WHAT IS THE ISSUE? Read More
The Issue:
Many of us have experienced the overly friendly dog bounding towards our dogs with the owner yelling in the background “it’s ok, he’s friendly”
While that may be the case, it is not the issue. The issue is that the dog is not under control.
Remember, even if a dog is friendly he does not have the right to intrude uninvited upon the personal space of other people/dogs.
Being A Responsible Dog Owner
Responsible owners do not let their dogs make the decision that it is ok to run up to other people/dogs. To allow my dog to make this decision is irresponsible and unsafe if not downright dangerous. It should always be MY decision to let my dog interact safely with others and that is why my dog must always wait for me to give him permission to go see another person or dog.
A dog may be on leash for a variety of reasons and as a result it's owner does not want other dogs to interact with their dog:
- It may be a puppy in it’s socialization/fear period
- It may be an elderly dog that wants to be left alone
- It may be a dog that has an injury
- It may be a dog that is not fully trained & does not come 100% of the time when called
- It may be a dog with poor social skills
- It may be a working/service dog that is not allowed to socialize while working
- It may be a fearful dog
- It may be a new rescue that is unsure of new surroundings, etc.
People without dogs may have reasons for not wanting to interact:
- They may be afraid of dogs
- They may not like dogs
- They may be carrying a hot coffee and do not want to be jumped on
- They may be elderly and not steady on their feet, etc.
I will never let my dog make the decision to interact with another person/dog. It is my responsibility to determine if the other person/dog wants an interaction with my dog and to make my dog wait until I give him permission to 'go, say hi'.
Off Leash Dogs and Reactive on-leash dogs
If an off-leash dog runs up to dog that is on a leash, the on-leash dog may feel scared or threatened and may become reactive or aggressive.
Therefore:
The owner of the off-leash dog must realize that she cannot control her dog in a shared public space and that it is safer for everyone for her to keep her dog on leash in the future until she has trained her dog to the point that it will come when called.
My determination of whether my dog is allowed to be off lead in shared public spaces depends on if my dog comes to me
1. 100% of the time I call him
2. each time I call him
3. regardless of the distraction.
then, and only then, is my dog allowed to be off leash in shared public spaces.
The owner of the on-lead reactive dog will need to recognize and address any problems of reactivity or aggression that could lead to a bite or serious injury. This can be addressed through proper and effective training techniques - ask your vet, pet store, groomer etc for recommendations of suitable training school or behaviourist etc. Until she has her training program in place the owner may want to avoid areas where there is any chance of uncontrolled dogs.
Everyone has the right to safely enjoy shared public spaces