Jog and Dog.......Stop and Go

So when should a jogger stop for a dog…when the dog is giving chase! Keep running and they’re sure to keep chasing - it an adrenalin thing! Most dogs can out-run humans :-)

Stop and turn side away from the dog - make no eye contact and don’t turn your back just ignore and remain calm while hopefully the owner will retrieve their dog. If the dog keeps approaching then hold an arm out with hand signalling stop - like a laid back traffic cop (it can help to imagine you are that calm cool traffic cop) and say a firm “NO”, not a shout or panicky the tone is all important - say it and mean it! Though don’t actually lean back rather lean slightly forward but not exaggerated, and definately follow the "no touch" rule! Most dogs understand the word as meaning stop, the key here is your energy - stay in the moment and in control - calm and confident own your space. It can help to think about how you may react if someone gets to close to you and you think “hey you’re in my personal space” - keep that energy but without any anger, if you like be “aloof” this will get most dog’s respect.

Go and keep going if there’s dogs about but not chasing, slow to a walk as you move into their focus - keep that “owning your space” feeling and just walk on by, then when clear pick up speed again. The best advice I can give is to get in touch with your instincts and trust them…that’s what dogs do they don’t think “oh shall I chase that jogger today” they just react to what is going on around them. That’s why it helps to understand their mindset and language - to communicate in non-human ways!

So "Happy Jogging and Doging" all. I “power walked” with my Terriers today, at one point I wondered how we would all get on with a jog….two steps into the movement and I tripped over a lead! Back to a fast walk pace I think is best can‘t really have their Pack Leader face down in the sand :-)