Off Lead Dogs -How To Stay Safe on Walks
- Jun 15
- 4 min read
You’re enjoying a quiet walk with your dog when, out of nowhere, an off-lead dog barrels toward you...
Your dog tenses. You freeze. The human? Nowhere in sight.
This isn’t just frustrating — it’s frightening. And in some cases, it’s dangerous.
For dogs recovering from injury, living with fear-based behaviours, or simply uninterested in socialising, these unexpected encounters can undo months of training or cause lasting trauma.
Sometimes, you might be the one walking the dog who could cause harm — not because they’re “bad,” but because they’re scared, overwhelmed, or trying to protect themselves.
Let’s unpack why allowing dogs to approach others without consent is a serious problem. Then we’ll look at how to stay prepared and protect your dog.
Why Your Dog Should Not Approach Others Without Permission
Even if your dog is “just being friendly,” here’s the hard truth:
You cannot guarantee the comfort or safety of the person or dog they’re approaching.
The other dog might be:
In training or rehab
Recovering from trauma, illness, or surgery
Blind or experiencing chronic pain
A puppy in a sensitive socialisation phase
Fearful, reactive, or have a history of being attacked
Accompanied by a human afraid of dogs — including children (they are a kind of human)
Simply enjoying a peaceful walk, just like you
This also applies to dogs who aren’t properly contained at home.If your dog escapes your property and causes distress or injury — even without biting — you are legally responsible under the Dog Act 1978.
What Can We Do?
Stay Present: Awareness Buys You Time
Being aware of your surroundings is one of the most effective (and often overlooked) safety strategies. It’s not just about watching your own dog — it’s about observing the environment around you.
Is there a dog metres behind their distracted guardian, who’s chatting on the phone?
Is a garage door open, with a dog visible inside?
Is a gate swinging open just up the street?
These small details can give you the seconds you need to change direction, prepare, or calmly avoid an incident.
Tips and Toolkit for Handling Off-Lead Dogs
Here’s what I carry and recommend — based on real-life encounters. These simple, affordable tools can make a big difference.
1. Wear a high-vis vest that advocates for your dog (for those who really struggle)
A vest that reads “Please Give Space” is easy to spot and hard to ignore. If a dog is approaching, point to your vest and ask the guardian to recall their dog.
2. Carry a spare lead
A lightweight slip lead or extra leash lets you contain or return a loose dog safely. If no guardian is in sight, you can tether the dog to a safe point while you move on.
3. Throw high-value food
Toss food away from your dog to redirect the oncoming dog’s attention. This can buy you valuable time to create distance or get to safety.
4. Use a compact umbrella
A small umbrella can be used as a visual barrier.
Pop it open in front of you to block the incoming dog.
Practice using it at home so your dog is adjusted.
5. Create a physical buffer
In an emergency, small dogs can be placed on a car roof or even inside a wheelie bin. It’s not ideal, but it can prevent serious injury. (Try not to pick up your dog by their collar)
6. Redirect with a thrown object
Swinging a spare lead, tossing a jacket, hat, or even a shoe toward the oncoming dog (not at them) can interrupt their momentum.
7. Carry a deterrent spray
SprayShield (citronella-based) is a safe, non-harmful deterrent that can stop or interrupt an approaching dog. Keep it in your treat pouch or clipped to your bumbag — not buried in your backpack.
(for emergencies)
Practice Calm Thinking Before You Need It
When we panic, clear thinking disappears.That’s why it helps to rehearse what you’d do in advance — mentally walking through each step, or role-playing with a trusted trainer.
Preparation turns fear into action.
You don’t need to apologise for protecting your dog.Hand up. Show your palm. “STOP.”
You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Consent is the bare minimum.
“He’s not friendly.”Actually, he is — to those he knows.
Being prepared doesn’t make you paranoid — it makes you responsible. And it may just give you the confidence you need to make walks enjoyable again.
Where to From Here?
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for caring about safety — not just for your dog, but for others too.
If this kind of thoughtful, practical approach resonates with you, I’d love to stay connected.
I’m about to launch my membership space — created for dog guardians and professionals who want to explore behaviour with more clarity, kindness, and confidence.
I’ll be announcing the launch date in the next week, and doors will open to just 50 founding members — to keep the experience personal, supportive, and manageable while I find my rhythm running it.
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