What to Do When an Off-Leash Dog Charges You on a Walk

You’re out enjoying a peaceful walk with your canine companion when suddenly, out of nowhere, an off-leash dog comes barreling toward you. Whether they’re curious, overexcited, or truly aggressive, it’s a heart-pounding moment that can turn dangerous fast.  

At Canine Companion Consulting, we train for real-world moments just like this. Here’s what to do to stay safe when a charging dog approaches.

🧘‍♀️ First Rule: Stay Calm

We know, easier said than done. But your dog is watching you for cues. If you panic, they’ll panic too. Take a breath and ground yourself. Calm, confident body language can de-escalate situations faster than you think.

🍪Toss Your Cookies

Since you bring treats on your walk (or you will now), toss a big handful of treats at the dog’s face. The reason to toss it at their face is to make sure the dog knows there is food available. Then quickly move away with your dog. Many charging dogs will stop to eat the food.

🚫 Do Not Run

Running may trigger the other dog’s chase instinct, even if they weren’t planning to engage. Stand your ground and face the dog without turning your back. 

🗣Use a Firm, Clear Voice

Short, sharp cues like:- “NO.”- “BACK.”- “GO HOME.”

Say it loud and confidently. Raising a hand like a stop sign can help. Many dogs have been stopped in their tracks by a human who sounds like they mean business.

🛡  Create a Barrier

Place anything you have between the dogs, like a bag, a micro-umbrella, or even a jacket. Something between you and the charging dog will likely cause that dog to pause.

🐾 Protect Your Dog

If your dog is small, scoop them upm but only if you have a safe place to put your dog, such as on top of a mailbox, in the back of a pickup truck, or on a garbage pail. Be warned: some off-leash dogs may jump at you when you pick up your pup to get to your dog in your arms.

If you have a larger dog, step between them and the oncoming dog. Keep your own dog’s leash loose; tension can feed anxiety.

🧰 Carry Safety Tools

We recommend carrying citronella spray, like Spray Shield, a safe, effective, and non-harmful deterrent to dogs. A walking stick or umbrella can be a great visual barrier.

📝 After the Incident

Check your dog for injuries, even if they don’t seem hurt at first. Adrenaline is sneaky. If there was contact or an attempted bite, report the incident to your local animal control and try to get information about the dog (photos, description, location, or owner info if available).

🎓 Train for Real Life

At Canine Companion Consulting, we believe in preparing for the real world, not just the ideal one. Emergency U-turns, leash-handling skills, and solid focus cues can give you and your dog confidence in these unpredictable situations.

Not every dog running at you will be this cute