Fending off wild dogs (from a runners prospective)

J

jacobts2013

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Jan 1, 2014
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First off, I'm in part of the world right now where there is no animal controll and wild dogs are a problem. Usually these dogs are pretty nervous around people and keep their distance.

While on my run this evening, I spoted a few near the road I run on, figured they'd leave me alone as I passed and they did. Tonight, however, one decided not to move and started growling as I came closer (assuming this is a new pack and this was the alpha). I stopped running and started to back away slowly while still facing the dog. It continues to approach, backed up slowly maintaining composure until it (and the 8 other dogs) bolted towards me. I took off running and fortunately I was near enough to call for help from the post standers. Once 4 people came to my aid, the dogs gave up.

Had I been just a little further down the road on my run, in sure I would have been attacked. I'm confident I could kill or at least deter a lone dog or even 2 (no doubt would be bit in the process) without a weapon. My question to you is, what is the best weapon (other than a firearm) for a runner who encounters packs of wild dogs from time to time?

I need something lightweight and easy to run with and conceal in running atire. What gadgetry comes to mind??
 
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Explosive, or flash-bang type of thing. Fireworks that you can light easily.

Have you looked into a can of bear spray?

Seriously, against 8 determined dogs, you're done without a firearm.

Other advice is whatever you can use to take down an alpha quickly, hopefully scaring the others. Once you're surrounded and on the ground, you're done. You can't do light and easy to carry to deal with a problem like that outside loud bang thingies.

Zero

ETA: so my real answer is a treadmill or rowing machine.
 
Due to a bunch of political bs I cannot carry a firearm most of the time and certainly not in my down time at the gym or running. I also cannot find a place to ship any spray out here
 
jacobts2013 said:
Due to a bunch of political bs I cannot carry a firearm most of the time and certainly not in my down time at the gym or running. I also cannot find a place to ship any spray out here
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What about making homemade grenades?

Seriously, think about it. These dogs are what, 30, 40 pounds a piece? 40*8=320#, 8 sharp mouths, 8 attack angles. You're not going to be willing to carry a spear, so without an area effect given by chemicals or chemical reactions, there's no way out of that.

Find someone that will ship a mislabeled box for spray. If you're in the military, find someone who's willing to lose a box with CS gas grenades.

No free lunch here.

Zero
 
See if you can get bear repellent spray delivered to you. Where I live you can order that but can't order normal pepper spray even though the bear stuff if stronger and in a bigger can.
 
Can of pepper spray for runners. Lightweight and smaller than a can of 20' wasp spray which would run afoul of proper use laws.
Tactical flashlight with aggressive strobe and or collapsible sambok. Very powerful dog whistle though people seem split on effectiveness. Short of a fire arm spray but in a wind you could potentially disable yourself.
 
The tool that comes to my mind is a collapsible baton, but those tend to be illegal in a lot of places. Unfortunately, the list of self defense tools consistent with running are often the types that get outlawed.

If you can't get a baton, then I would suggest bear mace. I know bear mace is often outlawed as well.

If no bear mace, then the smatchet really isn't a bad option, even if it is kind of a running gag on the site. But assuming that daggers / dirks are illegal (always a possibility ) maybe a machete.

And if all of those things are not an option, run with a stick.
 
Fill some glass Christmas ornaments with cayenne pepper and throw them in the dogs face.
 
Carry a bag of old tennis balls and toss them hither & thither and run like crazy.

or run with a buddy who is slower than you.
 
GatorFlash1 said:
Carry a bag of old tennis balls and toss them hither & thither and run like crazy.

or run with a buddy who is slower than you.
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Children are better. If he gets enough children mauled maybe they'll deal with the dogs, or make an exception for him. Or they'll be so mad he has to run away from them, giving him his running exercise.

Zero
 
I think at this point it's not about coming out alive... If I get attacked by a pack of these dogs with no help, I just want to take as many as I can with me haha might start running with a m67 in my pocket.
 
jacobts2013 said:
I think at this point it's not about coming out alive... If I get attacked by a pack of these dogs with no help, I just want to take as many as I can with me haha might start running with a m67 in my pocket.
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See? Military. Get some riot control grenades. You have to have some of that stuff on base. If you're going to take an m67, then get a CS grenade.

Zero
 
Poisoned hot dogs strategically placed. Sounds cruel, but if it's you are them the choice isn't all that difficult.
 
1) Where is "here".

2) What do the locals do to avoid a chase?

3) Why not change your route?

We used to get chased on a daily basis. On bikes as part of the ride took us through an Indian reservation. There were always tons of dogs there and they would ignore you till one of the hotheads started the chase. Then a pack would form and they're run with you till the street where their turf ended. If the group was talking loudly and pedaling they'd hear you way ahead and be waiting. If you were quiet and then coasted in and started a sprint when the exit was in sight they wouldn't get off their front steps.
 
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