This isn't intended to be an exhaustive guide, just a few pointers. I've had dogs of various sizes and strengths for over 25 years and we bred dogs. So I like to think I know a bit about them!
Remember the onus of reponsibility is on the dog OWNER. The dog just does what a slightly evolved wolf does. They're pack animals and will protect themselves or their pack (their owner) if they feel threatened. You need to show you're not a threat and that you're higher up the pack order than they are.
Most people who have problems with dogs do so because they don't know how to approach a dog and their body language says "I'm scared". Dogs are very good at picking up on this. They're also expert at telling if you're a doggy person - if so you gain immediate respect and get "pack leader" status pretty quickly. But anyway, the main points:
1. Stop. If a dog is coming at you, stop and stand dead still, and relax. Do not run off. Dogs are much faster than you can ever dream of being and love a chase. If it's owner is nearby then ask them (nicely!) to hold the dog aside. Sadly some chavs aren't always helpful...
2. Assess if the dog is a threat or not. Growling or barking isn't a good way to tell - it's just trying to warn you that you're doing something it doesn't like. Angry is bearing teeth (very rare - you need to be well on it's territory and acting very aggressively) and having a dead still tail.
3. Friendly ish? Try to be friendly with it. Hold out the back of your hand, arm outstretched. Do NOT bend down to it just yet, and let it sniff your hand. Say something in a friendly tone - a "hello" is always good. It will probably just check you out, see you're no trouble and walk off or let you stroke it a bit.
Not friendly? Look at it and (assuming owner is useless) in a stern voice, tell it to sit. Dogs are like naughty children, a short, sharp rebuke often works best. Repeat until it does, putting more edge in your voice each time.
4. Bad bad situation? Remain calm, call for help if possible. If the dog goes for you, I always try to sit on it, hold it's muzzle to the ground and the above. If you're going to be bitten, believe it or not the way I deal with it is to clench my fist (done at point 1!!) and stick it in the dogs mouth right at the back. It can't get any leverage and therefore can't snap. Then sit on it and get help.
That's all folks....hope it was useful..
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Caterpillar says...
Not sure how to add a comment, but just wanted to say that I think this is very good! I am a doggy person. The kids call me a "dog magnet" and I think the advice is excellent. Be confident. Be the boss of the dog's pack. Be fun with a playful dog - they're almost always wagging a tail. Never be a threat. Don't run at or shout at the owners. Completely ignore any dog that is still trying to decide if you are food or fun.
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Swimbird say.......
If you have a dog take it with you for a run, does the trick - mine loves running and I love the company - she is a scardy dog and gets nervous around people but happy running at my side!!
Dogs!
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SummaryA brief guide on how to deal with dogs when out runningThis article is owned by teddy-o |
| Recent Updates | User | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2010 | Caterpillar | Just endorsing this article. It's good advice! |
| Mar 2010 | teddy-o | Article created |