What should I do if a dog walks beside me? - briefly
If a dog walks beside you, remain calm and still. Avoid making direct eye contact or sudden movements, as these can be perceived as threatening by the dog.
What should I do if a dog walks beside me? - in detail
If you find yourself in a situation where a dog is walking beside you, it's important to remain calm and composed. Here are some steps you can take to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the dog:
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Assess the Situation: First, try to determine why the dog is following you. Is it lost, curious, or perhaps aggressive? Observe the dog's body language for any signs of aggression such as growling, bared teeth, or a stiff tail. If the dog appears hostile, do not attempt to interact with it.
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Do Not Run: Running can trigger the dog's chase instinct and may escalate the situation. Instead, walk slowly and calmly away from the dog. Maintain a safe distance while moving in the opposite direction of where you intend to go.
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Avoid Eye Contact: Direct eye contact can be perceived as threatening by dogs. Try to keep your gaze averted or look at the dog out of the corner of your eye if necessary.
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Stand Still: If the dog continues to follow you despite your attempts to walk away, stop and stand still with your hands at your sides. This can help to de-escalate the situation by showing that you are not a threat.
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Command the Dog (if possible): If you know how to communicate with dogs, you can try using a firm but calm voice to command the dog to sit or stay. However, be cautious as this approach may not always work and could potentially provoke an aggressive response if the dog is not familiar with your commands.
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Seek Help: If the dog continues to follow you and you feel threatened, do not hesitate to seek help from nearby individuals or call local authorities. Provide them with a description of the dog and your location for quicker assistance.
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Carry Deterrents (optional): In areas where stray dogs are common, carrying deterrents such as pepper spray can provide an extra layer of safety. However, use these only as a last resort when you feel genuinely threatened.
By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure a safe and positive outcome when a dog walks beside you.