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The average dog can easily over take and out run even an Olympic runner. Even small dogs can run very fast. Plus, dogs instinctively chase things that move - especially things that move fast! So running away from a loose dog can actually encourage it to chase you. You best bet is to slowly back away from the dog and do not stare it directly in the eyes. (Staring a dog in the eye may make it feel threatened and a dog who feels threatened is more likely to bite). If the dog comes up to you, stand still. Play TREE!
As with #1, you would be surprised how fast many dogs can run. Greyhounds can run as fast as a car going down many neighborhood streets (over 35 miles per hour). Most dogs could catch the average person or child on a bike or skateboard. If you see a loose dog, stop, get off your bike or skateboard (if you are on roller blades, remove them) and calmly start to walk in the other direction. If the dog comes up to you, stop and stand still.
Looks have nothing to do with a dog's temperament. Just because Hollywood or books portray some types of dogs and cuddly and others as mean, this does not mean it is true. Even cute looking dogs are capable of giving a serious bite. And not all mean looking dogs are actually mean. Most are very friendly! It is the dog owner, the raising and training a dog gets that determines if he will be friendly or not.
Any dog - even one you personally know that is now running loose - can be a danger. If you see a loose dog, never try to catch it. Instead, go to an adult you know and ask them to alert animal control. It is safer for dogs to be picked up than left loose in the streets. If the dog has a collar and tags, a tattoo or a microchip, the Shelter can help the dog find it's owner. Even if you know the dog, dogs act differently when they are off leash and alone than they do when they are with their owners. If you see a dog you know running loose, have an adult you know tell the owner. Again, never go up to a loose dog.
Just because a dog is leashed does not mean it is safe to go up and pat it. Always stop several feet away and politely ask "May I please pat your dog?" If the owner says "Yes," then make a fist with your hand, let the dog sniff you and slowly pat the shoulder or back. Do not reach over the head as this may make a dog feel scared. Scared dogs are more likely to bite. If the owner says "No," respect that and walk away. NEVER reach out and grab at the dog as he passes. He may get startled or scared and bite. NEVER touch a dog without asking permission - no matter HOW cute the dog looks!
Just because someone says you can pat a dog does not mean it is safe to. If the dog is acting scared (backing up, trying to escape, or shaking), do not feel like you can give the dog a bug hug and soothe it. The dog is scared. Scared dogs are more likely to bite. Instead, step back and if the dog is small, kneel down and see if the dog comes up to you. If not, leave the dog alone. If the dog is acting rowdy and jumping about, he could easily knock you over and hurt you. A good dog owner will insist the dog is standing or sitting calmly before allowing you to pat the dog. Just like we need to learn polite greetings, so do our dogs!
Dogs are excited by fast movements, yelling and screaming. These may encourage them to want to chase and nip or even hunt you like prey! If a dog comes up to you, stand still like a tree. If you have a book bag, hold it in front of you. If you have a toy or food, put it down. Better the dog get the toy or food than you. Wrap your arms around your chest and stand as tall and still as a big tree. Do not stare at the dog's eyes but make sure you can see him. Remain calm and quiet. If the dog starts to jump on you, roll up. Place your hands behind your neck and curl up like a turtle in a shell. Now you may start screaming for help. Try yelling "FIRE!" It will get attention faster.
Dogs can be very territorial. Just because a dog is fine when the neighbor is outside to give you permission to pat it, does not mean the same dog will be friendly if it is alone in the yard. The dog may decide since no one is there to tell him you are fine to visit, the dog may decide you are posing a threat to his home and he may be more likely to bite you. If there is no owner around to help you, LEAVE THE DOG ALONE!
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