Encountering Off-Leash Dogs

Oh look.... a friend?

There are plenty of options for outdoor walks in Upstate, NY, but Saratoga Springs is simple LOADED with them. Some of them are a bit more private, others are heavily traveled and you are certain to encounter company...

Despite laws and local regulations, some dog owners live a bit more "free" than the law would have, and walk with their dogs off-leash. There are plenty of towns and cities where this is commonplace, but upstate New York is not one of them.

So - if you are approached by a dog you and your pets have never met, what do you do? Believe it or not, YOUR reaction can set the stage for what happens next.

Be aware of your surroundings. Most dogs are not biters, even if they look like they are. Dogs that bark or growl loudly are typically noisemakers who just want to intimidate, but won’t actually attack. The dogs that may be more concerning are the quiet chasers, or groups of dogs. Be conscious of your ability to hear a dog approaching. Don’t wear headphones, or if you do – turn the volume low so that you can still hear surrounding noise.

No surprises. If you see a dog in the distance, do not surprise it. An unknown human entering a dog’s area can be seen as a threat. Remember dogs instinctively want to chase a moving animal – in this instance a runner. Slow down and walk slowly or simply stop running if you sense a threat. Do not attempt to make friends with the dog.

Project calm energy and stand your ground. Avoid direct eye contact with the dog – never stare at the dog. Try to project calm energy. Even cats who stand their ground and do not run can stop a dog attacking them. If the dog stops and growls or barks, wait and then move slowly away at an angle so you can keep an eye on the dog. Do not turn your back on the dog. Do not flail arms or legs.

Speak firmly and loudly. Though not always easy to determine, some dogs respond to shouting “NO!”  and “Go Home.” A loud voice can break their focus on charging ahead.

Consider carrying a noise maker. An attacking dog can sometimes be distracted by a loud noise. Think about carrying a pocket-sized air horn or a personal alarm. Runners might also be interested in the Pet Convincer Tool, which shoots a stream of air at the dog to cause distraction.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Professionals recommend practicing calm energy even with dogs who are on a leash. As you run or walk through an area where owners walk their leashed pups, practice the following:

Keep your distance. Do not run close by dogs on a leash as you cannot always predict an animal’s behavior.

Don’t mistake excitement for affection. Put space between you and an excited barking dog on a leash. It is not always easy to decipher the root cause of barking. Some barks precede aggression. It is best not to take a chance. Cross the road, or take a different route.

WORST CASE SCENARIO

If a Dog Approaches, Lunges and/or attacks

• Stop and stay still: Do not scream, flail, or make direct eye contact. Staring is a challenge.

• Never turn your back or run: Running triggers a dog's natural prey drive and chase instinct.

• Create a barrier: Place a solid object between you and the dog, such as a bag, jacket, umbrella, or even a water bottle.

• Back away slowly: If the dog has not engaged, walk backwards slowly while keeping your side to the dog.

  
  

During an Attack

• Offer a decoy: If the dog lunges, wrap a jacket or hoodie around your arm and let the dog bite that instead.

• Use objects to deter: Shove any available item (like a stick, water bottle, or bag) into its mouth.

• Strike sensitive areas: If you must fight back, aim for the dog's nose, throat, or back of the head.

• If knocked down: Curl into a tight ball, tucking your chin to your chest, and protect your face and neck with your arms and hands. Play dead to make yourself an uninteresting target.

  
  

If Your Dog Attacks Another Person or Animal

• Do not pull the dog away by the collar: This is incredibly dangerous and will cause the dog to redirect its aggression onto you.

• Use the "wheelbarrow" method: Grab the dog by its back legs near the hips and pull it straight backward. This lifts its front paws off the ground, causing the dog to lose balance and its grip.

A handful of consistent habits will help ensure you and your dog(s) stay safe while out walking/running - We can't predict what others will do and we don't always know what an unleashed dog's intentions are, but these tips will help steer things in a safer direction!