jogging and street dogs

suryakund

My technique is to pull out my belt, which in India anyway has a larger, slightly heavier metal buckle. And swing it holding it from the other end, and let the dog have the buckle. But typically even the most rabid dog knows enough to not come within range.

Unfortunately Dani's comment is quite true. Indian cities are overrun by wild urban dogs and India has the highest incidence of rabies from dogbite.

Nick-H

Hey! I didn't say anything about self defence! If I felt I was at risk from my local dogs I would certainly carry a stick.

These dogs are not just strays; they will form relationships with security men, street sellers etc, and they will protect their own. I'd rather have them around than not

seventies'hippy

Yes, But most of the rabid animals are found in more rural locations.
Plus at the first signs of rabies in a dog, that dog is killed immediately.
Over the years I've been bitten twice in India, once in CP New Delhi on the back of the ankle & once in Pushkar, lower leg. Both times I was assured by local people who saw it happen that that particular dog was ok & that I'd just surprised it.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

So if ever you are bitten, don't panic, weigh up the situation, Was it a Mad Dog running around crazily or was it just a dog which you'd disturbed/surprised or intruded upon.
Best advice is to make some sound as you're walking/jogging to forwarn the dog that you are approahing,,,,,,,,,

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dani

hehe, wrong guess
I've just recited statistical facts, not personal experiences...

RedSwordfish

the easiest way to deal with aggresive street dogs is pepper spray, it's easy to carry with you and it won't injure them seriously. I used to do so in Greece.

etin

Pepper Spray.. not sure it will work. You need to be carefull with street dogs only in late nights and early mornings. Mostly they will be in a group. Its better not to surprise them, make some sound and forwarn them. Allways keep your cool. Still if you feel very threatened avoid them or ask for assistance if you see anyone around. I am sure locals will be very willing to help you. If you are with someone else I am sure these dogs wont threaten you.

Hippie at Heart

All Indian street dogs are usually not harbingers of rabies, their meagre living is somewhat robust and their health is more dependable them nay sissy pedigree dogs living in protected environs. Streets dogs are more street wise and mature then you know mostly mind their business unless surprised upon. It is mostly in the night that they reign over their territories and bark at ‘intruders’. Although they see things only in grey and black but in day time anyone looking odd might get their attention with full fangs at display, now this looking ‘odd’ is relative to locality. A hippie backpacker, a dhoti clad farmer or a rag picker on business will be barked upon in any Delhi locale but not a usual pant shirt-wearing guy just next door.

I guess street dogs are dress sensitive Or at least this is what I have learned from Browny, a cross between golden retriever and a street dog, fellow of absolute charms with all females in locality and no scrupulous whatsoever One evening he just decided that he has adopted me and refused to leave me, in very short time he managed to locate which flat I live in, what my evening walk time is and which car I drive. Once I even saw him getting into a terrible flight with two dogs over pissing rights on my car tyre!!

Bottom line these creatures are intelligent when you acknowledge that they are! Plus you can’t roam around with a leki teki all the time in India. Have you ear on the ground and play accordingly.