I’ll stop if they’re running out in the road and there’s traffic, otherwise as long as they’re not nipping at my heels, not my problem. Dog’s are pretty good at finding their way back to where they came from.
In general, dog culture in the US is out of freaking control. Both on the lazy/entitled trashy human side and the “take fluffy everywhere” crunchy granola side also. It’s gone way way way too far from when I was a kid in the 80’s 90’s. And we’re dog people. Love our little tzu.
There is a chapter in my cat’s memoir about this
Chapter Seven
Dogs are ridiculous excuses for pets. They’re stupid and needy.
I made an observation not long ago about the variety in sizes of dogs vs cats.
Dogs range in size from tiny little Teacup Yorkies to monsters like Irish Wolfhounds, whereas housecats are all just about the same package with variation in template only in regards to how long their hair gets or how smushed-in their poor little face is.
A pet cat, the size of … let’s say, a Labrador … would look like a mountain lion. Terrifying; and rightly so.
Which is why humans keep us small.
I did some research into this as I had a number of bobcat encounters in the last 2 years.
It seems like bear sprays are far more effective. Bear sprays also tend to spray wide, and pepper sprays tend to have a narrow stream. So in general, it’s easier to aim a bear spray.
If your jurisdiction allows, something like a retractable baton also seems like a reasonable option.
Later that day I bought him a pepper spray device from hardware store to carry in waist band. Which he is doing. But kind of like a homeowner with a gun, we are left with that “how much safer does this really make me” feeling. Frankly if this same 75 pound pit bull had approached as quietly and quickly from behind with the intent to do harm I’m not sure what pepper spray in waist band would accomplish.
More proof that peacocks are huge, nasty, vicious birds, and are NOT to be fucked with
https://twitter.com/...EImvoBDeOdtV-hyVk1KA
I think this thread getting resurrected inspired owners along my typical route to let their dogs roam free for the summer! I’ve had more encounters with unleashed dogs on my last 3-4 runs than I have had in quite a while. I’ve pretty much abandoned the “turn around and find the owner” technique and I just keep plodding along until the dog gets bored. There are a couple of bulldogs that have just popped up that I had to stop running and get big and loud to get them to stop their pursuit. I picked up a stick as I got near the property with bulldogs today, luckily they seemed disinterested me in today.
Edit:
In regards to peacocks, they make excellent home alarm systems and guard dogs. I’ve had quite a few patients during my home health travels with peacocks. They have a very distinct noise they make to alarm people of unfamiliar cars, people or animals being around. Guineas also make good alarm systems but aren’t near as intimidating as an angry peacock.
They have a very distinct noise they make to alarm people of unfamiliar cars, people or animals being around. Guineas also make good alarm systems but aren’t near as intimidating as an angry peacock.
This is true - and those fuckers are LOUD
For most of the herding and working breeds, if you run away from them you will likely trigger their prey instinct and it will cause them to want to chase you more and possibly bite in order to subdue their “preyâ€. Stopping and facing them will allow them to catch up to you, but unless the dog is a true fighter then he won’t likely bite you. You’ll likely see the dog stop a few feet short and just bark at you. If you turn to walk away they will close and try to nip you.
I run with my police dog. He is good around other dogs but will defend himself against an aggressive dog. If he gets injured he’s out of work for a few days. He shouldn’t have to defend himself against other dogs, that’s my responsibility. I carry bear spray. If an off leash dog gets close and the owner is present I tell them to call their dog back. If they can’t verbally control it, it gets two seconds of bear spray. That will train the dog and the owner when they both are coughing and have snot running out of their face. Bear spray, while highly uncomfortable, doesn’t cause any lasting harm and can be cleaned up with a good dousing of water.