How to deal with dogs as a jogger?
Trisha Swift
2025-07-16 20:50:18
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: 16
If you encounter dog(s), your main aim is to show the dog that you are not a threat. STOP running, as if you run then the dog sees this as a challenge or a game and will then chase you. Quickly assess the dog's body language, if it is growling and bearing its teeth, it is not happy to see you.
If its head is above or lower than its body, then the dog is more likely relaxed, however if his head is in line with his body, he may be getting ready to attack. DON'T look the dog in the eyes, that will be seen as a challenge by the dog, and don't smile as the dog might interpret that as you bearing your teeth.
TURN your body away from the dog, this makes you seem smaller to the dog and so less of a threat. KEEP your arms by your side, raising them is seen as confrontational, and also don't create a fist with your hands as that is also seen as threatening.
SLOWLY start moving, very slowly back away from the dog, avoiding eye contact, keep moving until you are out of its sight and only then can you resume running. Try not to scream, a scream will scare the dog and put it on attack alert.
It is a nuisance sometimes to have to carry extra stuff whilst out running, but sometimes it is necessary, if you know that you are going to be running where there might be dogs, then consider taking a small but solid stick along with you plus pepper gel spray, or a mini spray bottle with either plain water in it or a mix of water and lemon juice.
Gay Ferry
2025-07-10 02:52:54
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: 19
I have had a few close encounters with unleashed dogs outside of fenced areas in recent months while on runs. The dogs in both instances where aggressive and wouldn't back down. Climbed on a dumpster to avoid 1, the other had a shock collar the owner was able to tame it with after it charged at me twice.
Quinton McCullough
2025-06-28 06:39:22
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: 14
To deal with dogs as a jogger is not directly addressed in the article, however, the article discusses how to train a dog to not chase joggers.
If you are a jogger who wants to avoid being chased by dogs, you may want to be aware of your surroundings when running in areas where dogs are present.
Be sure to arm yourself with plenty of their high value treats and also check that their lead, collar and any harnesses they might use are all in good working order.
You might want to ask people you know to make some of the closer run-bys as you fine tune their ability to listen to them.
You should be able to get a few passes out of each person before their interest fades until the next session on another day.
Aim to reward all calm behaviour with their high value food.
The simple key is to gradually reduce your distance from the joggers in keeping with their ability to sit and stay as per their commands.
If, for example, you are able to find a park with a path that is frequently used by joggers, sit with their dog sufficiently far enough away so that they can remain calm and take food as they pass you at this distance.
Each dog’s starting distance will vary, so do what works for you and their dog.
Mariam Schuppe
2025-06-28 02:05:43
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: 15
If you get pestered by dogs when you run and the owner isn't around, you’ll need to play pet psychic and try to communicate with the dog on their level.
Use a deep, firm voice to convey a sense of calm.
Fold your arms across your body and neck and stand still.
Most dogs will quickly lose interest if you don’t engage.
When the dog’s calmer, get away without making any sudden movements.
Try to avoid turning your back to the dog.
If the dog is showing signs of aggression, then curl into a ball face down, use your arms and hands to protect your face and neck and remain still.
Most dogs want to play and see a chase as a ‘reward’ for their behaviour.
So stop running: if the behaviour is not rewarded it is not likely to continue.
A high-pitched voice may activate the dog's fight instinct.
If the dog is playing, it won’t bite you, but if the dog is guarding, fearful or aggressive, direct eye contact could trigger an attack.
If the dog’s motivated by fear or aggression, actions such as kicking or lashing out can provoke an attack.
Read also
- How to stop a dog chasing joggers?
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