What should you do if a dog chases you while dog walking?
If a loose dog charges you and your dog, stay calm, keep your own dog close on a short leash, and turn so you are between the two dogs if you can do it safely. Tell the loose dog "No" or "Go home" in a deep voice and walk away slowly at an angle. Never reach into a dog fight with your hands. Afterward, check both of you for bites and call your vet and doctor as needed.
Protecting yourself and your dog
01Shorten the leash and stay calm
Your dog reads your tension through the leash. Reel them in close, keep your voice steady, and do not run. A fleeing dog walker with a dog in tow invites the loose dog to give chase.
02Block and redirect
Step between your dog and the approaching dog if you can, and say "No" or "Go home" in a deep, firm voice. The CDC recommends staying still and avoiding direct eye contact with an unfamiliar dog. Then walk away at an angle, not straight back, so the loose dog is not facing your dog's rear.
03Use a barrier
A parked car, a fence gate, a trash can or even an opened umbrella can break the loose dog's line of approach. Some dog walkers carry a small deterrent spray approved for dogs; if you do, learn how to use it before you need it.
04Never grab dogs that are fighting
Reaching between fighting dogs is how owners get badly bitten. If a fight starts, shout, make a loud noise, or use a barrier to separate them. Call for anyone nearby to help. Call 911 if a person is seriously injured.
05Think carefully before picking up a small dog
Lifting a small dog can protect it, but it also brings the loose dog's teeth to your arms and face, and you may be knocked down. It is a judgment call. Keep your balance and back toward a wall or car if you do.
06Deal with bites afterward
For your own wounds, the CDC's rabies page says to clean them with soap and water for 15 minutes; then see a healthcare provider if the bite is deep, infected, the other dog's rabies status is unknown or your tetanus shot is overdue. Take your dog to the vet for any bite, even one that looks tiny, because punctures hide under fur and close over quickly. Swap names, phone numbers and vaccination details with the other owner, photograph the loose dog, and report it to animal control.
Related questions
What if I cannot get to the car or home with an injured dog?
Tap SOS in Holler so your Guardians get your location by email and push, and ask one of them to bring a car. A Guardian can follow the live link straight to you, which matters if you are carrying a hurt dog and cannot easily describe where you are. Our guide on how to respond to an SOS alert is worth sending to them. See getting help while dog walking alone.
Should I let my dog off leash to escape?
Usually not. An off-leash dog may run into traffic or turn the encounter into a fight you cannot control. Keep your dog with you.
How can I tell if the loose dog is friendly or about to attack?
The ASPCA lists bared teeth, growling, lunging, a stiff body with ears forward and a hard stare as warning signs. A loose, wiggly body and a curved approach is usually friendlier, but even a friendly dog can start a fight with a leashed dog who feels trapped. Keep moving away either way.
How do I avoid loose dogs on regular walks?
Learn which yards have dogs that get out and cross the street early. Report repeat problems to animal control. The dog walking safety hub has more ideas.
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Sources, checked September 2026: CDC: Dogs and your health, ASPCA: Dog bite prevention, CDC: Preventing rabies (animal bites).
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