When a dog invades your space, which action is recommended?

When a dog invades your space, which action is recommended?

• A. Back up slowly
• B. Do not back up
• C. Run away
• D. Turn your back

Answer: (B)

When a dog invades your space, the safest response is to stand your ground rather than retreat. Backing away can signal retreat or submission, which may prompt the dog to press forward or test your boundary. Instead, keep a calm, confident posture, face the dog, and avoid direct eye contact. If you need to create distance, move slowly to the side rather than turning away or running away. This helps you maintain control, lets the dog read you as not being a threat, and gives you a chance to ease the situation without escalating it. Turning your back or sprinting away can increase risk by inviting more advance or chase, and backing up directly can be interpreted as yielding.

When a dog invades your space, the safest response is to stand your ground rather than retreat. Backing away can signal retreat or submission, which may prompt the dog to press forward or test your boundary. Instead, keep a calm, confident posture, face the dog, and avoid direct eye contact. If you need to create distance, move slowly to the side rather than turning away or running away. This helps you maintain control, lets the dog read you as not being a threat, and gives you a chance to ease the situation without escalating it. Turning your back or sprinting away can increase risk by inviting more advance or chase, and backing up directly can be interpreted as yielding.