dog bite

Only technique I've used to date is to try to run faster so I'm interested in learning what others say.

I'm guessing that the rolled up newspaper or the water-spray-bottle are not the methods of choice.

sorry to hear that, for you and the dog. The owner probably never socialized the dog correctly and now it will be put to sleep. As much as I love dogs, a dog that bites does not belong here. I won't go into my whole view, however...

when they make steeltoed running shoes, I would wear them.

best of luck!

I typically just yell really loud at the dog.  I haven't really been chased down while running but they always run out in front of me on the bike.  I know the houses that don't watch them at this point so generally I pull my water bottle out and spray at them when they run towards me... surprisingly it works. 

A month or so ago I had to stop and get off my bike and let the dips**t dog owner know that their dog almost ran out in front of a car while I was riding by because it was chasing me.  As far as I'm concerned there aren't stupid dogs... just stupid owners. 

I was attacked by a dog once, running along a beach, early morning, the owner sitting in sight distance not caring at all, probably stoned.
I decided to stand still, facing the dog, and he luckily turned away after growling at me for I dont know how long...
Not sure how realistic it is to always carry pepper spray with you?

BTW, I have a dog and absolutely love her!
I agree that it is likely the owner who spoiled the dog!

I was told as a child that if you ignore dogs they go away. So I've used that technique with great results. They run along side or at me for just a few seconds then turn away when they get no response form me. A couple weeks ago I did get ran at by a pit bull and he stopped right in front of me and started growling and jumping at me. In that case I stayed tall and kept calm and kept eye contact. (From what I've gathered from animal TV shows animals back down when you make eye contact showing you are the dominant one.) This has worked for me but I am no expert and may just be lucky.

In any case if a dog shows aggression towards you and isn't confined in it's yard, you need to contact animal control or the proper authorities so they can warn the owner and make the correct changes. Also it shows in records that the dog has done things and you can hold the owner liable if the dog does something again causing damage.

Fox Labs pepper spray, 2 ounce flip top stream, hottest stuff you are allowed to carry in Michigan.

However dogs understand raised voices and glaring looks if they were disciplined at all. Stopping, staring and yelling can work wonders in lots of cases.

BTW, did you ever find the dog owner or file a report?

Heal fast!

The owners and animal control are both aware.

This dog came running from behind me and attacked. I didn't know it was around until a second or two before it chomped my calf. I

I posted a picture in my album. Squeemish beware!

Ouch!  I hope your recovery is quick.

Yikes! I saw this post and I feel for you! I haven't yet encountered a dog on a run, but I have had a couple come at me while on my bike. Fortunately, I could outrun them on my bike!

Unfortunately, I'm not sure that you could have avoided this situation, even with pepper spray. If the dog came up from behind and was on you before you knew what was happening, you probably wouldn't have had time to avoid being bitten, although the pepper spray would have been a way to get the dog off of you after it started biting.

I did see a post on here that talked about challenging a dog by staring it down. This is not a good idea, especially if the dog is already showing signs of aggression. Staring a dog down is dogspeak for 'I'm more badass than you'. Staring the dog down might actually incite it to attack you.

If you encounter a dog while running, the best thing to do is to stop running, cross your arms, and don't look it in the eyes (but keep it in your sight so you can see what it's doing, of course). Turn away from the dog (sideways so you can still see what it's doing). When the dog calms down, start walking slowly away.


 

I think it would all depend on the type of dog that was approaching you, non-aggressive breeds versus aggressive breeds.  Staring down a cocker spaniel will probably get you the desired result of the dog backing off, but staring down a doberman may not.

Just as in your instance, the whole altercation took place over a couple of seconds, so even if you had pepper spray or a baton, you probably wouldn't have had a chance to use it.  However, I like the idea of having a collapsible baton or a good pointy stick with you.

I agree with the other folks that there are not stupid dogs, only stupid owners and unfortunately you paid the penalty for someone elses problem.

Hope you get feeling better soon!

~Bryan 

I sincerely appreciate all of your thoughts and well wishes.

I want to agree with tsellers.

If you don't know the dog, staring it down is a bad idea.  Maybe if the owners were nearby, you could try it, because then the dog would usually look at the owner to take its queue. 

I would never try staring down a pit bull.  While pit bulls can be great dogs, many of their owners don't know how to properly socialize them to show them that they should be subservient.  If the dog is just coming up to you, then staring could be OK, but if the dog is showing aggression, staring will probably start a conflict.  And if you wear as much as I wear when you run, its a conflict you won't win without taking damage. 

Long story short, don't go with Caesar Milan on this one.

I was attacked by a dog once, it ran across a road and pulled me off my bike. Talk about surprised. I had pepper spray with me and managed to get it out and in my hand. The dog had backed off for a second and was coming back for more. As it ran at me, I sprayed it directly in the face and it continued to run toward me, almost getting to me before the spray finally affected it and it ran away. I required a whole bunch of stitches and several hours in the ER to deal with the aftermath. Thank goodness for the guy in the pickup truck who stopped to help me and took me and my bike to the ER.

The most interesting thing was how little the owners seemed to care (until I contacted their insurance agent who I suspect informed them the hot water they were in). The dog had not had its rabies vaccination either-more excitement.

Since that event I have had little tolerance for those who let their dogs run free. I don't think any amount of "staring the dog in the eye" would have changed this dog's behaviour. In fact, if the dog stops so you can stare it in the eye, I think you are already in pretty good shape because the dog has spontaneously stoppped advancing and is no longer actively attacking. My event came without warning.

Pepper spray did work. I still carry it with me when I am biking or running in rural areas.