21/09/2025
Great advice
What to Do if You and Your Dog Are Rushed at by an Off-Lead Dog
Few situations are more stressful for a dog owner than seeing an unfamiliar dog racing towards you off-lead. Whether that dog is friendly, over-excited, or aggressive, the adrenaline spike is the same: what do I do now?
In the UK, where most of us share our walking routes with other dogs, it’s important to be prepared. Knowing how to act, what to say, what not to do, and how the law stands can make the difference between diffusing the situation and making matters worse.
Stay Calm – Your Dog Feeds off You
First and foremost, remember that your dog will mirror your emotions. If you panic, shout, or flail about, your dog may become more anxious or defensive. Dogs are experts at reading body language, both canine and human, so your calmness is crucial.
Take a slow breath, stand upright, and focus on clear, deliberate actions.
Body Language: Be Clear, Not Confrontational
• Stay tall and still. Plant your feet shoulder-width apart and avoid frantic movements. This stance communicates stability and confidence.
• Step in front of your dog if safe. Positioning yourself between your dog and the approaching one can act as a buffer and help your dog feel protected.
• Extend an arm with an open palm towards the oncoming dog. This is a universal “stop” gesture that can sometimes interrupt a charge.
• Avoid staring directly into the dog’s eyes. While you should keep the dog in sight, a hard stare may be read as a challenge.
What to Say – and How to Say It
Tone is everything. Dogs respond far more to how you say something than to the words themselves.
• Use a firm, low voice. A strong “NO” or “STOP” is often enough to halt or slow an oncoming dog.
• Keep it short. One or two words delivered firmly will be more effective than frantic shouting.
• Speak with authority. Imagine you are telling a child to step away from traffic, calm, controlled, and serious.
The Law – Your Rights in the UK
It’s not just about staying calm; it’s also about knowing where you stand legally. In the UK, the law is very clear: owners are responsible for keeping their dogs under proper control in public places.
If you feel threatened by a dog, or if your dog is at risk, this falls under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Importantly, a dog doesn’t need to bite for the law to apply, if you reasonably feel unsafe, or another dog is in danger, the dog can be considered “dangerously out of control”.
Here’s what you should do:
• Call out clearly and firmly:
• “Can you put your dog on a lead, please?”
• If the owner ignores you, repeat a second time:
• “Please put your dog on a lead, I don’t want it rushing mine.”
If you’ve asked twice and the owner fails to act, you’ve shown that you attempted to resolve the situation responsibly. Even if the owner is out of sight, saying it aloud is worthwhile. Yes, it may come down to your word against theirs, but you will have demonstrated that you acted correctly and the law is on your side.
What Not to Do
• Do not scream or wave your arms. This can excite the approaching dog further.
• Do not run. Running may trigger a chase instinct in the other dog.
• Do not pick your dog up unless absolutely necessary. Lifting a dog can encourage the other to jump up at you, and you risk being bitten if things escalate.
• Do not punish your own dog. If your dog reacts by barking or lunging, they are responding instinctively. Focus on managing the situation, not correcting them in the heat of the moment.
Tools and Practical Aids
While not every owner wishes to carry equipment, some items can help create space between your dog and another:
• A walking stick or umbrella – not to hit, but to use as a barrier or to create distance.
• Pet Corrector spray (compressed air) – sometimes effective at startling a dog out of a charge.
• High-value treats – in rare cases, tossing food away from you can redirect a food-driven dog’s attention.
If It Escalates
If the situation develops into an actual attack, your priority is safety: yours and your dog’s.
• Create space. Use your lead, stick, or body position to separate without grabbing jaws.
• Avoid reaching for collars. Pulling dogs apart by their collars can result in serious bites.
• Check your dog thoroughly once safe. Even small puncture wounds may need veterinary attention.
• Report the incident. Contact your local dog warden or, in serious cases, the police. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, failure to control a dog can have legal consequences for the owner.
Preparing in Advance
The best way to handle an incident is to be ready for it:
• Practise calm lead handling. The more control you have over your own dog, the less chaotic the situation will feel.
• Train a reliable “behind me” or “middle” command. Teaching your dog to tuck in close to you on cue can buy you valuable time.
• Stay observant. Scan ahead on walks and take early action if you see a loose dog. Sometimes turning and walking the other way is the best choice.
Final Thoughts
Being rushed at by an off-lead dog is unnerving, but with calm body language, a firm voice, and clear-headed action, you can de-escalate most situations before they get out of hand. Crucially, in the UK you have the protection of the law if you’ve made reasonable requests for another owner to leash their dog.
Remember: your dog is looking to you for leadership. The more composed and confident you remain, the safer and more reassured your dog will feel.
In our busy parks, fields, and footpaths, these skills are as important as teaching your dog to sit or walk nicely on a lead. They could prevent injury, avoid conflict, and most importantly, keep you and your dog safe.
www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk
