There's one thing I wish more people knew about dogs: they're hunters. They chase prey, especially prey that's *running*. So if you run away from a dog that you're scared of, *they will probably chase you.* So don't run.
@Impious_Jade dogs that chase people should not be off leash. Joggers should call Animal Control. Dog owners should fined.
@Dane Agreed. My remarks are for if you encounter a dog off-leash.
Yeah. I've found that little dog owners are the worst about keeping their dogs on a leash. Despite the fact that little dogs are most likely to be biters.
There's one person here who doesn't put the leash on their dog right away. Yes, y'all are walking a short distance to the off-leash dog run. But if there's anyone else outside, especially if it's someone with a cat, the little dude gets all excited and goes into chase mode. The dog clearly thinks it's a game.
@tyghebright Our newist neighbors came very close to getting their dogs shot. Our other neighbor was jogging and their pit bulls came after him. He's a county Sheriff. He said if he'd had his service weapon he would have shot them for sure.
@Impious_Jade If a dog seems possibly unfriendly toward you, do not approach it straight on, kind of circle around. Approaching straight on appears as possible aggression. Also no shouting, etc.
A lot of dogs get shot by police around here because they get called, and the officer doesn't know how to deal with dogs.
@Lulz4l1f3 @Impious_Jade Also, don't stare into their eyes, but do not look completely away or turn your back. Canids, like other predators, prefer to attack things that aren't watching.
If you have to, back away quickly.
Also, you probably can't outrun a dog.