Being chased by dogs

[Hes]

Okay, for what its worth, there is an article in Runners World September edition (which I only bought because it had a long article on this year's Fellsman ) that is written by a dog psychologist who advises runners on what to do if they are 'pestered by dogs on the run' and the owner isn't around (or can't control it)

The advice is:
DO take control, use a deep firm voice to convey a sense of calm.
DO Turn side on: fold your arms across your body and neck and stand still. Most dogs lose interest if you don't engage with them.
DO Move slowly away: When the dog gets calmer, get away without making any sudden movements. Try to avoid turning your back on the dog.
DO Curl up if you fall: If the dog shows signs of aggression, curl into a ball and use your arms and hands to protect your face and neck and remain still.

DON'T Shriek: a high-pitched voice may activate the dog's fight instinct
DON'T Keep going: most dogs want to play and see 'chase' as a reward for their behaviour. So stop running: if the behaviour is not rewarded, it is not likely to continue
DON'T make eye contact: if the dog is playing, it won't bite you but if the dog is guarding, fearful or aggressive, direct eye contact could trigger an attack.
DON'T behave aggressively: if the dog is motivated by fear or aggression, actions such as kicking or lashing out can provoke an attack.

It then goes on to say that you should report being chased or attacked by a dog to your local authority dog warden (found on local.direct.gov.uk) and you don't need to have been bitten to file a report. Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) says that a dog is 'dangerously out of control' if 'there are grounds for reasonable apprehension that it will injure any person'.

So can you stop making disgusting suggestions about kicking dogs to death and can we just leave it now!!

[AndyH]

And if any of that doesn't work, then pepper spray the blighter!!!!

[BritNick]

September's RW? But we're only just into August. I must buy that Fellsman issue.

I will bear the scars on my rump to my dying day from when a mongrel repeatedly came in for the kill as I stood still, side on, passively and unthreateningly. Because I could not believe the attack was actually happening I don't think I even had time to be scared. Fortunately that was a one-off and I have no problem with dogs otherwise. I don't need much encouragement to give them a good tickle around the ears if the opportunity presents itself.

[Henry Porter]

All you folks who are troubled by dogs should get one. I have had several German Shepherds over the years and have always run with them. I've never had any bother. When I lived near Penistone I had a very lucky escape. There was an unmanned fenced small holding that had a proper guard dog- not a pet and the farmer on arrival had lazily opened the gates and driven in without first securing the dog. However the dog had heard me coming up the hill. The next minute I had 9 stones of mad Shepherd coming very fast down the hill towards me. Fortunately my dog's grandfather was world champion and he was very handy in these situations and after a brief fight saw it off. In the same area we were once set apon by a pack of six assorted muts on the disused railway. Luckily I had the Collie with me too it was like the battle of the big horn!

The only time I've been bitten was by a collie at Dowthwaite Head and that only happened because I'd left my current Shepherd at home because it was too hot for her. I'm glad really because It was such a confined space and I kind of surprised the owner and her three dogs so I think some proper damage would have been done and although I needed a couple of stitches it didn't hurt as much as I expected.

[DrPatrickBarry]

I stood still, side on, passively and unthreateningly.

Likewise for me on a bike, I stopped it had both feet on the ground not moving while this f*&^$£.ing Dalmation got more and more excited before finally biting me in the leg.

[DrPatrickBarry]

All you folks who are troubled by dogs should get one.

So everybody should have a strong aggressive dog to protect them from everybody else's strong aggressive dog.

That is the same argument used by the American Gun Lobby.

[Henry Porter]

Hey Doc, I was just shooting the breeze man. But good thinking, guns might just be the answer:

"But being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, dog?"

BTW are you a real doctor? The only reason I ask is cos I'm a Reverend on my driving licence. I'm trying to decide what to be next time as it's coming up for renewal.

[DrPatrickBarry]

BTW are you a real doctor?

Phd, I studied in mechanical engineering, but somehow I have drifted into I.T. the last few years.
I am a bit embarrassed by my username here I keep meaning to change it but too lazy

I am off for a run now!

[shaunaneto]

Dog owner: don't worry, he doesn't bite.
Me: ok
Dog owner: STOP IT JENB, COME HERE
Dog: don't tell me to stop, I shall harass if I wish
Me: hmm
Dog owner: He'll only bite if you're running
Me: So he bites then
Dog owner: No, he doesn't bite
Dog owner: #Lots of shouting at dog
Dog: #Lots of ignoring dog owner
Dog owner finally grabs dog: You can go pass now, he doesn't bite.
Me: Unless I'm running, and I'm out running
Dog owner: Yes, but he doesn't bite
Me: ....sigh

30 seconds later dog released, cue much barking snarling and shouting

5 minutes later as she passes some workmen, lots of barking snarling and shouting

[Lefty]

I got myself one of those sonic devices nice and cheap from Maplin for when I'm out training on the hills with a group of Juniors. Seems to do the trick with apparently no damage done to the dog.