Teddy’s Top Training Tip – 01/02/18


Do not let your dog run up and bark at another dog.

We all love to visit places to allow our dogs off lead and have a run around, play ball, enjoy the walk, and so on. But how many owners now dread taking their dogs anywhere for fear of a dog or dogs running up to their dog barking at them?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is more and more on a daily basis. However friendly your dog is, is not fair to allow your dog to run up to and bark at other dogs. It can have a profound effect on the dog being barked at. It can cause them stress, and this can lead to anxiety and in some cases, the dog can start to react to other dogs in the same way. It is a vicious cycle which has a negative effect on both dog and owner.

Stress can take the fun out of walking and often this type of interaction can lead some dogs to suffer from upset digestive problems, reluctance to want to go for a walk and other behaviour problems.

Owners will often ask an owner to call their dog back when it is running towards them barking, this is often greeted with a string of excuses, “he or she is friendly”, “it wont harm you”, “he or she only wants to say hello” and so on. All these are excuses, if the owner could just call the dog back, it saves a lot of stress and panic for the other owner.

Why does an owner ask if the dog can be called away from their dog and no it is not always because their dog is not good with other dogs. Just stop and think there are many reasons, the dog could be on restricted exercise, the dog could elderly, the dog could be deaf/blind, the dog could be a new addition to the family, etc.

If you are an owner who has a dog that will run and bark at other dogs, then call in a professional to help you look at your dog’s behaviour and training needs. It is never too late to train or re-train your dog.

A little dog etiquette should be conducted with all walks by all dog owners. Whatever the space it is important to look at the safety aspect of other dogs and owners.

Let’s have a safe and enjoyable walk – always!

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