Saturday, March 3, 2012

Encounters of the Canine Kind

Yesterday morning Joie and I were running along a trail outside of Boulder minding our own business.
 

Teller Farms – Boulder

We were talking about what runners talk about: I have to pee. What’s for dinner? Is Ben the worst Bachelor ever? Did you bring toilet paper?

A woman was running towards us with an unleashed large dog. The dog looked friendly enough, but you never know. In my head I noted the lack of the leash, but didn’t think too much of it. As we neared the woman, her dog ran towards us, like he was going to run between the two of us. As he got closer, he charged Joie and jumped on her, growling like he was going to bite her. She sort of screamed and the woman called the dog and profusely apologized. We might have given our best “what the hell” looks.

This is a post-run re-enactment of the look. You should always cross your arms and sit on the stairs (where the self-timer works) when giving this sort of look. You could also wear your new Prana shirt that you are in love with and want to marry:

P1120104

Here are further details of the DE (dog encounter):

  • Yes, there is a “Voice and Sight” regulation on this trail (dogs must be under voice command of owner at all times and be within sight. Dog must not have a history of charging or chasing people, other dogs or wildlife). There is no leash regulation unless the dog does not fit under the Voice and Sight regs. Which this dog clearly did not.
  • No, there were not may people on the trail this morning.
  • Yes, the runner saw us coming, but did not make any attempt to hold her dog.
  • No, Joie did not get hurt.

My guess is that if this dog charged us, it has charged others. Dog should have been on a leash. If the owner did not want the dog on a leash, she should have held onto him at least as we approached and ran by.

I love dogs. I love people running with their dogs. I do not love dogs who interfere with my running, threaten to harm me, hump me, smell my crotch or defecate on the trial and don’t clean it up.

I don’t run with my dog because he has three legs, one eye and his penis always hangs out (Embarrassing! Other dogs would make fun of him).

In the end, it was six glorious miles on a crisp winter’s day. The canine encounter was just a side note.

How about you? Any dog encounters while running? Do you run with your dog?

SUAR

62 comments:

  1. I was at running at a park where the dogs are required to be leashed. A gentleman was running behind me with his unleashed dog and the dog ran up to me. I stopped, and he said "he won't hurt you". He might not bite, but he did almost trip me! I let them go ahead of me and got to watch the dog run after many other dogs that were leashed. While he was just playing, he was causing quite a disturbance. This poor woman had three small dogs and they ran around their owner and she was tied up like a mummy. The guy just didn’t recognize it as a problem or he just didn’t care. I run with pepper spray because I have been chased by too many dogs in my neighborhood. People just don’t seem to care that their dogs chase people down the street. I actually avoid certain streets now because of unleashed dogs.

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  2. I run with my dog. SHE IS ON A LEASH!!! you know why. Because I love her and want nothing to happen to her! It is up to me to keep her safe. Even the best trained dog (seriously that is not my dog lol) will run and do the unexpected! But like the lady above said even if they don't bite the dog could trip someone. Or the person be deathly afraid of dogs.

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  3. just the other day running in my own neighborhood!! Dog came out seemed friendly. (I have "ran" into this dog before...usually takes a sniff and goes back into his yard) but this time it jumped at my face and growled..i got a little scared. Then the person came out and got the dog. Ruined the rest of my run...lost my rythem

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  4. I don't run with my dog, he is old and tired, but when I walk him he is on a leash. I get sooooooooooooo annoyed with people who are out walking/running with their dogs not on a leash (we have a leash law)and their dog runs up to me (and my dog) and they say "Don't worry she's friendly" well what if my dog is not, and he isn't when it comes to other dogs around his mama, he freaks out!

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    1. I agree! My dog is old, too, so we just walk. We have leash laws here as well, but it seems half the population think that it doesn't apply to them. My dog goes ballistic when unleashed dogs come galloping up towards me because he is very protective, and people invariably yell "Don't worry, he's friendly!" and I have to yell back, "Well, MINE ISN'T!"

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  5. Only one...the s.o.b. owner just watched from his yard and would NOT call him back even though it was running at me and tried to nip my heels. I called Animal COntrol when I got home and reported an unleashed dog and gave the owner's address.

