Nervous for personal safety on dog walks

[hmc]

I've always been a bit like this - I walk off lead in the New Forest and there isn't much pedestrian 'traffic,' so I have sometimes wondered whether I am safe at times and have felt spooked over one or two men I have come across over the years... (probably completely in my head).

Now that poor woman has been murdered whilst tending her horse a few miles away from me in Beaulieu (also New Forest) ...leaving behind 5 children - how awful.

Perhaps I am being over fanciful but I am convinced that its going to turn out to be a random killer who may strike again - and he (its going to be a he, lets face it) is obviously local. I am so worried now about dog walking. Today I drove 40 minutes (1 hour 20 minutes round trip) to the beach to take them for an off lead walk because I figured the beach would be a high traffic area and thus safe (it was quite busy), but I can't be spending that much time everyday when there are good woodland and heath walks within 5 minutes of my house.

A couple of months ago two women were knifed walking dogs near Portsmouth (a bit further from me but still not miles and miles) although both survived and the culprit was caught. I don't therefore feel that I am exaggerating the risk in my mind - am I?

As much as I love my dogs I sometimes wish I didn't have them, then I wouldn't have this problem to contend with

Sorry that was long - just needed to offload

[Catsmamma]

you are probably more likely to die in a multiple pile up whilst driving to your busy beach.

I am totally not the sort to be spooked by this sort of thing though and as such quite devil may care.

[PetiteRaleuse]

I understand. I feel the same very often. Doesn't help that my dog is a wuss who hides behind the baby when the hoover is on.

[ThatBloodyWoman]

I can understand your fear.
Whether or not its justified, its real, and fear is hard to reason with.
You can choose to beat it down and carry on regardless, or team up with a friend for dog walks.
There's no right or wrong.

[Twooter]

I would be the same. I imagine there would be quite a few people local to you who would like to make up a dog walking group at the moment.

[hmc]

I wish I felt the same Catsmamma - I envy you and would like to feel similarly confident. Even though I am far more likely to meet a sticky end some other way and I know its a bit irrational, its hard to shake the fear - as ThatBloodyWoman has said.

Petite - its horrible isn't it. You just have to force yourself out, but quite often rather than enjoying the sunshine, the scenery and the wildlife I am scanning the horizon and jumping at my own shadow!

[hmc]

Just been proactive and set up a closed group on facebook and invited twelve of my dog walking friends - called 'Dog walking buddies in [insert first three digits of postcode]'

Am not overly optimistic though - most of them work part time or full time and our schedules aren't always compatible. Still, its worth a go

[PetiteRaleuse]

Yes. It doesn't help that where I live we are overrun with wild boar. They scare the crap out of me - I get worried about the dog being attacked by them, or me of course which is less unlikely. I jump at any noise in the forest and if I see someone walking towards me, alone, I immediately go into paranoia overdrive.

[PetiteRaleuse]

Less likely I mean. Boar usually go for humans only if they have young. Or if they get panicked by a stupid dog

[lavendersun]

I walk in a forest alone with my dog who would never ever protect me and also ride my horse alone. I have thought about safety a couple of times (once when I met a guy about 50 minutes into a walk miles from anywhere) but I think that it is probably just as safe as it has ever been.

Every little thing is reported in the media these days (obv not talking about the poor lady who was murdered), I think that these things have always happened but that we are now much more aware of them.

[hmc]

I've thought about getting a German Shepherd or another breed of dog with a strong guarding instinct to add to my two existing dogs, because my flatcoat and my daschund / terrier cross would be useless too lavender...

What a shame you don't live near me Petite - we could be paranoid together

[ThatBloodyWoman]

Unfortunately I was the victim of an opportunistic attack, many years ago while walking in a lonely place (sans dog) having told myself I was being paranoid to be scared to.

But, it doesn't alter the fact that these things are rare -and I now feel the fear and do it anyway.
Its difficult to push the fear down, but it can be done.

[hmc]

Oh my goodness ThatBloodyWoman - much respect to you for not letting it best you

[hmc]

'Beat' you

[Terrierterror]

If you're walking in the New Forest I think it's reasonable to take a walking stick. If your dogs have a dodgy tummy sometimes you might want to take a sports bottle with water and jeyes fluid in there.

[ggirl]

Yup I feel the same , have taken to walking with someone else . There's not like coming across a lone man without a dog to make your bowels quiver!
I live other side of forest to you I think hmc so not practical for daily walk tbh.

[ggirl]

Maybe contact a local dog walker and see if she wants some company?

[mrslaughan]

I was thinking a similar thing today, walking in the woods, no one around, so I don't think your silly to think about this.

Thing is my dog is a giant breed, often get asked if he has rottie in him, and the most dog friendly people are weary of him because of the way he looks. He is as soft as butter and a giant teddy......however he is very much a family dog and I would bet money that he would protect any of us if he thought we were threatened.

I am sure your dogs would protect you too, but it would be easier for a potential attacker to fiend them off maybe

[ThermoLobster]

I think Twooter has a great idea. I have had these fears several times, suddenly alone in the woods with a wimpy dog and with someone approaching that made me feel uncomfortable for whatever reason.

[hmc]

I'm liking your thinking on the squeezy bottle Terrier!

Yy ggirl to the man without a dog scenario

They really wouldn't mrslaughan - they would scarper or bark nervously! I had a Bernese Mountain Dog before who absolutely would have protected me though. She once approached a man on his own with hackles up growling menacingly (and yet she was a lovely natured dog) - she must have mistrusted him.

[hmc]

Agree Thermor - have acted on Twooter's suggestion already and have set up an invitation only group on facebook for local friends who have dogs - and have already got some joint walks lined up

[JadeJ123]

I've felt more protected since having my dogs. I know full well they'd protect me the male wouldn't hesitate. Usually when it's dark and they're being walked he walks very close to me and goes nuts at people that dare come too close.

[hmc]

Jade - what breed is he?

[JadeJ123]

He's a Cane Corso(Italian Mastiff)

[Roonerspism]

I don't think you are being unreasonable at all.

These things have always happened and are rare though. You get more benefit from walking your dog health wise than from the miniscule risk.

I would try to find some buddies. If not, is it generally busier at certain times of day eg morning? I feel safer first thing than later on. I stick to busier routes. I dress in a shapeless coat. I carry pepper spray (you can buy it legally in Germany). I keep an eye out on my walks. My dog is big and protective.

I still feel jittery sometimes though. Tis crap!

[Owllady]

I have posted about this before but I have been repeatedly followed by a man and had to eventually phone the police and log it
I changed my walk, I don't think there is any need to unless you have similar happen and although I hate to change my own behaviour I did. I changed times, route, even wore different clothes
If I feel under the weather or a bit tired, I now try yo walk in areas where there is more pedestrian traffic
The police said to me if you ever feel under threat just ring them as thatscwhst they are for
Nutters are few and far between hut I have 3 children, I don't really want to end up dead :Chevy Chase: