My theory about dogs may be wrong

Day 617 - September 9, 2010

In general when I'm running, it is the ankle biters that I have a problem with. Big dogs are generally just curious or prefer to defend their yards. Before today, I'd never been bitten by a large dog. BEFORE TODAY! Grrrr.

Today I was running through the neighborhood with a friend when two large dogs came running out of their yards barking. My first thought was, "no big deal, big dog, they'll back off". The first dog nearly clipped my heels as he passed behind me, but he left me alone. The second dog was a split second behind him and I thought he would pass by the same way - right up until he bit me squarely in the butt.



The owner was in the yard and made a weak attempt to stop them, but didn't show much effort until I yelled at the dog. When she asked me if the dog bit me and I said yes, her response was, "well he doesn't normally bite people". REALLY??? So he does bite people sometimes? Here's an idea - don't let your dog outside without a leash if it has EVER been known to bite people.

So now I'm waiting to hear back from animal control as to whether or not I need to start rabies vaccine treatments - this should be awesome! Hopefully I can avoid that and just deal with two puncture marks and a welt. Animal control made me document the entire incident with a written report and pictures. Nothing like having to take a photo of your own butt!

Stay safe out there and never take any dog for granted - you just never know.

Pomeranian Punting

Day 176 - June 25, 2009

What is it about small dogs? Why is it they feel the need to bark the loudest? And why do they always have to try to bite me?

Twice in the last mile of my run tonight, I had dogs come out into the road barking at me. The first was a minature collie and she really was more curious than anything. But like all small dogs, she completely ignored her owner and followed me out into the road, all the time barking. I get the whole defending their territory argument, but if I cross over to the other side of the road, that should be enough. Fortunately, she was happy with just "running" me out of her territory.

The second dog was a tiny pomeranian, whose leash was attached to a lawn chair. As I crested the hill, I saw the dog, start running towards me, completely ignoring the two owners who were out with it. That nasty dog dragged that chair 100 feet across their yard and right into the road. I gave my customary two warnings for the dog to stop, but of course it didn't. Nope, it came right out across the road, causing two cars to slam on the brakes, as it went for the kill on my legs.

Now I generally like dogs and respect their right to defend their owners property. But, if I'm in the road, I'm not letting a dog bite me if I can help it. I have a simple rule - if the dog comes into the road and tries to bite me, I will kick it in the nose. If the dog tries to bite me again, I kick it harder. Tonight, when the dog lept at my knee, I gave it a swift kick and that was the end of it. No second kick was needed.

In general, I find most dogs stop when I yell at them to stop, and 90% of the rest give up after the first kick. But there is always that one dog. About a year and half ago, I Jack Russell Terrier came across his electric fence with Satan in his eye. There is not a doubt in my mind, that if that dog had been bigger, it would have tried to kill me. It came straight at me, ignored my shouts, and took the first kick like I had hit it with a balloon. Completely unphased, he kept coming and I rolled him into the ditch as he latched onto my calf. Even that didn't phase him and he was quickly coming back for more. At this point, I had enough and when I stopped to defend myself, the dog finally realized I was about to get serious and he wisely retreated.

I really wish I could just run without having to deal with dogs, who doesn't. But as runners it is something we will all be faced with. What do you all do when confronted by "man's best friend"? Fortunately, I've never been bit hard, but I'm sure it happens. If you have a strategy that works, I'd love to hear it. Drop a comment and let everyone know.