I hate summer and the proliferation of people out jogging. I wish they had a bit of common sense. I know they have as much right as me to be out and enjoying the countryside but a bit of consideration and common sense wouldn't go amiss.

They run up behind me and can't be heard on grass so they invariably startle both me and the dogs as they hurtle past with no warning. This can make the dogs bark and my pup leaps up at them. When coming towards me they are just as bad. as soon as I see one I call the dogs to me to put their leads on but the joggers just keep on coming. Even if I shout and ask the m to stop for a second whilst I catch the youngster they just carry on and then get cross when she jumps up at them. If they walked she would take no notice at all.

And even when I manage to get my pup on a lead they resolutely stick to their chosen path. This morning I got the pup sat on a lead a right back by the hedge and was rewarding her sitting while the jogger approached. I expected the jogger to modify his path slightly to avoid us (the path is about 10 feet wide at this point) but no he just ran straight past within about a foot of me and the pup and then shouted at me when she jumped up at him.

I know they have a right to enjoy the countryside as they see fit but surely I do to?

I don't think it's the fact that they are joggers that is the problem, it is the fact that they are people.
There is no consideration anymore, it is all 'me, me, me'.

some joggers are really good but others not. I've always kept my girl on a lead around them as she is a herding breed I don't trust her to ignore them, she is better now but as a pup would try to chase after them. When she was a pup a jogger came into the field just after I had let her off and had thrown her ball. I was calling her to come back and the jogger trying to be nice said 'its ok look ill throw her ball for her' before I could say anything he had thrown it and she ran after it then saw him jogging off so chased after him.

Last week me and a friend went to sit in the fields under a big tree to take some photos of our dogs, a jogger came in so I put her back on lead while we waited for him to pass threw the field (lots of joggers jog threw the filed) however this man was jogging around all the fields so I had to keep putting her back on every 10 minits as he kept coming back around. he must have gone around the field we were in at least 5 times. In the end we gave up and left as couldn't really get photos of the dogs off lead as we had to keep stopping and as soon as we left he followed us out the field.

Add cyclists to that list.

We have an old railway route that is now a cycle walkway, but you'd think from cyclists attitude that walkers were not something to be considered, dog walkers even less so.

Our country park also has no cycling but it is an easier route to cut through from A - B than going around so no-one minds as long as they realise they must take dogs and walkers and children, people playing ball into account.

Why oh why don't they use (or often don't even have) bells.

I'm afraid I disagree re joggers. Its our responsibility as dog owners to be aware of what's around us. If a jogger can get so close, running from behind, that he/she isn't seen then I'm afraid dog walkers aren't paying attention. It's not difficult to check behind to see what's in the distance. Lots of people treat their exercise very importantly, and if training for an event I think it's unreasonable to expect them to stop while we try and control our dogs. They have every right to walk, jog or run without dogs jumping at them. Our pets are our problem, not other peoples.

> Lots of people treat their exercise very importantly, and if training for an event I think it's unreasonable to expect them to stop while we try and control our dogs. They have every right to walk, jog or run without dogs jumping at them.

I think if people are training for a running event and do not wish to have to stop, they should choose a place where they will not be inconvenienced by dogwalkers, who also have every right to walk their dogs, train them, stop suddenly to pick up poo etc..  Both joggers and (dog) walkers need to keep awareness of dangers coming up from all sides (including cyclists coming round blind corners at speed :( ) - joggers who choose to run where dogs are walked really do need to be aware that there may be puppies about (or adult dogs) in training who may jump until they have been trained not to. 

The thing I find most annoying is those joggers and cyclists who insist (or try to!) on passing beside my dogs instead of beside me - I'm much less likely to jump at them or chase them! 

A little consideration on both sides can only be to the benefit of both.

