You’re taking a walk with your on-leash dog in Texas when suddenly, an off-leash dog you’ve never encountered before is approaching. Maybe they’re exhibiting signs of aggression or maybe you’re just concerned that what looks like enthusiasm could be something else. This is a situation that requires calm, quick action to keep you, your dog, and the off-leash dog safe. Whether you’re in Houston, Austin, Dallas, or another Texas city, you must know how to handle this situation. As a leading Texas dog training company, we understand the importance of handling dog encounters in DFW. Here are some of our top tips for navigating off-leash dogs in Texas.
Assess the Off-Leash Dog’s Body Language
The best-case outcome in this situation is a little bit of harmless chaos: sniffing, greeting, excitement, but no real escalation. A dog that is coming in for a friendly greeting will likely have relaxed features, such as a loose, open mouth and a wagging tail. (This type of body language doesn’t guarantee the dog is feeling friendly, nor does it guarantee that your dog is going to have a positive reaction.)
Body language is not an exact science and can’t be used to predict positive socialization between dogs, but there are some signs that the approaching dog isn’t feeling fun and friendly, such as stiffness in the body, tail, and jaw.
Walk with the Right Tools
There are some tools in the dog ownership world that you hope to never need but should have on hand just in case. There are a few different options when it comes to protecting your dog from canine attackers, but we recommend a citronella-based spray. When sprayed at the mouth and eyes of an attacking dog, this spray causes discomfort (and a handy distraction) without causing real harm.
Additionally, you may already have something on you for your own dog that can help in this situation, and that’s a treat pouch. If the approaching dog doesn’t seem aggressive but you still don’t want to engage in unsupervised contact, toss a treat to the approaching dog while you work to position yourself between both dogs.
Position Yourself Accordingly
It’s important to fight the urge to run away from or scream at an off-leash dog. Both of these behaviors can exacerbate predatory instincts or confirm to the off-leash dog that they’re right to be on the defensive.
Instead, calmly step in front of your dog with your citronella spray in one hand and the leash in the other. Use the spray only if you feel confident that the dog is moving to attack you or your dog. Otherwise, distractions like treats or a stick can often diffuse the situation while you get the attention of the owner or someone else who can help.
Address Leash Reactivity for Long-Term Success
We often hear from dog owners with leash-reactive dogs who are constantly having to ward off other dogs who “just want to say hi.” This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re doing your best to keep everyone safe on your walks.
Fortunately, professional trainers can help you work towards a future of peaceful leash walking. Learn more about our private one on one lessons classes to see if they’re the right fit for you and your reactive pup.