What do you do if an off-leash dog approaches you while you are walking a dog? It is a question every dog owner asks. Unfortunately, this question has no exact answer because dogs will behave differently when off-leash. It is even more complicated when you approach an off-leash dog while walking. You are on a canine friend who is more reactive to other dogs.
Before we write about how to deal with off-leash dogs or stray dogs, we must know what we should avoid.
Things not to do if an off-leash dog approaches you
Only do the following when an off-leash dog approaches you if there is an immediate escape. Otherwise, it can be hazardous.
- NEVER run. Suppose an unleashed dog approaches you; never run, even though it is the first thing that will click your mind first. If you run, the stray dog will also run after you because you appear weak and act like prey. You are calming the dog once it starts running after you can be hand.
- NEVER turn your back. If an off-leash dog charges toward you, turning your back will mean that you do not want any confrontation, and it will tell you you are running away or you are afraid.
- Do not pick up your dog. Picking up your dog makes you and your dog a target for the charging off-leash dog. Give your dog a chance to prepare for any threat by leaving them on the ground.
How to deal with off-leash dogs
I cannot assert that these strategies will work for you because every dog has a different temperament and level of aggressiveness. However, they are the most commonly used ways to deal with loose dogs.
Try calming the dogs
Always avoid such encounters if you can
Avoid taking known routes and have loose dogs for your dog’s and physical well-being. Sadly, you are taking all the responsibility because somebody somewhere is not a responsible dog owner.
If this does not work, you can report the owner to the animal control board so that the owner can be responsible.
Stay calm and try to calm both dogs (your leashed dog and off-leash dog)
If you cannot avoid a loose dog, remain calm and try to calm both dogs. This will tell the dogs that things are okay and no need to start a fight.
If being polite and remaining calm will not help, try these other methods to calm extra-aggressive dogs.
You are dealing with aggressive off-leash dogs
Try the following methods if the above does not work.
Do not be polite on off-leash dogs
In a situation like this, do not try to reason with human beings who do not care about their unleashed dogs. You will feel like beating the hell out of the dog owner because there are laws governing walking dogs with leashes.
You may also feel like screaming, but this complicates the whole scenario. Stay focused with your dog and have some treats with you. Throw a treat like a meat chunk on the oncoming dog, turn your back, and walk away.
If the owner of the off-leash dog is around and does not stop the dog, have them on camera so that you can report it to concerned authorities.
Use your umbrella
If you carry your umbrella, push the button and unleash the umbrella on the oncoming dog. We aim not to hurt the off-leash dog but to put a barrier between our dog on the leash and the stray off-leash dog.
After opening the umbrella, throw a meat treat or use citronella spray to keep away the unleashed dog. Using the citronella spray should be the last option because you can get into a fistfight with the off-leash dog owner like I once did. Therefore, you should be ready for anything that pops up.
Frighten the loose dog with an air horn.
Blowing up loudly, an air horn can frighten a loose dog charging towards you, and it will turn and go back. If you prefer this method, ensure your dog is used to the loud blast because he can also run away, and the leash will snap off. Purchase Air Horn Noisemaker.
Brandish a weapon
Most people, especially elderly ones, love to carry walking sticks with them whenever they walk. It does not necessarily have to be a walking stick; it can even be a golf club. You can use these as a weapon not to hurt the loose dog but to scare him away.
What to do if a dog attacks you
If an approaching dog bites and holds you, never scream or shake your body trying to escape because the dog will bite you more and tear your muscles. Instead, remain calm, go for the dog’s eyes, and pierce them with your hands. If it has a collar, grab it and choke him. You will defeat him, and he will run to save his life. Never panic so that you can put up a good fight.
What to Do If off-leash dog attacks your dog
If an off-leash dog approaches and starts attacking your leashed dog, let free your dog’s leash so that it can fight back. You can help your dog by following the attacking dog’s back legs, lifting them, and kicking his stomach.
If you can find a rope or belt, use it to choke the attacking dog. In such situations, things can get messy if you do not act accordingly and neutralize the attacking dog so that you and your dog can be safe.
Conclusions
Animal control laws do not allow leaving your dog off-leash; however, there are dog owners who are not responsible. Some even enjoy watching their dogs fight others. As a responsible dog owner who walks his dog on the leash, we should be ready when an off-leash dog approaches us. Always stay calm and only run if there is an immediate way out. Fight back if being polite to the loose dog makes him more aggressive.