Dog Aggression on Walks: What NOT to Do (and What Works Instead)

Dog aggression can be one of the most stressful challenges owners face. A question I hear often is:

"What should I do when another dog suddenly appears off the lead, circles us, or acts aggressively?"

Here’s the surprising answer: the best thing you can do is relax and act as if nothing is wrong.

Why Calmness Works

Dogs are like sponges for our emotions. The fear, frustration, or tension you feel travels down the lead and fills the air around you — and both dogs pick up on it instantly. That tension is what can spark a fight.

But if you project calm leadership and simply keep moving forward, most off-lead dogs quickly lose interest.

Drop the “Irresponsible Owner” Story

It’s easy to start telling yourself:

"There are so many irresponsible dog owners who have no control over their dogs!"

Is that sometimes true?

Yes.

But here’s the catch — when you focus on that story, you attract more of those exact experiences.

The truth is, most owners have had a moment when their dog acted out of character and embarrassed them. Often, they’re mortified and don’t know what to say — which can look like they don’t care.

Instead of feeding frustration, give them (and their dog) the benefit of the doubt. Let it go.

What to Do Instead

Next time an off-lead dog approaches, don’t tense up. Stay relaxed, keep walking with purpose, and act as though the dog isn’t there. In most cases, the dog will sniff, lose interest, and move on.

By doing this, you not only avoid escalation — you also attract calmer encounters and start walking in a completely different energy.

Give it a try. You’ll be surprised at how quickly things shift when you set the tone.

🐾 Would you like step-by-step training support? You’ll find full guidance in my Dog Training DVDs and Online Courses — trusted by over 26,000 dog owners worldwide. And remember to scroll back up to grab your FREE eBook for kind, proven methods that stop pulling, aggression and unwanted behaviour.