I’m a vet – how to stop pesky dogs sniffing around your pooch on walks… the owner won’t speak to you either

A VET has revealed how to stop other dogs from sniffing around your pooch in the park. 

And the best bit is that the owner won’t want to speak to you anymore, either. 

GettyYour pooch doesn’t have to greet every other dog you see on your walks, says vet Katrina Warren[/caption]

Every dog owner knows the feeling of wanting to have a quiet morning walk with their four-legged friend.

But sometimes we can’t avoid other dogs approaching and sniffing around. 

There’s also the fear of dog attacks and stressful encounters which could see you and your pooch hurt.

Due to this, veterinarian and pet expert Katrina Warren assured that your dog doesn’t have to interact with every other one you see on your walk. 

If an off-leash dog does approach, she assured there’s things you can do to get rid of it. 

Writing for 9Honey, Warren suggested making a quick U-turn as soon as you see an off-leash dog that you want to avoid.

She said: “Think of it as an escape plan. 

“Practise this in many different environments and with all sorts of distractions. 

“Don’t wait until the off-leash dog is close to you, do the U-turn and move away as soon as you see an off-leash dog that you don’t want to engage with. 

“Avoid running or jogging, as this may cause the off-leash dog to chase you.”

If that fails, Warren advises pulling out the big guns – and telling fellow owners that your dog is contagious. 

She said: “If you see an off-leash dog heading your way, call for the owner to recall them or get them. 

“If they ignore you or tell you that their ‘dog is friendly’, try yelling that your ‘dog is contagious’.

“This will often do the job!”

Warren also recommended carrying an umbrella that you can “pop open to startle the dog” while you wait for its owner to recall or collect it. 

She said: “Push it towards the dog to act as a visual blocker and shield for your pup.

“You don’t want to scare your dog, so practise at home by making it a game for your dog. 

“Make it fun and give them many treats whenever the umbrella is opened, first from a distance and then gradually reduce the distance.”