When you see a street dog it is easy to have a strong reaction. This reaction could be an urge to approach the dog and interact, or it could be one of fear.
But as with every interaction with an animal, in order to stay safe and have a positive experience which is beneficial to both you and the creature, it is important to do some research.
I am Rachel Bean, I am a leading UK dog behaviourist and expert, and also travel the world teaching an accredited qualification in canine first aid that I created.
Thank you so much for your interest in better relating to your local street dogs, it is possible for humans and animals to live happily side by side.
Unlike wild animals, street dogs are dependent on people to a certain extent, and many people in your neighbourhood will be caring for them in meaningful ways. This could include paying for veterinary care, feeding them or even giving them shelter at times.
If you see someone in your neighbourhood that is interacting positively with a street dog, it is important to acknowledge the trust that person has built up with the animal, and the time that will have taken.
The below tips are designed to help you achieve that same level of trust from your local dogs, or simply live without worry or concern when you see one.
Remain calm: It is true that dogs can sense your fear, so when you see a street dog it is important to remain calm. The dog judges any recoiling or fear signals you are giving off as threatening.
If you do not want to interact with the dog simply ignore it, take a deep breath and walk on by. The dog will soon lose interest in you.
If you want to build a relationship with your local dogs, be aware that building trust takes time, but by sending out calming safe messages regularly the dogs will learn that you are not a threat to them.
Body language: Learn how dogs show signs of not wanting to be approached. These include turning their head away, tucking their tail between their legs or showing the whites of their eyes. If you spot any of these signs from a dog you are interacting with it’s time for your time together to end for the day.
Avoid eye contact: This can be seen as a challenge or a threat to the dog, and may trigger aggression. If you feel that a dog is wary of you, respect their space.
Don’t rush: Building trust takes time, and rushed interactions can undo your good work. Simply commit to this being a long term work in process, and back off if the dog displays signs of fear. Patience is key.
Let the dog approach you: Don’t try to actively approach the dog, this could provoke a fearful response. Instead let the dog approach you, and practice those calming signals. If you want to feed the dogs, leave the food where the dog can easily reach it, but not too close to you, as this may make them feel scared and territorial.
Routine: If you want to help a street dog and feed them a good way to do this is to appear with your offering at a regular time. This builds trust as the dog will know that you are consistent and there for them. Always remember to place food where the dog can reach it without getting too close to you, until your good relationship is established. If there are multiple dogs then be very careful as it may start a fight between them over the food. It is sensible to drop food in several places spread out and well before the dogs get close, this can help defuse tension and potential aggression over the food source
Talk to your neighbours: Do you have a neighbour that has positive interactions with the dogs? They will know all about the animals and their individual personalities. Plus what the dogs like and dislike. You won’t enjoy the same relationship straight away, but learning about the dogs from someone who knows them well will help you avoid any negative responses.
