Off leash Dogs and How to Handle Them…
I always joke about how the island always produces business with the number of loose dogs that charge at leashed dogs. Can we say hello to dog reactivity!
I think this is common sense or knowledge, but when I see a dog on a leash and my dogs are off-leash, I do NOT allow my dogs to visit that dog. And if I can’t call my dogs off that dog, then guess what? My dogs shouldn’t be off-leash at all. It’s mutual respect for your fellow human beings and dogs who deserve a chance to walk and socialize as much as your dog. But I could rant about this for days, and it’ll still fall on deaf ears, as the owners of the off-leash dogs generally have some weird entitlement thing going on.
But anywho, for my folks with the leashed dogs—the ones who are trying to make their dog better—this blog is for you.
Having an off-leash dog run up to your dog is nerve-wracking, to say the least. We don’t know the dog, we don’t know its intentions, and worst of all, we put our dog in a weird position because they can’t run if they wanted to. So, what can you do when you’re in this situation?
Strategies for Managing Off-Leash Dog Encounters:
1. Stay Calm: Dogs are incredibly perceptive and can pick up on their owner's emotions. If you remain calm and assertive, your dog is more likely to follow suit. Take a deep breath and focus on keeping your dog relaxed.
2. Create Distance: Spotting an off-leash dog coming your way? Look to create distance. Move to the side of the path or step off the trail to give yourself and your pup more space. The greater the distance, the less tension there will be.
3. Use Commands: Reinforce your dog's training by using commands they know well, like "sit" or "stay." Having treats handy can also help redirect their focus back to you. This is to try to keep your dog behind you while you scare or block the other dog from approaching further.
4. Distraction if Commands Don’t Work: Engage your dog with toys or treats to distract them from the approaching dog. Whether it’s a quick game or a tasty treat, keeping their attention can help ease any anxiety.
5. Body Blocking: If the off-leash dog gets too close, position yourself between your dog and the other dog. Stand tall to create a barrier while keeping your dog close to you. Yell loudly, “No!” or “Come get your dog!” Be calm and assertive while doing this to prevent the dog from coming any closer. Your goal is to make the dog second-guess itself. If the dog continues to approach, use whatever is necessary to prevent a fight.
6. Have an Exit Plan: Always be aware of your surroundings. Know where you can safely exit the situation, whether it’s moving to a nearby bench or an open area.
Handling a Dog Fight:
In the unfortunate event of a dog fight, it’s crucial to act quickly and safely. Here are some strategies:
1. Stay Calm: Your demeanor can influence the dogs' reactions. Try to remain as calm as possible to avoid escalating the situation.
2. Do Not Use Your Hands: Never put your hands or body between fighting dogs; this can lead to serious injuries.
3. Distract the Dogs: Dump water on a dog’s head, use an air horn, or pepper spray, etc. This can help break their focus on each other.
4. Create a Barrier: Use available items like jackets or backpacks to create a barrier and separate the dogs without putting yourself at risk.
5. Use Leashes: If the dogs are on leashes, grab the leashes (not the collars) to pull them apart by choking them. Cutting off the oxygen supply will force the dogs to let go.
6. The "Wheelbarrow" Method: If it’s safe, grab the hind legs of one dog and lift them off the ground while moving backward to encourage them to let go.
7. Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to ask others nearby for assistance. The more people you have, the easier it may be to separate the dogs.
8. Avoid Yelling: Loud voices can increase anxiety and aggression, so use a firm and calm voice instead.
9. After the Fight: Once separated, keep the dogs at a distance to allow them to cool down and check for injuries.
10. Report the Incident: If the off-leash dog was not under control, consider reporting the incident to local animal control authorities.
Prevention is always better than cure. If you frequently walk in areas where off-leash dogs are common, consider carrying deterrents like a stick, extra leash, and/or an air horn. These can be invaluable in emergencies. Ultimately, keeping yourself and your dog safe should always be your top priority.
By being prepared and proactive, you can make walks a more enjoyable experience for both you and your pup while also fostering a more respectful dog community. Happy walking!