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  6. I just had to retire my running partner, Ted the dog. He's almost 11 and was lagging behind the last few runs, so just brisk walks from now on. He was ALWAYS on a retractable lead when we ran. I moved to the other side of the road if oncoming dogs started acting crazy before we ever crossed paths to avoid conflict. I feel I've always been respectful to others while running with my dog. But there are those that don't leash while out in public. I've been chased down and almost bitten, but kicked the dog in the face and he went back to his yard. Owner watched the whole episode. It's almost as if people don't care if others are scared or threatened by their unleashed dogs. Drives me nuts!

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    1. I run with my 3 year old Beagle, Dixie. We use a Gentle Lead collar/harness system so she doesn't drag me. We have a great routine. Unfortunately other people do not follow the local leash law so I sometimes carry pepper spray and have also called the police to report dogs rushing at us. They are mainly rushing at my dog but that isn't right since I am following the law. I've sprayed a few. That has helped. But it really is ridiculous. I wish people would realize they DO NOT OWN THE ROAD IN FRONT OF THEIR HOUSE just the house and the yard. If I was taking a leak in their yard, ok, send your dog after me. But I'm on the pavement which does not belong to you or your dog. And I'm running not doing something gross or illegal. It's sad that people don't seem to care and I have also had owners watch their dog rush at me and my dog - and as others have mentioned even if they just make noise I have almost fallen before over a stupid dog, or my own freaked out pup. Sick punks. Wow, I somehow feel better right now! Thanks for letting me vent. :)

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  7. I've had them chase me on my bike and while running. Very frustrating. Then there was the kid who had his dog at the Turkey Trot who nearly tripped and seriously hurt a 10K'er that caught up to us 5K'ers. UGH!

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  8. I do run with my dog. She is always on a leash. Even though I am rural and on mostly empty trails, she is leashed. I come across dogs all the time that are not tied or fenced and chase me. It makes me angry and scared. So I carry bear spray and have told the owners I will use it on their dogs.

    I also want to marry your shirt.

    So did either of you bring toilet paper?

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  9. I have to run with pepper spray. I have been bit twice and my oldest has been bit twice by dogs in our neighborhood. We live way out in the country so there are no leash laws. No one keeps their dogs contained in any manner. If a dog leaves it's own yard, coming towards me in ANY way, I spray it. I won't be bit again!! One of my biggest running pet peeves!! I tried a new route last weekend and was chased by FIVE dogs and ran out of pepper spray.

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  10. I run with my dog, mostly on a leash. If I let him off the leash to run, I will call him & re-leash him if I see other walkers/runners coming. I love that people want to let their dogs go leash-free, especially on trails, but they are animals. You never know what they will do.
    I yelled at a woman once to get her dog. It was unleashed and came toward me half barking/growling. I stopped so she could get a hold of it. When I thought she had it I started to run again (and this annoys me bc I don't think I should have to stop & wait) but she didn't really have it and it started after me again. This is when I yelled. I don't think she thought it was a big deal until I did that. I ended up turning around while the woman tried to "get" her dog.

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  11. My favorite running partner is my siberian husky,, NIvaya, and I ALWAYS have her on a leash. This is not only for the sake of others' comfort, but also for her safety as well. As a husky, she loves to run, and I could never keep up with her and she would probably run off. It's rude to have a leashless dog in any public area and certainly so if there is ANY chance at all of them charging someone and not obeying an owner's command.

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  12. This is a pet peeve of mine (no pun intended).

    I live right next to a running trail and people are always walking and running with their dogs off the leash despite the signs saying that it's city law that all dogs must be leashed. I usually run with my (leashed) dog so the loose dogs are always very interested in her. Enough of the dogs have made an aggressive move towards us that if the owner isn't paying attention (which is typical) I will yell at the dog. Nine times out of ten, the owner gets mad at ME and I rarely hear any type of apology. Same thing happens with people who let their dogs run loose in their yard, then the dog races out of the yard to charge at my or my dog. Never an apology. I like the pepper spray idea.

    And don't even get me started on the people who don't clean up after their dogs. GROSS.

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  13. I can't run with mine. sob. Because they all NEED to be together (codependent) so I can't take just one. They are all huge. They are friendly but the sight of them running towards someone might scare people. And one looks like a wolf. Ps. Yes, Ben is the worst bachelor ever.

