Dogs running loose where they should be leashed cause damage, anxiety, and anger for dog owners who do obey leash laws. Most often, objecting to off-leash dogs in on-leash areas gives rise to blithe disclaimers from the scofflaws: “He’s friendly. He just wants to meet your dog.” Occasionally, law-abiding dog owners become involved in nasty confrontations because the scofflaws believe they themselves are above the law. Their embarrassment at being caught and called on their misbehavior turns them nasty and sometimes even mean. Law-abiding dog owners have been threatened, followed, and sometimes even stalked because they have objected to off-leash dogs.
How does a law-abiding dog owner protect his dog and himself?
Make certain that you and your dog are wearing safe equipment.
Collars should be chosen and fitted so there is no chance the dog can pull her head out and escape. Buckle collars, even fitted snugly, are not the best choice. Instead, consider investing in a nylon or leather “limited choke” or “martingale” type collar that has several inches of play. It sits loosely around the dog’s neck most of the time, tightening in a limited fashion when the dog tries to pull out of it. Head halters, fitted properly, allow the owner to turn the dog’s head to one side or another. Harnesses keep any pressure off the dog’s neck entirely and, fitted properly, are unlikely to allow an easy “escape.”
Leashes should be comfortable in your hands. New nylon or stiff fabric leashes are very often too wide to be held comfortably, or too hard on the hands. Once you’re sure your dog no longer chews on her leash, consider investing in a good leather leash that will last for the rest of her life. The longer you use a leather leash, the softer and easier on your hands it will become. Six feet is a good length.
Retractible leashes, also called flexible leads, are never appropriate for dog walking.
Retractible leashes have been popular since their invention, with new and more fashionable models available every year. Sadly, what’s become increasingly obvious over time is that retractible leashes are extremely dangerous. Google “injuries from retractible leashes” and you will see. Nothing is more likely to make an encounter with loose dogs dangerous than an owner with a dog (or dogs!) on a retractible lead. During an interaction, these leads can tangle around dog legs and human legs alike—then, with one tug, horrible injuries ensue. In an escalating situation with uncontrolled dogs, it’s simply not possible to handle a retractible leash safely and deal with loose dogs.
Hands-free dog-walking apparatuses are popular, especially with owners who walk more than one dog at a time. Dog-walking belts adjust around your waist and offer multiple hook-ups for your own leashes. You can easily reach down and deal with each leash individually, and the attachments have an “easy-off” feature so you can unhook a leash from the belt instantly. Once multiple dogs are used to walking cooperatively, “walking the dog” belts can be very useful. (They are not, however, recommended for big strong dogs that pull hard or lunge, or for people with bad backs.)
Many dog walkers use fanny packs or wear clothes with big pockets so they can carry additional items that might come in handy during a walk—plastic poop bags, collapsable water bowls, water, dog treats, human snacks, and that all-important accessory for reporting loose dogs: a phone.
For dog walkers who routinely experience unwanted approaches by off-leash loose dogs, several additional items might also be useful.
The first is a cane or walking stick or, really, anything that shape—I have seen people walking with one ski pole, for example. With some practice (not on live animals, please), you can learn to wield a walking stick to protect yourself and your dog from close approaches by uncontrolled dogs, whether they are threatening you or just being too intrusive. The stick is used not to hit, but primarily to block.
Another item you may decide to add to your dog-walking “go bag” is a dog deterrent spray. Find a professional product, preferably one that is recommended by animal control officers. (Call your local animal control agency and ask what they use.) Make absolutely sure you are able to operate the container easily and accurately. Again, practice! You do not want to make the mistake of spraying your own dog or yourself. Check to make sure the product you’re carrying has not passed its expiration date.
In some situations, a more unusual solution to physical harassment by off-leash dogs can be an air horn—a product that makes a great loud honk of noise which, in theory, scares loose dogs away. An air horn might not be your first choice of deterrent if you usually walk your dog on city streets, but it might work well if you hike with your dog off-road. It can certainly be effective . . . but it’s definitely not subtle.
Before you take your cane or stick on the road, before you put the dog deterrent spray in your pocket, make sure you’ve practiced using these new items not only on your own, but also around your dog.
- The cane, for example, is not something your dog should chew on or play with. Instead, she should learn to walk calmly with you when you are carrying the cane.
- Deterrent spray makes a noise when it is used. That alone can be surprising to your dog, possibly causing her to shy away from you, making your situation even more precarious. Practice with the spray some distance from your dog (make sure she is not downwind) so she becomes accustomed to the noise and realizes that nothing bad happens to her when she hears it.
- The air horn takes even more practice to get your dog used to it—another reason it’s not the best first choice.
When you are approached by loose dogs in an on-leash area, your job, first and foremost, is to keep your dog and yourself safe. Unfortunately, as we’ve discussed before, you are unlikely to get any help from the loose dogs’ owner. In fact, you are much more likely to be laughed at for your concern.
Prepare yourself and your dog by making absolutely sure she cannot squirm out of her collar, head collar, or harness. Use a leash that is comfortable to your hands. Never use a retractible lead. Choose and practice using a deterrent with which you and your dog can be comfortable, whether it’s a walking stick, a spray, or an air horn. Feel confident knowing you are as prepared as possible.
Know the neighborhood where you walk.
Walk with friends whenever possible.
Carry your phone and use it to report loose dogs.
