Dog!!!

This summer I was at a local gym conducting a seminar for people curious about running which I’ve titled, “Taking the First Step”. I cover topics such as how to start with a walk / jog program, how to buy your first pair of shoes, important aspects of form to focus on and other basic aspects of running. While I entertain questions throughout, I always open it up at the end for whatever the attendees want to discuss in more detail.

I was fully prepared to expand on any of the topics we had discussed – bring it on – “Any questions?”

I was totally taken back when a lady raised her hand and asked, “What do you do if a dog starts chasing you?”

What?

This was a seminar for getting out there and running! I’ve run 31 marathons, I’ve qualified for Boston 10 consecutive years. At the risk of sounding arrogant, I know a few things about running – I can help you. I love getting on my soap box to inspire folks to take that first step. While I support local gyms, I encourage newbies to get off the treadmill and get outside. I advise them on what products they need to get started vs. falling victim to all the marketing of over-priced clothing, shoes and gadgets. I save them money! I discuss how to handle their insecurities with nosey neighbors and the embarrassment they may feel as they start down their street. I caution them on what early aches they may feel as their bodies adjust. It’s a pretty good seminar if I may say so and I’ve encouraged lots of folks to get out there and start.

“What do you do if a dog starts chasing you?”

I had never been asked that question and I didn’t know how to respond.

If I was quick witted I might have responded with the humorous line, “Just out run the person you’re with”.

But, I’m not that quick and as I thought of how to respond I realized how serious of a question this really was. Something I had never really thought of before is actually a legitimate reason why some folks don’t go outside to run.

I love dogs and our family has a rescue dog with his fair share of issues but I was in no position to give advice on dealing with an attacking dog! I’m a runner, I’m not a dog trainer. So, I went home and did what all inquisitive people do now-a-days – I Googled it!

What I learned:

• Stay Calm – easy to say, hard to do when you’re afraid of dogs to begin with – but try none-the-less. Staying calm actually throws the dog off as they expect you to panic. Yelling and screaming arouse the dog and feeds into the threat.

• Take note of the dogs body language – wagging tail or wiggling body means the dog wants to play, not attack. You still need to take caution but this may help you stay calm.

• Stop and face them at an angle to the dog – do not square off with them or look directly into their eyes. Stopping, as with Staying Calm, throws the dog off as they expect you to run away.

• Don’t yell or scream – that will add excitement which the dog will feed off of.

• I've read contradicting statements regarding communication - some articles say to remain competely quiet and don't communicate with the dog while others recommend you try to give some basic commands in a strong, firm voice – “Sit”, “Stay” or “Good Boy”, “Good Girl” – hearing a firm but calm voice might decrease the anxiety of the dog.

• Once the dog has stopped advancing, slowly walk away and try to position yourself so there is something between you and the dog - but do NOT turn your back on the dog and if speaking to the dog was calming it down, continue to do so in the same calm tone to reassure the dog everything is OK.

Again, I'm not a dog trainer and I don't want to gain real life experience on this subject so I can market myself as an expert on it.

But I love running and I love encouraging others to get out there and prior to being put on the spot in that seminar, I never stopped to think that this fear is real for some and could be the reason they have not taken up the sport yet.

So if that is your case, I hope the above helps.

Now, any real running questions?