How do I keep unleashed dogs from coming near my dog?

You probably aren't going to like this answer, but I'm going to give it anyways, because I believe it to be correct.

Honestly there is very little you can do to solve the problem as you've framed it. Unless you're continually encountering the same dogs, you aren't going to be able to train the other dogs to stay away from your dog.

The solution is, to reframe the problem such that it can be solved.

What you need to do, is start to get 'agressive' about training *your* dog, and socializing him. He may have been abused. Fine. That's an explanation, not an excuse. I've seen way too many owners excuse their dog's poor behaviour on something that happend *years* ago.

You need to be *seeking out* encounters, and finding ways to make them a positive experience for both you and your dog. Find things which help relax him and give him all the calming signals you can during the time he finds stressful. Make sure you always end encounters positively. If he snaps, or growls or whatever, don't leave immediately. If at all possible, keep both dogs together (and under control), until both are relaxed. Once they are relaxed, then you can leave on a happy note (and you've avoided teaching that snapping and growling makes the other dog go away, instead you've taught that being calm, and keeping an even temper might be the way to go).

I'm not saying it will be easy, or that you'll see overnight success, but you need to work on it.

**Edit: Re. the "dog stop" thing in the previous answer --- really, really, bad idea. What they are forgeting is that you have two dogs involved. Yours and the other dog. While you might get the other dog to stop approaching, you'll reinforce the scarred behaviour of your own dog (because he hears a high pitched annoying noise every time another dog shows up!)

Right on, Dale A.

Excellent answer.

Though she may have a weak-nerved dog. It does need to be socialized gradually beginning with very non-threatening, easy-going dogs.

Keeping her dog away from others maybe the exact opposite of what the dog needs.

I have seen several dogs that will posture more stiffly if they recognize a fearful dog. They're the bullies of the dog park.

He hasn't learned that butt-smelling is a normal activity of dogs.Socializing eventually will teach him that its a social thing dogs do.

But you really should do what Dale A suggests. The other ideas won't work at all.

Animal Control might show up sometime in the same day but the other dog won't be there.

If your dog was born with weak-nerves theres' not much you can do but I'd still keep trying.

If the owner of the loose dog is nearby, I'd explain about my dog and why I'm hesitant that their dog gets close.

Try never to send signals down the leash about your fear of the other dogs coming close. He may be picking up on that.

I once owned a fear-biter. We exercised in cemeteries after hours, park woods where very few people go. I always knew someone was up ahead by her body language and would leash her before they arrived.

Good Luck. I appreciate your concern for dogs on both sides of this problem.

You are obviously a responsible dog owner. Not like others you come across on your walks. You didn't say where you are from, but there are leash laws almost everywhere! And you need to call animal control. Those neighbors are in the wrong, and need to leash their dogs. Unfortunately, you may make your neighbors angry or angrier than they already seem to be at you for having a shy dog. But, if there is a leash law in your area, they are breaking the law by not leashing their dog. Plus leashing is the safest way for all concerned.

There are many dogs, mine included, that has a problem with other dogs when on a leash. I have absolutely no problem when in a park and my dog is running free...He gets along with all dogs. When on a leash, he seems to get an attitude or fear or something, because he will show a slight aggression towards other dogs. I am working on this by when he shows any hint of aggression, I keep walking with him. I only allow sniffing if there is no aggression. And he is learning. And many dogs respond this way when on a leash, but are fine when running lose. I don't know what causes or creates this, I just know it happens. Whether the dog feels confined, can't get away, not in control or confidence issue, I don't know. Many times agility training help in confidence with dogs. You may want to try that with your dog to see if it helps with his fears/aggression and sociability.

Personally, I would talk with a trainer and see what they suggest. There are different options and ways of properly socializing your dog. You can't make others train their dogs, but you can train yours and give him confidence and sociability. You can get your dog well adjusted and keep you both safe.

The following may at first appear irrelevant. My dog was attacked in November 2008, I got stuck in to help and both my dog and I were hospitalised.

Since then I have carried a stick to protect my dog, thankfully this has not been necessary. However I have discovered that if I place my stick between my dog and another dog, that the other dog will back off.

The majority of dogs owners have no control over their dogs, however using my walking stick in a none aggressive manner has prevented several confrontations.

