Approaching Dogs

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Seeing plenty of other dogs on your walk is always a pleasant sight, especially now the weather is getting warmer. However, dog walking is etiquette, so it’s essential to be aware of how your dog approaches other dogs, particularly those on leads or those wearing a yellow ribbon. If you see a dog on a lead, be considerate and put yours on a leash, or at least make sure they don’t approach them.

Why are dogs kept on the lead?

There are plenty of reasons owners will keep their dog on a lead. This could be because the dog is old, recovering from an illness or injury, or in training or exercising alongside their owner, so they don’t want them to be pestered by other dogs. Or maybe the dog has behavioural issues and is afraid or aggressive.

Also, it would help if you respect an owner’s decision to keep their dog on a leash. They know their dog best, so telling them to let it off isn’t appreciated and may aggravate the situation.

It would help if you always were mindful of approaching a leashed dog you don’t know, regardless of whether your dog is “friendly”, as this could result in your dog having a bad experience. You can’t anticipate the other dog’s behaviour and how it will react to being approached by yours, so err on the side of caution.

Stay in control at all times.

It’s also important to always have complete control of your dog. Let your dog run free, but make sure it doesn’t run off and pester other dogs on a lead. If your dog doesn’t respond to your calls, then go over and get your dog away immediately. It simply isn’t right to allow your unleashed dog to hound another dog on a lead, chasing and bouncing on its tail. You wouldn’t behave like that to another person, so don’t let your dog do it to other dogs.

Some owners might think this dog behaviour is simply a herding instinct, but it isn’t. It can be threatening and aggressive, particularly if a growling dog is stalking you. Make sure you are aware of UK laws.

Second to that, if the owner is doing their best to keep their dog to the side to keep away from your dog and politely asks you to take your dog away, remember they are perfectly within their rights and just trying to do what’s best for their pet. There is no need to respond aggressively. Collect your dog and walk away.

Everyone should be allowed to enjoy their dog walks, so being considerate of other dogs on leads is just common courtesy.’

You may also like to read our other related articles

If you’d like me to work with you as your dog walker or games-based trainer, I cover Finchley, Woodside Park and Muswell Hill and can be contacted on 077 077 6 33 44

0 Shares