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  14. I run with my Maltipoo on a leash but she's not a good distance partner, we just sprint for about 3/4 mile and then I have to carry her home.

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  15. I hate it when unleashed dogs are basically ignored by their owners when I run by - it freaks me out. I don't know the dog, the dog doesn't know me...bad things could happen!

    I've had a small puppy chase me down and jump on my legs, but he was cute so I didn't freak out about that but I did have a big lab jump on me while running in town once. The kicker was that the lab was leashed but the owner was just being completely oblivious to the fact the dog had spotted me and had run/jump plans. Obviously the leash was far too long! I was pissed and may have yelled some obscenities as I pushed the dog down and scampered off!

    And dog poop...good grief! I hate people who don't clean up their dog poop, especially when its in the yard of our apartment complex...or the middle of the dumb trail. Sure, in the woods or completely off the trail, nbd, but in a highly traveled area?! Gah!

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  16. I was directed to your blog post by an online friend.

    I wanted to record our recent, local experience among yours and all your commenters. One of my running partners here in Park City, Utah was attacked by a large, unleashed dog. It jumped on her and bit her. The dog's teeth sunk into her breast, creating puncture wounds that are still visible now, more than a month later. Fortunately, it was a wicked cold morning and she was wearing four or five layers that padded the dog's teeth. If it was summer and if she'd only been wearing a t-shirt, I'm confident the dog would have done massive damage.

    Park City, Utah has a leash law that isn't enforced by authorities or honored by citizens. People are bit several times per year in this town and no one works to resolve this conflict.

    It's sad.

    Thank you for this blog post and for giving us a place to collectively share our stories.

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  17. This is why I had to stop running in my own neighborhood. most people let their dogs run loose and I'd end up with a pack surrounding me. I used to run after midnight when my son was asleep and there would still be 3-4 dogs out following me around. I just dealt with it until I tripped over one of them, split my knee open to the bone, and ended up with stitches, crutches for a week, and an ugly scar.

    I used to run with my dog on a leash at the greenway but I stopped doing that after he was attacked by an unleashed Cocker Spaniel. I was afraid to even report it because I have a pitbull and worried because animal control here tends to always side with the smaller dogs and is quick to have certain breeds put down. (I have no confidence in them since a friend's German Shepard was labeled vicious for biting an intruder that was on her back porch, inside of a fenced yard, trying to get the door open and kicking at the dog).

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  18. Once I had a large dog chase after me. I was running and I didn't hear him until the owner yelled for him. I turned around and saw this huge dog sprinting towards me. In my mind I was trying to figure out how to fight him off if he attacked (I had stopped running). In the end, he just sat down in front of me and panted before running back to his owner. He was friendly, but it scared the crap out of me.

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  19. My favorite, and most loyal running partner is my dog (18 miles yesterday--she loves it!). She is on a leash around my waist--with the exception of when we are occasionally in the hills where there are never any other people.

    A few years ago we were out running in our rural area, and 3 dogs came rushing down their yard barking and hollering at us (we were on the opposite side of the road). They ran right out into the road where one was creamed by an oncoming excavation rig. It was horrible. The other two narrowly escaped the big wheels. Owner comes rushing out of her house, so upset of course, and yells at ME! Lady--I was just running down this public road minding my own business! People need to realize that just because their dogs stay in the yard most of the time, doesn't mean they wont be tempted to blast into the road after a runner, biker, another dog, etc. I have had many, many other close calls like this--both on bike and foot.

    I want people who live along country roads (or any public road) to know that I HAVE A RIGHT to run/bike/walk down this public road without being accosted by your dog--or blamed for your dog leaving your property! People can be idiots.....

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  20. I have been scared sh*tless by dogs rushing across their yard barking at me but none have gotten close enough to do any damage. We do have a neighbor with a husky who just let him wander (his name is Loverboy). He has ended up in my van MORE THAN ONCE because he's either been in our garage or wandering the streets of our small town and I've returned him home. Stupid dog owners. Why have a pet if you don't care enough to protect it and others?

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  21. I guess I've been lucky enough not to have any close calls with dogs. People in my area seem to have no problems keeping their dogs on a leash or on their property. I wish more people would do that for the dog's safety.

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  22. I carry a Dog Dazer. I love their reaction to it. It certainly is a good deterrent without causing any permanent physical damage.

