- Try to identify the owner. Check for a collar and ID tag, and if there is one, contact the owner. If there's no collar or tag, you can take the dog to a local animal shelter or veterinarian to see if they can find a microchip.
- If you can't find the owner, you'll need to decide whether or not to keep the dog. If you decide to keep it, you'll need to take it to a veterinarian for a checkup and to get vaccinated. You'll also need to find a place for it to live and provide food, water, and shelter.
- If you decide not to keep the dog, you can take it to a local animal shelter or rescue organization. They will be able to find a new home for the dog.
To prevent a dog from following you:
- Don't make eye contact with the dog. This can be seen as a sign of aggression, and the dog may bark or even attack.
- Don't run away from the dog. This will make the dog chase you, and it may become aggressive.
- Walk calmly and confidently away from the dog. This will show the dog that you're not afraid of it, and it may lose interest in you.
- If the dog does start to chase you, don't run. Instead, stop and face the dog. Make yourself look as big as possible and bark or growl at the dog. This may scare the dog away.
- If the dog does attack, fight back. Use whatever you can find to defend yourself, such as a stick or a rock. Aim for the dog's nose, eyes, and groin.