How to handle unruly canine neighbors?

[38thparallel]

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.

Comments

[lorihalia]

In all honesty *I* would call the city/township on them - most areas around me have a leash law. Not to be a jerk, but to protect the dogs - I've ended up hitting a dog with my car, because of irresponsible owners like that. Having even friendly dogs underfoot (especially ones that aren*t mine??) is so not a relaxing run.

It's not the dogs fault, but shame on the owner just letting them loose like that. Major falling down on the pet-care job there.

*grump*

[ilanarama]

I have to agree with the above comment. Perhaps write him a letter first, saying "I don't want to involve the authorities, but."

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.

[38thparallel]

The dogs' safety is probably my chief concern. Plus, I would hate for someone less tolerant to appear on the scene and try to intentionally harm the animals. We live in a semi-rural area, which I think is part of the problem (in terms of my neighbor's mentality). I think I'll try to approach him from the "safety of your pets" angle and if he insists on letting his dogs run wild, consult the city.

Thanks for your input and for being such a fervent animal advocate!

[38thparallel]

I've reconsidered going to his house at 5am (because that's a little unnerving no matter who you are), but may approach him in the evening (or on the weekend) to discuss the dogs. If he isn't home (or refuses to answer the door), I'll leave a note explaining my concerns.

Thanks for the advice! I'll be out for another run Thursday morning to test your strategy! :)