Keeping people and dogs safe when out with your dog

In an ideal world, neither children nor adults would approach and pet a strange dog without first asking the owner if it was okay, and all dogs meeting for the first time would be supervised by their owners having a brief conversation to confirm friendliness.

Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Many dog owners experience situations where strangers approach their dog without warning, or an off-lead dog bounds up to their own without supervision.

While others should take responsibility for safely approaching dogs, the law places the clear responsibility on every dog owner to keep their dog safe in public and prevent any behaviour that might cause harm. This article explains how to assess your dog’s temperament and behaviour, what legal duties you have, and practical ways to keep people and other dogs safe during your outings.

1. Assess Your Dog’s Temperament and Behaviour

Understanding your dog’s personality traits and usual responses is essential. If your dog is friendly, enjoys meeting others, and does not snap or cause fear, that’s ideal. However, even very friendly dogs can inadvertently cause accidents, such as knocking over children when greeting enthusiastically off lead.

Always keep your dog within sight and ensure they respond reliably to commands such as “come,” “down,” or “no.” Even a sociable dog should never be allowed to invade someone’s personal space or roam uncontrolled.

2. Manage Interactions in Unusual Situations

Consider how your dog behaves in unexpected scenarios, such as encountering a reactive or aggressive dog, becoming frightened, or being suddenly hugged by a child. Dogs may behave out of character in these stress-inducing moments, so being prepared to intervene calmly can prevent incidents.

3. Follow UK Legal Responsibilities for Dog Owners

In the UK, dog owners have a legal duty to control their dog in public places. The Dangerous Dogs Act and other legislation require owners to keep dogs leashed where mandated and take steps to avoid injury to people or other animals.

This means regularly training your dog, managing their behaviour responsibly, and using equipment like leads and muzzles where appropriate. You should also ensure your dog is microchipped and registered in line with local regulations.

4. Use Appropriate Equipment for Safety and Control

Leashes or leads should be sturdy and short enough (3 to 6 feet) to provide close control, especially in crowded areas. Retractable leashes are generally discouraged in busy settings due to reduced control.

If your dog can be anxious, dominant, or unpredictable, a muzzle may be necessary when out in public to protect others safely. Moreover, using collars or harnesses with clear messages such as “Please keep your distance” or “Not friendly” can help inform others and prevent unwanted interactions.

5. Teach and Reinforce Good Public Behaviour

Basic obedience training is vital. Teach your dog commands like “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” and “come” using positive reinforcement. Reward calm greetings and controlled behaviour to promote positive social encounters.

This training also helps you redirect your dog when an off-lead or unknown dog approaches, keeping situations calm and preventing escalation.

6. Respect Others’ Comfort and Space

Be aware that some people, especially children or those who are nervous around dogs, may want to avoid contact. Never let your dog approach people or other dogs without the owner’s permission, and be ready to intervene if strangers try to touch or get close to your dog unexpectedly.

Using a prominent yellow ribbon tied to your dog’s lead or collar is increasingly recognised as a request for space. However, this should be combined with your attentive management to ensure everyone’s safety.

7. Handle Unpredictable Dogs with Extra Caution

If your dog is reactive or displays unpredictable behaviour around others (including breeds like the Shar-pei), strictly manage interactions by always walking on lead and avoiding dog parks or crowded dog-friendly areas without controlled introductions.

Professional training and behaviour modification may be required to help your dog safely socialise in a controlled setting.

8. Be Prepared and Vigilant During Outings

Always carry essentials such as water, poop bags, and treats. Stay alert to your dog’s mood and reactions and the actions of others nearby. Prevent any contact if you sense discomfort, fear, or aggression from either your dog or others.

Remember, your priority is to ensure your dog’s safety, the safety of others, and the positive reputation of dog ownership in public.

By practising responsible dog management and showing respect for others, you contribute to safer public spaces and happier experiences for everyone involved.