What to Do When an Off Leash Dog Is Approaching You
Have you ever been out walking your dog on a leash, and been approached by an off-leash dog that isn’t accompanied by a human? As you may know, this experience can make you nervous at best and scared at worst. So many questions may be running through your mind. Initially, you may wonder if the dog is going to be friendly to you and your dog, or if they could harm you instead. Are they wanting to play, or protect their turf instead? Let’s talk about the best way to handle this questionable situation.How to Approach the Situation
If you see an off-leash dog coming your way, it is something that you should avoid, and never encourage. Either the dog has gotten away from their owner or it is a stray. In either case, it is a situation that should be approached with caution. The dog could be ill or aggressive for example. Logically, the dog might also be friendly. Use your best judgment to guide you.Pay Attention to the Dog’s Body Language
When the off-leash dog is approaching you, be as calm as you possibly can be. Notice if the approaching dog has positive body language such as a relaxed face, bouncy body, and gently wagging tail. Even if the dog seems friendly, don’t be fooled. Things can turn unfriendly if your dog doesn’t like the visitor for some reason. Let’s say the approaching dog looks more intense. He is staring deeply at your dog with a closed mouth and a tight tail wag. Perhaps the dog looks stiff as if it is stalking its prey. This could mean that the approaching dog could see your dog as some type of threat. To see how urgently you will need to act, pay close attention to the body language of both canines, as they interact with one another.Do Anything You Can to Avoid Contact
- Try walking in a different direction with your dog, ASAP. Use a treat to distract your dog, keeping its focus off of the approaching dog.
- If the dog is coming toward you too quickly, try distracting the approaching dog instead. Ask a nearby neighbor to try calling the dog over.
- If you have a little dog and the approaching dog is on the large side, find a safe place to put your dog where the larger dog cannot get to him.
- Stomp and yell, demanding that they go home! When spoken to assertively in this manner, some dogs will turn around and leave.
- Use an object to physically protect you and your dog. An umbrella or walking stick can help ward off unwanted canines.