Down, boy!

      In our neighborhood, dogs are a constant presence while we're out running.  Most of the time there is no problem at all-- the dogs just like to lope along for a bit and see where we're going and then go home.  Occasionally though, we do come across one of these tough guys:

      Or even worse, sometimes we even run into one of these:

 (I'm telling you the little ones are the worst!)

      So, how do you handle it when you do come across an aggressive (or any other for that matter) animal on a run?  Well, for starters, the best thing to do is to keep going forward if at all possible, even if you slow down some, try not to stop entirely.  Freezing or stopping tells the dog the aggression is working, so it's going to escalate.  If you move out of it's territory (aka, usually the area in front of its home) they will typically go about their way.  However, if you can, keep your eye on the dog, and keep yourself calm.  Cross the road/ path and give the dog some space too, as soon as you see him (even dogs on leashes can lash out, so try to give leashed and unleashed pets space ahead of time).

      Being calm is most important, panicking isn't going to help (I know, it's hard not to be worried about being bloodied by a 10 pound terror when you're 4 miles from home).   If the dog gets too close, in a loud and clear voice yell "NO!" or "GO HOME!" or anything that will deter the dog-- remember, you want to be bigger and badder, but do not turn and come at the dog directly face on-- that's charging and challenging in dog language.  Just keep going, and yell as you go if you need to, sweeping your arms toward the dog in a "shoo" motion.

     If you feel genuinely threatened, or the dog is still rushing you/ has actively tried injuring you, then you should (as last resort) use pepper spray (be careful not to get it in your own eyes!), or a mixture of 1/2 ammonia and 1/2 water that has been put into a squirt pistol (the pepper spray is easier to carry, but some people dislike the thought of spraying someone's pet).  

      In my research, the cheaper spray (mine was seriously 6 bucks) serves a better purpose on an aggressive dog (it isn't usually as powerful, just explain when you go into the store and they can assist you in finding a less potent brand).  You are not trying to injure the animal, but you are trying to stop it from hurting you!  It's good to carry with you on either your belt or with an elastic around the wrist-- whichever is more comfortable.

    One more note:  not all dogs who might bite are actively aggressive toward runners.  As I said, leashed dogs can sometimes get nervous of runners going by (and so close to their owners) so don't be fooled and run too close to a leashed dog either-- always give adequate space if possible to any dogs.  I usually say hi to them as I pass, in a calm and friendly manner (weird I know, but they usually just wag their tails and watch me pass!).  Showing them you aren't a threat is soothing for them.

Have you ever had to deal with an off leash/ aggressive dog?  How did you handle it?  What might you have done differently?  Tell me about it so we'll all be better prepared next time the neighborhood dogs decide we look tasty!