver had he hit him.
So my question is...do I report this to the police(we have a leash law here)? Do I knock on the peoples door and ask them nicely to keep their dog on a leash as he has bothered us more than once? Do I let it go and hope I dont run into him again? Or something else?

 

[palmtreegirl]

I'd report them.

 

[chrissyk]

Call your Animal Control officer. Is the dog being neglected also, or is it just off it's leash all the time? Sometimes the lack of a leash goes hand-in-hand with neglecting the animal's other needs

I have plenty of experience in this area, unfortunately. Our neighbors didn't take care of their poor dog, and I ended up having to call Animal Control to come get her. The story has a happy ending, as she ended up at a breed rescue, was rehabbed, and was adopted to loving parents 10 months later.

 

[debster812]

Katie--sounds like a job for Animal Control in your town. I would NOT go knock on their door. Waaayyy too scary these days.

Call your local Animal Control, and explain to them what happened, and also that you are pretty sure that the dog lives at XYZ Address. They should be able to take it from there.

 

[FreshTressa]

No advice, I am such a coward.

But we have the same problem in my neighborhood. I live across from a school and we go over there and jog/play in the evenings and people seem to think it is okay to take their dogs off of leashes even though there are signs everywhere.

I have been chased and my daughter is becoming afraid of dogs. I'm about to wear a sign around my neck. Dogs can be dangerous. I understand on one hand that the poor dogs want to run around after being cooped up all day, but they need to go to designated off leash areas.

 

[kimwim8]

I'd definitely call the police or animal control. Don't try to confront the people yourselves, like a pp said, you never know people these days.

 

[Beauty]

I'm a HUGE animal lover and my first instinct was AWWWW I would just love the baby but then the ADULT more SENSEABLE Beth thought.......wait a minute he could be hit by a car and cause harm to not only himself but someone else.

I don't know.....part of me says that before I reported him I would knock on the neighbors door and tell them what has been happening. Not only him scaring your children but also about him almost being hit by a motorcycle. If they have any love for this animal they will understand and be thankful to you for letting them know.

If not then I would call Animal Control. The dog obviously is looking for attention and maybe they could find a home for him where he could get it.

I also have to say I soooooo admire your walking..........I need to get my booty out there and walk like that! You go girl!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

You should file a complaint with the Animal Control Officer in your town and let them speak with the owners. This is a safety and nuisance issue. Yes, as difficult as it can be, the kids shouldn't run or make eye contact with him. The same thing happens to us when we walk our dogs on leashes and are bothered by non leashed, obnoxious dogs. The problem lies with the owners who a) haven't taught the dog good manners and b) haven't restrained him properly. Good luck.

P.S. Anyone you know own an airhorn? That would fix him but it probably isn't a safe thing to do.

 

[chager]

I wouldn't confront the people since you don't know them. I would however report it to animal control. They will have better luck I think then you would with talking to the owners. They also would be able to "watch" the situation to make sure it is resolved. I wouldn't have probably called the police right then and reported it too. Just because the dog hasn't bitten anyone yet doesn't mean he won't in the future. If he is leaving his yard to go after people that is not a good sign. Good luck!

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I would call animal control and let them issue a warning. You might not even be the first to call on this dog/owners.

 

[Kitty 34]

I would definetly call animal control and ask them what would be the best thing to do. Good luck.

 

[Serena]

I'd call Animal control. It's dangerous for you and the dog.

 

[CamColt]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
Thats sort of what I was thinking... showing up at their door might be a bad idea. However I also wanted to be nice and let them know if it happens again I will call Animal Control, insted of just calling on them. Then again since it has happened a few times I guess in a sense I have given them their chances.

 

[TLinden16]

Katie, I'm with everyone else. Call Animal Control and let them handle it. If that doesn't solve it, I'd definitely call the cops. Is there another route you can take your walk?

Karen

 

[airhead]

They'll deal with the owners. But in the meantime,arm yourself with a little spray bottle with water and vinagar. When the dog gets close enough,spray him!! Dogs don't like the smell. It won't hurt him and it works!! I carry a small spray bottle when I walk my dog because there WAS a dog that did the same thing to us.
Not anymore. I swear,he waited for us every night!! He's part Border Collie and he gets in that crouch position in his front yard
just waiting.... Now,he stays on his porch. It took 2 times spraying him in the face,but I don't believe there'll be a third!!!
Good luck!!

 

[H&Hmommy]

Sorry...just have to ask You have a 7 yo old that will walk 3 miles 5 times a week. I can't even get my 2 kids to walk around the block with me.lol

 

[Kallison]

I've had dogs charge me when walking, it can be scary. Usually I just use my baby talk puppy wuppy voice and they start to wag their tale. I also try to carry dog biscuits to throw. It sounds dangerous though if he almost got hit. I would report them, not try to find owner directly. They will handle it, and they won't know it came from you.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I would report it to your local Humane society and see if they can do an investigation. A dog on a busy street being kept off a leash and allowed to roam is considered neglected by most animal welfare services and they will try to work with you and remove the dog from the home and try to place it with a loving home who will take care of it.

Also, I agree with Airhead about the spray bottle/vinegar. Dogs hate that.

 

[CamColt]

Originally posted by H&Hmommy
Sorry...just have to ask You have a 7 yo old that will walk 3 miles 5 times a week. I can't even get my 2 kids to walk around the block with me.lol

LOL, not with out some complaining. We bring a snack and a bottle of water and we try to play games along the route(think of a Disney ride, character, etc...that begins with each letter, stuff like that). Before our WDW trip I tell him its training for all the walking there. Plus on really hot days or rainy days Ill do it inside on the treadmill, so then he takes a break. Of course if my neighbor comes and her son is with us too, then he can run, skip, jump around, and not even know hes walking.
My morning jog is much easier since Im alone for that.

 

[Rajah]

Yup, I'd call and report him. Especially since that neighbor lady said it's a common thing.