I mentioned in yesterday’s post that I survived or, shall I say, averted a dog attack over the weekend.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a dog lover through and through. We had dogs (among other things) as pets growing up and I’ve continued that tradition in my adult life as well. I fancy myself a dog whisperer and am not easily intimidated.
There are several ‘regular’ dogs on my many and varied running routes.
My favorite is Bjork, named (by me) for the Icelandic-looking name on the mailbox of the house she runs out from. Bjork and I go back to 2007 when I first started doing speedwork and used her neighborhood as a pseudo track. She’d come charging down her driveway and run with me at 5:45 am for about 25 feet until retreating. Totally cool with me.
Her legs are probably as short as mine too.
Last Saturday on just mile three of my redemption 21, I happened upon a large, I’m guessing Pointer-mix which appeared to be in it’s yard (I live in the land of invisible fences so really there’s no telling until late in the game). So Pointer Mix (or Rude Dog) noticed me approaching and began to run, still seemingly on it’s property and still a good 25 yards ahead.
When I got closer, it bolted out toward me on the street and commenced some menacing barking action. You probably saw Runner’s World JUST did an article on dogs and I thankfully absorbed some of what they said.
I also did more research on how to handle dog attacks should any of us be in this unpleasant situation in the future. Here are some things to remember:
1. Don’t smile at the dog. The dog may interpret this as you baring your teeth. Check. There was definitely no smiling going on.
2. Look for warning signs. Note the dog’s head position. If it’s held high or low, the dog is probably just checking you out. If the head is level, it means business. I have no freaking clue where the head was.
3. Control the situation. Do not show fear. Shout in a low, firm voice. Check. I did this repeatedly.
4. Have a block. Be ready to use your leg or a stick to defend yourself. Dogs perceive hesitation as a sign of weakness. Um yeah, check. I’m not proud of this but Rude Dog jumped and lunged at me and my instinct was to knee him in the belly. Thank my lucky stars it did the trick.
5. Never run. Fail. I kept on running. Oops. I kept going and it ran with me circling and barking for what seemed like an eternity but was more like 1/2 a block.
6. Assume a non-threatening position. Do not make eye contact. Check.
7. Contact the dog’s owner or animal control authorities. Fail. I was too busy getting the heck outta there.
Einstein that I am, I did not even think to pull out my pepper spray. Although it was so windy I’d probably have sprayed myself.
