topic Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs? in Community Chat

Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

JeanLouiseFinch — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 00:41:55 GMT

I've started a walking regimen this past month. I'm not breaking any records, but I haven't quit yet. I go for 30 minutes every morning, and usually step out around 5:30/6:00AM. It's still dark and the subdivision is waking up with people leaving for work. I wear a reflective lighted vest for safety. The other morning, a neighbor opened the door to let her four dogs out. They came running toward me and jumped on me. I wasn't frightened, just told them them to knock it off and go home.

I'm wondering, if anyone here exercises in their neighborhood where dogs may come out, do you carry dog treats to toss so they'll leave you alone as you pass by?

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

sunsetbeach — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 01:03:47 GMT

I walk in our subdivision daily and where we live, there is a leash law. Most people have their dogs on leashes, but some leashes are so long the dogs can still get near you. In addition to the streets, we also have walking trails in the woods, a baseball field, tennis and sport courts and a pool, all with natural areas. A few years ago my husband was on one of the wooded trails and a girl with 2 dogs passed him and when he said Hi, one of the dogs jumped at him and bit him, so leashes aren't always the answer either.

I don't like dogs near me, so I'm always aware. Over the years on 2 occasions someone's dogs got out of their fence and scared me, running up to me and barking. Basically I just freeze and wait for them to leave me alone. I do have one neighbor, an elderly gentlemen who runs and he carries a baton, just in case he gets attacked. Needless to say, I am not a "dog person".

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

Mom2Dogs — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 01:13:04 GMT

Just iresponsible on the homeowners part...I do not like dogs that are not chained up or on a leash. Letting them 'just run' out and do their business is ridiculous. I walk my dog, and several times other dogs have come running toward me...nothing ever happened but you never know.

Frankly I would carry pepper spray, may not be a popular idea but I have no intention of getting bit or having my dog get bit while out on a walk.

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

Sassycoco — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 01:31:05 GMT

Honestly, I love my fur babies...
In my area...it's a law for dogs to be on a leash....I live in a complex with a walking trail ...anyone with a dog without a leash ...automatic eviction ...I feel as a fur baby owner...I respect and follow the rules ...we actually have a dog park ...which is wonderful....I would look into the laws, in your area .. just my thoughts...

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

ellaphant — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:09:28 GMT

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
Just iresponsible on the homeowners part...I do not like dogs that are not chained up or on a leash. Letting them 'just run' out and do their business is ridiculous. I walk my dog, and several times other dogs have come running toward me...nothing ever happened but you never know.

Frankly I would carry pepper spray, may not be a popular idea but I have no intention of getting bit or having my dog get bit while out on a walk.

How would you like to live on a chain?

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

SharkE — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:17:25 GMT

Too dangerous. I got a recumbent bike. Have used a treadmill in the past.

No way would I chance what's out there today.

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

colliemom4 — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:24:40 GMT

I was actually bit by a dog on a leash that jumped out at me for no reason. I was alone and didn't have dogs with me when it happened.

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

MoJoV — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:53:26 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch Good for you with your walking regimen. I walk too and feel bad when I miss a day. As for the dogs, its bad owners. A pet peeve of mine is dog running loose, scaring people and attacking leashed dogs. There should be heavy fines. I love dogs, hate ignorant owners.

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

bmorechick — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 03:56:53 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch Good job on your walking regime! You're an early bird...

well I am a runner and have been for over 50 years. I'm 68 and run every other day. I bike the other days, both after work. I'm a nightimer. Anyway, until last year I ran outside. However, yes I encountered dogs over the years a lot and I carried pepper spray with me after my runner husband was bitten by a little yappy dog that charged him. We are not dog people and I don't appreciate an owner yelling "he/she doesn't bite" um ok it's an animal with teeth. Curb your animal.

We now own a peloton tred and bike. We run and bike on those. Much safer and better for our knees/hips. In our area, you are fined for your loose animal. They are to be fenced, leashed or chained.

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

Linmo — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 05:18:04 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch I'm not a runner but am a longtime dog owner. I would recommend carrying both treats and a deterrent spray. If a dog is loose and over their threshold, they might not respond to a treat.

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

KingstonMom — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 10:31:39 GMT

@ellaphant wrote:
@Mom2Dogs wrote:
Just iresponsible on the homeowners part...I do not like dogs that are not chained up or on a leash. Letting them 'just run' out and do their business is ridiculous. I walk my dog, and several times other dogs have come running toward me...nothing ever happened but you never know.

