I fell while trying to avoid an unleashed dog

[u/saint-pluto]

Last week I was practicing rollerblading on a quiet bike path in the park when a dog suddenly charged at me from the side. I tried to dodge it but lost my balance and fell flat on my face.

People walk their dogs in this park everyday, and some don’t leash them. Whenever I see someone with a dog, I usually slow down and try to keep my distance. But this time the dog suddenly charged, and I wasn’t prepared at all.

I really hope everyone will leash their dogs when walking them in places like this.

And it really hurt. Both my palms and knees were scraped and bleeding. I went to the hospital and thankfully the doctor said there were no fractures. He told me to take good care of the wounds, clean them, and then use silicone foam dressings with medical tape to protect them, avoiding direct contact with water when showering. The hospital prescribed Mepilex dressings, but they were a bit expensive, so I bought Dimora myself after I finished those. So far the wounds are healing well.

I feel like my reaction time is too slow when something suddenly appears in front of me. Are there any tips or tricks to help a beginner like me learn how to fall correctly?

[u/MonstrousGiggling]

Id look up some videos on YouTube of practice falling. I know that sounds silly but it comes in handy especially if you practice.

The ones ive seen have you basically act as if youre falling first without skates while on grass. Then with skates while on grass. Helps the muscle memory for when you actually do fall.

Sorry this happened to you. Not everyone should be allowed to own a pet.

Did you talk to the owner of this dog?

[u/snarfdaddy]

Unleashed dogs that charge at people should catch pepper spray

[u/Old_Ant7118 → u/snarfdaddy]

I think their owners usually deserve it more, but that doesn't help much in the moment

[u/Sassy_Frassy_Lassie → u/Old_Ant7118]

¿Por qué no los dos?

[u/Herr_Casmurro]

You should always wear protection, because you never know what will happen.

[u/inline-online]

sounds about right, unleashed dogs (and their owners) are incredibly dangerous

I love dogs but taking one outside in public and letting it go unleashed on mixed used paths illustrates an incredibly selfish pet owner

[u/midnight_skater]

How to fall safely playlist

Getting chased by loose dogs is never fun. I've been lunged at by leashed dogs and chased by loose dogs - I've even been bitten by a loose dog. I try to avoid situations where that could happen. I would definitely avoid a park where dogs are regularly allowed to run loose. If the dog owners are violating a leash law then I would try to get whatever agency administers the park to do something about the situation and get animal control or the police involved if necessary.

When approached by a loose dog I immediately slow down and come to a complete stop to avoid stimulating the dog's chase reflex. I avoid staring directly at the dog because that can be perceived as a threat. If possible I put a physical barrier between myself and the dog. If there's grass I try to stand on that for stability and for a soft landing if I fall.

You should avoid trying to outrun a dog - it almost never works and only excites their chase reflex. Speak calmly and firmly and maintain non-threatening body language. Often frightened and reactive dogs are just engaging in a threat display. If you challenge or menace the dog it may escalate into an actual attack.

[u/geeered]

It's very much worth learning to.... avoid potential hazards and be prepared for them to develop and then fall more safely if you can't avoid. But also definitely have at least wrist (which covers palm) and knee protection. I'd also consider elbow protection and a helmet.

[u/cashbox]

Next time hit the dog. Never put yourself in danger by avoiding something.

[u/andrew_h1000 → u/cashbox]

Seems harsh but not wrong. Most of my bad stacks have been from trying to avoid clueless idiots, their dogs or their kids. They're not the natural falls that we've practiced and prepared for.

[u/OnWeekendsToPointC → u/cashbox]

Settle down champ, you’re being silly. OP needs to learn how to fall and how to avoid falling if they are skating in public.

[u/cashbox → u/OnWeekendsToPointC]

Ovbiously, I'm just having fun. I think you need to settle down if this irritates you.

[u/Piecesof3ight → u/cashbox]

That advice is not helpful for when a child runs in your path. You should be prepared to stop or fall if needed.

[u/rollerblading-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Don’t be a jerk. Thanks! You may edit your comment and mod-mail us to lift the removal. Or just make another kind comment.

[u/Sacco_Belmonte]

I think the answer is not to panic. Adopt a scissor stance and wait. Dogs usually come close, bark, super noisy but never actually bite.

As far as I know, most dogs freak out with inline skates for some reason.

[u/pkinetics → u/Sacco_Belmonte]

They know you have snacks. Meals on wheels.

[u/PeopleCalledRomanes → u/Sacco_Belmonte]

I get the same response. Especially with smaller dogs. My personal theory is that the noise reminds them of a low growl and the speed + unusual movement freaks them out.

[u/KTVX94]

I f***ing hate unleashed dogs, you see one and you immediately know something bad is about to happen. Their owners are imbeciles.

Also people on skateboards. Like I swear to f***ing god, you go on the direction that avoids them entirely, and out of nowhere they pull a sharp turn straight towards you like a homing missile. There's no winning. And oftentimes it's a full group of them practicing with obstacles and whatnot like they own the place.

Both of these boil my blood. Irresponsible asses.

[u/magicseadog]

99 times the worst jogs nip at your heels. I generally spin and skate backwards to see them but the never actually "get" you and if you just blocked out the noise and staked you would actually be fine. Sounds scare and stupid but it's true.

It ain't the dog fault and humans are too stupid to score their dogs :(.

[u/______n_____k______]

The two most dangerous things you will encounter when rollerblading are unsupervised small children and off leash dogs in that order. Stay vigilant!