Earlier this week, as my husband and I hiked a popular trail, a large dog met us. The happy mutt seemed to smile as he quickly padded past us, eager for adventure. That’s when I noticed he was dragging his leash.
Soon a frantic woman came running. “My dog,” she gasped and struggled to catch her breath. “He slipped out of his collar!” We pointed toward the direction where we’d last seen the dog, and the distressed gal sprinted on.
Protecting your pet from those off-leash
We rarely see off-leash dogs roaming the RV campgrounds where we camp. That may be changing, according to recent reports posted on the RVtravel.com RVing with Dogs Facebook group. Several folks talked about encounters with off-leash dogs.
Scott G. reported: “Today was a first for us. While walking around the campground, a person let go of her dog’s leash and that dog attacked Doc [my dog]. I fell while trying to chase down their dog and will be a bit sore for a while. The owners of that dog quickly packed up and ran before the ranger made it to their site.”
Fortunately, Doc and Scott will be okay. The incident made me wonder about the best ways to react when approached by an off-leash dog. Here’s what my local veterinarian recommends:
- Awareness. Keep in mind that even a friendly looking dog may become aggressive with no visible provocation. There is always the potential for your own dog or the off-leash dog to react negatively. Barking, nipping, and even a full-blown attack are possible. Stay alert.
- Avoidance. If an off-leash dog approaches and you have space and time, angle or back away from the approaching dog and walk (do not run) away. Use a treat, if necessary, to coax your pup away from the encounter. Avoid walking past the off-leash dog. Even if the pup isn’t aggressive, he may carry fleas or ticks that may be harmful to you or your dog.
- No eye contact. Use your peripheral vision to continually watch the off-leash pup, but do not make direct eye contact.
- Loud voice. Using your loudest voice, command the approaching dog “No!” or “Sit!”
- Treats. Toss a handful of treats to the approaching dog. While he eats, walk away in another direction. (Be aware that the dog may follow you, hoping for more treats.)
- Obstacle. Try to put an obstacle between you and the off-leash dog. Go back into your RV. Position yourself behind a parked car or step behind a solid fence. Almost any obstacle will offer temporary protection from an aggressive off-leash dog.
- Pick up your pooch. If your dog is small, pick her up and hold her in your arms as you slowly move away.
Additional tips
As always, our readers also offered some advice. They posted on Facebook the following tips:
Mike R. recommends: “Try to stay calm. Stand tall and do not make sudden moves that might startle the approaching dog. Act as non-threatening as possible while moving away.”
Joan S. started carrying a mini air horn and citronella spray for occasions when off-leash dogs approach her while walking her pup. The loud sound of the horn or surprising spray will often stop a dog from approaching.
Rachel E. carries a 200,000 lumens flashlight. “Even in daylight, that many lumens will usually stall a charging off-leash dog without causing injury.”
Reporting
If you see an off-leash dog, it’s important to report it. Call the park ranger, RV management, local animal control offices, or the non-emergency police department. Provide as much information as possible (unleashed dog’s breed, size, color, distinguishing features). Take a photo of the dog if you safely can.
Responsibility
Owning a dog (or any pet) demands taking responsibility for it. Know the leash laws for the areas you plan to visit. Keep your dog leashed and remember what to do when an off-leash dog makes an approach. That way, both you and your fur buddy will stay safe and happy.
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##RVT1162
Do not turn and run away from the dog. Slowly back away without making eye contact. Do not wave your arms or make any aggressive movements.
Sorry, Bob. Our sometimes-overzealous spam filter put your comment in the Spam folder for some unknown reason. I just noticed it sitting there all by its lonesome, but it’s here now. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thanks Gail. I posted another one today that disappeared. This has been going on for a few days now though with some of my other replies.
That’s weird that they’re disappearing, Bob. They shouldn’t be. And I don’t see anything from you in the Spam folder now, or in Trash. So I don’t know where they’re going, since they’re apparently not arriving here. But I’m sorry they’re doing that. Must be something going on with our system (or those danged gremlins!), so please don’t take it personally. Take care. 😀 –Diane
I once made the mistake of trusting the other [unleashed] dog’s owner would control their dog. A punctured lung along with nearly 60 stitches later and a six-week recovery program, I learned my lesson. I was even bitten myself. Needless to say, I am ALWAYS prepared now. If a dog owner is that irresponsible, I’ll take care of the matter myself but I’ll never let another dog of mine endure that. Sounds really mean but once you’ve lived it, you’ll understand.
Most encounters are fine as it is usually a mistake. But will be preparing myself, and my dogs, for the unfortunate case of an attacking dog. Feel good about tough shoes but have thought about carrying spray
One other thing to consider is carrying a can of Pepper Foam. Not just the spray type. It will stick to the animal and very little chance of the spray coming back at you.
Our local police have changed to the foam.
Interesting! Thanks for the tip, Bob! I’ll look into it.
Safe travels to you!
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 I appreciate the advice. DW is our dog expert, and I would follow her lead. I cannot recall ever being in this situation (thankfully). Thanks again, have a great week, amd SAFE travels! 🙂
While walking my dog I carry a cane as my 1st line of defense (to keep stray dog away from me and my dog), 2nd line of defense I carry Pepper Spray and a Pepper gel. My 3rd line of defense is my gun. I’ve only had to use the cane twice to keep distance from other loose dogs
I have lived in small towns where the dogs run free and was surprised at how few dog problems there were. Even when there were more dogs than humans. The main reason that some folks wanted leash laws was so that they did not hit a dog on the street. When you hit someone’s dog it takes time to help the injured dog, find its owner, and you feel bad. Others wanted leash laws because they didn’t want dog poop on their yard. Never heard any one say they wanted a leash law to prevent aggressive dogs. In RV parks we notice that some dogs bark and seem aggressive while on leash, but as soon as they get off their leash in the dog enclosure they socialize happily and play.
In a ccw state be prepared to take out any aggressive dog.
Rangers will not respond to a dog complaint until you have been attacked.