Thanks to the project «Run, Life Hacker, Run» we have learned a lot about the benefits of running and many readers, I am sure, have already joined or are going to join the ranks of runners. However, in addition to health, good mood and positivity, running can sometimes bring trouble. Alexey Taranenko told us about sports injuries that lie in wait for many novice runners, and I would like to touch on another problem of runners, regardless of age and physical fitness. Let's talk about dogs.
I think that many running people have encountered a situation when you run yourself slowly, you don't touch anyone, pleasant music is in your headphones, hormones of happiness are wandering in your blood, and suddenly a four-legged tailed creature rushes after you and starts clanking its teeth near your feet. Even if it does not reach the bites, the very fact of such an attack knocks off the rhythm, causes a stressful state and spoils the mood for the whole day. How to avoid such conflicts?
1. Try to run the same safe route. Beware of getting close to protected objects (construction sites, parking lots), where packs of mongrels fed by guards can try to prove their usefulness to you.
2. When approaching the dog, try to keep the maximum possible distance without violating its safety zone. Don't make any sudden movements. Try to keep her in sight until you leave.
3. Don't be afraid in any case! The elusive vibes released in fear are felt by dogs instantly and at a great distance. They act on the dog's psyche as the strongest «ozverin » and can make even a calm animal try to attack you.
4. If you are being chased by a dog, do not run away in any case. Stop abruptly, turn around to face the dog, and … And here it is necessary to act according to the situation. Some advise to freeze like a pillar and say affectionate words, others — try to scare the dog with a sharp cry and a counter attack. I know from my own experience that the imitation of lifting a stone with a subsequent throw works flawlessly on street dogs. Only the paws sparkle. :)
5. In any case, do not try to enter into a debate with the hosts. Remember that a dog lover is a person for whom even a bad word to his pet is a sufficient reason to break your head. No arguments about the necessity of a leash and a muzzle do not reach their consciousness, so do not waste your nerves and time in vain. (A separate ray of hatred — for piles of shit on park paths).
But the most terrible animals in the world are pugs, Pekingese and incomprehensible creatures on shaking legs, whose breed names I do not know. Led by cute grandmothers, they terrify not only runners, but also all passers-by, attacking everything that falls within their reach. No advice will help against them and any tactics are powerless.
And how do you cope with four-legged friends? What secrets of communication with dogs do you have?
