Question re: running & staying safe

[10-Ring]

I put on 35 lbs last year and recently started running to help work some of it off. Lately, I've been finding new routes. I have one route that takes me on a horse trail behind a small tract of homes. About a mile into the path, there has been a small dust mop of a dog that chances me up this rather tall incline. I've tried talking to the owner a couple of times, but this morning, the dog was still there. My question is...can I use pepper spray on this dog or is it just a matter of just finding another path?

[Roadrunner]

Sure, why not? Unless there is a state or local law prohibiting carrying pepper spray. I'm a runner here in Virginia and frequently encounter dogs. I've only had to use the spray twice in several years. Maybe talk to a local mail carrier and ask what they carry.

[Erick Gelhaus]

I have no idea whether you will run afoul of the local laws.

I can tell you though, that in my experience, pepper spray will generally work against dogs. I haven't had it fail yet but that doesn't mean it will work everytime. And, it's more humane than the follow on options.

[Still Learning]

10-Ring:

Years ago when I was forced to live in town I had a similar problem on my jogging/walking route. This was before I recognized the value of pepper spray. A friend gave me this advice for dealing with the dogs and it has always worked. When the dog becomes aggressive, turn the tables and become the aggressor. I throw my hands in the air to become as large as possible and run toward the animal yelling in a threatening manner.

I have only made physical contact with one dog using this approach. It was a shepard/collie looking mut and I kicked the taste right out of his mouth as soon as he got close enough. The little brat stayed on his front porch every time I jogged by after that.

You might try it on that little dust mop of a dog.

[10-Ring]

If I kick that little dust mop, as small as it is & w/ the adrenaline pumping, it might end up going for that 50 yard field goal into the wind :D I don't wanna kill it, I just want to run in peace.

[krept]

I'd carry the spray if it were legal, "just in case."

As far as the pooch... I'd just run with the understanding that you can boot it if you have to (some animals pick up on this vibe, the dumb ones won't).

If the little sucker tries to run up and nip you, then you might have to use your foot to make your point (or three points, in this case ;) ).

[Jim March]

Gassing an aggressive dog of any size will not net you much legal problems in California. OC is perfectly legal, and appropriate to avoid getting bit.

Even small dogs can deliver an infection and you don't know if it's had its shots...

[Master Blaster]

If its a small doggie and just annoying, you could use a squirt pistol, or a small super soaker filled with water,aim for the face, that might be sufficient.

Doggies like to chase things that run, especially if crossing their territory. You could stop and try to talk to it or pet it, you may then find that it loses interest once it knows you or gets used to seeing you.

[Russ]

I have been chased by almost every breed. The best thing you can do is bend down and act like or atually pick up a rock and act like you are going to throw it at him. Works 99.9 % of the time except on those stinking Mexican Chiuaua's. Meanest little turds alive!

[NoBite]

The last three posts summarize what has worked for me over the years of meeting dogs out jogging. Unless the dog is a herding type (blue healers especially!), stopping, bending down, averting eye contact and being friendly will probably work to defuse the situation. Using periferal vision, be alert to the dog's body language. If it still seems scared or aggressive, move away slowly, averting eye contact. If you deem it necessary to be aggressive, pretending to grab a rock will work for any dog that has ever had a rock thrown at it. All else fails, the squirt gun approach is effective. Water is fine. I would probably mix in some ammonia, but that's because I wouldn't get to this point unless the little buggar was too out of line. Frankly, running in the country I've come across a multitude of dogs. Rarely does it get past the make-a-friend stage. Those herding dogs can be a nuisance though! They enjoy pushing around 1,500# cattle so a jogger is no challenge to them!

[sm]

Have heard said small air horn scares both dog and jogger.
Applicable, when OC not.

[Navy joe]

Sounds good, dogs no like pepper spray. I usually just turn around and chase them.

[BigJake_old]

I'd go pepper spray, for a time i carried my knife in my cd case ( i run with music) because of people and very large dogs, but pepper spray works quite well, though i've only had to use it on 2 dogs. i personaly think that just going braveheart is about the best defence against an ornery mutt. dogs don't like it when you turn on them and yell really loud.

[PATH]

I'd go with the pepper spray. It is not harmful to the dog but the pooch will get the message in no uncertain terms.

[80fl]

Still Learning's post brought back a very fond childhood memory.

As a kid, on our way home from church, we would encounter this big ol' German Shepard.

This dog thought he was tough and would chase our car for about 100 yards.

One Sunday, without warning, my Dad screeched the car to a halt, flew out of the car, and with his arms waving like a wild man, chased the Kraut Dog about 200' up the driveway.

Needless to say, we never again saw the "Panzer Division".

Final comment: Go into attack mode:D

[krept]

That reminds me of a time I was staying with friends in semi-rural SoCal years ago. My bud had a small dog and was walking it outside at night. One night I was crashed out and at @ 2:30 in the morning he came in yelling "A BIG DOGS GOT JAWS!" (Jaws was the small dog). I jumped up and ran outside in my boxers right into the middle of a dogfight and chased a feral GS for probably 20 yards as fast as I could go, growling at the top of my lungs all the way. No problems since (bud was laughing the whole time). We had a rifle, some big knives and sticks but didn't even cross my mind to grab anything (oops).

[Viking6]

I used to jog down in some woods where there was the occasional pack of semi-wild dogs. I carried a little Davis .22 magnum derringer and a few extra bullets in a prescription bottle. Never had to put it to test because I never saw them while running. For regular neighborhood dogs, I usually just mimic throwing a rock a move on down the road. On the positive side, it's a good way to puts some sprints in the fartlek.

[V-fib]

When I had a paper route I would come in contact with those types of dogs all the time. I found that by growling right back at them (and having a rolled up newspaper in hand) usually sent them on their way (Kinda tried to speak in language they understand) Even now with my own dog or cats if they start doing something I disapprove of a simple growl most of the time will stop the animals action. Pepper spray would also be a good solution.

[PeacefulWarrior]

OC may work fine on the dog but did you ever think about he owners reaction after you spray his best friend? Like the sign says"never mind the dog beware of owner"

I've been jogging for years and never had a problem with dogs,most of the time they just want to run beside you and bark.