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  23. I got attacked by a large german shepherd/lab mix 4 years ago - puncture bite to my hip. To this day, every time I hear a dog bark when I'm running I get that panicky feeling again. People should keep their dogs on leashes!!!

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  24. I run with my dog, on a leash, except where it's allowed for him to be off. He's had extensive training (his dad's a hunter) and stays by my side at all times. He knows to stop at the end of the sidewalk, obeys verbal and nonverbal commands and usually ignores all other dogs. We joke he's a human stuck in a dog's body. And people frequently comment on his "wings" (the poop bags I tie to his harness). I adore him, but realize not everyone else has to. Like my mom always said,"Owning a dog is a privilege and a responsibility."

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    1. Sounds like your dog would fit perfectly into the "Voice and Sight" rules. Can you clone him and give him to me?

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  25. I just want to say THANK YOU to every one who runs with a LEASHED dog or at least calls them back when another runner or runner with a dog approaches....you just never know what the person or dog will do in any situation. Better to be safe than sorry!!

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  26. I run with my boyfriend's dog. Chase will run up to 18 miles with me! I rarely run with him leashed when we are on a trail. He does have the Boulder Voice and Sight tag. Although he will run off to chase prairie dogs and rabbits, I can call him back to me. He does really well with staying by my side when we run past other people and small dogs. However, he gets curious when he sees dogs his size. He wouldn't hurt a fly, but other people don't know that, so I leash him when I see large dogs approaching. This all seems to work pretty well.

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  27. I have many dog encounters on the trails of Acadia....Rules are you must have a leash on your dog at all times. Many dog owners ignore the rule. I'm a dog lover, but would never assume that all dogs are friendly, so whenever I approach a dog owner with a dog sans leash, I stop and ask them to please leash their dog. Some get annoyed, but most understand and oblige. Just because your dog seems friendly to you, does not mean it won't react unkindly to a stranger. Always better to err on the side of caution.

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  28. I was attacked by two off-leash German shepherds in a residential neighborhood. They'd escaped from their yard (as I found out later, a common occurrence). They leapt out of hedge and bit me on my hip/butt and then circled me and repeatedly snarled and jumped up on me. Cars drove by and another runner even passed but no one stopped. After a few seconds (felt much longer), the dogs started to walk away so I backed slowly away from them - they saw me and ran back and jumped on me again. I yelled at them to stop and they ran off in the other direction. I had to go to the hospital for the bite and filed with animal control. I get scared anytime I hear barking now.

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    1. Your story is exactly what I fear happening to myself. I used to run through a residential neighborhood until the off-leash, out of control dog situation got bad and forced me on a different route (which was a last resort). Now, I cant even run that because of un-leashed (and stray) dogs. Im not particularly scared of dogs during normal activities, but when running Im terrified.

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  29. I was running in the street in a residential area early one morning when a dog comes charging down the front steps barking like a nut. Fortunately, he was leashed but the owner was sitting on the porch laughing at my startled reaction - what a creep!

    Debbie

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  30. I run sometimes with my dog and she's always on a leash. She's a Rottweiler and is well trained, but I'm a responsible dog owner and I don't want her to get hurt. Besides the bully breeds get enough bad publicity. Nuff said!

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    1. Very true!! What amazing and smart dogs Rottweilers are, especially if they are properly trained.

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  31. My German Shepherd is my running partner but NEVER off leash. Being a GSD I know people look at him and even though I can offer all the assurance in the world to his friendly personality, people fear G.S. PLUS, animals are unpredictable. Shane might be friendly but there could be that one time.
    I agree with you, Beth. I don't mind people running with their dogs but be responsible: on a leash, clean it up, and stay clear of other runners/walkers.

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  32. My dog is a dachsund/corgi. She can run a mile and a half max. She drives me nuts when I run with her because she stops to pee every few seconds so I told her her running career was over. I guess I've been lucky not to have a loose dog chase me, but we have mountain lions in the area so that might be encouraging for people to keep their dogs close. I guess I should also consider myself lucky not to be chased by a mountain lion now that I think of it.

