How Runners Can Protect Against Dog Attacks (2024)

FAQs

How Runners Can Protect Against Dog Attacks? ›

If you are chased...

Slow your run to a walk. "The prey instinct dogs have is triggered by fast movement," says Peak. "Slowing down to a walk makes you seem less interesting." Turn and walk in the opposite direction of the dog, but keep watching the dog out of the corner of your eye.

If you are chased...

Slow your run to a walk. "The prey instinct dogs have is triggered by fast movement," says Peak. "Slowing down to a walk makes you seem less interesting." Turn and walk in the opposite direction of the dog, but keep watching the dog out of the corner of your eye.

"I know that's difficult when it's probably part of our flight instinct, but there's a risk of falling over." The RSPCA also advises against running as it may encourage the dog to chase you, as well as screaming, which "can trigger a more predatory response", Rosie says.

Taser. A taser is a more aggressive option for defending against a dog attack. While tasers are typically used by law enforcement officers, some civilians may choose to carry one for personal protection. Tasers deliver an electric shock that can incapacitate a dog temporarily, giving you the opportunity to escape.

Citronella & Pepper Sprays: Effective and Humane Repellents

They are particularly useful for those who may not have experience in physically handling dogs. These sprays are designed to be humane, causing no long-term harm to the animal while effectively serving as a dog attack deterrent.

Distraction – try to distract the attacking dog. Loud claps and shouts might work. Find a barrier – putting a barrier between the dogs can help, but never be tempted to hit the dog. Calling the dogs – you, or the other owner, might be able to get the dogs to back away from the situation.

Stay calm – Don't scream and don't run – It's important to stay calm in a dog attack. Your body language should tell the dog that you are not a threat, and it will be less likely to attack you. Do not run away or scream in a panicked way if you can help it as it will incite the prey drive of the attacking dog.

Instead, stand still with your hands open by your sides and look away from the dog. If it starts biting or attacking you, yell “Back” or “Stop.” If it keeps attacking you, try to hit or kick it in the face to stun it. You can also use your weight to your advantage by digging your knee or elbow into its throat or ribs.

In fact, runners are at increased risk of a dog attack not only because of their availability on city sidewalks, parks, and suburban streets, but because they provide aggressive and potentially dangerous dogs something to chase. In a dog's primitive brain, he might be the wolf, and you might be the deer or other prey.

Don't shout at or make eye contact with the dog as this can make them feel more threatened and make things worse. Call your dog away. You may be able to call your dog away. The owner of the other dog may be able to do the same.

Why does my dog attack me when I run? ›

Other than chasing fast-moving objects and people for the purpose of satisfying the prey drive, some dogs attack people when they run because they are afraid of them. These dogs usually have lots of anxiety, insecurity, and either negative experiences with runners or lack of familiarity with them.

Dogs are highly sensitive to loud noises, so carrying a safety whistle can help stop a chasing dog. There are even special ultrasonic whistles that emit a frequency that can only be heard by dogs, repelling them away from your location.

Then, if a dog does start to chase you, you should simply slow to a stop or walk, throwing a small handful of treats in a wide arc behind you to distract the dog into hunting for the treats. Then you can hopefully continue on your way.

Likewise, California's self-defense laws free owners of liability if an attack happened while the dog was protecting its owner or someone else. Dog owners may still face civil liability if the bite didn't break the skin, but the dog instead grabbed a person with its teeth.