Unfortunately there isn't a whole lot you can do. As soon as you see another dog off-leash shout to the owner, "please get your dog, mine is aggressive" (even if it's not true). If they don't and you have mace I would say to them, "come get your dog NOW or I will be forced to mace him." If they still don't, then go ahead and mace the dog. If the other owners get mad then that's their own damn fault for not properly controlling their loose dogs. There's no law anywhere that I'm aware of that says only well socialized friendly dogs can be walked in public and as long as your dog is not a danger to others (when they follow instructions and don't invade his space in spite of you telling them not to) then you have just as much legal right to be there as they do. If you have a leash law in your area then you have even more of a legal right to be there then they do because you are following the law and they are not.

Two answers -

1. Shout at the owners of these dogs (assuming they are out with their owners?) and ask them to PLEASE put their dogs on a lead

2. Approach this situation form the other side, and take your dog to training/socialisation classes to help him overcome his fear. This might not happen overnight, but I'd try to make him feel more comfortable around dogs in general.

And of course, awareness of approaching dogs .... change direction? Anticipation goes a long way in this sort of situation.

get a airhorn or a water gun, seriously. But yea, call animal control, expecialy if these loose dogs are big and you dont know if they will become violent. Plus if there are kids around, this could be dangerous with dogs running around. Heck, even loose small dogs can be just as bad. UPS guy told me its not the big dogs that scare him, its usually the little dogs that are dangerous! ha

Plus if your dog is timid, he might become aggressive (fear aggression) with the approaching dog and then hell will break loose. Dogs definately read off of eachothers emotions and act accordingly. Is your dog light enough to pick up if this happens? Well come to think of it, you dont want your dog lashing out on you when its scared. Dogs can be strange even if its your own dog, they may do something you never imagined in a wierd scary situation.

I dont know why people can be so irresponsible with dogs by letting them roam the streets. Its so dangerous for you, children, your dog, and the loose dogs themselves if a car runs over them.

Take your dog to training classes, I adopted a very timid, fear aggressive chihuahua/jack russell mix 2 years ago, he was 2 at the time, and I socialized him everywhere I went on a leash with family, friends and then I moved up to other dogs. I had family members feed him treats so he would trust them, he LOVES food. Let him know that he is safe and always warn others that you are not 100% positive that he will growl or bite out of fear. But now my dog is a totally different dog and I trust him around any human child or dog. My dog was abused in the past too. Shy dogs can overcome it, but a trainer will know what to do in your situation. Or you can just go to petsmart or petco and ask someone there for suggestions. Youtube the dog whisperer and just see ---for fun---, what he does with shy dogs. But don't try his techniques if they seem too risky.

Also, if not already, crate train your dog. I just got a crate yesterday for my new puppy and the brochure that came with it expressed how much crate training a dog can help with bad behaviors, or anxiety. Crates serve as a safe place, a sanctuary for dogs. My dog has separation anxiety bad since we moved to our new apartment, and in just 2 days, the barking has stopped completely.

I live in a county with a leash-law. When I encounter loose, uncontrolled dogs that are off their property I will step in front of my dog and shout "NO". If the loose dog comes closer then I brain him with the wooden baseball bat I carry on every walk. Know your local laws because that may not be legal. It is legal in my county to kill an owned animal if it is 1) off it's owner's property and 2) damaging my property. I've had a couple angry owners, but after the shouting they keep their dogs contained.

One alternative to pepperspray is SpraySheild (direct stop) citronella spray. It's the stuff they put in the spray bark collars, just easier to spray and has a 10ft range. I would of coarse give plenty of warning to the owner and dog and place yourself between their dog an your own. You will not earn any friends this way but it is better than pepper spray and mace.

I would also consider talking to the the regular offenders 1 on 1 and mention if it continues you will contact animal control and/or spray their dogs, in your shy dogs eyes the dog is attacking just by violating his space. I have mentioned several times to people on YA who say they can't control their dog off lead that it will be their fault if their off lead friendly dog runs up on a shy or aggressive dog who in leashed and gets mauled.

Unfortunately any action you take to scare away the other dog with also scare the heck out of your dog. This is not the effect you want to make for your dogs sake. I suggest you simply walk away calmly. Your dog will be even more fearful if you react fearfully!