This week, I had to return not one but TWO off-lead dogs to their owners during training sessions. Neither dog did anything "wrong," and both owners were apologetic but it made me think about how we all need to be more aware of what's happening around us.
Two Tales from the Training Field
We'd reached that exciting stage where it's time to leave the safety of our training venue and venture into the real world.
Situation One: The Woodland Wanderer
Early morning, quiet woodland. My client's dog was having the time of their life - first walk in a fun location in months. We'd successfully navigated one dog in the distance when suddenly, a polite but owner-less dog appeared.
The dog wasn't rude or aggressive. Actually, they were lovely – calm and thoughtful. But my client's dog still needed space. I gently took hold of the approaching dog's collar whilst my client moved away. The owner eventually appeared: "Is there a problem?" "Our dog's just not overly keen on other dogs in her space." "Oh, sorry!"
No harm done but the dog had been completely out of sight of their owner.
Situation Two: The Dropped Lead
Same day, local park. My client's dog was on a long line, doing brilliantly. An older person was walking towards us with their dog. Just as my client's dog was starting to relax and make good choices, the other owner dropped their lead.
The dog bounded over, ready to play. My client's dog, who'd been learning that strange dogs aren’t scary, was understandably taken by surprise and had a small reaction. Again, I intervened, returned the dog to their apologetic owner.
Reading the Room
Neither situation was catastrophic. Both client dogs recovered beautifully, showing how far they'd come. But it highlights that when we're out with our dogs, we need to be aware of more than just whether our own dog is "friendly."
Having your dog off-lead isn't a right - it's a responsibility. And that responsibility extends beyond just having good recall, they need to be able to NOT approach others.
Signs That Another Dog Needs Space
When you're out walking, watch for these signals:
Dog signals:
- Stopping abruptly when they spot you
- Body stiffening
- Lying down
- Ears changing position
- Starting to whine, pull or look agitated
Human signals:
- Looking panicked
- Trying to get their dog's attention
- Attempting to change direction
- Looking for escape routes
- Wearing yellow (indicating "I need space")
Why "My Dog's Friendly" Isn't Enough
I hear it constantly: "It's okay, my dog's friendly!" That's great but what about the other dog? They don't know your dog is friendly. They might:
- Be in training for reactivity
- Be recovering from injury
- Have had negative experiences
- Simply need more time to process
My Dave loves other dogs – LOVES them. To him, not saying hello is a missed opportunity. But I know I wouldn’t place a bet on whether I could recall him away from another dog before he reaches them. So, he stays on lead, just in case, because it's not fair on others.
Creating Space: The Kindest Gift
When we see another dog struggling, the kindest thing is to create space:
- Cross the road
- Take a small detour
- Step behind a bush
- Simply turn and walk away
It's not always convenient but these small acts make a massive difference.
A Personal Perspective
People who've had reactive dogs become the most aware dog owners. They understand the struggle, the embarrassment, the stress. They read the room better because they've been there.
When Rem was younger, he'd lie down in the middle of the road if he saw another dog which was mortifying. Yet people would see this obvious reaction and continue walking towards us. Why?
A Little Awareness Goes a Long Way
Good dog ownership isn't just about training your own dog – it's about being part of a community. Not every dog wants to say hello and not every owner wants their training interrupted.
Next time you're out walking, really look around. What are other dogs and their humans telling you through their body language? Can you help them have as relaxing a walk as you're having?
A little awareness goes a long way.
Do you have an experience to share about an off-lead dog?
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