What to do if you are approached by an off leash dog

Encountering an unleashed dog while walking your own dog can be unsettling and unfortunately quite common. While leash laws, and requirements to keep your dog contained in a yard, are typically required by most municipal and state laws, it can be difficult to enforce, especially in rural and suburban areas. A dog off leash may have escaped or may not have a permanent home.

Typically, interactions with dogs off leash are uneventful, and stray dogs will go away with a couple choice barks in your direction. Loose dogs in their own yard usually charge to the edge of their yard, and stop. Some simple steps can help lead you and your dog through these difficult situations.

Look and Listen

• Be observant while walking your dog and put the phone down, if possible.

• Look at your dog's body language and make sure he/she is comfortable strolling by properly contained dogs. If not, consider a less stressful route or time of day.

• Monitor barking from dogs in the distance, since you can hear where a loose dog is from far away.

• Look at the body language from your dog and the approaching dog to help determine the tone of the encounter.

• Look for the presence of the owner or surrounding people.

Encourage

• Use positive reinforcement to encourage friendly and comfortable behavior from your dog and the approaching dog. 

• Consider spaying or neutering your dog to encourage calmer less instinctually driven interactions with other dogs.

• Encourage your dog to “focus” on you using a subtle hand signal. If they are focusing on anything other than the loose dog that works too.

• Kindly acknowledge the owner, if present, and alert them of the situation. They may be unaware their dog is headed your way.

Avoid

• Change directions or find an alternative route, avoid running, and remain calm.

• Stay as far away from the approaching dog’s safe space, if he appears to have any sort of “territory” established.

• Avoid eye contact with the approaching dog and keep pace to create distance from the dog.

• Tell the dog to “Go home” and “No” firmly and confidently.

• Identify elevated places to go if you are certain your dog or the approaching dog has aggressive intentions. Truck beds are a good option. 

• Hop over fences and put other obstacles between you, your dog, and the approaching dog. Don’t hesitate when it comes to you or your dogs safety.

• Use Citronella spray if necessary. 

• Ask for help from anyone around.

Deescalate

• Take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, and maybe cut the walk short if the interaction went without incident.

• From a safe place, contact authorities regarding the loose dog.

• If a dog fight ensues, use loud firm tones, honk car horns, and if necessary, use your feet to avoid injury.

• In a dog fight, as a last resort, if you can safely lift the dog by the hind legs up towards your chest, this can cause the dog to release their grip on the other dog.

• Get medical attention if needed.

• Document the dog, where it took place, any injuries or property damage that may have occurred. 

• Do not contact the owner directly if you or your dog had a negative experience. Utilize proper authorities to ensure all involved parties are held accountable and the loose dog will be addressed in the future.

The most important thing to do is to remain calm and be confident in your choices. Remember to encourage a positive outcome rather than discourage a negative one. Keeping these steps in mind while walking your dog will help keep interactions between you and uncontained dogs positive and without incident.

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