Frankly I would carry pepper spray, may not be a popular idea but I have no intention of getting bit or having my dog get bit while out on a walk.
How would you like to live on a chain?

@ellaphant

Where I live (in GA) it's illegal to tether a dog, whether chained to something or on a 'dog run'.

Hefty fines.

It's also illegal to let dogs ride in the back of pickup trucks.

When I see that happen (even though it's illegal) I'm always terrified the dog will jump out or be thrown out during sudden braking.

That would break my heart.

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

4kitties — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 12:11:41 GMT

Another avid, very early walker here. I walk on an indoor track as it is too cold here, but I walk outside when it is nice. Dogs are not often an issue here in my neighborhood, but once in a while we have an ornery one.

Amazondotcom sells Halt. A pepper spray. I do plan to purchase some as I am getting older and do not want big dogs running in the street barking and jumping on me. I do not want to fall or be bit! No excuse for this behavior and I would not hesitate for one millisecond to spray them.

I love dogs and have three grand doggies that I love very much. Too bad some owners are negligent.😤😤😤😤

edit to add: We have had coyotes in our neighborhood too! Since I often walk at dawn they are a possibility too!

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

Caffeina — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 14:05:03 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch

Your neighbor doesn't sound like the type that would appreciate others feeding or pepper spraying her dogs. Pepper spray could backfire on you if there's a breeze. Get one of those hand-held ultrasonic dog bark deterrent devices from Amazon instead. They're not just for barking, dogs hate the sound and it doesn't injure them. You can activate one without holding out your arm. You can keep your arm by your side and your neighbor won't be able to tell you're doing anything. The dogs will just back off.

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

JeanLouiseFinch — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 14:51:45 GMT

Thanks for the input everyone. I really don't want to make a legal issue out of it. I don't know the neighbor real well, but she is nice and the dogs were just being nosy. If a dog actually bit me, then it would become next level. I was just caught off guard since I was out so early and didn't expect that to happen. The funny thing is that the neighbor works part time at a dog kennel. The ultrasonic bark deterrent device sounds like it may be the best option. It's probably a good idea for me to get a device in the event that a not so nice dog shows up.

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

cindyNC — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 15:42:48 GMT

Dogs off leash are an issue where we live. We are outside the city limits in a well populated country area and there is no leash law.

We had 2 loose pits following us when we walked our husky once. Occasionally a loose dog will come into our yard. Frequently loose dogs have attacked/killed livestock or other pets and a few farmers have posted online that the next time the dogs will be shot.

I walked for a while last year and one neighbor's dog would always come out barking at me but never crossed the road to the other side of the street.

Lots of walkers around here carry a golf club or a walking stick. The sonic item from Amazon sounds interesting.

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

Daisy Sunflower — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 17:08:07 GMT

I recommend getting a FitBit or an Apple Watch. Seeing your step count going up is a great motivator to keep going.

I like to keep going until I get to at least 10,000 steps.

Enjoy your walks !

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

bikerbabe — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 19:01:21 GMT

Around here everyone has yards with fences so any dogs running around are strays.

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

Natureluvr — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 19:42:32 GMT

I would be nervous if I was walking through the neighborhood and someone’s dog ran up to me. I’ve watched Judge Judy enough to see that even she calls dog owners that allow that very irresponsible. You keep your dog on a leash at all times unless you have an invisible fence or a fenced in yard.

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

songbird — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 19:48:48 GMT

For one semester I walked home from work. It was 2 1/2 miles. During the the walk back, I was in a neighborhood with a dog that would jump on me. But he wouldn't stop. He would continue to jump on me making my walking difficult. I knew which house the dog would come out. I knocked on the door and told them to keep their dog inside their property. It didn't do any good. I finally went home a different way. It was out of my way, at least the dog didn't bother me. They have since move, so I was able to get back the original way.

Re: Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

JeanLouiseFinch — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 20:09:13 GMT

@Daisy Sunflower wrote:

I recommend getting a FitBit or an Apple Watch. Seeing your step count going up is a great motivator to keep going.

I like to keep going until I get to at least 10,000 steps.

Enjoy your walks !

Thanks, @Daisy Sunflower, but that isn't gonna happen. I'm content with 30 minutes and don't ever see myself doing more than that.