Fitness safety

**Crystalblue** · 06-29-2011 10:27 AM

I've never been a paranoid person when it comes to going for walks or jogs and staying safe. I try to just use a little common sense. When I go jogging in the morning, I wait till it's light and I know other people will be out on the track. If I go for a walk after dark, I don't go alone and always have my phone on me.

The other night me and some friends were walking a high school track and a dog charged us from across the track. The owners were there, but it wasn't on a leash and they didn't call it or try to stop their dog. All I saw was a big dark shape rushing us really fast. It stopped and barked at us and then ran off, but it was really intimidating and scared the poop outta me. Lol. I actually screamed and that doesn't happen easily. I can't remember the last time it happened, not counting roller coasters.

I called the non emergency number to report the dog off it's leash and acting aggressively, but no one came.

What do people do to stay safe against people and dogs when they're out excersizing? It costs to much for me to join a gym, but I have a new appreciation for the safety it provides. I could walk softly, but carry a big stick. Lol. I don't like the idea of carrying mace or a weapon. Maybe a knife? I would definitely use it on a dog, but not sure about being able with a person. I'd rather not have a weapon then have one that could be turned on me.

What are some basic safety tools to use in the future?

**Little** · 06-29-2011 11:14 AM

Mace should work on a dog. Dog bites are a nasty thing, expensive and can do permanent damage, even when they're essentially an impromptu liposuction.
Have you considered a stun gun? You should check the laws in your state, I'm sure Texas is lenient about self-defense but it pays to be certain!

**Crystalblue** · 06-29-2011 11:30 AM

I just googled it. Both are legal here. We love our weapons. I'll look into getting pepper spray. I think I'd be to tempted to play with a stun gun. Lol. I'd have to find somewhere to keep it away from the kids, but I'd much rather have something like that with me, than nothing at all. I was only armed with my water bottle and my phone. I have bad night vision, but my friend said it was a pit/boxer mix, and a half empty plastic bottle and a cell phone don't make for very good weapons against a dog like that. Chances are, it just wanted to play and say hi, but it was scary enough to make me think.

**LanaBear** · 06-29-2011 12:16 PM

I carry pepper spray with me when running outside most times. Sometimes depending on the time of day I run, I carry something more.

It pays to be prepared. Just make sure you are safe and sane about it.