Encounters with Off-Lead Dogs Part 2

In the previous article, we considered how to respond to off-lead dogs, particularly if we believe the dog is dangerous. After all, there is an epidemic of uncontrollable off-lead dogs wherever you go. So this leads us to the question, how do you protect your dog from off-lead dogs? 

If you have a nervous or reactive dog, you have likely been a victim of the "friendly dog". In fact, it may be the very reason your dog is reactive in the first place. If we got a pound for every time a clueless dog owner shouted, "It's okay, he's friendly", we would be filthy rich, right? You'd be even richer if you counted all the times you replied, "My dog's not!" 

I understand the frustration. It can make walks so stressful for you and your dog. It even leads to guardians avoiding walks altogether, which is completely understandable. So, what can you do to keep your dog safe? 

Emergency Cue 

The best way to prevent reactivity is to ensure you are proactive. So, the first port of call is teaching and regularly practicing an emergency U-turn. This a cue that teaches your dog to quickly change direction. I use the word "this way". The cue word you use is irrelevant, however, it's crucial to keep whatever word you use consistent. Your tone of voice is also really important and in order to gain your dog's attention and keep them calm, you need to be enthusiastic and cheerful. 

To teach this, practice walking your dog on lead in your garden and then say "this way" (or your chosen word) place a treat at nose height and use it to lead them in a fluid U Turn. You may need to start this slowly, allowing your dog to sniff the treat as you move. To help, you can practice this around an obstacle like a cone, box or plant pot etc. It's best to turn away from your dog (having your dog furthest away from the cone) rather than turning into them, to prevent tripping over your dog. With practice, you can eventually phase out the treat lure. If your dog isn't food motivated, try throwing the treat in the new direction or offering them a special toy to tug on and use this to gently lead them around in the U-turn. If using a toy, I recommend the pocket tug from Tug E Nuff, as this is nice and small and easy to carry in your pouch (you can get it with a squeaker). I also recommend only using this toy for training to keep it special. Here's a link tug-e-nuff.com/PAWCHORES

One of my clients using 'This way' around cones.

You'll need to practice this emergency cue in a variety of environments and situations in order to proof the behaviour. The more practice your dog has, the quicker and stronger the behaviour will be. It's also essential that you don't reserve this cue solely for when you see other dogs. Dogs learn via association and the cue could quickly become a predictor of other dogs, triggering fear and anxiety. So practice it when you don't need it to keep it positive.

It's not really beneficial to teach a nervous dog to sit or wait because they'll feel even more vulnerable. Movement is rewarding and a nervous dog will want to increase the distance between themselves and the other dog. 

Teaching a firm stay can be an invaluable life skill. That being said, this would be more appropriate for dogs that are confident with other dogs. I wouldn't attempt this if your dog is anxious or reactive.

Carry these items

Sadly, there will be situations where off-lead dogs will pursue you despite your efforts to get away. In these situations, it's helpful to always carry dog treats with you. If an off-lead dog approaches, throw some away from you to try and distract the off-lead dog, so you can make your getaway. Obviously, if your dog is a resource guarder, you need to ensure you throw it a good distance away to prevent a fight. 

I also recommend using your body to block the approaching dog or hide your dog behind a barrier like a bush, tree, bench or car until the guardian collects their dog. While your dog will probably be stressed, this will hopefully prevent a fight. If you have another adult with you, ask them to herd the dog away. 

Carrying a small umbrella in your dog walking bag can also be a good way to shield your dog and/or scare the dog off. While it may seem extreme, some guardians carry citronella spray or an airhorn. While I would never use these in training, they are useful in an emergency situation where your dog's welfare is at serious risk. Alternatively, you could use a compressed air pet corrector, which just releases a hissing sound rather than spraying the dog. (Again, these would be a last resort and never used in dog training.)

You could also carry a slip lead to get the off-lead dog under control. While I would never recommend regular use, they are handy in capturing an off-lead dog. It may be that the dog is lost or got off-lead unintentionally. (I know it’s a rare occurrence, but it happens.)

Although it's by no means an effective training approach, I have picked my dog up in the past to keep him safe. I'd rather do this than have him be attacked. Obviously if your dog is confident and the approaching dog seems calm, then it's important to allow them to practice natural behaviours. But if your dog is nervous and small and the approaching dog is showing threatening behaviour, there is no shame in picking your dog up to get away. You could even put them up somewhere high, such as a wall etc. If your dog is small and the approaching dog is displaying stalking behaviour they may have gone into predatory drift, whereby a larger dog sees a small dog as prey. This is a dangerous behaviour and would be another situation where I would pick my dog up. 