> Its our responsibility as dog owners to be aware of what's around us

In general, I agree - BUT :) Where I used to live there was a narrow path through the fields which were on a slope. I used to continually check behind me when walking up/down. Some cyclists/joggers were very considerate, but there were others who were going so fast that by the time I had got both the dogs and myself up onto the edge of the path (crops were in the fields so you couldn't go any further) they would be whizzing past without slowing down - in my view totally inconsiderate apart from being dangerous, they were that close. I have no idea how many dogs you own or the size of them, but it does take several seconds to move a couple of dogs and make sure that they are parallel to the path as well (no butts sticking out). I also have an elderly dog with a stiff rear end who is deaf and if I pull him quickly, sideways, he will fall over. Just a few seconds consideration would be lovely - perhaps slow just a bit or make a wide pass where possible. It is not down to a dog owner exclusively to take care :)

No Arched - that is not fair.  We are walking along a narrow country path and suddenly someone is on top of you.  Joggers should be more mindful of other path users - you can't constantly be checking behind you when you are watching a couple of dogs and possibly children too.  There has to be some consideration for other people.  I have had cause to speak to a cyclist - I am not usually that forthright but I had had a glass of wine before I went out so was bolder than normal.  I asked a cyclist to give me time to put my dog on the lead and reminded him that it was a footpath not a cycle track - I only walk my dog off lead where there are no vehicles - if it was a cycle track I would be expecting bikes.  The man was rude and said that there were no signs that bikes were not allowed.  I would have thought that the gates would make it obvious to him that vehicles were not allowed - but there you go - he wanted to ride his bike along a narrow path - so why should we stop him!!!  Haven't seen him since!.  We had to ask the council to put up signs to remind horse riders that it wasn't a bridle path either. That was because there were a few selfish riders who kept riding down on top of you in a narrow space and not giving you time to put dogs on the lead, herd children out of the way etc.  One even told my husband that if he didn't control his dog then the horse would kick it!   Sorry - I give horse riders respect and space on the road - if they can't do that for nervous dogs - in a place where they should not be - it is just plain selfish.  Same goes for cyclists, joggers - we have even had kids on those 4 wheel buggy things and for a while motorcyclists!!!   I am just thankful for a peaceful walk  - listening and watching birds and other wildlife.  

> No Arched - that is not fair

:) :) I used to get a crick in my neck continually looking backwards because the path near us disappeared over the top of the hill and bikes would not be there and 5 seconds later they were :) :) :) I often joked with my husband that we really needed rear-view mirrors :) :) Don't talk to me about motorbikers either ........... :) :) Or car drivers - one of the lanes next to my house is so narrow that I and the dogs have to climb several feet up a bank under a hedge if a car comes (the other side of the lane has a vertical bank taller than me) and try to balance amongst the brambles :) :) There is nothing else to do unless you think that the driver will wait for you to hurry 50m down the lane until the bank is lower :) :) If a lorry comes it is quite frightening :(

Here, here, ceejay. We do have some paths that are designated as bridle ways which means cyclists can use them, but often have motorcyclists who aee not permitted, but at least you can hear them coming! I just wish cyclists would use their bells as they do tend to sneak up on you. As the path twists and turns you don't always see them coming how ever often you look behind. A bit of give and take would be appreciated.

We walk every day on a cycling path(we are in the foothill of the alps and this is mountain bikers heaven)...I always keep my twodogs on lead here as we can meet several groups of mountain bikers(as many as twenty in a group) racing past at very high speeds..I bless the  day I asked the breeder for a low prey drive pup this time ...he doesn't bat an eye as they pass.My last dog was the opposite,rearing up on her hind legs at cyclist and motor bikes.....what a nightmare. she was a cat maniac too...this one doesn't even bark when they pass.....fantastic.
Once on the fields I can let the dogs have a good run with the pup on a long line and I feel this is my space and enjoy the real freedom here.

If people cycle or ride horses on a footpath then they are wrong, but I was talking about joggers. I feel its my responsibility to control my dog and I certainly don't see why joggers/walkers should only use places where dogs aren't walked. Not everybody is a dog lover, not everybody understands dogs and their potential behaviour. Dogs being able to run loose is ideal, but unless your dog is close enough to control quickly then it can pose a risk. Presumably, if a jogger ran by a dog and the dog bit them then the owner would be at fault ?. I feel the same with dogs that run up to me and my dog when he's on a lead. He doesn't like it and I don't like it, uncontrolled dogs are a pain, and it doesn't matter how friendly their owners shout and tell me they are.

