Many runners have canine tales of woe. A runner may trigger a dog’s hunting instinct, be perceived as a territorial challenger, or a dog might simply be ill-tempered.Encoutering Aggressive Dogs
If you encounter an aggressive dog — some combination of bared fangs, growling, tense body, erect ears, stiff tail (or held high, wagging faster than normal):
- Stop running; stand still with arms folded across your chest; stay calm.
- Avoid direct eye contact.
- Turn sideways and utilize peripheral vision.
- Vocalize firm commands such as “Go home!”
Most dogs will eventually get bored or befuddled — or sometimes obey! — and retreat. However, if the dog attacks:
- Unleash the air horn or pepper spray.
- Place something between you and the dog: water bottle, cap/visor, towel, etc.
- In a sustained attack, punch, kick, knee, and yell for help.
- Getting knocked down can be life-threatening. Curl up in a ball, chin and knees tucked, and cover your ears and neck with your arms (clench your hands).
