How to deal with aggressive neighborhood dogs?

[pipoface]

I am a runner in a rural neighborhood. Many of my neighbors let their dogs out off-leash in an unfenced yard. For the most part, the dogs don't roam much. But they do sometimes come running toward me, barking with barred teeth and raised hair (especially if my dog is on-leash with me).

My question: What's the best way to handle this situation to avoid being bitten or attacked? And should my approach be different depending on whether I'm alone or with my dog?

 

[oriondw]

Stop running...?

 

[ACooper]

That is a tough question, I would definitely start with some pepper spray, or Halt.....(dog away spray)......I never walk my dogs with out a special walking stick for just the same reason. I think a stick might be annoying to run with though.

And also if it is a noticable problem, call the animal control in your area as I am sure there are leash laws in nearly every community. If they get a warning, or fine, or however they punish the offense, it may help out quite a bit.

 

[ACooper]

Stop running...?

Now why didn't I think of that?? hehehe

 

[Miakoda]

That is a tough question, I would definitely start with some pepper spray, or Halt.....(dog away spray)......I never walk my dogs with out a special walking stick for just the same reason. I think a stick might be annoying to run with though.

And also if it is a noticable problem, call the animal control in your area as I am sure there are leash laws in nearly every community. If they get a warning, or fine, or however they punish the offense, it may help out quite a bit.

That's probably the best idea. Pepper spray is what I carry.

 

[Bobsk8]

Get a can of Halt and carry it with you.....


http://www.amazon.com/Halt-Dog-Repellent/dp/B000AOA420

If you want a stronger version of Halt , there is a Halt 2 and if you call the company you can either order it directly from them or they will give you some places in your area that sell it. Regular Halt is about .35% Capsaicin and Halt 2 is 1.0 % or about three times stronger.


http://www.halt.com/halt.html

 

[Bahamutt99]

And bring a cell phone to call the police if you can see where the dog came from. Let the owner have some accountability.

 

[ACooper]

And bring a cell phone to call the police if you can see where the dog came from. Let the owner have some accountability.

Always a fantastic Idea!!! When bad owners get hit in the wallet they seem to learn quicker!

 

[oriondw]

Now why didn't I think of that?? hehehe

Well, here's what i think:

Dogs arent gonna away.

What else can you do to stop them?

1. Run somewhere else
2. Stop running and do something else.


Id do either one of those 2 first before actually spraying a dog with pepper spray.

 

[Bobsk8]

Well, here's what i think:

Dogs arent gonna away.

What else can you do to stop them?

1. Run somewhere else
2. Stop running and do something else.


Id do either one of those 2 first before actually spraying a dog with pepper spray.

So you would let a dog that is allowed to run loose, have control of what you do and don't do with your life.. That's pretty bizzarre.......

 

[ACooper]

It is the owners responsibilty to keep their dog safe, and the public safe from their dog, If they are not doing this and their dog gets sprayed that is the least of the things that could happen to a loose dog, or the public for that matter!

and yes really................how bizzare!

 

[oriondw]

So you would let a dog that is allowed to run loose, have control of what you do and don't do with your life.. That's pretty bizzarre.......

This exact case, would never apply to me, but if it did...


I dont see any reason why I couldnt adopt to a situation. Id rather move my walking route then spray dogs with pepper spray.

 

[ACooper]

This exact case, would never apply to me, but if it did...


I dont see any reason why I couldnt adopt to a situation. Id rather move my walking route then spray dogs with pepper spray.

That is really quite noble but what about the next person that has never been that route......could be a kid.......I guess that is their problem to figure out huh? And then because you didn't want to spray the dog with pepper spray, and it bites the next guy, it will be put to sleep, but not your problem either, it is the owners problem.

 

[oriondw]

That is really quite noble but what about the next person that has never been that route.............I guess that is their problem to figure out huh? And then because you didn't want to spray the dog with pepper spray, and it bites the next guy, it will be put to sleep, but not your problem either, it is the owners problem.

Exactly. It is not my problem. I personally refuse to hurt animals unless they leave me no choice.

Spraying a dog with a pepper spray will not gurantee that it wont attack a next runner.

Also I dont consider dog running at me and barking as "attacking". Im just not that easily spooked.

 

[Bobsk8]

Exactly. It is not my problem. I personally refuse to hurt animals unless they leave me no choice.

Spraying a dog with a pepper spray will not gurantee that it wont attack a next runner.

Also I dont consider dog running at me and barking as "attacking". Im just not that easily spooked.

So your attitude is , "Let the next person worry about it, I'm not getting involved"..... Geez ......

 

[ACooper]

And that my friend is basically how the world got to this point!!!

 

[oriondw]

So your attitude is , "Let the next person worry about it, I'm not getting involved"..... Geez ......

Nope, I just dont like hurting animals.

 

[Bobsk8]

Nope, I just dont like hurting animals.

And I don't like animals hurting innocent victims...

 

[oriondw]

And I don't like animals hurting innocent victims...

Ok.

 

[krisykris]

Nope, I just dont like hurting animals.

I agree.. I've never felt the need to defend myself from a loose dog.