when out walking ur dog or a group of dogs?

[spaniel mom]

when out walking ur dog or a group of dogs what do u do if u run into a stray dog?? how can u prevent a fight? what do u do if the dog is running at u? how do u control ur dog or a group of dogs in a situation like this? also how do u hold 2-3 leads in one hand when walking a group of dogs?i really need to know this as im starting a dog walking service

[Aunty]

I live in a rural area with 4 dogs so this is a problem. What I do if I see a stray dog is stand tall, puff my chest out and usually the stray will back away. If not then I pick up a small pebble and throw it at the foot of the stray (never at the dog) and they run away.

My dogs look to me for protection and if I don´t deal with the stray then they will, i.e run and chase the dog off. so it´s important that your dogs see you dealing with strays so that they don´t have to act.

There are times that dogs behaving aggressively behind a fence and my dogs have pulled the leads and rushed to the fence to bark. When this happens I just turn and walk the other way and my dogs come running to me. If I were to approach my dogs to stop them they would take no notice.

My pitbull sometimes attacks one my smaller dogs and when this happens I found the best things to do is to run away, the pitbull will always stop and run after me.

[SibeChick]

Hmm interesting question. I know with my pack of 6 a leave it command gets them to ignore possible stray dog interactions (I live in a rural area lots of loose dogs)...but when walking stranger dogs, you might not be so lucky to have them know to leave it or obey you in all situations. Just in case of a dangerous situation I'd suggest carrying dog mace, to keep the dogs in your care while walking safe from a potentially dangerous situation if need be. That's the best suggestion I have.