38thparallel (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
38thparallel) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
runners2012-01-24 06:37 pm
38thparallel) wrote in runners2012-01-24 06:37 pm
Entry tags:
How to handle unruly canine neighbors?
Hi everyone. Just a general question regarding running etiquette: how does one behave when being attacked by dogs? Ok, in truth, I wasn't attacked, just chased (in a friendly, non-aggressive way).
Lately, I've been running in the morning before work, which I guess coincides with my neighbor's dogs' outdoor schedule. Problem is, my neighbor releases his dogs (pit bull and golden retriever) into the early morning darkness without a leash or human supervision. The dogs just run (I liken it to Hound of the Baskervilles +2). Anyway, the dogs usually run alongside, jump, and get underfoot, but are otherwise pretty harmless. There's a major highway near my house, and while I do worry that they might run out into traffic, they never seem to wander quite that far. My question is, how should I approach my neighbor? He's barely an acquaintance and lives several houses away, so we're not on speaking terms of any sort. Plus, when he lets the dogs out, he goes back inside the house and shuts the door. Is it weird for me to knock and inquire about the dogs' ownership? Has anyone else been in a similar situation? I despise conflict especially between neighbors, but spending my AM runs tripping over canines is really not ideal.
Lately, I've been running in the morning before work, which I guess coincides with my neighbor's dogs' outdoor schedule. Problem is, my neighbor releases his dogs (pit bull and golden retriever) into the early morning darkness without a leash or human supervision. The dogs just run (I liken it to Hound of the Baskervilles +2). Anyway, the dogs usually run alongside, jump, and get underfoot, but are otherwise pretty harmless. There's a major highway near my house, and while I do worry that they might run out into traffic, they never seem to wander quite that far. My question is, how should I approach my neighbor? He's barely an acquaintance and lives several houses away, so we're not on speaking terms of any sort. Plus, when he lets the dogs out, he goes back inside the house and shuts the door. Is it weird for me to knock and inquire about the dogs' ownership? Has anyone else been in a similar situation? I despise conflict especially between neighbors, but spending my AM runs tripping over canines is really not ideal.
no subject
If you are ever running and you have dogs running at you, the thing to do is to reverse course and run at them. Usually that freaks them out and they veer away. Incidentally this is also an appropriate tactic when you're swimming in the ocean and a shark comes toward you.
no subject
Thanks for the advice! I'll be out for another run Thursday morning to test your strategy! :)