Erm... This might be a bit of an awkward question to ask, but i'm gonna ask it anyway. About 10 minutes ago, I was out, walking my dog. I decided to go closer to the school next to my house, and my dog was really worn out. I decided to turn back, when these 2 men came out from absolutely nowhere. I walked away. I was fine for about 30 seconds, when one of them said "Hey lad!" My dog turned around and looked a little bit scared. I turned around to see what all the fuss was about. Then the other man said "What's the dog's name?" I answered him with my dog's name. Then he started calling my dog, and whistling. I didn't understand why they wanted to call my dog over so much, so I picked up my pace. They both started walking faster, and these horrible newstories of my town from 2 years ago popped up in my mind, and then I just got an image of them with me in the headlock and about to kill me or take me away. I heard one of them breathing really heavily behind me. Next thing I know, one of them is right next to me. I looked at him and he smiled. It was a really creepy smile to me. And then he moved his hand. I didn't stay long enough to find out if he was going to touch me or my dog ._. So... Did I just overreact? Did he want to touch my dog, or do something to me?
I think overreaction would be punching the guy in the face when he came up to you with that smile. Other than that, no, I'd be a bit creeped out too.
You did just perfect, it wasn't overreacting because those men did not approach you in an appropriate manner, whatever intentions they had. If they just meant to see your dog, they could have started a conversation first, not right away go to you without even asking for permission. If your dog was scared, I think that's proof enough that they weren't nice people, even if all they wanted was to scare you for fun and nothing worse.
Might I suggest carrying some mace and/or a knife when you walk your dog. I carry pepper spray with me when I go running (mainly to spray dogs with).
I was bitten by a stray dog when running once. I had to go to the ER and get a tetanus shot. From what Soul has said, he lives in a very crime ridden area, so I don't think it is an extreme measure.
All of that is illegal... That's what made me worried in the first place Despite my dog getting on in her years, she's pretty good at running, hunting and...eating... and picking out bad people from wrong. I would have punched him in the face if he wasn't, like, 25. My anger issues were coming up and my heart was beating really fast. I could hear and feel it.
You did not overreact you did just fine. From the get go they made you feel insecure you natural reaction was to turn away this is the right thing to do, never confront avoid and move away you did great there. They then proceeded to invade your privacy, alarm bells are ringing now you don't necessarily have to run but picking up your pace is a definite thing to do. When they try to talk to you, ignore and move. When they came up beside side you that invaded you personal space, that was them directing intimidation at you and you did the right thing to move faster and away. No you did just right by moving this was not an over reaction this was self preservation / protection, from the beginning they made you feel insecure, that does not mean cowardice in anyway. When we feel we are faced with overwhelming odds our first reaction to seek protection, this was your natural in-stinks kicking in. Now that you have time to reflect in a place of safety your mind will be full of all kind's of thought's of what you would do if this or that happened. Next time if it ever happeneds again you will be better prepaired but I think you did everything you should have done. Well done
I don't know where you live, but where I live (Washington state) carrying pepper spray or mace is not illegal, but almost the norm, especially people likely to get chased by dogs (runners, etc.) or people worried about being alone.
I used to park on the other side of the river in downtown Flint then walk to my classes at the University of Michigan because the parking was overcrowded. There were often guys hanging out on the bridge asking people for money or cigarettes. I'd always try to time myself so I was walking across when other poeple were and wouldn't park there when it wasn't busy. A lot of muggings start with seemingly innocent questions, like asking for the time, cigarettes, or money. I think it's usually a way to get you to slow down, set you off your guard, and give anyone they are working with a chance to get positioned. It also gives them a moment to decide whether you have anything worth taking, whether there is anyone else around, as well as decide whether they can take you or should bale out. People in general - telephone marketers, car salesmen, internet scammers, and these types of guys will use your kindness, politeness, or curiousity against you. Any decent person with half a brain would have seen your reaction and given you your space. Asking about your dog from a distance and the fact that they started following you after your reaction suggests to me that they were up to something. Sure. They could have been very socially awkward people looking for company. They could have been trying to return a bag of money they thought you might have dropped. I wouldn't count on it.
Two guys acting creepy = get away as quickly as possible. In the U.S. pepper spray is a commonly accepted means of self protection. It stings the eyes but won't stop a determined attacker, so not much more than a way to make them think twice while you run away. Stun guns are another, but with somewhat less predictable effects against people and not really suggested for dogs. These are subject to laws that vary from state to state and city to city. In the U.S. handguns can be used for self protection in nearly all states aside from a few extremely high crime areas? (why are they high crime?) Anyway, they are usually an extreme measure and pulling out a gun, even in self defense can have serious consequences / on the other hand, being attacked and not having any means of defense isn't a very good situation. Concealed carry permits must be obtained everywhere that I know of. I can't say I have ever seen anyone but a cop carry a gun openly, it just freaks people out too much. If none of these is available, legal, or fits your situation, I have 2 other suggestions. 1. An emergency whistle may frighten off said dog/attacker and alert potential help. 2. A cell phone with 911 on speed dial could save your life in lots of situations if you live in a place where the response system actually works. I will pray that you can find a safer place to walk your dog. If nobody knows those men and you really feel they had bad intentions, you could contact the police and let them ask some questions around the neighborhood. Hope that's good information and that you can tell that I have real concern for your safety.
You can buy it, but it'll have to shipped over from 'Murica and the fees for that are expensive. You could also receive a fine for using it, even in self-defense ._. I have a thing for following my natural reactions. My grandad always tells me to trust my natural instinct, no matter how bad it makes you feel. The only problem with that is since I have anger issues, and if somebody was attacking me, not to kill me, but to hurt me a little bit, I could potentially kill them. (I know how. They taught me how to kill somebody when I was 5 in Karate 0.0)
