Stephanie Colman discusses the challenge of meeting up with a loose dog while out and about with pets. Being approached by loose dogs, especially when their dogs are on leash, is a least-favorite experience for most dog owners.
This information is good for social media posts, newsletters and to include in puppy class materials. Coleman offers five non-assertive strategy areas that dog owners can use to deal with loose dogs (or avoid them!) while on walks:
- Avoid the Situation
- Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
- Remain Calm and Try “Calming Signals.”
- Body Block
- Other Alternatives
Source: Whole Dog Journal, May 2016.
Whatever approach is chosen, it is best to remain calm so as not to escalate the situation with your own panicked behavior. After any altercation with a loose dog, carefully assess your dog for injuries and consider taking him to the veterinarian, as bite wounds can be difficult to spot under thick fur. Write down as much as you can remember about the incident, such as location and a description of the dog, and contact your local animal control agency.