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  33. I have a big German shepherd: 95 lbs. of love and fur. Bad running partner (wants to sniff every freaking thing that rises from the ground, and does not understand tempo vs. aerobic ... go figure!). I would NEVER run or walk with him off leash. However, I have often run in a local recreational area where, in spite of posted signs that leashes are mandatory, people come to walk their large dogs off leash. The canines regularly run up to any runner and the usual response from the owner is "Oh, she is really friendly!" I. don't. freaking. care!!! I don't know you or your dog, and she does not know me. I am not afraid of dogs, but I have good friends who are (mostly because they have been bitten before) and they would be really upset if a large unknown dog ran up to them. Dogs are awesome, but they are animals. They can be unpredictable, and some people do not want to be around them or can't (allergies, fear, whatever). Dogs off leash risk hurting others and themselves. I would not hesitate to use pepper spray if I were chased by a dog. It might not be a bad dog, but it has a horrible human owner.

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    1. Yes that whole thing about the dog being "so friendly..." Yes, maybe they are friendly to people who know him/her or to people who are not RUNNING. No matter what, people need to have control of their dogs when runners come by. This post and all of the comments just further proves that point.

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  34. It has become ridiculous. On one 5 mile run, I had 4 encounters with unleashed dogs. I carry pepper spray now. I just had an exchange with my neighbor who has several dogs, one of which ran through their electric fence at me a few weeks ago. Last weekend, another one of their dogs was barking so incessantly I was going to take another route until the neighbor came out. I told her she has to do something about the dogs. She said, they won't hurt you (like anyone knows what a dog might do). I told her, I don't want to mace a dog, but I'm not going to wait to get bit. I've given fair warning.

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  35. Just had a dog encounter yesterday morning. I saw the eyes glowing low to the sidewalk from my headlamp.
    Me: "Uh oh, there's a dog."
    Friend: "It's okay. It's a bulldog."
    We pass the dog.
    The scratching and tapping of dog claws on the ground ensues behind us.
    Friend swerves toward me in fear as if our masses together will defend us from the beast.
    Me: "Should I pepper spray it?!"
    Scratching and tapping becomes faster and closer.
    Friend: "I don't know!"
    Dog gives up. We run too fast. Pepper spray container is still full.

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  36. My parents have dropped the family dog off for a month while they are travelling. I so wanted to go running with her but she's had joint problems and had to have surgery on two of her legs. Shes fine now but I didn't want to reinjure her. So I on a regular walk I tried jogging for short periods of time. She loved it at first and then lost complete interest. I think she may be just a bit too old to learn new tricks.

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  37. Because my kids were terrified of big-ish dogs I used to be so annoyed with dogs that weren't on leashes. Then last Summer we got a Service dog (German Shepherd) for my daughter who is Deaf and on the autism spectrum. Now it makes me mad as all get out when I see dogs not on leashes because I know to what great lengths I go to to be respectful of people around us. Even in stores I try to keep her as near me as possible knowing that some people have had bad experiences and are scared of dogs.

    That said, all of us were in line at WalMart the other day and I noticed a couple hesitantly approaching us to get in line to pay. Suddenly, our dog started growling at them (she's trained in passive protection). I truly don't think that the couple was intending to harm anyone in our family. In the past, when I encountered a dog that I thought might try to hurt me I started to make plans in my head on how I would protect myself and my children, which usually involved hurting the dog. I think that one of people approaching us started thinking about how they would protect themselves and our dog picked up on the idea that they would hurt her.

    Now when I'm out running and see a person with a dog approaching, I try to think good thoughts about loving and petting the dog rather than what I would do to protect myself. Crazy? Perhaps. I never claimed to be sane, lol...

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  38. I can totally relate! I had a dog encounter a couple years back, and it was enough to be a marked moment in my life. To this day, my heart rate jumps up 20 bpm when I hear or see one while I'm running.

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  39. Oh that totally chaps my ass! I never run with my dogs because a.) one is a pomeranian who would die if she runs more that 27 feet in one sprint and b.) the other is a pointer who has a squirrel obsession and will drag me behind her while in chase mode and c.) there are tooooo many unleashed pups in our hood and there's a crazy assed irish setter mix who charges at us everytime we run by their house.

    My bff had an encounter with a dog recently and although she didn't get bitten, it scared the crap out of her. eeeek!

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  40. I often run with my dog but he's incredibly trained and has an awesome recall. I'd never let him jump on another person. Ever. It wouldn't bother me, but I can easily see how it could bother others. I simply call him to me ( he's been called off people, other dogs and running deer) and leash him up. He's a sweetheart and a great running partner!

