For the last few weeks, we’ve been discussing the subject of loose dogs and how they can make the lives of law-abiding and sensible neighbors miserable simply by appearing, unsupervised, to “say hello” when you and your dog are just not interested in socializing. Not all of these random encounters will have dangerous outcomes, but trauma and injury are always possibilities.
I asked online if dog lovers and dog professionals would share with novice dog walkers some thoughtful tips on staying safe around loose dogs.
I inquired, “Do you walk a dog? Your tips for novices on safety with loose dogs, please! Include your suggestions on dealing effectively with loose dogs that approach you, either with an owner in sight or without an owner in sight. How can you reliably keep your own dog/s and yourself safe?”
I added, “Do you walk alone or with other people? Where to walk? What works well for you? What type of places do you prefer—neighborhood, nearby park, destination walks (travel there by car), or … ? What equipment should you never use? What equipment should you consider trying? Old-fashioned ‘deterrents’ that work for you, or new-fangled ‘devices’ that might work well? What skills can be taught to a dog (or dogs) that can make walks safer and more enjoyable?”
Here are some experienced dog walkers’ suggestions:
Alisha Ardiana (California) I typically try to walk in locations that are in proximity to cars. In my experience, saying my dog is fearful, reactive, had surgery, doesn’t want to say ‘Hi,’ etc., does not matter to someone with an off-leash dog. The only consistent reaction I see to avoid an off-leash dog is to head for the street, because the other dog’s getting hit by a car is a consequence that is real to the guardian. I hate to sound callous, but I am very tired of the constant lack of training by the public, and the assumption that it’s okay for their dog to interrupt us.
My first priority in walking any dog is to provide for the safety of that dog. And then I may need to keep the public safe from my dog. However, it is unfair to ask me to also be responsible for the safety of your dog, when your dog is off leash and untrained.
When I’m walking a dog on leash, I’m typically using a 10- or 15-foot leash, so the dog has more freedom of movement and can move away from other dogs. I want to give dogs choice and agency to avoid conflict.
If it is an emergency situation and we are getting totally ambushed, I may drop the leash so that my dog can get away. I also teach dogs active avoidance when I’m walking them in off-leash areas. This is from the trainer Kathy Sdao—the trigger becomes the cue. So if my dog sees an unknown dog on the beach, she will jump up onto a rock or a log to avoid the dog. And then I can be the police officer and tell the dog to stay back.
What’s very interesting to me is that my dog trusts me to do the heavy lifting, so she will just wait for the other dog to go away. And then people typically get angry at us because my dog said ‘No.’ Even though she’s not barking, they’re still often very accusatory! Apparently we should not be in public, if we are not available to the public. So I typically try to go to the beach at dawn or low tide, so I can do my best to avoid strangers.
Photo by Shelly Keel
Kate LaSala Ctc Csat (Connecticut) Never let kids walk dogs alone, for exactly this reason (and many others). Kids are not equipped to deal with loose dogs. I first try tossing treats at the other dog and yelling out to their owner, “Please leash your dog!” I do carry citronella spray for worst-case scenarios if the dog is aggressive and non-responsive to treats. Do not use retractable leashes, as you lose the ability to quickly get your dog close to you or behind you. Be careful scooping up small dogs, as sometimes this can trigger a predatory response in a larger, loose dog.
Linda Ehrenworth (New Jersey) I carry a small pop-out umbrella clipped to my treat bag. I condition every dog I walk with that the umbrella popping out means wonderful things so they are less likely to be startled by it. When approached by loose dogs, I quickly hit the button and pop out the umbrella. In most cases, the umbrella popping up deters the dog from being interested in us. If not, I have something to block and shield us with temporarily until I can get us both to safety. I believe this idea originated with Trish King.
Micha Michlewicz (Maryland) I have an oversized push-button umbrella to use as a shield. You’ll need to train your dogs to stay behind it as you move it. I also carry 3-in-1 Sabre pepper spray with tear gas. Gel is ideal because of wind, but I can’t find gel with this formula.
Frances Dauster (Alabama) Take a sturdy walking stick to defend your dog/s from loose dogs.
Claire Staines (United Kingdom) Keep walking. However, I do teach my dog a “you’re not talking” protocol.
Annie Zeck (Washington) Be prepared. You will know when you and/or your dog(s) are in danger. Use your spray!
