Anyone who regularly walks, runs, or rides a bicycle will encounter dogs. Most of these encounters are harmless, but occasionally the dog will be vicious or dangerous in some way.
Friendly Dogs
Fortunately most dogs are friendly or harmless. Encounters with these dogs while running, walking, or bicycling are not dangerous, but they can cause problems.
A friendly playful dog or puppy will often try to run along with someone passing by. It is less of a problem for slowly moving walkers, but a playful dog can get too close to a runner or bicycle. A runner might inadvertently trip on or kick the dog. Bicyclists might run into a dog, causing injury to the dog, bicyclist, or both.
In addition dogs can follow bicycles or pedestrians without their knowledge. In heavy traffic areas a vehicle could strike and kill the dog. It is therefore a good idea to chase even friendly dogs back to their homes.
Barking or Chasing Dogs
Many dogs will bark at or chase passing pedestrians or bicycles. This is normal canine behavior and is in itself not dangerous. The dog can however annoy someone enjoying a peaceful walk, run, or ride. In addition it is often difficult to tell if an unfamiliar dog might bite or attack if he catches you.
A sharp noise sometimes chases these dogs away. Throwing a small rock in the dog's general direction, without actually hitting it will also often chase the dog away. Frequently the act of bending down to pick up the rock works.
Dog Deterrents
For protection, you can also buy dog repellers or dog deterrents. Ultrasonic repellers work by emitting a high frequency sound that dogs but not humans can hear. Dogs don't like it, so they usually run away. They are about the size of a cell phone and can easily clip to a belt or running shorts.
It is also possible to buy canine repellent sprays. It is the same idea as pepper spray to ward off human attackers, but designed for dogs. Such a spray might do double duty by protecting you from dangerous dogs and humans.
Avoid Dangerous Dogs
Pay attention. If you see stray or potentially dangerous dogs ahead try to alter your route to avoid them. If a particular route has a problem with potentially dangerous dogs, map out a new route or call local animal control officials.
Vicious or Dangerous Dogs
Fortunately truly vicious dogs are rare, but they do exist. Some breeds such as pit bulls, rottweilers, and similar breeds have been bred for protection or fighting. If such dogs are mistreated or poorly trained by their owners, they can become vicious and extremely dangerous.
If you encounter such a dog, do whatever is necessary to protect yourself.
- Do not try to run away. Two legged humans cannot outrun a four legged dog, no matter how scared they are. The dog will chase if you run.
- Back away slowly while facing the dog.
- Use whatever is available to protect yourself. If available, a large stick, shovel, or rock can strike the dog from a distance.
- As a last resort, curl up into a ball covering your face and head. Do not move and hope that the dog loses interest in an inert object.
- Do not hesitate to take appropriate legal action afterwards.
If you know how to deal with them, dogs need not disrupt your run, walk, or bicycle ride.
Paul A. Heckert - I have a Ph.D. in astrophysics, over 30 years experience teaching physics and astronomy, and over 60 published research articles.
