How do you deal with aggressive stray dogs in Thailand?

Most stray dogs in Thailand are well-natured and loving. If they’ve been abandoned, they’re likely to be familiar with humans and desperate for love. This means you’re likely to have many fond memories of interactions with stray dogs from your trip to Thailand.

Still, many street dogs will have experienced hardship, neglect, and even abuse from humans. Fear and trauma in dogs often manifest as hostility and anger. A change in temperament is also a common side effect of diseases like rabies and other ailments like injuries, skin irritation, pregnancy, or anything that makes the animal feel vulnerable.

It’s always advised to be cautious of unknown animals. So how do you identify an aggressive dog, and how should you react?

Before approaching, or even in passing, look out for the dog’s body language. If a dog’s tail is high and wagging, this is a sign of friendliness. Bright eyes, an open, relaxed mouth, relaxed ears, and a non-defensive stance are all signs that the animal is fine to approach. However, low or slowly wagging tails and a crouched stance can be signs of apprehension or intent to attack. Showing teeth, low growling, flat ears, and barking are all signs of hostility too, so keeping your distance is a must.

Street dogs are very territorial and could be protecting something without you knowing. Street dogs often dwell at housing complexes, and while homeless, they defend the land, children, their puppies, and even criminal activity. If you’re approaching for an unknown reason or you’re an unfamiliar face, the dog will likely see you as a threat and be ready to put up a defense. So make sure you never scare, confuse or aggravate stray dogs.

If you do encounter an aggressive dog or get yourself into an unpleasant situation, make sure you do the following:

• If possible, don’t make sudden movements and stop walking in the dog’s direction.
• If you can’t leave calmly, stay still and display relaxed body language; dogs can interpret human fear as threatening.
• Avoid making eye contact and don’t aggravate the animal.
• Consider showing your intentions by making calming and affectionate noises or slowly bending down, so you appear less intimidating.
• Ask a local or passerby for help.

To avoid getting in negative situations with stray dogs in Thailand, always follow these tips:

• Don’t turn up unannounced or make sudden loud noises when arriving somewhere, for example, with a noisy motorbike.
• Move slowly and calmly around stray dogs and avoid looking at them in the eyes.
• Let dogs approach and sniff you without showing fear.
• Avoid poorly lit areas and unfamiliar alleyways where you might spook a dog or they might spring upon you.
• Don’t feed stray dogs or cats from your restaurant table, especially if other dogs are around.
• Be aware of dogs around you; never step over or on a dog, especially in a driveway.
• Don’t run from stray dogs.