How do you tell someone to keep their off-leash dogs away from you and your dog?
In an ideal world, everyone would obey leash laws and you wouldn’t have to worry about it!
Unfortunately, there will always be those who feel that laws don’t apply to them.
Even the most well-behaved off-leash dog can quickly become a danger to other people and pets.
Today, we’ll talk about three ways to send a clear message: keep your off-leash dog away from me!
How to Tell People to Keep Their Off-Leash Dogs Away From You
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I remember one incident with my dog Lucky when I was a young child.
My father and I had taken him out for a walk when a Dalmatian off-leash came running at us. Lucky was not a dog-friendly fellow, hence we always kept him on a leash. You can imagine that things got ugly very quickly. Fortunately, we managed to separate the two fighting canines quickly, and none suffered an injury.
I was reminded of this event when I witnessed something similar the other day. An owner of an on-leash dog was trying unsuccessfully to keep a curious unleashed dog from approaching him and his pet.
Such situations are a common occurrence mainly because people assume if their dog is friendly and mellow the same is true for all.
So, today we’re going to talk about how to tell other people to keep their off-leash dog away from you and your on-leash dog.
I’ll also offer some advice on what to do if people continue to ignore your warning.
#1 Be firm
People often hear what they want to hear and choose not to understand when you’re trying to explain that your pooch is not as friendly as theirs. That’s why the request, “Please, leash your dog” falls on deaf ears.
So, keep a polite tone, but be blunt about what you want and don’t sugar-coat it.
Say that Lucky will bite the other dog gets near. Make it crystal clear that the other dog is at risk. Don’t sweat if it’s not true and your dog is simply afraid or uncomfortable around other pets. It’s not a pleasant thing people to think that you have an aggressive dog, but they would take your words more seriously if they believe that their pet might come to harm.
Also, if something were to happen, you can defend yourself and Lucky by saying that you had warned the other owner to keep his pooch leashed. They can’t really complain when they’ve been warned over and over again, right?
What’s more, the law will be on your side, because you’re not the one breaking it.
#2 Threaten to send a complaint
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If talking and warnings don’t do their job, try not to get angry. I don’t recommend that you turn physically or verbally abusive because you’ll be the one the police will pick up, which won’t solve the issue.
Instead, you can use the law to your advantage.
Apartment complexes usually have rules regarding dog leashing so that you have the right to file a complaint if unleashed dogs are bothering you. Owners will quickly start leashing their pet unless they want to be fined or evicted.
If you often meet off-leash dogs in public places during your walks, check your area’s regulations.
Most cities require dogs to be leashed or under proper control when in public. For some breeds, a muzzle is also necessary. You can remind the owner of the rules and warn him that you’re going to call animal control.
Of course, as a last resort when you’ve given enough fair warnings, you can actually turn to the appropriate authorities. However, this action will put a strain on the relationship with your neighbors. What’s more, you need the owner’s name to report the misbehaving, which might be difficult to acquire in some cases.
#3 Get a muzzle
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This one is more for those with aggressive dogs, or pups who are very over-protective of their people.
It’s a last-resort sort of thing.
I’m sure that you are not fond of the idea to muzzle your pet and that you might find it even cruel and inhumane. It’s not really fair that you should have to muzzle your dog just because other people can’t obey the laws, but if your dog is extremely protective of you, it could actually help your dog in the long run.
It also sends a very clear message to other people and their off-leash dogs! In fact, a few things send a clearer message that you’re dealing with a dangerous dog than a muzzle. People tend to steer clear of your way, and dog walkers quickly leash their pets to keep them safe.
Also, it’s not a bad idea to get your dog used to wearing a muzzle in case of medical emergency. The other advantage is that you won’t have to worry that your dog is going to harm another animal. It will lift a huge weight out of your shoulders. What’s more, your dog will feel that you are not constantly on guard, and he will also be more relaxed.
I read some online some tips that suggested throwing treats at the approaching off-leash dogs to deter them, but I would not recommend it.
For one, if you meet the same dogs every day and you throw treats at them, you can bet a fortune that they will come looking for more. Also, the dog might decide to follow you in case you start throwing more food.
Sometimes it’s hard to deal with other people and their belief that every dog is as friendly as theirs, or that every person out there loves all dogs equally. The most important thing is to keep your cool and leash your temper.
Be blunt, firm, and try to send a clear message. If you are consistent, people will eventually learn to leash their pets around your dog.
