What if...

[weecalf]

When out for my early morning walk ..Going up a tree lined pathway what was standing ther but a big alsation dog ..I just froze its dark no one around .It just stares at me so back track down the pat .Luckily he does not follow me ..I intend to go home and forget the walk .then I thinks why should someone elses dog stop me from going about my lawful and enjoyable walk .So with determination I decide to go about my walk .I see him in the distance but continue on .He goes over the wall back into his owners garden .so I continue .Later on the same day Im again up the road passing the owners house .I drew his attention and pointed out that the dog was on the road earlier that morning .I ask would he bite .The owner say well he does not like strangers .As these people have just moved in this house they would not be known to me so yes I would be a stranger to the dog .What can I do because I am not going to give up my early morning walk .what if he bites me .Now I know that the dog is on the road which might bite me would it be construed that I was reckless in going for the walk and putting myself in danger .

[tenrec]

I think the family need to be asked to keep their dog under strict control. Do you have a dog warden?

[B00]

http://www.avforums.c...nkers-body-armour.jpg

[ummmm]

It's not about your early morning walk....what if you urgently need to get from A-B through that road? Report it...

[weecalf]

Warden or armour then .

[mccfluffy]

You should be girding yr loins
But they are responsible for keeping the dog under control, speak to the dog warden

[venator]

Dogs are usually aggressive when defending their territory.

In a new place, it will decide its boundaries. if the road is busy, with other dogs using it, there's a likelihood that it will be off its territiory there.

If you stride along confidently and don't challenge it, there should be no trouble.

Of course, it may not have read this, and will rip your throat out...

[4getmenot]

Unfortunately with my phobia of dogs it stops me going on many walks

[daffy654]

Take a walking stick with you on your walk, they come in handy if you need to defend yourself against dog or human.

[4getmenot]

and on my route to work I sometimes see a man in a wheelchair with a rotweiler by his side, not on lead.

[tenrec]

Very good advice. I was walking through a field with a carrier bag and the sheep thought they were going to be fed. They wouldn't stop following me! It scared the pants off me!

[askyourgran]

And take a big stick with you.
I'm not usually afraid of dogs, so I would try to befriend it. If it sees you every day it will get used to you eventually. If it is a public path it should be restrained.

[LoftyLottie]

I am more worried by some humans than I am dogs!! If I was going up a tree lined pathway in the dark and saw a human loitering up there I would turn round and go in another direction.

The dog didn't seem to be at all interested in you weecalf if he saw you coming and went back over to his own garden.

[LoftyLottie]

I do agree though that he shouldn't be out on a public path on his own. I agree with askyourgran except for the big stick - a dog seeing someone with a big stick could well turn aggressive because of fear.

[weecalf]

Thanks everyone .I intend to keep on walking but resent the fact that someone elses dog may make me have to give up my early morning walks .I will let you know of any other developements but weather permitting I will be striding out tomorrow morning.

[B00]

Agree with lottie, don't do the stick thing!

[ummmm]

I'm scared of dogs I don't know :-(

[Messi_Ten]

Take him some biscuits and become his friend. He'll then join you for your walk.

[seadogg]

You could get the new people to introduce you to the dog then you would not be a stranger. Do it before the dog gets to think it is king of the path. Alsations are wonderful dogs and good with their friends, especially if they carry a little dog treat.

[ladybirder]

Take some treats with you - it'll be your new best friend by the end of the week:-)

[Messi_Ten]

There's too many paranoid cat people on here! Why are you so scared of dogs?