> but I was talking about joggers

Arched - where do you exercise your dog (s) ?? If I exercised mine in a town park where there are a large number of regular joggers, then I can understand what you are saying. What I am complaining about is rural areas where there are the occasional jogger and where visibility is limited. I am not objecting either to having to control my dog, but why should I keep my dog on a lead just in case a jogger comes along (once a month, say) ?? All I expect is either that the jogger keeps a wide berth or, if this is not possible, a few seconds to make sure that my dog is under control. This is nothing to do with not getting a dog under control, just some manners from the jogger that it does take a few seconds. We don't have many areas of wide, open spaces here to exercise our dogs (strange you make think, in the country). Farmers don't allow us to walk on their fields and the few footpaths that we can reach need us to walk along narrow roads to get to them. We bought a house with a field just so that we can let our younger dog off the lead without worrying about joggers !!

Arched, remember that a person running towards you can be seen as a threat and many dogs will become defensive if they feel they or their owner are being attacked. How is a dog supposed to tell the difference of intention? It's sensible, and polite, for a jogger to give people and dogs space.

My dog is exercised off lead on the local cricket field/rugby pitch which has a track around the outside which people use for jogging, walking etc. the rest of the time he's on a lead if around normal paths, housing areas etc or an extending lead everywhere else - including all the open countryside here. Many years ago I used to run a lot,  with him on an extending lead, through country paths. I never had an issue with other dogs apart from the ones who would run up to him but, as a dog owner I was aware of dog behaviour etc. This is what I said earlier, not everybody knows, understands or even likes dogs, therefore it's our responsibility to keep things safe. While of course it would be sensible and polite for them to give dogs space, if they don't understand dogs then they can't be expected to move - in fact they possibly feel a dog is a dog and the respect should come from the owners.

> it would be sensible and polite for them to give dogs space

That says it all really - just common sense and 'natural' politeness which, unfortunately, not everyone has :(

> it's our responsibility to keep things safe

Within reason - someone running too closely to a dog is their responsibility. If a jogger saw a toddler running about would they give them a wide berth too ?? These responsibilities must be on equal terms. Just because someone is training doesn't give them any God-given right to a totally uninterrupted run - if they want that then they must join a club and use a track closed to the public.

Going round and round in circles here (bit like a jogger). Yes, I said it would be sensible and polite to give dogs space - but as I also said, not everybody understands dogs. If they see a toddler then very probably they would run around it, but with a dog, well to many its just a dog, what possible harm could be caused. We love our dogs and understand them, we can't expect others to though.

I think what others are getting at arched is that people don't need to know about dogs or even like them to use some common sense (think unknown animal = unpredictable = give a bit of space) or politeness (someone asks them to slow down or hold on for two seconds).

Apart from the dog issue it is rude and intimidating to run or cycle up close to another person, especially from behind.

I have many times been startled by such, and my dogs are on lead at the time.

We have this thread every year :)  Whether its fair weather joggers or fair whether dog walkers I haven't yet worked out ;) (and there are ALOT of both LOL)(I am not saying you are either!!!)
But as a Jogger and a dog owner I can see both sides.
And there is not a hope that I would run close to a dog in fear of being bitten myself!!!!
I always give dogs a wide berth for theirs and my own safety.
Its not about joggers, or dog owners its about personal safety and MANNERS.
Lea :)

>Its not about joggers, or dog owners its about personal safety and MANNERS.

Exactly. If I'm on my own without a dog I really don't trust anyone who runs too close to me; I can never get the Russell murders out of my mind. If I've got a dog with me then the dog's going to pick up on that.

Even if joggers have zero knowledge of dogs it should be blindingly obvious that running too close to people and making them jump is just damned rude.

> xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Add cyclists to that list.

Totally agree!

The amount of times I move off the path and stand in the long grass with dogs letting a cyclist past and not even a 'thank you' from them.  But if I let the dogs run around them and they fell off, I'd be to blame.   I usually  shout 'You're welcome' as they pass.  Tentsmuir Forest is the worse so far for this.  Ignorant sods.

>I usually  shout 'You're welcome' as they pass. 

Ooh, a woman after my own heart! I find a loud "Good manners cost nothing" makes me feel better.

