Dogs lunging with no warning

[NoImNotEntertained]

Looking for a bit of advice here if anyone can offer some. I jog round the local common a few times a week with my dog and so far this week we have been lunged at on every run by various dogs.

They haven't followed through and bitten but it is most definitely NOT playing. They are snarling and growling and they run at my dog (who basically shits himself and cowers/rolls over) and then they stop over the top of him and the owner grabs them. Both times I have calmly said to the owners that they should probably put the dog on a lead if it's going to react like that. It's really terrifying.

This week the first owner just put the lead on their dog and marched off (the dog then lunged at a second poor sod and his elderly beagle who passed by). Second owner just hurled abuse at me.

My brother suggested perhaps carrying something like a corrector spray handy so that I can try to head them off or shock them out of it? Do they work? The last time it was 2 massive retrievers went after my little spaniel and I honestly thought they were going to kill him. I'm a dog person, have grown up with them but for the first time I'm starting to get really anxious about being out there. It used to happen on the odd occasion but now it's most weeks, sometimes more. Seems to be an increase in the number of (I'm assuming inexperienced) owners with NO control over their animals.

I'm really aware that some runners can be inconsiderate. For that reason we're purposely very courteous when out. I don't run up behind people or startle dogs with their backs turned. We give warning, politely ask to pass and wait or walk when needed and always give space and step aside for people to pass. It has historically been a lovely friendly run. Ddog is well trained and sticks with me just trotting along.

Does anyone carry something as a deterrent or is that likely to just make the situation worse? I'm feeling like it's just a matter of time before my little guy gets seriously bitten and then I'll be injured too trying to help him.

Bit sad as we've always loved our runs but I'm really on tenterhooks these days, feel like I'm losing my nerve!

I wish I knew the answer. It sounds like you are doing fine and the other owners are just inconsiderate - and it's frustrating.

I think a deterrent WOULD risk making the situation worse and instead, am a big fan of an obvious point to your dog and a shout: "he's sick and it's really contagious!".

Of all the tactics, this is the one most likely to provoke an immediate and proper response by another owner, fearful of an impending vet bill...

Oh, and trying not to be too worried yourself because otherwise you can inadvertently give out cues that make the dogs anxious - a lunging snarling dog is not always as keen to 'follow through' with the threat as it might appear. Which is NOT to say it's your fault, or that it's just that easy when you're worried about your dog. It's not, I know
:(

You should be able to run or jog without being lunged at but the reality is that many owners do not train their dogs against this.

Moving at speed will stimulate many/most dogs and unfortunately they will chase, lunge and get excited.

A pet corrector although tempting is not a good idea. It puts you in a dodgy situation and can fuel the situation more.

Personally I would change the time and location of your run for an easy life.

I wish I could describe myself as "moving at speed"! . There are some owners that immediately grab their dogs or call them over and I know it's because likely they react to runners. So I do slow down or walk and say thanks when they do that. We tend to stop and walk also if a dog starts crouching and staring intently at ddog. He comes very close to me when that happens.

Often they lollop over with bouncy paws and it's obvious they're up for a bit of a run round and some playing which is lovely. But sometimes they definitely don't and the owners are just oblivious until it happens.
I have to agree my instinct was that the spray might exacerbate the situation.

I did get there earlier today but it's still relatively busy. Feels like luck more than anything else! Thanks for the thoughts! Agree that the spray is probably not a good idea.

Maybe experiment with running at different times? Where I live there are - it seems - times for runners /off lead ddogs /cyclists!! If I try to ddog walk at 9 am it's ddog walkers with bonkers off lead pooches. 10am is a ghost town!

@NoImNotEntertained When you are running are you giving owners the chance to recall their dogs or put them on a leash. I'm not sure how fast you run? I know there's a man who runs sometimes with a dog and my dogs on a leash and sometimes I have to pull my dog in very quickly as he won't stop.

Hi @Sitdowncupoftea. I do slow down, having learned from threads on The Doghouse when I first started out! Also not running up behind dog walkers without warning, very useful advice I found on here!

I guess that's the annoying thing, I feel like we're taking every precaution, slowing down/giving warning/pausing and walking etc. But recently these episodes just come from nowhere even when the dogs have seen us coming without any reaction, it's really scary.

I'm a real dog person so as a rule not immediately unnerved by barking dogs or anything, and as far as I'm concerned our runs are a joint thing so if ddog wants to run and play for a bit with other dogs I really don't mind. I have lots of lovely chats with people and have got to know regular walkers. It's just a shame that in the last few months this new dynamic has become more prevalent. I've been genuinely concerned for our safety a few times.

Winter months there tend to be less people about so I guess there's that!
Appreciate the advice!

@NoImNotEntertained I would personally change my route or times if that's possible as it sounds like its the dog walkers at fault. Use the OS map app. I'm not sure where you live but you can plot a route. With darker nights and colder weather coming you will find that the fair weather dog walkers don't like to go out. I've noticed it quieter around my village just the regulars again.

A dog doesn’t have to bite to be considered dangerous under Dangerous Dog Act. Owners who fail to control their dogs can be prosecuted and dog destroyed. Advise the owner of this and call police if it recurs. Maybe print out relevant part of Act to hand to them to allow the time to reflect.

www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/65/section/3

I must admit a jogging dog is one of the only things that sets mine off, no idea why. Mine are on lead but I can feel the tension from them all when a dog runs past
I think it’s perhaps a threatening thing when a dog runs towards them, and maybe a prey thing as they run off.

Unfortunately I think it’s probably something that will keep happening despite all of your precautions. I don’t think your doing anything wrong at all but if I run with one of mine I tend to do it away from parks and off lead dogs and stick to pavements just for safety reasons!