What to do if you meet a strange dog?
Recently I had an unfortunate exchange with some members of the public whilst out with a buddy group. Sadly occasionally someone takes exception at having to share an open space with dogs. I won’t go into detail apart from to say manners go a long way and if you believe you have been truly wronged over dramatic, sexist and sarcastic comments will not get you very far with this dog walker. I may look young and walk alone, but when it comes to my charges safety I have a sharp tongue, a big mouth and a low threshold!
Anyway, let’s get back to the useful bit. If you are unsure of a dog, firstly stay calm and don’t panic.
Ask yourself the following questions…
- Do I have to go near it? If the answer is no, then don’t! There is no need to be silly and walk straight past it. Why start a possible issue if you don’t need to?
- How friendly does it look? You don’t have to be a behavioural expert to know a dog may show some insecurity or play behaviour if you run past it hollering and waving your arms. Slow down and calmly walk past it whilst looking away.
- Does it look busy? The chances are any unexpected interaction with a strange dog will happen outside. If the dog is off-lead, is it playing, or distracted? Outside time to a dog is generally its fun time, and it may be a little over excited. Give it a break; it’s a dog, not a robot.
So the dog has noticed you and is coming your way, what should you NOT do?
- Lift your arms dramatically or kick out. You are basically inviting it to jump up at you.
- Carry on walking or running. In 99.9% of cases the dog wants to say hello, you walk away he’s going to follow! And if he vocalises for goodness sake don’t panic! Many breeds of dog greet humans with a little bark, a rumble or a growl it doesn’t mean he is about to rip your throat out.
- Stare at it. Wouldn’t you find someone staring at you intimidating?
- Shout, scream, holler or whine.
Unless the dog has turned into Cujo the best thing you can do is STOP, fold your arms and look away. If the dog jumps up, turn your back and ask for a sit. Even the most untrained dogs usually know some basic commands. The dog will probably get bored very quickly but if not start calmly walking away slowly or wait for the owner if they are near by.
Dogs and handlers make mistakes; we are all just animals trying to share this little planet. If a dog runs at you don’t take it as a personal threat to your safety, he probably just wants to say hello, after all, whether you like them or not the human race has been domesticating these creatures for thousands of years. We have changed their genetic makeup to make them not just want but crave our attention!
