Scary Loose Dogs
Thursday October 9, 2008
Have you had a bad encounter with loose dogs? Deb wrote in our Discussion Forum that she can't walk outside in her neighborhood because of loose dogs. A fellow Guide wrote that he and his wife were attacked, bitten, and basically held hostage by a vicious dog last week until a neighbor finally rescued them.
On our Heiser Farms walk last weekend, we were charged by a loose dog but Will was carrying a big umbrella. He opened it up and put the canopy between us and dog. The dog was confused and intimidated by the big umbrella and maintained his distance as we continued at a steady pace down the road.
What can you do to prevent dog attack, other than Deb's solution of only walking indoors? My list of tips comes from racewalkers and runners with long experiences, but nothing is foolproof. What do you do when confronted by a scary dog?
Comments
I carry pepper spray when I’m out. I’m a biker not a walker but dogs chase me just the same! Being bitten (I’ve been chomped 3 times but never while biking. I work with animals and all 3 bites were while working with dogs.) is a real downer and carries far more health risks than just the bite wound itself.
I agree with the last comment. Buy bear repellent spray at an outdoor store and carry it. Many are sold with a holster, and the canister’s aren’t heavy. I wear one hiking around Yellowstone (grizzly country);it would be great for biking or urban walking as well! It won’t hurt the dog.. it’ll just scare them off.