What to do When A Dog Jumps On You When Out in Public

If you have ever had a dog jump on you in public, you know it can be scary and embarrassing.

Fear not; there are steps you can take to ensure you and the dog stay safe, and the situation does not escalate.

Make Sure to Remain Calm

First and foremost, remain calm. Dogs can sense fear, so if you are scared or angry, the dog will only become more excited and agitated. Talk to the dog in a soothing, calm voice and move slowly.

Take A Few Deep Breaths

Remaining calm is vital when a dog jumps on you. Dogs can sense fear, so take a few deep breaths and stay relaxed. Speak in a calm, low voice, and do not make any sudden movements. Try to keep still and avoid eye contact with the dog, as this can be seen as challenging.

Remain in A Neutral Position

Remain in a neutral position. Avoid making eye contact or giving any aggressive body language. Stand still and wait for the dog to move away from you. 

If You Have To Move

If you must move, do so steadily and gently. Move slowly so that the dog does not feel threatened.

Speak Softly

Speak softly and calmly. Talk to the dog in a low, reassuring voice.

Avoid Petting the Dog

While it may be tempting to pet the dog, it can reinforce the behavior. Instead, gently push the dog away and move away from the area.

Showing Aggression

If the dog is aggressive or showing signs of aggression, contact the owner or signal for help immediately. Never run. Dogs are much faster than humans, which can start the dog running after you.

Do Not Make Any Sudden Movements

In this situation, the best thing to do is remain calm and not make sudden movements. Making sudden movements can startle the dog and can cause them to become aggressive.

If you feel uncomfortable or are worried about the dog's behavior, you should stay still and avoid eye contact with the dog. Remaining still and avoiding eye contact with the dog will help to alleviate any fear or anxiety the dog may have.

If the dog is friendly and continues to jump on you, you can try to distract them with a toy or a treat. This will help to keep the dog from jumping on you and can help to calm them down.

If the dog is still persistent and will not stop jumping on you, you should slowly back away from the dog. You should never run away from a dog, as this can cause them to become more excited and aggressive. Instead, you should slowly back away, remaining still and avoiding eye contact with the dog until you have created enough distance between you and the dog.

Ultimately, the best thing to do if you find yourself in this situation is to remain calm and not make any sudden movements. This will help keep the situation under control and prevent any potential aggression from the dog.

Calmly Tell the Dog to Sit

Firmly and calmly tell the dog to “sit.” If the dog is trained, it will respond to the command and will sit down. 

If the dog does not respond to your command, you should take a few steps back, keeping your body language relaxed. This will help the dog understand that you are not trying to interact with them and may encourage them to back off.

If you are still feeling uncomfortable, you can also try gently pushing the dog away from you, being careful not to hurt them. If the dog is still not responding, you can call out for help or contact the dog's owner.

Use Your Body Language As A Barrier

If the dog continues to jump all over you, use your body language to create space between you and the dog. Hold your arms out in front of you with your palms facing away from the dog to create a barrier. Do not make any sudden movements, and do not shout or yell.

No Eye Contact

Dogs can sense fear which can further agitate them and make them more likely to jump. If you feel threatened, take a step back and take a deep breath. Refrain from making eye contact, which can be seen as a challenge. 

Consistent Body Language

Make sure to keep your body language consistent. Do not move suddenly or make sudden gestures. This can be seen as a sign of aggression. 

Instead, keep your arms crossed in front of your chest and your legs slightly apart. This is a sign that you are not open to contact or interaction.

Remain Firm and Consistent

Do not give in to the dog's demands, nor allow it to jump on you. You can use your body language to communicate that you do not want contact. To do this, you can stand up tall and use your arms to form a barrier between you and the dog.

Calmly Get Help

Finally, if the dog is not responding to your commands or you feel unsafe, do not hesitate to call for help. 

Call For Help

If the dog has jumped on you and is not responding to your commands, call for help. Do not try to move or overpower the dog, as this could result in injury. Instead, make sure you are in a safe area and call for help from those around you. This can be a family member, friend, neighbor, or even a stranger. It is important to remember that most dogs are friendly, and their owners can help you out of the situation. 

Ask a Stranger For Help

If a stranger is nearby, ask them for help. Explain that the dog has jumped on you and that you need assistance. Most people will be willing to help, especially if the dog is distressed. If the dog's owner is nearby, explain what happened and ask them to help you get the dog safely away from you.

Calmly Move the Dog Away

If help is not immediately available, stay calm and be patient. Do not try to move the dog away from you, as this could make the situation worse. If the dog is still on you, gently place your hands on either side of its body and slowly move it away. Speak in a soothing voice and try to make the dog as comfortable as possible.

When A Dog Jumps On You

The experience of a dog jumping on you while you are out in public can be startling and overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that dogs are usually just trying to show their affection and excitement. If this happens, it is best to remain calm and try to keep your distance until the dog's owner can take control. 

Overall, it is important not to take it personally and to always be aware of your surroundings when out in public.

If you have a dog that likes to jump, train them when the best time to jump in and to never jump on people.