Hello all and happy new year.

I’m writing this as I’m a bit spooked about a foxy encounter. I took my 13 week dalmatian puppy for a walk this evening.
We encountered an urban fox that then followed us, trying to circle around.
Does anyone have a similar experience?
What’s the best thing to do in this situation?

Thank you!

We too have many urban foxes who get less bothered by even the dog  every day it seems. They will stand by our gates watching the dog bark at them onky 6ft away until I go out and shoo them away .

In the circumstances u describe I would imagine that u giving a brief shout or quick movement towards should generally get them moving out of the way .

Honestly the urban foxes are so brazen! And I guess more hungry now that lockdown is here.

Brazen yep ! I think ours are finding more to eat now as they certainly arnt scraggy.
There are some lovely looking ones, I just wish they wouldn't leave smelly deposits around!
Mornings the air is rather pongy

>What’s the best thing to do in this situation?

Do all you can to scare the fox away - shout, wave your arms, throw things at it. Foxes carry diseases that you don't want your pup to catch, as well as giving a very nasty bite when they decide to. Healthier for everyone - including the fox - to discourage it from approaching humans.

Thanks! Bit worried about making the fox more aggressive if I try to scare it, but can definitely understand we want to keep them away.

Rarely happens they tend to run off ime .

Yes had exactly the same thing being followed by a fox.    It was a bit of a stand-off with boy was growling and snarling at it.   I just got out of there smartish.  They don't like loud noise so if I really thought I was in danger I would shout.

Thanks everyone, really appreciate the comments!

Urban foxes are becoming a darned nuisance if only because nobody picks up after them, and they carry mange!   They are very bold and for me, far from the nice cuddly creatures many people think they are.

I'd chase that fox off and fast.   The smell (urine) from a fox is very close to that of a skunk and when out with my pack, I always knew when a fox had been around because it got of their coats.   Ewww.

I live very rurally and rarely see foxes, last one was about a year ago in the field behind the garden. Occasionally hear them at night especially this time of year. The only reason I know if a fox is anywhere where we walk is that the dog wants to roll in their poo or urine.

fortunately our present boy doesn't roll to wear dog aftershave (as I call it) the hounds were dreadful at seeking it out, especially bad at this time of year when I understand foxes are actively marking territories.

Before I left Bristol some of the onrs around me wete out in broad daylight.

Walking up to my daughters house the fox merely moved out of the way on the driveway.

They are more confident and unafraid than the average cat, happily sitting washing their paws.