Krista DuChene had three dogs come at her once and was told by the owner: “Relax, you only have to worry about one!” This is my worst nightmare come to life, and yet plenty of other runners also had dog stories to share. “I had a dog try and bite me last Saturday and left my winter glove all sloppy with saliva,” a runner told iRun on our Facebook page. “My issue is with the dog owners having their dogs run off leash in public parks that are NOT off leash. I try and give a wide birth and stay away as much as possible.” Sometimes, however, staying away is impossible. Runners regaled iRun with stories of errant dogs interrupting their bliss. “I had an unleashed dog leap at me and rip my jacket while on a trail run,” a runner told me. “Another dog jumped at me as I was riding my bike and left several scratches on my legs. Both times were totally out of the blue.”
I don’t love dogs. I’m glad they bring people pleasure and know that plenty of runners exercise with their animals. Lots of runners—including Krista DuChene—made careful mention to say how much they liked dogs. (All of these runners pictured have shared photographs of themselves with their pet). But stories like the following are still too common: “I was bit once when the dog was on a leash, but the owner didn’t care,” a runner wrote on our Facebook page. “I screamed “your dog bit me,” and he shrugged and walked away. It was back before I ran with my phone so I didn’t get a photo. I got home and called the police to file a report and was told that “bite and runs” are very common. It was years ago, but still hurts on the spot on my thigh if I press on it.”
Bite and runs should not be very common. And many runners complained about this refrain from a dog owner after their dog moves in an aggressive fashion: don’t worry, he’s friendly! “I hate the but-my-dog-is-friendly comment,” a runner said, and many runners discussed being taken completely by surprise by the negative dog interaction.
“My husband got bit by a leashed dog on a busy road,” one runner said. “He was running the opposite direction and when he passed them, the dog reached out and bit him on the calf. We are dog lovers and often run with our dogs, but he was shocked.” Sometimes, it’s the dog lovers who seem to be the ones getting bit.
“I passed a house while running and, with the owners watching, I turned to let the Weimaraner smell my hand, and all seemed good until I turned to continue my run,” one runner said. “He leapt up and bit the back of my thigh. I was shocked! The owners ran to me and were very kind. They suspected that the dog had some mental issues. Biggest bruise I have ever had. I’m a dog owner and love all dogs—but this taught me to not assume anything.”
Runners always have to make concessions on our workouts. We’re not more important than anyone else. We share the sidewalks with civilians and need to appreciate that dog owners are entitled to their space. But should dog owners do more to protect runners? You control your space, I’ll control mine? Should it be that nearly every runner I know has some sort of war story involving a dog? Is it the price of admission for our sport?
Lindsay Tessier is an elite marathon runner and well-known dog lover and owner and has this to say about runners and dogs. “Ultimately, dogs are animals and, no matter how “friendly” our furry friends are, they can be unpredictable,” she says. “My biggest pet peeve—ha ha—is when a dog runs up to me and the owner shouts that I need not worry because Spot is friendly. We cannot assume someone else’s comfort level around dogs. It’s ignorant to do so. Further, friendly Spot can get spooked, or misread signs of someone running as an invitation to play chase.” Tessier says that, ultimately, the dogs can’t be blamed for their behaviour, the owners need to be responsible for their dogs. “It’s the owner’s responsibility to have an awareness of their dog and surroundings and to have their dog under control at all times for everyone’s safety,” Tessier said. “That can mean stepping off the sidewalk to allow the runner to pass, or, if your dog is off leash, the recall needs to be on point.“
Reid Coolsaet was recently bitten by a dog which prompted this story. He says he likes dogs, but the dog that bit uncomfortably close to his behind—see picture, below—weighed about 70 pounds. There was no skin broken and the owner was apologetic, but he founded the situation uncomfortably close to being a big deal. “The dog owner had two dogs, one was under control, but the other one was on me in seconds,” says Coolsaet. “It was a civil conversation, but I wanted to get across to her that this could have been really bad. She should be more careful with her dogs.”