I shout a warning before I run past 'coming through' and say thankyou as I pass!!!! or if its someone that doesn't  I say thankyou for saying thakyou as they go past!!!
Lea :)

Arched, you are exactly right in my book!  Dog folk should realise that not everyone feels the same about our 4 legged friends.  And more to the point, they don't need to.  Dog ownership is a luxury and we shouldn't 'force' our dogs upon all and sundry.  My neighbours child is terrified of dogs and the amount of times she has been approached by off-lead dogs is ridiculous.  Some folk have no care or thought for other.

I am a jogger and couldn't count on both hands how many times I have been chased/attacked by dogs.  If approaching from behind, I always call out to let folk know but if they have no control over their dogs and can't recall, am I supposed to break my run and stop while they faff about with a badly behaved dog?  Especially in training, keeping pace and time is majorly important.  Waiting for someone who really shouldn't have the dog off in the first place through lack of control is frustrating.  But I don't want to get bitten either.
I'm quite lucky as I am used to dogs.  Usually if I'm getting chased, I turn and face the dog and usually have it by the collar by the time the owner is near.  Couple of times, dogs have ran out of gardens and ran straight onto roads to give chase too.

I love when my dog is out a run with me too.  She is perfectly trained and will run tight at my feet as we pass folk but this is apparently a major issue for 'dog folk' too!  I get shouted at cos THEY can't control their own dogs!! Ridiculous!

One of my dogs got bitten by a jogger's loose dog, so they're not all purer than the driven snow themselves.

> Especially in training, keeping pace and time is majorly important.

Then train where dogs aren't allowed to be off-lead, such as a running track. There are few enough places left where dogs can go offlead without people limiting them even further. All members of the public should have equal rights to enjoy public spaces, but that goes hand-in-hand with equal responsibility not to assume anyone has priority.

Cracar - please - your dog may be perfectly trained but I have a pup who is still learning!  In the perfect world both dogs should go into a down and stay there until released - but not every dog is perfect.  We are talking here too of folks who don't give a warning when approaching.  Very difficult not to jump when this happens and my adult picks up on every twitch I make. 

> Then train where dogs aren't allowed to be off-lead, such as a running track - etc

Well said JG!  Wish we had a 'like' button

> She is perfectly trained and will run tight at my feet as we pass folk but this is apparently a major issue for 'dog folk' too!  I get shouted at cos THEY can't >control their own dogs!! Ridiculous

'Sigh' :( Sorry - you are totally missing the point made by most of the people on here (we cannot talk for people not on CD and/or other dog owners). If you are running with your dog who is under control - I have no problem at all with that. What I do have a problem with is, if (with or without your dog) you run close to me (with or without my dog). Surely you assess a situation as it approaches and would deviate if, say, there was a mother with a pushchair and a young child ?? Or are you saying that you think you have as much right to be on the path as her and so run past within a foot or so ?? I'm finding it difficult to understand what you consider an acceptable distance to pass someone ??? If I see a jogger coming (or a cyclist etc) and I have time I will try to get off a path (if that is the only option for the jogger etc to run) I expect to keep my dog under control at all times - but I do require just a little time AND SPACE to do this and a jogger with a dog would require even more space. Not everyone exercises their dogs in nice, big open spaces like parks. If a jogger runs straight towards me without making ANY attempt to slow/move, then it is their problem if my dog barks at them. If a jogger is running some distance away (or has made an effort to avoid us where possible), then, of course, my dog should be under control. I NEVER force my dogs on anyone, I am VERY careful to avoid very close contact. Please tell me where you jog and I shall make every effort under the sun not to come anywhere near :) :) :)

One of the rules at sea is that the boat that can manoeuvre most easily has to give way to another. It's a pity that doesn't apply to joggers :) :)

The point is that joggers are on a mission !! Serious joggers are out to beat the best time, so to slow down or deviate would effect the time of their run. They are so puffed up with all the endorphins from running that the vast majority have only one end in sight, shaving seconds from their previous time.
People with dogs, children or the local over 60's ramblers are all viewed as a nuisance and an obstruction. Cyclists in training have the same sort of mind set.
The problem is that there are lots of different people using the same places for different functions, most of whom are quite selfish.
Such a shame that common courtesy, and politeness are a thing of the past, and everyone seems bent on forcing their right of way.
Scrambler and quad bikes are not allowed in lots of public areas, but the police seem powerless to stop them, during the winter months some paths become so churned up that they are unusable, have sunk deep in mud on several occasion and then had to fish my boot out of the quagmire !!!

