My dog, my rules! My pup picks his own friends. 🐾😎
You’re out with your four-legged buddy when suddenly—out of nowhere—a strange dog comes barreling toward you, and its owner yells, “Don’t worry, he’s friendly!” Oh, sure. But what if your dog isn’t in the mood to make new friends or has had bad experiences before? Here are a few tips to handle the situation without having a heart attack.
Have a Go-To Response Ready
Freezing up and saying nothing isn’t the best strategy. Prepare a clear, firm response you can use without hesitation: “Could you please call your dog back? Mine doesn’t do well with unexpected encounters!” It may not be entirely true, but it sends a message that this isn’t just a harmless meet-and-greet.
Create Space
Your first move should be to put as much distance as possible between your dog and the overenthusiastic stranger. Running away isn’t a great idea—it might trigger a chase instinct. Instead, keep moving smoothly, positioning obstacles like trees or parked cars between you and the approaching dog.
Keep a Trick Up Your Sleeve
You never know when a little trick might come in handy. Carry something useful, like a small can of pepper spray or some treats. Tossing a few treats in the opposite direction can distract the other dog and buy you time to get away.
Save the Lecture for Another Day
Trying to educate a stranger about leash laws is usually a waste of breath. Most people believe their dog is an angel. Instead of arguing, focus on getting out of the situation as quickly as possible.
If the Worst Happens
If the dogs make physical contact, the key is to stay calm. Don’t scream or panic—it’ll only escalate the situation. Yelling can excite the dogs even more and turn a minor scuffle into a serious fight.
If you have an object on hand, like a jacket, you can use it to separate them by tossing it over them, reducing their visibility. Never put your hands between fighting dogs—you could get bitten by accident. If one dog has latched onto the other, try the “wheelbarrow” method—carefully grab the aggressor’s hind legs and lift them off the ground while turning their body to the side. This usually forces them to release their grip.
Once the dogs are apart, move away quickly and check your dog for any injuries. If they’re hurt, seek veterinary care immediately. And remember—prevention is always the best defense. If you know your dog finds these situations stressful, avoid busy areas and always have an escape plan.
Being prepared is key—knowing what to do when an uninvited dog comes charging can save you a lot of stress. And your dog too!