Common dog-walking mistake and how you can fix it, according to top trainer
Walking your pooch, although sometimes a chore, can be a highlight of your day as it gets you out in the fresh air while helping keep you fit. But there are common mistakes dog owners can make when confronted with problems while out with their pets.
A dog trainer has issued advice on what to do if you encounter one of these issues when walking your furry friend. Southend Dog Training is acclaimed as the "world’s leading online dog training community".
They shared a TikTok video with advice on what to do if an unleashed dog starts charging at you, and a standard (but understandable) mistake many people make when in this scary situation.
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In the video, one of their trainers advises against running away from the charging dog, and instead suggests firmly telling it to 'sit'. The trainer explains in the video: "It’s very, very simple. Don’t run away. All that’s going to do is increase your chances of getting bit."
The expert continued by explaining that most dogs that may approach you are not serious threats, but that running away could trigger their instinct to chase, reported Surrey Live.
"Nine out of ten dogs when they’re running over to you are bluffing," the video continued. "That bluff becomes a reality, however, when you run away, so don’t do that. It’s only prey that runs away from predatory animals."
The trainer then recommended taking control of the situation. "What you actually want to do is stand your ground and shout 'sit'," they added. "Nearly every dog on the planet knows the word 'sit'."
He mentioned the likely outcomes of doing so: "When you do this, the dog will either sit or be so bemused that you, a stranger, has asked them to sit so they’ll run back to their owner."
The trainer then warned against lifting pets or children in a bid to protect them from a charging dog. "If you’re out with your dog or child do not pick them up. All you do by picking them up is make yourself a target and whatever you picked up a target and you remove your hands.
"You want your hands in case you have to physically take control or defend yourself. What you do is you put your dog behind you or your child behind you. You advocate. You act as a barrier for them.
"You do not let that dog get behind you. You stamp your foot, you go on the offensive if necessary, shout ‘sit’. Most dogs will run away."
The dog trainer said the "reality is if a dog is going to bite you, it’s going to bite you" but you can reduce your chances of this happening if you "stand your ground and instruct the dog what to do".
He also suggested carrying some treats in your pocket to appease the dog. Hundreds of comments have been left under the video. One user revealed what they did when a dog came charging over to them.
They said: "I was walking my dog after back surgery, and a mastiff off leash came charging. I can't even describe the roar that came out of me, but that dog stopped immediately and the owners were horrified."
Blue Cross, a UK animal welfare charity, has said there is no "blanket law requiring dogs to be kept on a lead in all public areas." However, there are some restrictions that mean you have to keep your dog on a lead in certain places in your local area, such as sports pitches, children’s play areas, roads, parks and beaches.