Deb Hunt (Washington) I carry pepper spray as a precautionary measure for any danger that can unfold while walking. I observe approaching dogs’ demeanor, their posture and cues such as hackles up, teeth, and ears. I start with a welcoming, “Hello,” if comfortable. Otherwise, I use an authoritative “No,” posturing dominance. It’s served me well enough that I have never had to use the pepper spray. Rarely have I encountered an aggressive dog. Generally, it’s a inquisitive sniff test, and I carry an extra leash to secure the dog and locate its owner.
Jenny Julian (Oregon) I have had two dogs killed and one spinally injured in attacks. One dog loose without collar or leash or owner. One left zipped in a tent six miles into the woods. I carry a knife, pepper spray with gel and dye, and a zapper (can’t remember what it’s called). What works the best besides awareness of our surroundings is holding my mace in my hand, and being vocal when it’s called for. Dog approaching us off leash? I say: “Please get your dog.” No response? I say: “I have mace.” This wouldn’t have helped prevent any of the attacks, but it helps to get lax owners to take their dogs and move away from us.
Cindy Bennett Martin (Arkansas) Throw a handful of hot dog pieces into the face of the loose dog. When his nose draws him down to clean up the smelly treats in the grass, you and your dog leave. Counterintuitive, and clients will object. But very effective.
Tanya Riordan (Washington) I walk my eight-month-old puppy often in a fenced field where others walk their dogs off leash. I’m cautious, but do not show anxiety about it because I know my pup is taking his cues from me. I just keep my pup close, and we walk slowly, with confidence, or stop if we are unsure about an approaching dog. (My puppy has started to stop on his own if he is unsure.) So far, all good encounters. The dogs say ‘Hi,’ play if they want, or just ignore each other. Basically, I let him know he can interact (in a positive way). He’s learning to assess the other dog’s intent cautiously, and we’ll stay away if either of us is uncomfortable. I know it’s not always the case, but I’ve found most dogs off leash are trained well and listen to owners’ commands, and I don’t need to worry about it except by teaching my pup how to react in a positive, comfortable way for him.
Toni Vignogna (California) Fortunately, we rarely have loose dogs here in suburbia. My dog is small and submissive. I do look for safe places for her should we encounter a stray dog. A four-foot fence I can drop her behind, a truck bed I can put her in, and even a garbage can I can put her on top of. My goal is to keep her safe.
Jill Gibbs (Montana) I typically yell at the owner to call their dog. We have a leash law so most are on leash.
Flexi leashes with inexperienced handlers can prove a huge problem. They don’t know how to use them. Add an overly friendly or aggressive dog to that and it can become very dangerous.
I walk on a walking path close to my neighborhood. When I come upon a person with a dog, I pull off the path and have my dog sit until they pass. Most people read that as they need to avoid me and my dog. If they start coming toward me, I move my dog farther away. If they still come closer, I tell them, “Not this dog!”
I carry pepper spray. I prefer to walk at 5:00 a.m. to avoid all other walkers, but certain times of year mean a lack of light (no lamp posts along the way). I change to evening in the fall. I use a martingale collar on my dogs. They can’t back out of it as easily as a buckle collar if the dog spooks. I need to walk alone as I need to decompress from the daily public I deal with at work. If some unfortunate fool decides to push my patience too early on my walk, they do move away quickly.
Oh, and if you do walk in the dark, put a light-up collar on your dog. I wear a light as well. I get the LED USB rechargeable ones that can be cut to length. I have them loose on my hairy-chested dogs so they can be seen. I have reflective collars, too. My light is a collar as well, LOL! (My dad had a couple he used when fishing, I’m assuming.) It’s a single light that goes around my neck. I’m hands-free then. I’ve seen people walking with head lamps, too.
Timothy Page (Oregon) I make my dogs’ coats myself. They all have reflective tape sewn in so they are seen easily at night. Pacific Gas & Electric, the utility company, had an electric vehicle event where they were giving out free lights that never go dim as long as you pump them up from time to time. I try to carry treats for when another dog is walking the human they own. I have my dogs do the “look at me” command to distract them from reacting.
Isabel Alvarez Arata (Texas) I’ve been a professional dog walker for over a decade. I always carry SprayShield with me to deter strays and other dangers. I only use a standard six-foot leash and prefer no-pull harnesses for dogs that don’t have loose-leash training. Limiting distractions is huge. Too many people walk their dogs while staring into their phones. Get some AirPods, put on a podcast—preferably mine, wink, wink—and make sure you can hear steps and vehicles approaching. Prevention is the best tool any of us have when out walking our dogs.
