Dogs: What to Do

Maybe…
Maybe you’ve thought about taking your dog along.
Maybe you’ve imagined the perfect run—man and dog, side by side.
Maybe you’ve pictured the bond, the exercise, the joy.
Here’s the truth:
Don’t.

RUNNING WITH YOUR DOG

It sounds great.
It’s not.
Three reasons:

1. SAFETY

One cat.
One squirrel.
One stray ball.
That’s all it takes.
The leash jerks, you stumble, you’re down—or worse, someone else is hurt.

2. Courtesy

Your friends came to run with you—not your dog.
They didn’t sign up for potty breaks and bag duty.

3. Health – For the dog

Long-distance running can harm dogs, especially large breeds.
Hip dysplasia isn’t rare—it’s common.
I learned the hard way with Rugby, our first dog.
We ran together daily.
Years later, he struggled to stand.
I’ve carried that guilt ever since.
Walk your dog instead.
Let them join you for the cool-down.
They’ll still love you for it.

ENCOUNTERED BY DOGS

It happens.
A growl.
A snap.
A bite.
Why?
Because you’re moving.
That’s enough to trigger instinct—chase, protect, defend.
If it happens:
Stop moving.
Drop your gaze.
Turn slightly away.
Don’t run.
Back up slowly.
Speak firmly:
“Go home.”
“No.”
“Get back.”
Most dogs lose interest when the chase ends.
If you know a man 50+ who’s thinking about lacing up again,
invite him in.
There’s a whole community here.
Still running. Still learning. Still becoming.

let’s run forever.

TOGETHER.

THE PERSONAL MILE

This one’s recent.

One night I booked a flight to Bucharest, Romania.
No plan.
Cheap fare.
Points for a Marriott.
I was going to run strange streets in the early morning.

Then I read about the wild dogs.
Reddit warnings.
Old news stories.
Even a quote from Emil Zatopek cautioning runners.

That night, I dreamt Dobermans saw me as a full-sized Porterhouse.
I woke up uneasy.
Checked one more source at 6:10 a.m.
The warnings were real.

I canceled.
Still ask myself: What was I thinking?

TOOLBOX

  • Learn the stop–turn–speak method for dog encounters.
  • Avoid running with your dog—protect their health and yours.
  • In rare, high-risk areas, consider a small runner’s air horn: Safety-Sport Air Horn.

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