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 .
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...
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.