What should I do if a dog follows me around? - briefly
If a dog follows you around, remain calm and avoid making direct eye contact or sudden movements. Instead, walk away slowly and steadily without turning your back on the dog.
What should I do if a dog follows me around? - in detail
If you find yourself being followed by a dog, it's important to stay calm and assess the situation carefully. Here are some steps you can take:
First, try to determine why the dog is following you. It could be that the dog is lost, looking for food, or simply curious. In some cases, the dog might belong to someone in the area and is just out for a walk. If possible, look for any identifying tags on the dog's collar that could provide contact information for the owner.
If you suspect the dog is lost, try to find its owner by asking people nearby if they recognize the dog. You can also post about the dog on local community boards or social media platforms. Make sure to include a clear description and any distinctive features of the dog. If you cannot find the owner, consider taking the dog to a local animal shelter or veterinarian's office, where they can scan for a microchip and contact the owner if possible.
If the dog appears to be friendly and well-groomed, it might belong to someone nearby. In this case, you could try to coax the dog into following you back to its home by calling out "who's a good boy?" or similar phrases while walking slowly away from the dog. If the dog follows you, continue walking in the direction of where you think the dog might live until it recognizes its surroundings and leads you to its home.
However, if the dog seems aggressive or you feel threatened in any way, do not attempt to approach or interact with the dog. Instead, try to create some distance between yourself and the dog by walking away slowly while avoiding sudden movements or direct eye contact. If the dog continues to follow you, find a safe place to wait, such as inside a building or car, until the dog loses interest and moves on.
In any case, it's essential to prioritize your safety and the well-being of the dog. If you are unsure about how to handle the situation, do not hesitate to contact local animal control services for assistance. They have the training and resources necessary to safely handle stray or lost dogs and can help reunite the dog with its owner if possible.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that both you and the dog remain safe until a suitable resolution is found.