Teddy’s Top Training Tip: Remember to call your dog back if you see an owner put their dog on a lead.
Walking your dog – Remember to call your back if you see an owner put their dog on a lead.
A dog walk should be an enjoyable walk with your dog, where he or she can play, interact and be social with every dog he or she comes across and they can play and be “friends” all the dogs all the time – how perfect!
However, the reality is something very different. How many times do you dread taking your dog for a walk just in case you bump into certain people or dogs or are frightened to take your dog to certain areas in case something happens. Are you told your dog is unsociable, unfriendly or lacks socialising?
Most of my day involves not only walk my lovely dog but also going out with clients and accompanying them on a walk to assess the issues they may have in a dog park.
Today was a day I was out with friends, their dogs, plus my own when we saw a typical incident involving an out of control dog. So, who’s at fault? Dog or owner or both?
Before we rush in and start to blame, let’s look at the scenario we faced. In our group, we had a group of nine owners, plus seven dogs (all on lead) walking back to the local café after a long walk along the seafront. In front, we could see a dog running around towards dogs, people (which included children, elderly and cyclists and joggers). The owners were calling the dog, but the dog was not listening, instead, it chose to run around out of sight finding the next exciting person or dog to interact with. There could be a lot of what is here: what if the dog knocked over a child, leapt on a puppy and flattened it, cornered an anxious dog or person? Do you think the words “it’s ok s/he is only friendly” would help – I think the answer here is no.
I, like many other dog owners, have no objection to any dogs being off lead, but having control over your dog is paramount to its safety not only of itself but to other dogs and people too. It is not funny to have a puppy or another dog being flattened by an over-enthusiastic dog, it’s not funny if a smaller dog runs up to a larger size dog barking and it’s not funny if a dog runs up to person jumping up at them because they may have a treat in their pocket for their dog.
There are some great rules to think about when you are out and about with your dog:
- If you see another person with their dog(s) on lead, then put your dog on its lead.
- If someone (dog owner or person/jogger/cyclist/horse rider) asks you to put your dog on its lead, then be polite and carry out their request.
- You do not have to defend your dog saying it is friendly – we all know all dogs are friendly in their own environment – to us they are our family – so let’s keep them safe.
- Having your dog under control does not mean you need to put it on a lead, if he or she can walk beside you calmly and walk past the distraction then great – if not put your dog on a lead, until the distraction has passed.
Let’s have a safe and enjoyable walk – always!