Loose dog encounters

What do you do when you are walking your dog in the park and all of a sudden there is a loose dog running towards you?

1. Stay calm, don’t run or scream as this will make the loose dog focus on you and your dog. 

2. If your dog is friendly and responds well to cues ask her to sit by your side and stay. If your dog is not friendly, skip to step 3.

3. As the dog comes towards you drop treats on the ground and walk away. This will help distract the dog while you move away. Always get your dog to safety first, put her back in the car or tie her to a tree, then deal with the loose dog.

4. I usually carry a spare slip lead in my pocket, but you can loop anything from a regular leash to a strong rope of any kind. If the dog is friendly, loop it around the loose dog without coming too close. Once looped it will be easier to control the dog while you plan your next move. If the dog doesn’t seem friendly get your dog to safety and call animal control.

5. Call for help (a friend or animal control), wait for the owner to show up (if you see them coming towards you) or look for the closest vet office to scan the dog for a microchip.