"It's okay, my dog's friendly!" How many times have you heard this as an off-lead dog barrels towards you? Perhaps you’ve found yourself saying it on occasion. We’ve all been there, especially in an escapee-dog situation. But we’re all trying to be responsible dog owners, aren’t we? So we need to understand why this well-intentioned phrase can actually cause a few problems.
What's polite in the dog world?
Doggy etiquette isn't always obvious. It’s not like you’re given an official rulebook when you become a dog parent. But just like with humans, there are unspoken guidelines for polite behaviour. It’s more nuanced than just not letting your off-lead dog charge up to someone else's pup. It's about empathy, trying not to negatively impact people around you and just being considerate.
Imagine you’re enjoying a peaceful walk when a dog comes bounding over, maybe jumps up, or even nabs your ice cream cone. How would that make you feel? Not great, right?
It’s natural to want to avoid conflict so this type of scenario is awkward. But someone saying, “My dog’s friendly”, by way of explanation, just won’t cut it.
Friendly doesn't always mean polite
The problem is that overly friendly dogs can sometimes be the most troublesome. It's not always the reactive or aggressive dogs you need to watch out for. If your dog can't resist saying hello to
every person and pooch they meet, keeping them on their lead is the responsible thing to do.
Why space matters
Remember, not every dog wants to interact all the time. There are many reasons why a dog might be on a lead. Maybe their recall isn't perfect, they're recovering from an injury, or they're simply feeling a bit antisocial that day. Even humans need their quiet moments, and dog walks are often our chance to recharge.
The domino effect of unwanted interactions
Letting your ‘friendly’ dog rush up to another can have unintended consequences. It can disrupt training efforts, stress out an older dog, or even trigger reactivity in a nervous pup. Just because your dog is having a blast doesn't mean the other dog is, too.
How to be a respectful dog owner
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Know your dog: If you can't guarantee your dog won't rush up to others, keep them on their lead.
- Read the signals: Is the other dog or person trying to avoid you? Take the hint.
- Ask before approaching: If you'd like your dogs to interact, ask the other owner first – before the dogs are nose-to-nose.
- Cross the road: It's a simple way to give space when needed.
We're all in this together
Being a responsible dog owner means considering everyone's needs. It's about helping each other raise well-adjusted dogs and creating a dog-friendly world. So let's ditch the "it's okay, my dog's friendly" mentality and take on a more mindful attitude.
Any thoughts or experiences on doggy etiquette you’d like to share? Pop over to our Potter Paws community group on Facebook! We'd love to hear from you.
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