Let me just start by saying that I love dogs. They are cute, cuddly, and great to have around.
I like to run at a nearby park. It’s big and grassy, there’s enough room to run almost 3 miles without looping around too much. There are many signs around the park, posted in super obvious places. They are as follows:
* Don’t climb the fence into the US air base
* Don’t jog through the dog park
* Pick up your dog’s poo
* Keep your dog on a leash
No one breaks the first one. The consequences are pretty clear. The second is also easy as well. I’ve never seen anyone run through the dog park, not sure why anyone would want to. 🙂
That brings me to the two that seem to be giving people trouble. Trying to avoid stepping in the poo in the grass is like trying to avoid getting blown up in a land mine. I’ve got piles of bags at home I’d be happy to make available. I’m really not quite sure why people think it’s ok to leave their dog’s business behind.
And today, again, I had to pause my run to ask a man to call his dog off. I don’t know much about dogs, but I know they like to run after things and in my experience, every loose dog along the running path runs after me. Oh, I believe the owners when they call to me from 29 feet away from their dog that they won’t bite and that they are “really friendly”. I am sure all the dogs are just as sweet as can be, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that there are leash laws. There is also a special large area just for dogs. That by the way, I am not allowed to run through. And I don’t.
Let me be clear, I like dogs. I do. If a person is close in proximity to their dog, that’s great. If a dog responds quickly and if an owner is super super aware of other people, then I’m not that particular. But a dog bounding up to me as the owner walks casually away is not ok with me. So, to the man at the park today: Yes, sir, I’m afraid of your dog. When I’m running through the park and a large animal bounds up to me? You bet it makes me nervous. Keep your eye on your dog. Let him run loose for a while, but if you can’t keep tabs on your dog, then get yourself to the dog park.
Karen Alma 
I totally agree, Karen. I used to run at a nearby park surrounded by a residential area. Sometimes, the dogs just showed up without any owner around.
One in particular was annoying (and I love dogs) as it would chase after me and get around my feet. Listen, I have enough trouble as it is staying upright and in motion – I don’t need a loose dog adding any more challenge to that.
I’ve also been chased by a big dog too. Since I often run with my little dog (leashed, of course), this freaks both of us out. It also messes up my RunKeeper stats, since I have to stop and handle the loose dog. It’s really not nice to screw up my already-pathetic average pace per mile.
yes, there is also the impact of leashless dogs on leashed dogs.
I hear you on this one too 🙂
What frustrates me most is that there is absolutely nothing I can do. I’ve been starting to tell the owner “Dogs make me nervous” or “Did you know there’s a dog park close by?” I usually get an annoyed eyeroll.
I stomp my foot at the dog and yell at it to shoo. Well, the pesky but non-threatening dogs. 🙂 Otherwise, I call out to the owner in a nice but form voice to please come get their dog. They can eyeroll me all they want. It’s not OK to let your dog terrorize or annoy other people.
I am not a fan of dogs. I am not afraid of them. I hate, hate, hate dog slobber and snot on my leg when they sniff me. It is DUSGUSTING!!