It's true...there are no bad dogs, just bad owners.

[AngryOldDem]

I was on a run this morning when I was nearly attacked by two put bulls. They came out of nowhere — I heard barking and growling, and when I turned around they were running right at me. I stopped, tried to show dominance by looking them in the eye, but they weren’t backing off. I really thought they were going to jump me. The owner came out, stood in his side yard, and made NO effort to collar them. Just stood there yelled at them to come back. He eventually pulled one back up into the side yard (he had a fenced backyard), then just let it go. The dog immediately came after me again, as did the other one.

His next door neighbor was out, and she was yelling at him too. “Get your dogs!” “Whut???” “Come get your goddam dogs!” When I was finally out of the dogs’ sight I was able to move away, slowly. As far as I know, this guy still did not secure them in his yard.

The neighbor offered to call the police, but I was too shaken up and just wanted to GTFO. I’ve had some crazy experiences while running, but this was the first time I felt genuinely afraid for my safety. I literally could not move for fear they would have gone for my legs or torso.

I’m angry at the man more than anything. There are a lot of little kids in that neighborhood, and if the man can’t control his dogs better than that….Maybe the lady should have called the cops. I don’t know. All I know is I need new shoes, and while I’m at the running store I’m going to see if they have any kind of repellent spray.

[spooky3]

1. I'm sorry this happened to you. Nt

[StarryNite]

2. Halt pepper spray works wonders.

I never walk without it. I've had to use it several times over the years. I even used it on a javelina one time. Luckily, it didn't actually reach it but the javelina smelled it and turned away. It will burn their eyes and leave orange on them but no permanent damage.

[AngryOldDem]

3. Thanks.

[mopinko]

4. just fyi- usps has recommended this-

just tried to find a link to the info, but didnt see it.

they recommend you assume a fetal position. tuck your arms and legs in as tight as possible, and bury your face. you might get bit in the ass, but that's preferable to the face.

but yeah, cops should be called. not too late.

[stopdiggin]

6. Cops, definitely

(and I'm not a person that does so lightly) But - aggressive dogs - particularly in pairs, or more - unrestrained - and challenging/aggressive towards any human ... You've got a potentially real serious problem going there. And, yeah - definitely 'owner problem' at the root - but that's not going to do a damned thing for the 6 yr old on a bike ....

[SWBTATTReg]

5. Hey, you need to complain to the authorities about this guy's dogs, and that he's not controlling

them. Someone unfortunately could get seriously hurt. Now, of course, being a dog lover, I wouldn't want anything to happen to the dogs but this guy is definitely a bad owner, doesn't deserve the dogs, or needs to take a course or two in dog handling procedures.

[SoCalDavidS]

8. If The Dogs Have Been Taught To Be Violent, It's Too Late For Them

I know you wouldn't want anything to happen to them, but if he's encouraged their aggressiveness, they might have to be put down for the safety of others.

Once they kill another dog, or god forbid, a child, it's too late.

[Bayard]

7. We have a friend

That was attacked by 3 large neighborhood dogs while he was out walking his own dog. Serious bite to his hand.

There had been other problems with the dogs, and the cops involved. This time it ended up in court, and the owner was ordered to put up a 6 ft fence, or have the dogs put down. They put up the fence.

Yes-- report the incident to the police, so there's a record. You may be saving one of those little kids you mention.

[mzmolly]

9. I'm sorry this happened to you. Would carrying mace be a good plan?

My neighbor carries bear spray when walking her dogs just in case...

[Karadeniz]

10. One of our best friends has severe vertigo, needs a walker and has a service dog. She likes to walk,

but just the other day a dog bombed out of another home and attacked her dog. Other neighbors helped. Her dog had to stay at the vet. Animal control was called and they spoke with the dog owner. The dog owner paid the vet bill, but her service dog has ptsd now. I haven't heard that the owner of the attacker has contacted my friend to perhaps arrange a time when the dog is sure to be contained... but that's not much help because my friend never knows when she's up to a walk.

[GoodRaisin]

11. If your town has a leash law try calling animal control.

We have one in my area and they pick up loose dogs. Sometimes the penalties are enough to make slack owners get their act together. I would especially recommend to do that if you want to keep running that way.

[targetpractice]

12. Glad you didn't get bit...

Had one or both of the dogs bitten you (depending on the state you live in)... They could have been seized by Animal Control, and possibly euthanized... Especially, if they've been reported as aggressive dogs in the past. Some states, like New York and others, have a "one bite free" rule, which means the first time a dog bites someone and has no prior history, there are no legal consequences.

The owner is a piece of shit, and doesn't deserve dogs. Hope it didn't take you too long to relax and start running again.