- Make sure your dog is on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
This serves 2 purposes. 1. A leashed dog, when properly handled by its owner is going to be calmer since it has a connection with its owner. It is also easier to control. Do not use long line or flexible line leashes. 2. From a legal standpoint, if your dog is on a leash and the other dog is not, this shows you were obeyed proper leash laws. If you are on your property and your dog is on a leash it makes your argument even stronger. - Politely turn down requests for unknown dogs to greet yours.
While it might seem friendly to you or another person to have your dogs meet, this is a risky situation. Dogs inherently think of you and themselves as your own pack and thousands of years of instinct predisposes them to think of another dogs as a threat. If you don’t want to seem rude to someone you can always say your dog is in training and can’t some in contact with other dogs. - Carry a cell phone and have animal control and the police in your contact list.
While most owners will respond to friendly requests to keep distance between their dog and yours, a phone allows you to take photos to document if another dog is putting your dog at risk and a way to quickly call the police or animal control.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
As with human predators, not being aware of your surroundings can mean that a dog can come up on you without your realizing it until it’s too late. Add to that, if you are fatigued and slouching, it will make you appear smaller and more vulnerable. Remember, dogs are always assessing who is dominant and who is submissive in any situation. Standing up straight and walking with a confident gait signals size and power and is more likely to give it a clear signal that you’re in charge. - Carry animal repellent.
If a situation escalates and a dog is moving towards you quickly, there may not be time to move away or use a phone. Many people do not want to risk themselves or their pets sustaining bodily injury or worse nor do they want to have to use a firearm to stop them. Dog pepper spray will cause the dog great discomfort and stop them from attacking without causing any permanent injury. It is easy to carry and can be used quickly.
