Off-Leash Angst

It’s a beautiful day, the sun is shining and birds are singing. You’re out for a walk with your favorite friend…but out of nowhere, an off-leash dog approaches you and rather quickly. All of a sudden you have that sinking feeling in your stomach…is he friendly? Where is his owner? What do I do??

There are few things that are more frustrating than being approached on a walk by an off-leash dog...for you and for your dog. Allowing your dog to be approached and greeted by an off-leash dog is not only an inappropriate dog-dog greeting, but can be extremely stressful for the leashed dog. So, what do you do?

I recommend that you try to keep the off-leash dog from coming near you or your on-leash dog. Here are some things, in my experience, that both work and don’t work:

- The No, No, Bad Dog. Move your leashed dog behind your body and stand tall in front them, put a hand out towards the oncoming dog and firmly yell, “NO!” or “STOP!” Most dogs have heard these words before and have a context for them. Ensuring that you stand tall in front of your dog and yell firmly might even startle the dog and he’ll choose to go another direction or retreat to his owner. This is the method we use most often, and with great results.

- The Hissing Human. When intimidation doesn’t work. I recommend a small can of spray air (i.e. the Pet Corrector) that you can point at the oncoming dog... Use short, fast blasts of air to startle the on-coming dog; some experts even believe the hissing noise from the spray air is a natural deterrent. I equip all my handlers of reactive dogs with this tool I find it so successful.

- What about pepper spray? Some people will recommend the use of pepper spray or other spray deterrents. I find these a bit dangerous. It is very easy to accidentally spray these the wrong direction (also, you can’t control the wind), or even spray the on-coming dog in such a manner that the dog suffers and could even make you legally responsible for veterinary damages. If you feel that a spray deterrent is a good option, keep a small squirt gun (which shoots a stream) and fill it mostly with water and a teaspoon or so of lemon juice. That should be enough of a deterrent to an on-coming dog without actually causing any significant harm. 

- Tossing your cookies? Some people also recommend that you throw a handful of treats towards the dog and quickly head the other way while the dog searches for them. I know people who have used this method successfully. But, personally, I would be concerned that the dog would come looking for you after all the treats are found and/or remember you if they come across you in the future and approach again in hope of goodies.

Whatever you try, I hope it works well for you and your dog. Here’s to safe, happy walkies in your future, whether you encounter an off-leash dog or not!

- Anna Bettina
  HappyHealthyPup.com