It’s that moment we all dread on an otherwise peaceful walk. It’s that moment of panic when you suddenly notice that off-leash dog coming straight at you and your reactive dog. That moment when you hear “Oh, don’t worry - he’s friendly!” Or even worse the “Fido come, Fido COME, Fido Leave it!” from an owner trying, and failing, to recall their dog in desperation. That moment when you realize there is nothing to stop that dog from getting to you and your dog.
Now what?
Here’s a straightforward guide on what to do in these situations, and how you can prepare ahead of time.
Understanding the Situation
Your leashed dog feels trapped when another off-leash dog approaches.
A leash prohibits normal dog body language, and the ability to move away, which can lead to a defensive reaction from your dog. The key is knowing how to keep both dogs safe and de-escalate the situation.
When you first notice another dog approaching, look around the environment. Is there somewhere you can go to create more space? Is there another trail or path you could head down?
Next, assess the other dog. Can you tell what their intent is? Is it a big, goofy, floppy Labrador legitimately coming over to just say hi? Or, is it a stiff, staring, hackled dog charging with ill intent? If you aren’t sure, assume that the other dog is NOT friendly.
For a truly friendly dog who is approaching without knowing that your dog doesn’t want to say hi, a first option is to toss a handful of treats directly at them. When they are distracted by those treats, it can buy you crucial time to get away or for the owner to catch up and leash their dog.
In all other cases, take a more defensive approach.
Preparation and Awareness
Always be aware of your surroundings to avoid sudden encounters with off-leash dogs. If you see an off-leash dog at a distance, be proactive and move away. Don’t give them a chance to notice you and feel like they can approach you.
Good training with your dog is essential. Train and practice these skills daily:
● Reliable recall and name recognition will help you regain your dog’s focus to more easily move away.
● Sit or down and stay behind you. You should be able to have your stay in a position while you step in front of them. This is very useful to be a body block between your dog and the off-leash dog while keeping them calm
● Leave it cue to help your dog look away and divert their attention.
● Emergency u-turn to quickly move away with your dog. Turning away can also signal to the approaching dog that your dog isn’t interested in meeting.
Make sure to practice when there aren’t other dogs around. If you only use them when an off-leash dog is approaching, your dog will learn to anticipate that something scary is coming, making it harder for them to focus and work with you.
Dealing with the Approach
Stay calm as possible. Speak firm, loud and clear.
First, communicate with the other dog’s owner. Ask them to call and leash their dog. Some clear quick phases to use:
● Leash your dog! Short and simple.
● Call your dog, my dog needs space.
● Get your dog, my dog is (pick one) in training, sick, injured, needs space, etc.
Avoid saying your dog isn’t friendly or is reactive. Too often you’ll just get a response that their dog is friendly and loves all other dogs! The other dog’s owner might not understand how important it is that their dog doesn’t come over. Be clear that your dog simply does not want to interact, and they need to get their off-leash dog away.
If there isn’t time or the other owner can’t leash their dog, then we’ll need to deal with that incoming dog!
● Redirect your dog's attention with food or place them behind you.
● Position yourself between the two dogs to create a barrier.
● Stand tall and square to the other dog, put your hand out in a ‘stop’ gesture, and firmly tell them “No! Go away!”
A walking stick or an umbrella are great tools to help create space and keep the incoming dog further away.
PetSafe SpraySheild, a spray citronella, is a good tool to carry as a deterrent for any dog not persuaded by the time they are closer to you.
Many dogs don’t want to approach a scary-acting person. Be big, firm, and direct. Your only goal is to protect your dog!
Afterwards
Once the other dog is leashed or called away - breathe! Then help your dog de-stress. Walk away to a safe space. Moving will help them process any stressed energy. Then, scatter treats in the grass or leaves a few times. Encourage your dog to sniff for all the bits of food and take their time. As they sniff and eat, their heart rates will lower and they’ll be more able to move on from the incident.
Don’t shy away from working around other dogs at a safe distance. The more your dog can see other dogs out in the world and be neutral around them while they each do their own thing, the more that these encounters will feel like odd exceptions to the norm, rather than something scary they start to anticipate happening all the time.
Encounters with off-leash dogs can be stressful, but with the right approach and mindset, you can handle these situations! Remember, each dog is different, so you may need to adapt these strategies to fit your dog's specific needs. Stay patient and consistent in your training.
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