I know what you mean about runners being on a mission.
We were driving along a narrow country lane which was being used for the route for a race. The runners were coming towards us and we had been going slowly and pulling over to the other side of the road. Rarely did one of them thank us. At one point a car came in the other direction and we had to pull over tight to the hedge and stop. A runner was coming towards us, head down watching his feet and almost ran into the car. Apparently we were the ones in the wrong once again.

I walk on Dartmoor so joggers are rarely a problem, but every now and then, depending on where I go, cyclists can appear out of the blue. Three cyclists appeared behind me a few months back with no warning. Two of mine wouldn't bat an eyelid, but this was my youngster's first less than ideal experience with bikes that close up. He tried to sniff one guy's leg and just followed his leg in a circle as he pedalled very slowly!! Was funny. Didn't chase though, and didn't follow for more than a few feet. I apologied as I always would but they just laughed at the dope.

But if his reaction had been worse or they had got annoyed, I would have seen it as their problem, not mine, if they didn't give reasonable warning.
I was dog walking a dog who chased a cyclist in a near identical situation once too. Again I apologised, I knew the dog was a bike chaser but hadn't ever seen a bike there before and it appeared out of nowhere. Guy said it's fine, but again we are not superhuman and if you don't hear it you can't do much about it other than train for it in the first place.

There are rude and inconsiderate people in all aspects of life who are never going to change so I don't find it worth my energy worrying about them. If they are annoyed let them be annoyed. If you need to spend some time with friends teaching your dog to ignore close joggers who approach without warning to feel better about it then that's ok too. It sounds like you have a lot of good training opportunities in this respect! People will always be rude, and yes you have as much right as they do to be there, but you won't change them and they will always be there, so you're better off just preparing yourself and your dog for it and enjoying your walks whilst grumpy joggers in their little bubbles get their endorphin fix :)

> The amount of times I move off the path and stand in the long grass with dogs letting a cyclist past and not even a 'thank you' from them.  But if I let the dogs run around them and they fell off, I'd be to blame.   I usually  shout 'You're welcome' as they pass.  Tentsmuir Forest is the worse so far for this.  Ignorant sods.

You just typed exactly what I was going to!  :-D

It's the same with cyclists and joggers here.  Every saturday morning we have a cross-country type run through the park, I avoid it now but I've forgotten a couple of times.  I make every effort to keep off the main path, stay out of their way, I wait like I'm waiting at a crossing for a gap to get across the path if I need to, and I have my dogs come and sit and wait for some to pass.  It's massively obvious what I and my dogs are doing, yet I have NEVER heard a single thank you from any of the joggers that I've moved aside for, whether it's during the saturday run, the annual fun run that uses up most of the park (again I try and avoid but I never know when it's on!), or the occasional larger cross country run.  Not once, from hundreds of joggers.  I've had less than a dozen thank yous from solo joggers inbetween those events, and two of those were from the same jogger on different occasions!  And likewise cyclists - less than half a dozen have thanked me, and this is all in the 6.5 years I've lived here, and I've walked up that park almost every day in that time.  It's downright rude!

Had a jogger run into me, headphone on, head down & bang & I'm in the hedge, no apologies, just kept on. I too shout 'thank you' or like JG 'manners cost nothing' but more often now I just keep quiet as the verbal isn't worth it, got to the stage where I find myself saying 'thank you' to people who've thanked me for getting out of the way, it's such a rarity.

> xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">One of my dogs got bitten by a jogger's loose dog, so they're not all purer than the driven snow themselves.<br /><br />> Especially in training, keeping pace and time is majorly important. <br />Then train where dogs aren't allowed to be off-lead, such as a running track. There are few enough places left where dogs can go offlead without people limiting them even further. All members of the public should have equal rights to enjoy public spaces, but that goes hand-in-hand with equal responsibility not to assume anyone has priority.

