Self-defense for your dog

(U.S. Air Force photo/Alejandro Peña)

Self-defense for your dog

We might be responsible owners, keeping our dogs safe, well trained and happy. Sadly, this

isn’t the case with all dog owners. Plus, we can't always know if our dogs are going to get along

with other individual dogs. This can lead to squabbles and skirmishes.

Here are some ways you can move your dog away from trouble. Practice a few drills so you can act

confidently when you need to. Of course, nothing can replace being vigilant, and remember: never put your

hand in between dogs at war. You are likely to get badly bitten in the process.

Prepare:

Are you aware of the location you are visiting? 

Have you had problems there before, or heard that there are dogs out of control?

If so, the best answer is: do not go there. You wouldn’t walk around a dangerous part of town at night alone, so don’t walk your dog where you know there are dog-dog issues.

If your dog does these things, or if you realize your voice is sounding upset, don’t let your dog meet other dogs until you have sought help. You may think your dog is friendly, and he probably is at home. However, your dog will be affecting many other dogs socially and they will not recover well.

If you see your dog start to move away when he sees another dog, don’t force him to make contact. 

Let him retreat and invite him to walk the other way with you.

React

As soon as you see any worrying signs, or even if you get a feeling all is not well, call

your dog straight back to you.

1- Even before your dog

has had a chance to react, call him away to you. Practice this regularly on walks.

2 -Walk forward with your

dog on a loose lead, then back away and call him to you. Take his collar and then offer him

a tasty food treat.

3 -Repeat at least 20 times

on every walk, no matter who or what is ahead. Always sound happy and excited.

Emergency tactics Throw food to the approaching dog

This can stop an interested dog on the spot, as he suddenly realizes there are goodies raining

from the sky.

Call out ‘Sit!’

Most dogs will recognize tension in your voice and may ignore it, but if you call out ‘Sit!’ there is

a strong chance they will have learned this already.

Pick up your dog

Although a little controversial and not always possible, I use the analogy that if my dog were 

in front of an approaching juggernaut, I would scoop him out of harm’s way. If your dog is small

enough, and sometimes even if not, it is worth deciding if you would do this and get your dog

used to being lifted.

Safety first

dog and others. These tips are only ideas for safety and may not be appropriate in your own

situation, so do make sure you act in the safest way possible for you, your dog and others.