The West Highland Way Race
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Murdo McEwan
Apr 4, 08 - 11:57 AM |
Dogs
Now that there's a bit more daylight hours there seem to be more folk out walking more dogs. That's fine when they are on a very short tight lead; but not so good when there's no lead, or one of those enormously extendable leads that I can't see, then trip over. Most dogs are okay ~ they're sniffing each others back ends, or offloading from their own back ends; or sniffing what's been offloaded either from themselves or a.n.other pooch. Those that aren't so preoccupied are the real worry. They can be very large, of Baskervillean proportions. These ones launch themselves at me at speed. It seems that their front paws are destined for my chest while their fangs are destined for my throat. I back off somewhat fearfully while the owner says something to the effect that "He's only playing". Never any apology. At the very least my smooth flowing stride and pace are ruined. The other ones are the small yappy things that nip a mouthful out of my leggings if I'm lucky or a bit of flesh out my calf if it's not so good. "Naughty boy", the owner will say (to the dog, I think). (He's never done that before" (to me, I think). Again, no apology. So I'm pretty nervous about dogs generally. (I seem to remember that Mike Mason got bitten by a dog last year, so they aren't necessarily very selective either.) I'd be interested to know if anyone has effective dog avoidance strategy / advice / experience. I'm sure I'm not alone in my nervous concerns. And has anyone had any really nasty Dog Experiences?  Murdo
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Jon Steele
Apr 4th, 2008 - 1:41 PM |
Re: Dogs
Yeh Glare them in the eye, run at them and growl, it often works, it works with Bulls as well, but dont sue me if you try it and you come off worse. Probably better discarding the last bit, just try and hide any form of fear and dont look at them or their owners, if they do attack strike hard to the nose and or top of the head, with a clenched fist using the fleshy part of the hand like a hammer, striking to the throat can be a risky prospect as the dog will possibly attack your hand/arm, as for the owner, a good side kick to the side of his knee if he intervens  By the way I am an animal lover and a veggie, just believe in self protection!! 
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Peter Duggan
 Apr 4th, 2008 - 2:38 PM |
Re: Dogs
@Murdo, you're certainly not alone! Since I'm scared of dogs (strange ones anyway) and always have been, I'm only too aware that they know and this knowledge of my weakness makes me all the more attractive prey to them. Compounded of course by all runners (dog loving as well as fearing?) seeming to act as natural dog magnets... In practice, I simply have to stop running when I meet dogs, hope their owners are in control (some dog/owner combinations are very good, for which I thank them) and start running again when the danger's past and I can get going without being chased down and eaten. To which I might add that I'm normally OK with friends' dogs I know, but would cross the street to avoid a strange dog and dread running past some gates where I know there's one (big or small) timing my arrival from half-a-mile off to ambush me as spectacularly as possible! |
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Keith Hughes
Apr 5th, 2008 - 8:57 AM |
Re: Dogs
Dogs definitely know if you are scared of them, they sense it ! Unfortunately all the things to do when approaching a dog work best if you are not scared of them ! (Catch 22 ) Generally I always slow down a bit (not hard for me !), talk nicely "Hey there pup" and look them straight in the eyes - ignore the owner just look at the dog ... I also keep my hands down flat with palms facing out - almost as if you were offering food ... I very rarely have issues, and usually only then with yappy little things on leads... Anything this size that goes for my legs gets shouted at and if it is not careful a boot in the head... I don't apologies for this, if the dog is out of control then it needs to be told off, and maybe the next runner, old lady or 3 year old kid will be treated with a bit more wariness by the aforementioned yappy thing ! Bigger dogs  just get shouted at a bit louder ... As a dog owner, I think it really comes down to the way the dog is controlled .. the prob though is when you run in to a dog unawares - neither party has had time to scope up the scene and so instict takes over.. Hope this helps ?? 
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Mike Mason
Apr 5th, 2008 - 11:57 AM |
Re: Dogs
I have a large manly Yorkie who can be scarey. But as Murdo mentions I was bitten last year.Have had a few scrapes in the past eg jacket tears, large hairy paws on shoulder type of thing. But this time I slowed...he went past me and then the next thing he had come from behind and bit me on the ITB. This developed into knee bursitis and a bad year all round.. All owners say 'he was only playing..' or he's never done that before...' I am now very very concerned if I see one (a Dog..or an inconsiderate owner) even if on lead. But my standard reply now to any owners 'he's only playing' ..is 'how would he like to play with my foot up his a*rse?' Sorry but I have got a bit tetchy over the years.... |
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Mark Barnes
Apr 5th, 2008 - 12:47 PM |
Re: Dogs
Hi Murdo, Just thought I'd put my advice in on this one, as a dog owner myself (they make great training partners and mine are able to run through a flock of sheep without any problems) both my dogs and myself have been chased and bitten whilst out running, no ones immune. The best solution I have found to this issue is to use something most runners carry, the good old drinks bottle, a quick squirt either at the offending beast or in their direction as a momentary distraction usually does the trick, failing that throw the bottle and increase both your stride length and your pace, basically leg it!! SeriouslY though the squirt from the bottle will work 9 out of 10. Good luck Mark |
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Tim
Apr 5th, 2008 - 2:17 PM |
Re: Dogs
I try to avoid discussions about dogs because there always seems to be an unbridgeable gulf between owners & non-owners and the same arguments go round and round and round... That said, I have two dogs and I run in areas (Ayr seafront) where there are lots of dogs and I've never had a problem. As someone else said, dogs can sense nervousness (which isn't a lot of help I appreciate) but I'd also recommend *not* trying to outstare a dog. Dogs squaring up for a fight try to outstare each other and it's a risky gambit. Fine if it's the dog who backs down but that's not always going to happen. I find the best approach is to make brief eye-contact (just to acknowledge each other's existence) and then to look ahead and carry on as if the dog doesn't exist. From that point on you cease to be a threat, challenger or plaything for the dog and they'll generally treat you with equal disdain. *Don't* hold your hands out or up in the air, that just drives dogs crazy. Try and avoid surprising dogs if you're on narrow trails. Make a noise or attract their attention *before* you're upon them. Some old dogs can be surprisingly deaf. Just my 2p worth as a runner & dog owner. |
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Brian Mc
Apr 5th, 2008 - 2:28 PM |
Re: Dogs
Not a dog owner but my wife works with dogs. I used to get very irate about dogs running at me but have learned a bit about dog psychology and have calmed down somewhat. It depends on the breed but most dogs when they run at you are just playing. Think of the way dogs run at each other chasing and having a great time. Same thing. So either you slow down and join in a bit, which can be frustrating if you are trying to run a fast training run, or I'd just ignore them. You need to show them who is in charge and if you make eye contact you'll either encourage play behaviour, or make it look like you are being aggressive but not necessarily in charge. Ignore them and they know you don't care and are therefore probably pack leader. Recently I've found the most efficient tactic to be to acknowledge the dog, play for a few seconds then get on my way. It means I don't get stressed and the dog has a bit of fun, as it probably wants. There are loads of dogs, mostly not on leashes in my local woods just now so I need an efficient, stress free way of dealing with them and training. |
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