What is the defense against dogs while jogging?

Keep on the lookout for aggressive dogs during your run. If you spot one in the distance, try to alter your route or simply cross the street. Although many runners use earphones while jogging, running without music playing helps you keep aware of your surroundings. If you see a dog in the distance, be sure not to surprise it. Don't be afraid to say something to the dog when you are heading its way. If you spot an aggressive dog off leash and chasing you, stop running. Avoid eye contact with the dog. Do not strike the dog unless he has already attacked you—but also do not put your hand out to the dog if it is snarling or acting aggressive in any other way. If the dog does attack you, try to get something in its mouth that is not a body part—such as a shirt or jacket you may have around your waist—or even a water bottle or iPod.

The only problem with exercising outdoors aside from snow, wind or rain is attacks from dogs and dog bites. One of my personal favorites and the one that I have used successfully is the pepper gun by Mace brand. It has enough defensive spray in the replaceable canisters that it can shoot seven shots of 25 feet each. It can be used effectively against multiple human targets as well as dog attacks. The best pepper sprays have a range of 15 feet to ward off dog attacks. There is another product that, once activated, sends out a loud ultrasonic sound that is repulsive to dogs and cats. It is effective up to 20 feet away. The Tornado five in one defense system with armband so it can be with you while you’re running, walking or cycling. It has a range of up to 15 feet which makes it very effective against charging dogs. The 3 in one pepper spray has a range of 8 to 20 feet and contains enough spray for 6 to 8 one second bursts.

If a dog approaches you follow these guidelines: Your main aim when dealing with dogs while running is to show the dog that you are not a threat. STOP running. If you run then the dog see this as a challenge or a game and will then chase you. Quickly asses 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. 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. If a dog launches towards you in an attack, you want to try and protect your most vulnerable body areas as much as possible. The dog's main weapon is its mouth and teeth. If you have back pack, stick, rock, water bottle etc, then try and ram that between you and the dogs mouth. Clasp your hands around the back of your neck and bring your elbows across your face in order to protect you face as much as possible. If the dog bites your arm or leg do not yank your limb away as a dog has super strong jaws and he will just take a chunk out of you. Instead use your other arm to whack the dog on the back of the neck or on its snout. Don't bother whacking its skull as that is usually pretty resilient. If you are knocked to the ground, curl up into a ball as much as possible, protecting your face and neck with your arms. If you are able to, roll on top of the dog as dogs are not so good at wrestling. Aim to squash its ribs which are pretty fragile. Shout for help.

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. Take control Use a deep, firm voice to convey a sense of calm. Turn sideways on Fold your arms across your body and neck and stand still. Most dogs will quickly lose interest if you don’t engage. Move slowly away 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. Don't keep going 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. Don't shriek A high-pitched voice may activate the dog's fight instinct. Don't make eye contact 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. Don't behave aggressively If the dog’s motivated by fear or aggression, actions such as kicking or lashing out can provoke an attack.