DynamoDogs

Let’s talk about off leash dogs for a second. We’ve all been there, right?
You’re out with your dog somewhere nice, on or off leash doesn’t really matter. And suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, comes a dog. It’s running towards you like a cruise missile, barking and trying to look scary. And then you hear it: someone shouting the dog’s name, followed by ‘come! Come here! Here! Come!’ which the dog completely ignores.
😱🤯

What do you do?

Let me set the scene for y’all.
Picture yourself in Ivanhoe in Melbourne’s leafy inner east. Chelsworth park, a big green area with several sport ovals, a little creek and completely off leash. I’m there with a client’s dog, a big goofy and very friendly golden retriever who doesn’t care much about other dogs and just wants to swim and chase with his favourite tennis ball. We’re wrapping up our play session and he’s lying down for a few last chomps on the ball before we go home. In the distance, an older lady with two small fluffy somethings. 🐕🎾

Suddenly I hear a dog barking, followed by ‘Tristan! No!’
As I look up, one of the fluffy little things is coming straight towards us, screaming bloody murder as he runs.
My golden boy turns around and looks a little concerned by not bothered. Yet.
As Tristan, or as I come to think of him, the furry little turd, continues rushing and barking, I calmly leash my dog, and turn to face Tristan the Turd who has just turned around and is coming in for another assault. ‼️

I step towards Tristan and his mate, lower my body (he’s quite small), raise my arm and make a loud ‘tsssssh’ sound, as I stomp towards the dogs. Tristan immediately dashes away as he wants to avoid this unpleasantness, but then bravery comes back and he returns for another round. So I do the same thing again, but louder and firmer this time. (Tristan’s owner is desperately trying to call the dog back the entire time, and is coming closer to us).
As Tristan now realises that yes, I mean business and I’m not backing down, he has second thoughts and his owner finally gets a hold of him. 😮‍💨

As this point, I turn around and walk away. I don’t speak to Tristan’s owner, I don’t look at her, I don’t acknowledge her existence. She is noticeably a little peeved at this and all I think as I walk away is ‘that seems like a “you” problem, lady.’ 💪

Now, please note, I am NOT saying that this method is 100% guaranteed against all dogs rushing you, but…

Sometimes stepping up and facing the challenge instead of trying to plead for mercy, appeal to common sense or compassion for your situation…well, it can have a bigger impact and get you the results you want faster.
Is it easy? Hell no.
Is it a pleasant experience? Nope.
Does it get you verbal abuse? Sometimes.
Does it grow your proverbials about 1 million percent and make it easier to do next time? Yes.

Tell me, how do you deal with these situations and what’s been the outcome? Share your experiences, thoughts, stories, battle scars in the comments!
✍️👨‍💻