    Of course, if you walk on my front door-that's another story!! ;-)

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  41. While the fiance and I were walking this morning (I've been sick so we are taking it slow) we got "attacked" by the sweetest, happiest french bulldog puppy. He was SOOOO happy to see us!!! I love dogs :)

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  42. People who are out on trails with their dogs have a responsibility to their dogs and to others who might be out there to keep their dogs close by and under control. We sometimes take our Alaskan Malamute out in our neighborhood for short runs (she loves to do it but has hip issues and wears out too soon), and it's always on a leash; even the best trained dog can take off under the right circumstances. I'm leery of any dog I meet when out running, on or off leash, and frequently I will walk until well past them--running is a signal to some dogs to go after you. And dog owners who don't clean up after their dogs? Don't get me started--you KNOW they are going to do their business along the way, so you'd better be prepared to pick it up and dispose of it!

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  43. Absolutely, positively UNacceptable!! I love to run with my dog but she is firmly leashed and in a strict heel at my hip ... no ifs, ands, or buts. She is used to it and doesn't mind one bit.

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  44. Our dog catcher is HORRIBLE around here. We have many strays that nothing is being done about. We also have leash laws (dogs are supposed to be kept on leashes when outside) but owners just let them out without one.. I have had so many dogs charge me and growl in a very mean way that it has come to the point where I do not feel safe running in my town because of fear of being attacked :/ Im more scared of the dogs than the humans!

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  45. Running with my dog involves only running at 7min per k pace for very short bursts. Her legs are only six inches long so speed isn't her forte.

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  46. I run on a trail that has a leash rule, yet most people who are there with their dogs ignore it. This really pisses me off for a lot of reasons. First, there's the blatant disregard for the RULE. And second, it never fails...an off-leash dog ALWAYS trips me up (like literally gets itself tangled in between my legs) or freaks me out (jumps me, snarling and growling).

    Even in my own little pristine, rule-following, HOA-intimidated neighborhood with a leash rule, people almost never use leashes and I have had runs and bike rides ruined by dogs...and almost been really hurt and almost really hurt the dog. But people get super indignant when reminded about leashes. Frustrating, to say the least!

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  47. I've been pretty lucky since switching to running in the mornings. I don't go by many yards, and I go relatively early, so I mostly see dog walkers in the city park when the weather's turned nice. To be expected when there's a nice dog park as part of the larger park.

    I did get "chased" by a yappy chihuahua one morning, but it was more dangerous for him than me, as he ran across a four lane to come after me. I just slowed and stopped, figuring he couldn't do much damage above the ankles, and he stopped dead and looked at me like, "What? It's no fun if you're not running so I can chase you..." and trotted off.

    Most people on the running/walking paths in the park leash their dogs or have really well trained dogs. One morning I found myself dodging around a tiny Maltese-like breed and owner to avoid tripping on the leash and realized only after I passed that the dog was not on a leash. By this point, I know most of the "regulars" by sight. I can identify some of the owners, too. ;) Any "coming at me" has always been obviously of the tongue-lolling
    "Oh, cool, a new person to love on!" variety.

    My main complaint is... do dog owners not teach "heel" anymore? The admittedly rare "worst" dog owners I see while running are responsible enough to put the dogs on leashes, but they're basically being dragged around the park by the dog or multiple dogs. Yes, they've got the dog under "control", but only because they haul on the leash and yank the poor dog back like a rearing horse in a war memorial.

    I figure, worst case scenario, I carry a "force multiplier" (kind of like brass-knuckles-light) and keep it at the ready at all times.

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  48. I haven't had anything close to that scary. I run in a dense suburban area, and near my house there is a 3/4 mile path around a retention basin (ie: big hole to catch water in a storm, which only works after homes have flooded). Sorry, I digressed.
    Anyway, my fav is the tiny women who walk in sweats (read: "I'm exercising, see, I'm wearing *sweat*pants!") with their tiny little dogs who are really cats on leashes, while they talk on their cell phones about the night before, which they have yet to wash out of their hair which is piled on top of their head (again, "I'm 'working out', so I put my hair in this messy pile atop my head"). They let the leash out as long as it will go and don't watch the dog, so the dog runs up and yelps and sniffs as each person passes by. When the dog yelps, the woman turns away from the dog so she can hear the conversation on her cell phone.
    {insert strong desire to run around her and have dog chase so it wraps leash around her legs}
    Seriously, watch your damn dog! Better yet, get a fenced in yard and let run in your yard so we don't have to deal with it!

