How to Handle Dangerous Dogs while Running or Walking Outdoors

Photo Credit: SpaceCookyPK

Yesterday, my dear friend and former fitness client, Miss Jacki Donaldson of JackiDonaldson.com, was out running in a nice neighborhood … and was bitten twice by a dog. We’ve all kind of worried about this happening, and poor Jacki, it happened to her. This launched us in to a conversation about running and walking outdoors safely. It seems like a simple thing to do, but we can be quite vulnerable in the great outdoors and it’d be wise for us all to take appropriate steps when stepping out for exercise.

Cars, bad guys and dogs are all a threat, but in this feature we’re going to stick to dealing with aggressive dogs. When researching this subject I found a significant amount of consistent advice for us all to keep in mind while strapping on our sneakers.

• Stay alert and keep an eye out for dogs on your path. If you have the option to change directions, do it!
• Keep your music down low so you can always hear what’s going on in your environment; cars, dogs, skateboards and bikes all make noise as they approach.
• If you do pass by a dog, say something, If the dog is surprised by your approach, it may feel threatened and become aggressive.
• Try and remain as calm as possible. Simply turning calmly and walking away may be your best bet to diffuse the encounter quickly.
• Be aware of your environment and the dogs location at all times.
• If a dog starts chasing you, do not run. It’s sounds crazy, but running just instills the idea that he’s the hunter and you are the prey.
• Avoid eye contact with the dog, eye contact can be construed as threatening behavior.
• Do not strike the dog unless he has already attacked you – but also do not put your hand out to the dog if it is snarling or acting aggressive in any other way.
• If the dog does attack you, try to get anything that’s NOT a body part in the dogs mouth. A water bottle, shoe or mp3 player are all good options.
• Do everything you can to protect your face. Stand up tall so the dog can’t reach your eyes, nose or mouth.  Cover your face with your hands or shirt if necessary too.

Jacki’s bite marks. Ouch!

Jacki was doing all of the right things and was still bit, but the dog also just bit her twice and went away. It could have been worse. This Border Collie escaped from her home while the owner was at work, saw Jacki and charged. Which really leads in to the next bit of advice. Dogs are animals! We love them and they’re amazing parts of our families, but even the sweetest dogs act like true animals once in a while. Ensure your dog and the people around your home are safe by keeping it on a leash or secure on your property. Keep it up to date on it’s shots as well.

Lastly, Jacki and I were talking about objects we could carry for protection and they ranged from air horns and pepper spray to hard blunt objects. A cell phone comes in handy in any emergency as well. I’m extremely sad that Jacki was hurt. She’s in quite a bit of pain, but I know she’d be thrilled if her crappy experience helped others avoid being attacked too. It’s now your job to make sure it does.

Have you ever had a scary experience with a dog while out exercising? Tell us about it!