Walkers, Runners, and Dogs?

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

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?

sunsetbeach · ‎03-15-2010

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".

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

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.

Sassycoco · ‎08-05-2023

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...

ellaphant · ‎12-13-2010

@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?

SharkE · ‎08-19-2010

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

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

colliemom4 · ‎09-08-2010

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.

MoJoV · ‎10-01-2010

@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.

Trees are the lungs of the Earth

bmorechick · ‎03-11-2010

@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.

Linmo · ‎12-16-2013

@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.