What do you think? Do you run with your dog? Have you ever been bitten? Both? Let us know in the comments and, as ever, if you have photographs, we’d love to see them. Looking at all these runners with their pets brought a lot of joy to this non-dog-lover’s heart.
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I run almost daily with my two dogs (a Terrier mix and an English Springer Spaniel). They are on a coupler attached to a single leash worn around my waist so that I can easily reach down, grab their harnesses and steer them away if need be. And in any case, when I either am about to pass someone, or see a person approaching (especially if they too have a dog or dogs) I move as far to the right as I can. Occasionally, my Springer will stop running and start barking (I know from her body language that it is not aggressive–nonetheless in that case I will place my hand very firmly on her back (which is a way of bringing a dog’s excitement down) and remind her strongly “let’s go!” What I do find annoying is that so often, the other person approaching (whether with a dog or not) will actually Stop (sometimes even standing in our way!) which is not helpful in terms of our moving along. This happened again just yesterday as we were passing a dog-walker on a fairly narrow sidewalk. So this time, I simply said “just keep moving please–they’d rather keep running” or words to that effect. I am not sure what their reaction was, as I did not make eye contact in order to plainly indicate that I did not want to linger. This is the one point I would like to make–people, if you see a runner approaching with dogs…just assume that they are interested only in finishing their run; they do not want to stop to socialize with you and Your dog(s)!!
Dogs are one of the main reasons I don’t run anymore. It’s never been productive trying to get the dog owners to see that running with their giant dogs off-leash is anything but something I should feel blessed about.
I run on the “highway” when at my cottage and have frequently been chased by off-leash dogs coming from surrounding unfenced properties. Recently, I ran in front of a pickup truck to have it stop in the middle of the road to block the huge dog that was barreling towards me. I’m sure the driver saw the fear on my face but it was most evident by the heart rate spike in my Garmin app. I now carry bear spray on my runs.
I had just moved to a rural area and was running along a country road. Suddenly, the Hound of the Baskervilles and it’s smaller sidekick emerged from a corn field. I stopped running so as not to be seen as fleeing quarry, and the dogs and I faced each other. Drool was dripping from the large, black dog’s mouth. I figured I was dead for sure. Just in case though, I said “sit,” loudly and sternly. To my surprise the huge dog sat and wagged its stump of a tail and suddenly looked goofily pleased with itself; a large Neopolitan mastiff puppy I think. I said “stay,” and turned slowly and walked carefully back the way I had come. The dogs stayed sitting for a little bit and then went back into the corn. It’s a funny story now, but it could have had a very different outcome to say nothing of the danger to the dogs.
When we started spending our winter months in Portugal’s sunny Algarve region, I enjoyed my morning runs until I quickly learned that dogs are not kept there as pets but as guard dogs. Every home seems to have a stone wall or fence behind which are often snarling, barking and intimidating dogs of all sizes. From time to time, the gates are left open for the dog to wander and use the neighbourhood as a toilet before returning to its compound. It is during these moments of freedom that walkers and runners are fair game. I tried carrying a bag of treats which were appreciated as starters with me still the main course. I now run with a thin metal rod for defence although I know it would be useless against most of these monsters. Bear spray is not sold there and can’t be carried on an aircraft. When the pandemic ends, I will be looking for cans of hornet spray or shaving cream with a long reach, while working on my speed sprints for next winter!
Very enlightening stories. I have run with my 70 pound dog off-leash for 6 years but will be running with her on-leash starting tomorrow. My dog has never caused any issues, but I hadn’t looked at the situation through the eyes of others until now! Sorry.
I would absolutely NEVER run with my dogs off-leash–not only to signal to people that I have control of them…but also for my dogs’ safety! I would never be able to assume that they would stay close enough, not swerve into the street, someone else’s path, etc. etc.