5 Tips to Protect Your Dog from Other Dogs on Walks
Walking your dog should be a fun and relaxing activity—but all too often, other dogs can make it stressful. Many dogs you encounter on walks are reactive, aggressive, or simply uncontrolled. In this blog, I share five proven tips to protect your dog from other dogs, keeping your walks safe, enjoyable, and stress-free for both you and your pup.
The other day I went rollerblading with my German Shepherd, Havok. I couldn’t believe how many dogs we passed that were reactive, aggressive, or uncontrolled. It was stressful and obnoxious. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your dog from other dogs while on walks. In this blog, I share five practical tips to help you stay safe, feel confident, and enjoy your walks.
Happy Trails!
1. Put Your Dog on the Right Side
By keeping your dog on your right, you place yourself between your dog and other dogs on the trail. This creates extra space and gives you more control over passing situations.
Alt text suggestion for image: German Shepherd walking on the right side of owner
2. Look Ahead
Situational awareness (SA) is key. Scanning ahead allows you to prepare and take precautions if needed. I always look as far ahead on the trail as possible to see who’s coming.
Alt text suggestion for image: Owner looking ahead while walking dog
3. Assess the Situation
When a dog approaches, quickly evaluate:
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Is the dog leashed? Long leash or short leash?
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Is the collar secure? Could the dog slip out?
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How is the owner handling the dog? Clueless or in control?
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How is the dog behaving?
Red flags: stiff body, hackles up, hard stare, stiff tail, growling, barking, lunging.
Positive signs: relaxed posture, wiggling body, open mouth, friendly excitement without lunging.
With practice, this assessment will only take a few seconds.
Alt text suggestion for image: Trainer assessing dog behavior
4. Give Space
If the approaching dog is unfriendly or uncontrolled, give plenty of space. Move to the far side of the trail, cross the street, or find a safe area to wait.
Even calm dogs benefit from controlled passes. Moving over protects your dog and sends a signal to the other dog’s owner: “Your dog appears uncontrolled, and I’m taking precautions.”
Remember, some dog owners might react negatively, but your dog’s safety is the priority.
Alt text suggestion for image: Owner moving dog to the side of trail
5. Have a Backup Plan
If a dog attacks, know your options. Screaming rarely stops a fight. Consider:
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Pepper spray (upwind, away from yourself)
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A leash to control the other dog
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Other protective tools like a walking stick
The reality: encountering a reactive or aggressive dog is often not a matter of if, but when.
That said, many dogs are well-behaved. If you see one, compliment the owner! Positive reinforcement for them benefits your dog’s safety and encourages good behavior.
Final Thoughts
By following these five tips, you can protect your dog from other dogs while enjoying stress-free walks. Situational awareness, proper positioning, and preparation make all the difference.
Happy trails!
