How to Fend off Dogs While Jogging and Running

Runners and joggers navigating through residential areas often encounter excited, barking dogs. Some dogs only bark and then lose interest, but a few of them will run after the exerciser, and the encounter may end in an attack. An attacking dog can seriously injure you and possibly pass on rabies, which is a fatal disease. You should do everything possible to avoid being attacked by a dog.

  1. Reasons for Chasing

    • Dogs have many reasons for chasing or attacking a jogger or runner. Some dogs give chase just for the fun of it and don̵7;t really mean any harm. Other dogs chase runners because they are afraid or because the runner is in their territory and the dogs feels compelled to protect it. Dogs that chase humans can quickly become aggressive. These dogs may growl, bark, bare their teeth, nip the jogger or fully bite him.

    Eye Contact and Movement

    • Avoid making direct eye contact with a dog that may attack but keep watching it from the corner of your eye. If the dog approaches you is not barking or growling, it may just be curious about you. Stop running and stand still, avoiding sudden movement. Speak to the dog calmly, and never raise your voice. After the dog is satisfied with its investigation, it may lose interest. If so, you can slowly walk away from the dog.

    If the Dog Attacks

    • If the dog shows signs of aggression, speaking to it like the owner would is one strategy. Effective commands include, ̶0;Sit,̶1; ̶0;Down,̶1; ̶0;Stay̶1; or ̶0;No.̶1; You can also yell for help if people are in the area, though yelling may further excite the dog. Use anything you are carrying to keep a barrier between yourself and the dog. Another option is to get behind a barrier like a tree or park bench.

    Dog Weapons

    • Carry a stun gun or pepper spray with you while running or jogging. Both items temporarily disable the dog, allowing you time to get away. Neither product is harmful to the dog.