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A friend messaged asking how to prevent small dogs from being attacked by other dogs.
I (Xiao C) think the first priority is to ensure your own dog doesn’t become a dominant or aggressive one.
[Covering mouth and laughing] Start early socialization training for puppies aged 3–6 months:
First, let your puppy interact with gentle adult dogs, then gradually expose them to dogs with different personalities. Initially, use a leash to control the distance, observe their reactions, and decide whether to let them off-leash later.
Take your dog to parks, pet stores, etc., to expose them to different sounds, scents, and breeds, reducing their fear of new environments.
When your dog calmly faces other dogs, immediately reward them with treats or petting to reinforce the connection between “calmness = reward.”
[Covering mouth and laughing] That’s not all! Learning to read dogs’ social signals can help you prevent conflicts quickly:
If your dog’s ears are flattened back, tail is drooping, and body is shrinking back, it means they feel threatened—intervene immediately.
If the other dog’s fur is standing on end, it’s growling, staring directly, or leaning forward, these are signs of an impending attack—quickly take your dog away.
Dogs sniffing each other’s butts is normal communication, but if one freezes or shows its teeth, gently pull them apart with a leash.
Here’s the key: What if you really encounter an aggressive dog that’s about to attack?
Owners, remember to stay calm and in control—don’t panic.
Keep the leash loose (a tight leash will 传递紧张感 to your dog), comfort your dog in a calm tone, and avoid screaming or pulling, which may provoke the other dog.
Stand sideways in front of your dog to block direct eye contact between the two dogs, using your body as a buffer.
Carry snacks or a noisy toy with you. When the aggressive dog approaches, throw them to distract it, then slowly back away while it’s distracted.
In an open area like a park, guide your dog to hide behind a bench or tree, using obstacles to block the attacker’s path.
Use a fake action: Squat down as if picking up a stone (most dogs will hesitate, associating this with being hit), and at the same time, firmly say “Stop” or “No.”
If you have a jacket or umbrella, suddenly open it (the large moving object can scare the dog away), then escape quickly.
If, unfortunately, the aggressive dog has already attacked:
Prioritize protecting your puppy’s neck and abdomen. Use a backpack or jacket to cover its vital parts.
In extreme cases, use keys or a water bottle to poke the attacker’s nose or waist (sensitive and vulnerable areas for dogs).
After things calm down, check your puppy for injuries. Once home, give it plenty of quiet rest to avoid reinforcing its fear.
Xiao C reminds everyone: Always keep your dog on a leash when walking. This not only ensures your dog’s safety but also effectively prevents harm to children.
Responsible dog ownership starts with holding the leash properly
