THE DOG WALKING ETIQUETTE
With an estimated 11 million pet dogs living in the UK in 2023, it is almost guaranteed that we will bump into another dog while walking ours. In fact, parks and open green spaces seem busier than ever following a huge increase of dog ownership during the pandemic. In the past three years dog attacks on other dogs and members of the public have tripled! That's a scary statistic!
With reports of dogs being seriously injured or even killed by other dogs flooding the news and social media at a rapidly increasing rate, it is more important than ever that we recognise and respect the needs of other dogs and owners so that we can all enjoy our outdoor adventures safely.
There are some simple steps each of us can take to help make dog walks safer and less stressful for all dogs, their owners and other members of the public.
1. INVEST TIME INTO TEACHING RELIABLE RECALL
Reliable recall is a core skill every dog should have so they can enjoy off leash freedom.
But it needs to be taught before our dog goes off leash in a public space.
Letting a dog off leash around distractions before they have the skills to resist the temptation and stay with us will only reinforce the unwanted behaviours. If your dog gets to repeatedly run up to another dog or a person, chase a bird or a cyclist or get to a scent they are tracking away from you, they are self-rewarding!
Every self-rewarded behaviour becomes stronger each time it is repeated. Management while training is key!
Use a long line to help your dog make better choices and limit their opportunities to practice unwanted behaviours. Increase distractions gradually and reward appropriately.
Seek assistance from a professional trainer if you need help teaching a reliable recall.
2. NO RECALL, NO OFF LEASH TIME IN PUBLIC SPACES. IT'S THAT SIMPLE!
If your dog does not yet have the skills to stay with you and not approach other dogs or people they should stay on a lead or a long line while being walked in a public spaces.
Coming back eventually isn't good enough, we should be able to recall our dogs of any distraction before they approach it.
Not all dogs will tolerate an unfamiliar dog. By allowing a dog to approach another dog you are putting both dogs at risk.
Other members of the public might be scared of dogs and might not be happy to be approached or jumped on by a dog they don't know.
According to UK law, a dog is classed as dangerously out of control if they make someone worried that it might injure them or they attack someone else's animal.
Do not put your dog at risk by allowing them to approach other members of the public and their dogs without seeking permission first.
3. NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF YOUR DOG
When walking in public spaces you should never let your dog out of your sight.
You should be able to see your dog at all times and be close enough to get them back if needed. Too often we meet dogs running around and approaching others with no owner in sight. By allowing your dog to go out of your sight you are putting members of the public and your own dog ta risk.
When approaching a blind spot on a path, a corner or an entrance to another field, you should always call your dog into a heel or put them on a lead until you have a clear vision of what is ahead of you.
4. DOGS ON LEADS ARE OFF LIMITS!
Dogs might be on the lead for a lot of different reasons. They might be newly adopted, nervous, recovering from an illness or injury, a flight risk or simply in training. Whatever the reason, dogs on leads are strictly off limits!
You should never let your dog approach a dog who is on lead unless their owner has clearly communicated that it is ok for your dog to come and say hello. Owners walking their dogs on a lead should not have to explain themselves or have to call from a distance to ask another dog walker to put their dog on a lead or call them away.
Let's help each other enjoy stress free walks by respecting each other's space.
5. BE PRESENT & GIVE SPACE
Ditch that phone! Be more present and pay attention to your surroundings and your dog's actions. Owners of dogs who might needs space often try and give other dog walkers cues that they do not want to be approached. If you see a dog owner put their dog on a lead when they spot you, change direction or try and build distance, you should give them the space they are asking for.
Too many dog walkers have to cut their walks short or find another space because of off leash dogs who are allowed to invade their space.
6. AN OFF LEASH DOG IS NOT AN AUTOMATIC INVITATION TO APPROACH
Not all dogs enjoy interactions with other, unfamiliar dogs but they are absolutely capable of being off lead and minding their own business.
A dog being exercised off leash shouldn't be an invitation for another dog to approach.
You should never assume that because a dog is off leash, they are happy to interact with another dog. Instead, if your dog is likely to run up to another dog or they cannot be recalled off from one, put them on a lead so you can safely ask whether their dog would like to say hello or play.
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