If you are out on a walk or simply walking along a public sidewalk, you may come in contact with a dog that you don’t know. If the dog is on leash, respect the dog and the owner by continuing to walk without making eye contact with the dog. Greet the owner with a nod or quiet ‘hello’ and move on. If the dog is anxious then you may want to walk on the opposite side of the street to avoid the dog and to help the dog focus on his task instead of you. Sometimes the owners will allow the dog to run off leash. If you’re approached by a dog running off leash, ignore the dog and keep walking or give a slight command of “down” or “back”. When petting a strange Beagle or other dog, ask the owner for permission first. For more tips, talk with your veterinarian Michigan City, IN.