I went for a run in Jackson Park tonight. A loose dog (a large lab) saw me from a distance and started running toward me on the trail – barking. I stopped, it kept running, the owners kept yelling for it. I sprayed my pepper spray too soon so I missed the dog but she kept back about 3 feet, circling me and barking, while I continued to aim my pepper spray. The owners told me to relax, because she was sensing my fear. By the time they had grabbed their dog I was shaking – then I cried. I was terrified.
Luckily I am ok physically – except for a bit of burning from the pepper spray – it could have been much worse. Emotionally – I am not doing as well.
I just want one place in this city where I can run without worrying about a dog attack.
I have many similar stories, but felt the need to share this recent one, after reading Carrie’s story of the Jackson Park Trail.
Tuesday, June 5th, 2012
A perfect weather day for a run.
I ran along the canal by Trent University. A popular spot.
Soon I noticed ahead of me on the trail, a woman and her dog. I couldn’t tell if the dog was on a leash or not. As I got closer, I saw that the Jack Russell was not on leash, and was busy snuffling along the sides of the trail. I continued to run, closing the distance and realizing that the soft cushioning of the nature trail was making no sounds as I pounded along. The dog stopped to make a ‘deposit’ along the trail and the woman continued to walk. I saw clearly then there was no leash on the dog. Gauging what I hoped was the best distance, I called out “Hellooo” and the dog and woman both looked back to see me. I slowed my run somewhat and called out “I didn’t want to startle you or the dog.” No response. “Will he bite?” I ask. The woman replied with a laugh, “Oh of course not. He doesn’t mind you running by.” She did bend down and held the dog by the collar as I jogged through. Funny thing though……..the dog growled at me as I ran past. So I ran on, thinking, okay, my warm-up has now been interrupted, I hope the rest of my run is peaceful. I heard the dog running after me, slowed and looked back. The woman was calling the dog to come back. I walked for a few more moments, then resumed running, really hoping I wouldn’t find a dog nipping at my heels as I did so.
Along another straight stretch that crested a hill, I spotted a big black dog. Really Big. So I slowed my run to a walk because common sense tells me not to run upon a big dog that hasn’t noticed me yet. No sign of an owner at this point. I continue up the slope and see a woman walking towards me. I say “ I stopped running because I wasn’t sure if your dog would bite or not.” Absolutely no verbal response. Just a smile. At that moment I notice the dog IS on a leash, only the leash is dragging in the dirt and is not being held by the woman. As I walked by the dog, it took no notice of me at all. So perhaps I could have run by it with no lunge response…..but how would I know that?
Reasons I run; health, peace, nature, exercise, pleasure, weight loss.
Reasons you walk your dog: probably the same.
When my run is interrupted by a loose dog and the POTENTIAL of a lunge or chase…..this is what happens.
My heart rate, blood pressure and stride are interrupted. Adrenalin floods in, making breath ragged. My brain races to come up with different defense strategies. I worry about my footing, what if a dog lunges and I sprain an ankle while avoiding it….then what happens to my peace and pleasure when I am stuck at home with a tensor bandage on? My muscles tense to get ready for evasive action and stay tense long after I jog away from you. There is a feeling of fear of an actual bite…….. And there is also underlying anger and indignation, why can’t I just have a good run……………..it may be a long time before the physiological effects of this encounter and my body gets back to normal.
I am not a dog hater. But I have been lunged at by dogs, whose owners give me that sarcastic look when I ask if the dog bites or chases….…..
It is essential for dog owners to understand this scenario. Your dog may love people. Your dog may be well trained and not run away, and come back when it is called. However, the whole situation changes when the environment changes. When dogs walk on a trail and see a person running towards their owners, they seem to revert to ‘instincts’ of alarm and protection. Dogs that loll on the porch and watch joggers and bikers go by on the street and sidewalk, are not in the same ‘mode’ as out in the ‘wild’ with someone ‘threatening’ their owners.
SUGGESTION: Dog owners: give me a sign.
Here are two suggestions for universal hand signals that show mutual respect and responsibility.
As a dog owner, if you are walking your dog on a trail and you see a biker or runner or walker approaching, please do one of the two following:
GIVE A BIG THUMBS UP: This tells me your dog is leashed, and controlled, and that you will inform the animal that someone is approaching and offer reassurance. When I see the THUMBS UP, I will rest assured that you are in control of your animal, that is securely leashed and not a threat to me.
OR
HOLD UP YOUR INDEX FINGER, AS A SIGNAL OF ‘JUST A SECOND……’
This tells me that you are going to need a second or two to secure your animal if it is off leash, or that perhaps it will bark or not like me running by. This gives me a moment to slow up a bit, or move over a bit.
Other tips and signs of respect and responsible dog ownership:
-As I run, walk or bike by, keep the dog secured closely to your side, I don’t want to trip over its leash. -Don’t let it leap up to say ‘Hi’ to me. I don’t want to stop or say hi, I am there with my own agenda of exercise and training.
- Keep the leash tight enough that it can’t sniff me or lunge as I pass by, and don’t release it or let it off leash, until we have enough distance between us, or it may run after me.
- Stop and hold your dog by the collar, while I go by.
WHAT I WILL DO:
- wear keys or bells that jingle, that a dog will hear, so that I don’t startle them.
- call out “Runner behind you” or “Helloooooo” to alert you.
- follow the Rules of the Road, and remain on the right, so that if you need to hold your dog, you can stand off the path on the right, or move to the left side of the trail and hold your dog..
The trails are meant for everyone to enjoy…………
Great comments and very good suggestions! As a runner I have also encountered similar situations. Your description of the stress response while running up to someone you see has a dog on or off a leash is bang on!!
I have also run off the path to avoid getting too close to a dog on a leash as well, (the dog is not reigned in) only to get a reaction from the owner that implies that I am silly to do this because their dog would not lunge at me!! Are you absolutely sure about that!!!???