Keep Calm and Walk On Don't run. Running can provoke the approaching dog to charge and will increase the anxiety of the situation for all parties involved. Walk away casually, as to not startle your dog or the approaching animal.
Just Walk Away
In the majority of cases, simply walking away from the off-leash dog in a calm manner will be enough to keep you and your dog safe. Don't engage the other dog or approach it.
Avoid making direct eye contact with the dog, as this can be seen as a challenge or a threat. Instead, keep your head down and avoid staring at the dog. If the dog starts to approach you, slowly back away. Do not turn your back on the dog or run away, as this can trigger their prey instinct and cause them to chase you.
Do not kick or punch the dog if at all possible (that might escalate in their arousal). Once the attack is over, immediately get yourself, your dog or your child away. Don't turn around, try to get further control of the situation, or try to find the owner.
Always check if it's OK for your dog to say 'hello' when passing other dogs on the lead, rather than just allowing them to approach. Dogs who like to be sociable will naturally choose to approach one another side-on in an arc as opposed to head-on, so wherever possible, try to allow for this.
In reality, there's no right or wrong way to walk your dog. If anything, the only rule is that the leash should always have some slack, meaning your dog shouldn't be pulling the leash as you're walking.
The proper way to walk your dog on a leash: pack walks. Walk your dog, do not let your dog walk you. If you allow your dog to walk in front of you while on a lead you are reinforcing in the dog's mind that the dog is alpha over you because the leader always goes first.
It's a misconception that dogs can only enjoy off lead exercise – plenty of dogs need to be kept on lead for health or behaviour reasons and they still get the exercise and mental stimulation they crave.
Some dogs may be more protective or less protective depending on the breed but all pups have some protection instinct. One of the easiest way for your dog to protect you is to walk behind you, and see that you are safe! A protective dog will follow behind you during walks and around the house!
At first, walk the dogs at a distance where they can see each other but are not too provoked by each other's presence. If the dogs are not showing any negative behaviors, reward them with treats just for seeing each other.
There are a variety of specific reasons your dog may act aggressive to other canines while you're out on a walk. The most common reasons include your dog being defensive and/or scared, as well as being protective of its territory or owner. Dogs that are not well socialized may also have poor communication skills.
If when you're approaching a dog they start to turn away or look tense, it's very likely that they are not comfortable having you in their space. It's best to stop if the dog displays any signs that they're uncomfortable.
But the most common reason is that your dog normally walks in front of you, so to her little mind she can wander where she wants anywhere on the path. Even if it trips you up.
That means they stare at us a lot to gain knowledge about their environment. Essentially, they are waiting for us to do something that will impact them. For example, dogs quickly learn that their owners pick up the leash before taking them on a walk.
"Contrary to popular belief, dogs with behaviour struggles can get more reactive or more excitable when we try to exhaust them through too much exercise," she added. Niki has a two-year-old rescue dog named Bodie at home, who is "noticeably calmer" with fewer walks and more enrichment games.
Proper Dog Walking Etiquette on a Sidewalk
Hold tightly to the leash so your dog does not jump on anyone. Be aware of other people and animals walking nearby, especially if you'll pass near them. Pay attention to people's lawns and property and keep your dog from using them as a potty.
Some dogs do not like to socialize and should not be forced into it. Dogs owners who allow their dogs off-leash and cannot control them create an unsafe situation for shy dogs, real or perceived. Fearful Dogs – Some dogs are just out-right afraid of other dogs. Perhaps they are small and larger animals intimidate them.