2) Train Attention Heeling at a Fast Pace
You never want to run away from an off-leash dog, but walking away at a fast pace can once again get you out from a sticky situation if the dog is at a distance and you know that by walking fast you and your dog will be farther away from this dogs perceived turf.
The goal here is to get away from the dogs property if the dog happened to escape the yard. Many dogs wont go too far from their homes.
If the dog escaped the owner, consider that leaving the area quickly may also lead to a reduction in the intensity of the dogs reaction once he realizes he is getting too far from his owner.
Contact Local Paw Pals for more information about how to handle off-leash dogs and to learn about the agency’s pet care services. The professional dog walkers at Local Paw Pals are trained to know how to address off-leash dogs in a safe manner and know tips on what do you do if an off-leash dog approaches you while you are walking a dog. They will be able to keep your dog safe and avoid a physical altercation thanks to this knowledge. In addition to providing their expertise, Local Paw Pals’ dog walkers can assist you in ensuring that your dog is getting enough exercise even when you’re not around. Whether you’re on vacation or simply working late, Local Paw Pals can take your dog for walks, conduct daily check ins, and even dogsit in your home or in their own, making it easier for you to manage your busy schedule while ensuring that your pet receives the care it needs to thrive.
While it’s not common, dogs can sometimes get into fights with off-leash dogs. Your first instinct may be to reach in between to separate them, but try to resist it. Dogs will often bite that hand, and because they’re in fight mode, the bite will likely be severe. Only reach in between dogs who are fighting or biting if there is no other quick way to separate them from the other dog or human involved, and be prepared to call emergency services if necessary in that situation.
It can be tempting to pick your dog up when an unfamiliar dog approaches, particularly if yours is a small dog. If you can do so slowly and carefully, this may be a good solution. However, be sure to not move too quickly. The action can trigger a dog’s prey instincts, much the same way a squirrel running up a tree might do the same thing. If you must pick up your dog, turn your back to the approaching dog to hide the motion and minimize the chances of triggering an aggressive response in the other dog.
It’s important to stay alert and aware of potential dangers when you’re walking your dog. There are likely plenty of choking hazards, squirrels to run after, and bits of glass to step on along the way, so staying vigilant can easily prevent a number of injuries. But what do you do if an off-leash dog approaches you while you are walking a dog? This situation isn’t necessarily one in which careful attention will work, as each situation in which you find yourself will likely be very different. Some dogs may simply want to play, while others can show signs of aggression. No two dogs are alike, and while most off-leash dogs just want to say hello, you’re going to have to assess the situation while it’s happening to determine the best course of action. Here are some tips to keep you and your dog safe.
Sometimes it can be helpful to cause a small distraction to get away from an unleashed dog. Throwing a handful of treats on the ground can help you buy some time to walk away. This is not a long-term strategy, as it can teach stray dogs that you are a source of food and make them more likely to follow you, but it can work when you need a quick solution. Keep a small supply of treats on hand just in case you need them.
Rule Three – Learn to read dog body language
A happy dog with friendly intentions will have a very loose and bouncy body, you will notice how their ears and face are relaxed, and an open panting mouth is always a sign of a friendly doggo. Lets not forget that happy pooches will always sport a relaxed “full-body wag” of the tail.
But even friendly dogs can become unfriendly if your dog reacts defensively. It is always best to avoid any kind of encounter if you are not so sure how your dog will react. You cant be sure if they are healthy or up-to-date on their vaccinations, so it is best to stay away. If the dog is friendly, you will easily keep him away from your doggo with some good old food bribe, so always keep treats by your side.
On the other hand, dogs that are approaching in a more intense way are up to no good in most cases. They will intensely stare at your dog, their closed mouth, ears pointed forward in alert mode, high and tight tail wag, their body will be stiff, and their movements will be preying-like.
That is a dog that you should be worried about. This intense body language means they see your dog as a possible threat and that they are hyper-focused to deal with the threat. In this case, you might need to rely on the block and startle techniques to protect yourself and your doggo from approaching dog.
What To Do When Approached By An Off Leash Dog While Walking Your Dog – Tips From Al The Dog Trainer
It’s the scenario you fear the most: You’re on a walk with your pooch when an off-leash — and aggressive — dog approaches. Do you know what to do to prevent a confrontation and keep your dog (and yourself) safe?
An encounter with an off-leash dog can come about in a variety of ways: A dog dashes out an open front door or escapes from an otherwise-secure yard, for example. But trouble can also start when an off-leash dog darts away from a pet parent to greet another dog. The off-leash dog may not always act as friendly as his owner expects, and if an altercation starts, the owner is frequently too far away from her fast-moving canine to intervene. And its not necessarily the off-leash dog who is the aggressor in this situation; the on-leash dog may react defensively, or even aggressively, even if the off-leash dog is friendly. Leash laws are in place to protect dogs and people, and off-leash freedom should be exercised only with reliable dogs in designated and protected areas.
With that said, most off-leash dog encounters will end well; a fight is unlikely to ensue and no damage will be done, although a dog’s anxiety about approaching dogs may increase after an incident.