While running on trails, parks or roads, to often you've got to wonder about what a dog might do as you run by. Will they do the loud barking thing, will they try to chase you or will they get lose and actually take a bit out of you?
Why can't we just enjoy a run without thinking about what a dog and their owner might do??
You could try running some place where dogs aren't as common. Unfortunately for you, dog owners far outnumber runners in this country so I don't think you're going to win any battles.
I never worry about dogs. Unless they are outwardly aggressive (which is incredibly rare), there's never a reason to be afraid of dogs. Sack up.
I've never had a problem with a dog at any point when running. I agree with our favorite attorney above. Nut up or shut up.
You mean even the time a dog on a leash bit me on the butt?
Will they do the loud barking thing?
Dogless wrote:
You mean even the time a dog on a leash bit me on the butt?
If a dog bit you on the butt while you were running then you weren't running.
There are about 600,000 dogs in my city and more than 30,000 pets in my neighborhood alone (source: http://www.nycedc.com/blog-entry/new-york-city-s-pet-population). I have never had any dog related problems.
NYC has very strict leash laws, especially around central park. You also live in a high income area where the type of dog and dog owner is quite different than say the east 100's. but your point is still somewhat valid. Most times there are no reason to fear dogs.
Dogless wrote:
While running on trails, parks or roads, to often you've got to wonder about what a dog might do as you run by. Will they do the loud barking thing, will they try to chase you or will they get lose and actually take a bit out of you?
Why can't we just enjoy a run without thinking about what a dog and their owner might do??
Listen dipsheet! Just run. Stop complaining!
Dogs rule!!!!
I agree 100 percent. I thought I was the only one that feels this way. Try carrying a pepper spray can. This can be of use when the owners walk their dog without a leash. This is very common here even though it is against the rules of the trail. I carry pepper spray. I have yet to use it but the owners can see that I have it.
Yuck, there is nothing in this world less attractive than a full-grown man afraid of furry smiling drooling dogs.
I recently ran in Thai countryside, where there are literally dozens of semi-stray dogs on any given stretch of road that all do the "loud barking thing." If you just try to run by them, they will run after you and had to be scared off with a stick. After getting back to the states, the dogs here seem extremely well behaved.
I have never let any animal prevent me from running where I chose to run (for the most part - see below). I have had to hurl a rock or two at some of the more aggressive dogs, and a month ago during a race I stopped, turned, and kicked an aggressive dog in the chops. Suprised the crap out of him!
That being said, I do not mess with pitbulls. No amount of blunt force trauma will deter them from attacking someone, and only a well-placed hollowpoint bullet or two will stop them. Yet another reason I conceal carry while running out in the boonies.
Anyone so scared of dogs s/he runs with a gun should quit running, buy an xbox, and never ever leave the house again.
Some us are more concerned with grizzly bears and wolves on our daily runs. I am sorry that little Fido causes you so much grief.
Maybe you should just stick with the treadmill because it is a dangerous world out there.
Also to the guy that mentioned pitbulls..every pitbull I have ever met is super nice. I trust that breed more than most. I hear stories but I have yet to meet a mean one.
the person holding the leash is generally more likely to bite you than the dog attached to it.
dogs are nicer than people, they just want to play.
i hate it when people are afraid of dogs.
chewbacca wrote:
Anyone so scared of dogs s/he runs with a gun should quit running, buy an xbox, and never ever leave the house again.
Anyone so oblivious to potential situational dangers that she/it doesn't protect her/itself or othewise take proper precautions should quit running, take up quilting, and never leave the house again.
How many of you want to sneak up behind the pansy who runs with a gun... and growl?! xD