Oh My, What Big Teeth You Have!

(What to do when you encounter a charging canine.)

My dogs and I were meandering down a familiar street when two large dogs bolted from a nearby house.  They came charging towards us at full speed.  I felt my heart begin to race as I realized there was no visible fence between us, and the oncoming dogs.  Trying not to panic I turned to my dogs and told them to “wait.”  I dropped their leashes and stepped in front of them to serve as a shield between them and the quickly approaching dogs.  I took a step forward just as the dogs closed the last few feet between us and yelled, “Go Home!” in the most commanding voice I could muster.  Luckily for me, both dogs stopped their approach and stood stiff with hackles raised and tails curled up over their backs.  I picked up my own dogs’ leashes and began backing away slowly.  Neither dog attempted to move any closer.  I breathed a sigh of relief and went on my way.  

Since that day I have encountered many charging dogs and each encounter has taught me useful tactics to immerge unscathed.  Most of the dogs have simply been curious and harmless.  The most important thing is to have a plan. Next, do the following:

• Remain calm.
• Ask your dogs to do an emergency sit-stay (see below for tips on teaching this) then step directly in front of them.
• Throw a handful of treats into the face of the oncoming dog. Always carry treats.
• Face the on-coming dog with a tall posture and in a very stern voice say “Go Home!”
• If you or your dogs are in danger, yell or call for help.

For teaching a reliable stay I highly recommend training in a low distraction indoor environment. A charging dog situation is not a training moment. For more information on teaching a reliable sit stay and other useful behaviors stay tuned for future training articles.