Remain calm 

When you have opportunity to speak to the guardian of the off-lead dog, remember to breath, and kindly remind them that if the dogs fight, they will be liable as it is the law to keep dogs under control in public spaces.(provided your dog is on lead) Although it's incredibly difficult, try to remain calm, as this helps put your dog at ease and reduce the chances of triggering aggression in the off-lead dog. Getting into a screaming match isn't going to accomplish anything and will only make the experience more traumatic for your dog. See this as an opportunity to educate them and explain how off-lead dogs cause fear and hinder training progress. If you are kind, you might change their perspective.

Remember in some instances, the dog may be genuinely friendly and want to say hi. People who have never had a reactive dog simply don't understand, so we have to patiently enlighten them. Explain to them that an off-lead dog approaching an on-lead dog is likely to result in conflict because an on-lead dog has no option to escape. (Flight) The dog is naturally going to feel defensive, even if they aren't reactive, because their choices are restricted. The guardian may pressure you to let your dog off the lead, and in some instances, this can relieve tension, however, you may also be breaking the law if in a public space, and if a fight breaks out, it would be difficult to take legal action. Obviously, if you know your dog is dog reactive, you should not let them off the lead in public spaces and should maintain as much proximity from other dogs as possible for your dog’s welfare.

What should I do if they fight? 

Dog fights are horrible to witness and challenging to break up. Most off-lead dogs won't want to kill your dog, but it's important to know how to protect them. First things first, don't put your hands in as you could get bitten, even by your own dog. In a stressful situation, it's not uncommon for dogs to redirect their bite, even on their own guardian.

If the other dog is particularly aggressive, this would be a situation in which I would use a Citronella spray or compressed air pet corrector. I would never use them to correct behaviour, just to protect my dog. Using a loud noise, like an airhorn, can also be effective in breaking up a fight. If you have neither, blocking the dog's vision by throwing your coat over them can help. I'll be honest and say I have kicked out and charged at aggressive dogs to protect my dog. This has elicited anger from the owner, but they are the ones breaking the law and being irresponsible.

Unfortunately, dog attacks on other dogs are not considered a criminal offence. That being said, you should report the owner to the police via 101 and contact your local dog warden because allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control is a criminal offence and the dog owner can still be penalised. ( Dangerous Dog Act 1991 section 3) Sadly, the police rarely investigate dog attacks on other dogs, unless it's a working assistance dog.  

 Contrary to popular belief, it is not against the law to take a photo of a person and their dog in a public place (provided they are not a minor). I recommend giving this to the police and sharing it in community groups on social media to warn the local dog-owning public if the person will not listen to reason and is aggressive towards you. (If you have proof that the dog is a danger to the public, then you need to contact the police and dog warden regardless.) If you don't have a photo, do your best to provide a description of the person and dog's appearance. Obviously, your dog will require veterinary attention, so I recommend sharing the information with them so they can also warn their clients. You should also photograph and document any injuries if you decide to take legal action. It is possible to recover personal cost, such as veterinary fees, if you take the case to a small claims court. If you don't want to sue but want to prevent this dog from harming anyone else, you can make a complaint to the magistrates under the Dogs Act 1871. They cannot fine the owner, but can ensure the dog is kept under control and award costs. For more info, see this link.

https://www.arun.gov.uk/what-to-do-if-your-dog-is-attacked/#:~:text=Taking%20civil%20action%20for%20damages,cost%20of%20your%20vets'%20bills.

Prevention 

Sadly, there is no absolute guaranteed way of stopping off-lead dogs from approaching your dog. However, you can reduce the chances of it happening by: 

- Avoiding dog Parks and popular dog destinations 

- Choosing quiet times to walk 

- Hiring freedom fields 

- Staying alert and off your phone 

- Using yellow nervous/anxious dog leads, coats etc. 

- Changing your walk route if you notice off-lead dogs in the distance

I know it's so frustrating because you shouldn't have to. You have the right to walk your dog undisturbed by other dogs, regardless of their temperament. Unfortunately, that's not reality, so until then, prioritise your dog's needs and do everything in your power to keep them safe.