Encountering a loose dog while on a walk can be nerve-wracking. It’s not always easy to tell if the dog is lost, a stray, or their owner is following closely behind. On top of that, assessing whether the dog is aggressive towards humans or other dogs adds another level of uncertainty.

If you are approached by an unleashed dog and are unsure what to do, here are some helpful tips on how to keep you and your dog safe. 

Remain Calm and Assess the Situation

When a loose dog approaches you, it’s vital that you stay calm and don’t panic. Showing fear or panic can provoke a scared dog and may lead to an attack. To avoid escalating the situation, stay calm and keep control of your dog. Quickly observe the unfamiliar dog’s behavior to determine if the dog is aggressive or just curious. 

Common aggressive dog behaviors are:

• Hard stare
• Growling
• Barking
• Snarling
• Showing Teeth
• Lunging
• Snapping
• Biting

Protect Your Dog

According to DogsBite.org, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported 4.5 million dog bites occur in the U.S. per year. If the off-leash dog starts to display aggression, follow these steps to prevent a dog bite:

• Distance Yourself: Do your best to distance yourself from the unfamiliar dog, such taking steps back or crossing the street. While doing so, avoid making sudden movements so you don’t scare the off-leash dog. 
• Keep Your Dog Close: Regardless of your dog’s temperament, it’s unwise to let your dog approach an off-leash dog without their owner present. Keep your dog on a tight leash and out of harm’s way.
• Position Yourself: If it’s safe to do so, position yourself between your dog and the off-leash dog to avoid head-on confrontation. 

Don’t make sudden movements or act aggressively towards the unleashed dog, as this could provoke it. If you or your dog are bitten by an off-leash dog, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Plus, dog bite lawyers in Nashville suggest you may be entitled to compensation for dog bite injuries.

Locate with the Off-Leash Dog’s Owner

More often than not, an off-leash dog’s owner will be nearby. If you spot the owner, calmly ask them to call their dog back. Even though you may feel flustered or upset about the interaction, handle the situation diplomatically to prevent potential conflicts between you and the dog’s owner. 

Contact the Local Authorities

Unfortunately, contacting the proper authorities may be the only way to keep you and your dog safe from a dog attack. If the dog’s owner is absent, uncooperative, or if the dog is exhibiting aggressive behavior, contact your local animal control or law enforcement for assistance. 

You can also file a report to law enforcement to prevent future incidents from happening in your neighborhood. If you prefer not to reveal your identity, many places allow anonymous reporting. 

Stay Vigilant

Even with these safety tips in mind, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and be prepared during dog walks for the worst-case scenario. Don’t let your dog stray too far from you and practice proper recall commands with your dog to avoid unwanted interactions.