Hear hear!

Where are the joggers, cyclists, Mothers Union with umpteen unruly screeching children when the rain is horizontal and its blowing a gale?
Oh dog walkers are totally welcome to use the outdoor facilities when this lot don't want to go out!

Oh, I've got 3 dogs and 4 kids.  My screeching lot are always around come rain or shine and....I run 365 days a year, rain or shine.  No bad weather only unsuitable gear!
I think we will agree to disagree.  Some Dog owners think the whole world should appreciate animals the way they do, whereas some realise that not everyone is an animal lover and appreciate their space.  I have already stated that I do give as much room as I can too and also I give warning when approaching from behind.  I also slow down and give folk time to catch their dog or whatever but that probably still wouldn't be good enough for folks on here.  And no, a running track makes me feel like a hamster on a wheel.  Boring! ~So I take to the great outdoors.  Why are pathways only for dogs?
And, if a dogs in training for recall, why is it not in an enclosed area?  Surely if you were posting that your pup was chasing/worrying sheep, you would all be up in arms about keeping the pup under control but it's OK to chase people cos they are running?? I don't understand the logic there.

And, you'd be better walking somewhere else cos if your dog were to chase me, well, lets put it this way, a dog is still to make contact with my skin. :)  Might learn faster though!

>I also slow down and give folk time to catch their dog or whatever but that probably still wouldn't be good enough for folks on here. 

Unfair; the rant is about joggers who don't do as you do.

>And no, a running track makes me feel like a hamster on a wheel.  Boring! ~So I take to the great outdoors.

So you choose to share the great outdoors with others - equally. If you really want to avoid dogs when you're running, run where dogs aren't allowed. The same way if people want to avoid meeting dogs when they're walking their in-season bitch they go somewhere where they're least likely to meet them.

>Why are pathways only for dogs?

They're not; neither are they only for joggers.

>Surely if you were posting that your pup was chasing/worrying sheep, you would all be up in arms about keeping the pup under control but it's OK to chase people cos they are running??

Who said it's okay for dogs to chase runners? Nobody thinks that - they just want joggers (obviously not you) to appreciate that their actions make it more likely, and if they (again, obviously not you) were to behave a little more politely and considerately then it wouldn't happen.

Whatever happened to give and take?

> if a dogs in training for recall, why is it not in an enclosed area?&nbsp;

One of the reasons a dog in recall training may not be in an enclosed area, is that it has been trained as far as possible in that enclosure, even with tame distractions whizzing past it.  It then has to move into the open world, where the distractions are random, unpredictable and not just family and friends, to perfect its training.

> Some Dog owners think the whole world should appreciate animals the way they do, whereas some realise that not everyone is an animal lover and appreciate their space.

Rather a sweeping statement!  Not so many dog owners think they own all the space, but there are some (not all, but some) joggers who seem to think it's ok to take and hold the crown of the path even if it means that the poor dogs are hard put to it not to get a facefull of thorns or other dangerous vegetation.  It can take time to manoeuver an elderly or stiff dog, as well as an exuberant youngster, into the edge of the path. I always step aside for a passer (on feet fast or slow, on two wheels or four hooves) but having stepped aside I fail to see why I or my dogs should be expected to jump into a hedge or ditch because that passer will not return the courtesy.

> And no, a running track makes me feel like a hamster on a wheel.&nbsp; Boring! ~So I take to the great outdoors.&nbsp; Why are pathways only for dogs?

There are lots of interesting places I'd like to go with my dogs, but I take the hit of "boring" because I love my dogs. 

> And, you'd be better walking somewhere else cos if your dog were to chase me, well, lets put it this way, a dog is still to make contact with my skin. :-)&nbsp; Might learn faster though!

Not very nice!

I think we will agree to disagree.  Some Dog owners think the whole world should appreciate animals the way they do, whereas some realise that not everyone is an animal lover and appreciate their space.  I have already stated that I do give as much room as I can too and also I give warning when approaching from behind.  I also slow down and give folk time to catch their dog or whatever but that probably still wouldn't be good enough for folks on here.  .