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  49. The one run I had that ended in the ER was courtesy of a dog. And not a vicious one- just a half-grown lab puppy that wanted to play. It cut me off, swept my feet out from under me so that I spun around and hit the ground head first. I saw stars, and by the time I sat up, there was a puddle of blood the size of a dinner plate. The owner said "it's not that bad- you'll be fine," and disappeared. I was a mile from my hotel, 1000 miles from home, and bleeding from an artery in my head and he just leaves me there! I made it back (with not one person stopping to help,) the back of my shirt completely soaked with blood, and got to the ER to get stitched. Have been a little jumpy around dogs ever since.

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  50. I don't have a dog to run with. Cats are just soooo not into it. I often run on paths covered with dog walkers. I don't mind the dogs particularly, but the HUMANS! Don't get me started. Often the dog is the smarter one of the pair. I will not put up with a dog running towards me while barking or growling. You don't want to know. And the humans standing there on the path with their thumb up their ass, or walking while weaving back and forth. I will lock my gaze on my path and run it, radiating the intent to trample if required. If they are smart enough they will get out of my way. So far they have been, though there's been some close calls.

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  51. Where we live dogs really are not pets. They are workers and they don't act like US dogs, they're much more frightened of people. I have been chased a couple times (cycling) but never felt endangered. But, yeah, there is the odd dog treated as a pet that then will rush to defend property when you go by. Our dog is a 4kg Yorkie and can handle about only 5K of running, so it is a beach run and there I only have to keep him safe from iguanas, snakes, crocs and the odd wild pig. :)

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  52. I have a black lab and she is 69 lbs. She is super sweet and doesn't bark. But I always have a leash in her. I used to be deathly scared of dogs and would hate to make anyone scared/worried. Also, I want to keep her safe. My neighbor has 2 0weinerdogs and another that's a smallish-medium sized dog. They are just out in the country, no leash no fence. And whenever I walk or run with my dog, these little dogs come charging at us, yapping up a storm and tried to bite my dog's booty. Seriously, I was about to grab a stick and whoop some little dogs' asses.

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  53. I run with my German Shorthaired Pointer. I run with her on a leash but my husband runs with her off-lead. She is a wonder dog and isn't bothered by anything. Her job is running right beside me even if birds and other critters flutter around. That said, I get so angry at those that have their dogs off-lead and cannot control them. I've heard ever excuse as to why the owner could not control the dog, including "he was just chasing butterflies!". A long time ago, we lived in a nhbd with an untrained pit bull. My husband and I were walking our beagles and it attacked. My husband picked him up by his throat and slammed him onto his back. He let out a shriek that woke the dead and pooped all over the sidewalk. His owners started yelling at us until I said that I was going to call animal control. A couple weeks later I was by myself and it charged again. I told the owner next time I saw the dog, it was going to be gone as I would call the police. I never saw it again.

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  54. I was running a 10K race that looped through a park last summer. When runners were approaching the park a lab start weaving through the race path and darted out in front of the guy who was in front of me. The runner just about tumbled right over the dog but was able to recover quite nicely. He gave a what the hell look along with a "What the hell?" to the owner? I just kept praying that the dog wouldn't run infront of me and ruin my time. Thankfully I was prepared and saw it coming when it ran out again but I did lose my focus for a few minutes. The owner never tied the dog up but he did apologize. It was a well known marked race so I'm not sure if the owner thought the dog was ok being unleashed or what. I know I was angry about it and the dog didn't even get that close. I'd be furious if some dumb dog came running at me and knocked me over.

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  55. Dogs off leash on trails endanger children and others as well. I use a Canine Companions for Independence hearing dog. It is not a pet but works just as a guide dog does for the blind. Dogs off trail are often aggressive or, even if docile, distract my hearing dog from her work. There are now criminal penalties for dog owners who allow their dogs to distract, intimidate, or harass assistance dogs. Even on "voice and sight command" trails, it's best for all to leash their dogs.

    It's time for law enforcement to enforce the leash laws that are in place.

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