Has Anyone Shouted To You, It's OK, He's Friendly As Their Dog Hurtles Toward You?

Introduction

Walking your reactive dog can be a challenge when they struggle in the presence of people, noises and dogs. You want it to be a great way to bond and get some exercise for you both, but the reality isn’t this.

It can also be stressful if you encounter out of control off-lead dogs approaching you whilst you are trying to control their behaviour and keep them calm. 

 If you're not sure how to handle this situation, you're not alone, it is something that I get asked by a lot of my clients.

What do I do when an off lead dog approaches?

In this blog post, we'll discuss some tips for managing an off-leash dog approaching while on a walk.

Stay Calm

The first thing to do is to stay calm. Getting upset or yelling at the dog & owner will only make the situation worse. Instead, remain calm yet assertive, ask them to put their dog on the lead. Stroke your dog and speak to them calmly. It may be worth holding off from giving food, as this can make the other dog more interested in staying. 

What if the owner is nowhere to be seen? 

Staying calm is still the best approach. Can you throw some treats away from you for the dog to be interested in?

Can you slowly walk off in the opposite direction? 

Often trying to grab the dog, or moving very quickly trying to keep your dog out of the way can exasperate the situation, causing a fight. 

You could body block the dog to prevent harm, but be aware that you could possibly put yourself in harms way doing this. 

Assess the Situation

Take a moment to assess the situation. Is the off-leash dog friendly or aggressive? If you're not sure, it's best to err on the side of caution and keep your distance where possible. 

Generally if the dog is showing still or staggered movement then it could be a worry. If they are loose, wagging their tail generally they are friendly, you may be worried that your dog will harm them if approached.

It is important to remember that you cannot control every situation. Unfortunately, some owners will allow their dogs to run anywhere and everywhere, you have no control over this and can only put things into place for your dog's safety. 

Communicate with the Owner

If the off-lead dog has an owner, try to make eye contact with them and politely ask them to control their dog. You can also use hand signals to indicate that you would like the dog to stay away.

Keep Your Dog Close

If the off-lead dog is approaching, keep your dog close to you. You may want to put your dog in a sit or stay position.

Avoid Direct Eye Contact

Avoid making direct eye contact with the off-lead dog. This can be perceived as a threat.

Change Direction

If the off-leash dog continues to approach, you may need to change direction. This will help you avoid a confrontation.

Use a Loud Noise

If all else fails, you can use a loud noise to scare the off-leash dog away. You can clap your hands, shout "No!". But be aware this may startle the dog and your dog. 

Remember, it's important to stay calm and assertive when dealing with an off-lead dog. By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and your dog safe.

Additional Tips

• If you're concerned about off-lead dogs, you may want to avoid walking your dog in areas where they are common.

• If you are attacked by an off-leash dog, you should report the incident to the police.

Conclusion

We hope these tips help you manage off-lead dogs while on a walk. Remember to stay calm, be assertive, and keep your dog safe.

About Rovers Return Dog Training and Behaviour

Rovers Return Dog Training and Behaviour trainer Sam is an experienced dog trainer & behaviourist who are passionate about helping dogs and their owners. We offer a variety of training classes and workshops, as well as private consultations. We are committed to using positive reinforcement methods to help dogs learn and grow.

Please visit our website to learn more about our services.

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