Top safety tips for dogs and their owners

Woman training a Labrador in an urban setting, highlighting dog safety and positive reinforcement techniques.

Dogs are often considered as part of the family. They bring joy, companionship and happiness into their owners’ lives. As with any other member of the family, we want to protect them and keep them safe. That also means preventing them from being in situations which may endanger them or anyone else.

Knowledge of dogs’ behaviours is ever increasing; there are countless resources available which help read your dog’s intentions and train or accommodate it accordingly. New accessories and devices that help protect dogs and their owners from threats appear every day. In this article, we will explore how to use these resources and technologies to keep your pet, yourself and others safe.

General dog safety tips

There are some general rules that always help ensure a calm and peaceful interaction between dogs and people. Here are some key tips and practices to keep in mind.

Your dog

  • Always ensure your dog wears a collar with an ID tag containing your contact information. Microchipping is an additional safety measure, as it provides a permanent form of identification that can be scanned by veterinarians and shelters.
  • When walking your dog, use a sturdy leash and a well-fitted harness to prevent escapes. Avoid retractable leashes in busy areas, as they can reduce control and increase risk in case of sudden movements.
  • Proper training helps dogs understand commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” which can prevent dangerous situations. Socializing dogs from a young age ensures they react calmly to new environments, people, and other animals.
  • Regular vet visits and vaccinations are crucial for preventing illnesses. Keep up with flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, and be aware of seasonal hazards such as extreme heat or cold.
  • Create a secure environment at home where your dog feels safe. Ensure harmful substances, sharp objects, and small items that could be swallowed are kept out of reach. Provide a comfortable resting area for your dog.
  • Have a plan for emergencies, including natural disasters. Keep a pet emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medications, and copies of medical records. Make sure your evacuation plan includes your dog.
Image of a muzzled dog wearing a secure harness, emphasizing responsible pet handling and safety measures to prevent incidents during walks.

Other dogs

  • Be sure to always check with the owner before approaching or touching a dog.
  • If you happen upon a friendly-looking dog in public, be wary that some dogs’ body language conflicts with what they are feeling. Exercise extra caution if a dog goes motionless or rigid, and take note of their tails’ movements.
  • If a dog is skittish and moves away from you, don’t chase it. Always give dogs space if they seem uncomfortable, as cornering them may make them display erratic behavior or even bite.
  • Keep a cool head when approached by a strange dog. Remain still with your hands at your sides and don’t look it in the eye. Don’t run if the dog isn’t leashed. If you do, even the most friendly dog can become agitated and can chase you. Move away slowly while keeping an eye out for the owner. You can also try putting a barrier or a wall between you and the dog.
  • Be wary of dogs that are chained or in cars or yards. Due to their protective instincts, dogs can become defensive when their territory is trespassed on. When dogs are chained or tied up, they feel vulnerable due to their inability to escape, so they may forgo defence and move straight to attacking.
  • Don’t startle dogs that are clearly focused on something, sleeping, or with their young.
  • Never get between dogs who are fighting, and keep your hands away from their heads.
  • Do not approach a dog that is eating (from a bowl or a snack). In case you have to approach, you can use a treat to divert the dog’s attention from the bowl or item.
  • Don’t attempt to pet or touch a dog through a fence or a barrier.
  • Never tease, chase, or harass a dog.
  • When entering a property guarded by a dog, it’s best to be accompanied by the dog’s person. Dogs can be protective of their family and territory and act accordingly.

Why do dogs bite?

Dog bites rarely come out of nowhere – there are often reasons and warning signs that a dog may bite. Here are some reasons why dogs bite:

  • they are protecting their territory, property or themselves
  • they are in pain
  • they feel cornered
  • they are startled by your sudden actions
  • they are very excited or agitated

Approximately 70% of dog bites occur within the home environment, and 80% of those bitten are familiar with the dog. When it comes to children, this probably results from excessive familiarity, leading them to disregard household guidelines for safe behavior around dogs. It’s crucial to remember that any dog has the potential to bite in certain situations. Therefore, children (and adults) should be encouraged to understand and respect dogs’ behavior.

What to do when a dog attacks 

If a dog appears aggressive, avoid making direct eye contact and lower your head. Slowly turn to the side without turning your back on the dog. Cross your arms over your chest and stay still. Avoid speaking or shouting. If the dog remains stationary, back away slowly. If you have treats, calmly toss them behind the dog or to the side to create a distraction. If no treats are available, use items like a backpack or water bottle as a distraction. Avoid running and seek a barrier between yourself and the dog, such as trees, bushes, or parked cars.

If a dog attacks, try to stay calm and avoid making sudden movements that could escalate the situation. If knocked to the ground, curl into a ball, protecting your head and neck with your arms. Resist the urge to yell or fight back – if you remain calm, the dog will no longer see you as a threat. Seek medical attention immediately after an attack and report the incident to local authorities.

Recent dog attacks

Recent incidents highlight the ongoing concern of dog attacks. For instance, a woman and her four-year-old child sustained serious injuries from a dog attack in Hawick, Scottish Borders, on January 4, 2025. They were walking in Wilson Drive when a brown and tan Staffordshire Bull Terrier type dog attacked them from behind. The child suffered facial injuries while the woman received an arm injury. Both were treated at Borders General Hospital. Local residents expressed concern over the increasing presence of aggressive dogs in the area. 

In another case, a 3-year-old girl was mauled to death by 100-pound dogs in her home in Cincinnati, Ohio, on December 27, 2024. Her father discovered her body after waking up from a nap on the couch, during which time he believed the dogs were locked in cages. The father reported the incident to 911, expressing confusion and distress over how it happened. The breeds of the dogs are unknown, and they have been taken into custody for a ten-day quarantine. Cincinnati police are investigating the case.

These incidents underscore the importance of responsible dog ownership, proper training, and adherence to safety measures to prevent such tragedies.

Ultrasonic dog repellers

Ultrasonic dog repellers are devices that emit high-frequency sounds designed to deter aggressive dogs without causing harm. These devices can be useful for joggers, postal workers, and those who encounter unfamiliar dogs. They work by emitting a sound unpleasant to dogs, prompting them to back away while remaining safe for humans and the environment.

With many products, you can simply point the device towards an aggressive animal and press the button. Ultrasounds will repel the animal without causing any permanent hearing damage. The deterrent can also be used to train dogs.

Dazer II – professional ultrasonic dog deterrent, offer by Detective store

Dazer II is a professional ultrasonic dog repeller. A genuine American product that gained huge popularity worldwide due to its reliability and effectiveness. This compact, lightweight and convenient device, is an excellent personal security measure for mail carriers, collectors, uniformed service officers, hunters, joggers, and anyone else in need of efficient protection against animals.

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  • Professional ultrasonic dog deterrent
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Learn more!

Whether it’s tips on how to keep your dog and yourself safe, or information on the latest technological devices regarding dog safety, you can trust us to keep you up-to-date. Keep following our blog and don’t forget to check our store offer!

Dominik Owczarek
Author of several unpublished literary works, creator of imaginary worlds. Cinephile and foodie. Can't eat a meal without an interesting video playing. Trying to switch back to books.
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