No one is disagreeing with how you jog, everyone wants more joggers to be like you, what people are complaining about is joggers who don't act how you do. Not giving space, no warnings there coming from behind ect.
No one is saying joggers should like there dogs just that they should give them some space like they should with everyone, just as dog walkers should give others space.

Why are pathways only for dogs?
There not but there not also only for joggers, what people are getting at is some joggers could be more considerate towards others, yes there are inconsiderate dog owners but I'd think the majority of us on here arnt. When I'm walking my girl in the field and I see someone coming (I keep an eye on the gates) I call her back and put her on lead so she can't run up to them and bark at them. Then as we pass I'll move over so they can pass with out my girl getting in there way. It's just polite to make sire I don't bother others so why shouldn't others act the same.

And, if a dogs in training for recall, why is it not in an enclosed area?  Surely if you were posting that your pup was chasing/worrying sheep, you would all be up in arms about keeping the pup under control but it's OK to chase people cos they are running?? I don't understand the logic there.

No one said its ok for a dog to chase people just that it's more likely for a dog to chase some one who is running/jogging which is why dog walkers would like a warning if a jogger is coming up from behind so they can make sure there dog doesn't try to jump up at or chase the jogger.

A couple of years ago, one of my little ladies was expecting a litter. As she grew, and slowed down near the end, I used to carry her out of my back gate and into the fields to chill out under a big tree on a blanket. She loved it - just looking around watching the birds in the shade.
We usually never see a soul, but one particular day a female jogger, suddenly came upon us and my mum-to -be threw back her head and had a good old bark without moving a muscle or getting up from the blanket. I was trying to reassure her and talk to her gently whilst stroking her back.
As the jogger passed, she suddenly diverted and tried to kick her! I shouted " My dog is pregnant you stupid women" she stopped and told me to "Shut the thing up!" I was quickly to my feet as NO ONE touches my ladies EVER. I went up to her and repeated my dog was pregnant and I had a good mind to ring the RSPCA and report her. She quickly apologised and said that she had been bitten before by a dog who barked excessively at her and then lunged at her thigh and bite her, ending up with stitches. She asked if my lady needed any training to stop her barking!
I told her that I had never even heard my little lady growl, yet alone have the courage to bite anyone and perhaps it's her that needs to find a training class, preferably in anger management!

I've only ever had two negative experiences with joggers, one was when I still had three dogs, GSD and two SBT's, I saw the guy coming towards us, and gave the dogs the " come in " command to put them in at the side, which they did, this eejit, ran past, stopped and said " those dogs can bite ", to which I replied " and your an idiot " he jogged off after that lol.
The other was a chap who I used to see a lot jogging through our village with his dog off leash, along the very very busy main road. This day my neighbour and I were talking on the pavement, and to avoid us, the dog ran onto the road right in front of the cars !. Thankfully the cars stopped but the jogger was oblivious to his dog which was behind him, it wasn't until one of the car drivers shouted some abuse that he turned round to see his dog on the road !. Haven't seen him since, so hopefully he got a fright and has given up putting his dog and other road users lives at risk.
It's the damned mountain bikers that annoy me.

Cracar - not sure what you are implying when it comes to a dog 'making contact with your skin'  My pup has never experienced a jogger yet - he is just 5 months old and as another poster said - we are extending our training to the open countryside.  He is absolutely focussed on a ball right now and probably wouldn't notice a whole bevy of joggers going past.  That wasn't my point - I have 2 dogs and if someone approaches suddenly it is not easy to see to both of them - one who may be out in front chasing a ball and the other one sniffing behind me.  The few joggers I have met on my walk have all walked past my adult dog - or stopped for a chat - it is the off road cyclists that appear out of nowhere and shoot off downhill at stupid speeds or horse riders who forget how narrow the path is and ride down on top of you (both who are legally not supposed to be there) that get me angry.  I too have 4 grandchildren who often walk with me.

Now Cracar how would you feel if you are well into your stride on a footpath somewhere on your daily run and a cyclist suddenly appeared on your tail without warning and expected you to leap out of the way so he/she needn't alter his/her speed!?!  A similar situation I think.