Image source rastafabi

Recently I designed a new cross country running route, my old route was along the beach that I no longer live near - a sad story I know, that encompasses a notoriously popular dog walking location that is laden with dog muck. Not only do I have to try and dodge the shit when I get to the place but I have to dodge it as I jog through the kids park, along a gravel path that backs onto a housing estate, and then on the tarmac that leads to said dog walking location. Compared to dodging large pebbles, driftwood, and the odd sand castle I know which I’d prefer. As it stands this route in my only truly viable option if I wish to run a route that has hills, uneven ground, and beautiful views so I’m going to stick with it like shit to the bottom of my shoes. There are a few techniques that I’m rapidly learning and implementing, this post outlines them.

Eyes wide open - scan the area ahead of you, look out for dogs and their useless owners.

Avoidance - if you see a dog bin then steer clear. Some thoughtless owners will not use the bin but simply shovel it near to the, usually on the patch of grass that you think is safe, failing this they’ll chuck a bag of it into the tree.

Scan the trees - the bags lobbed into the trees have a tendency to fall to the earth by means of wind and gravity. If there is one hanging in the tree then bet your bottom dollar there is another on your running track. Pop open one of these babies and you’ll know about it.

Keep off - if you like cross country routes like I do then you’ll do well to stay out of the long grass. This is a minefield for nasty little surprises. Keep to to the gravel, sand, and short grass.

Aqua run - run through puddles and streams. The likelihood of a dog squatting in water is slim therefore you stand a better chance of avoidance.

Bypass the lamp post - avoid any upright structure; lamp posts, trees, signs, and really tall people. Also, corners of buildings, bus stops, phone boxes, you get the idea.

Reroute - find a desert.

The fact of the matter is that dogs are simply dogs. They are the responsibility of their owners and as such can not con not consciously choose for themselves the correct place to excrete. There are many trains of thought that aim to rid dog feces from our streets and parks but none that can actually accomplish this feat. Ideas include; dog taxes for owning a dog, fines for letting your dog foul, exterminating all dogs except those bred for pedigree and employed as sniffer dogs, guide dogs, and all other forms of working dog. I don’t actually agree with any of those listed but have read them about the web.

In my opinion, so long as there are irresponsible dog owners there will always be dog mess. What do you think? Any ghastly stories to tell? Hit me up with a comment if so.

Links to some opinions:
http://www.sciforums.com
http://istanbultory.blogspot.com
http://www.thehobokenblog.com