Dog Walking Guide

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Dog Walking Etiquette
Dog walking isn’t always as carefree and tranquil as it could be. Dogs that barge into other dogs or run up to and jump up at and or bark at people are not playing or saying hello, they are being rude.

Barging into another dog and sticking their nose in the other dogs face, jumping on them or putting their head over the other dogs neck is not only rude but bullying and intimidation.  Whether or not it turns into play it is interpreted by the approached dog as a threat and that dog has every excuse to respond to that behaviour.

When you bump into someone in the street you apologise or accept an apology, so why when dogs run up to us do we hear excuses like “he’s friendly” “he wants to say hello” or “he’s playing” rather than apologies. A passive dog will approach slowly, move to the back of the other dog to sniff their butt, as this is how they say hello.

If your dog is likely to run up, bark at or jump up at people, whether it’s to say hello or ask for a treat, it is not acceptable. Many people can be frightened by dogs, even if they have dogs of their own. It is not acceptable for a dog to be allowed to jump up, knock a person over or soil their clothes, so putting them under control when meeting people is the best option.

You should always either, put your dog on the lead or have it under close control at all times.

Keep a look out
As responsible dog owners it is our responsibility to be aware of hazards around us, be they, other dogs, people, children, joggers, vehicles and roads, other park users, or livestock, we should always be aware of our changing environment.

Know your dog’s body language
Much as we love them we all know that like children, our dogs can be naughty, even if only occasionally. They are after all dogs, with their own ability to make choices. Learning to understand their body language can help us prevent them displaying unwanted behaviour. Watch your dog closely, they may give the other dog a ‘look’ that you begin to recognise just before they go to misbehave, take that as your cue to intervene, take your dog, place it on the lead and carry on about your day. If you miss that look or your dog is too far away and doesn’t want to come back simply remove your dog from the situation and apologise. Don’t use “he’s never done that before” even if he hasn’t. It’s your job to understand your dog and the only way to learn is to watch them closely.

Other dogs
Your dog will probably want to sniff the rear end of other dogs. This might seem like undesirable behaviour, but for dogs it’s perfectly normal. In fact they have highly sensitive noses and can pick up a lot of information from the smell of another dog. If you see another dog approaching, especially on lead you should put your dog on the lead or call your dog beside you. If the other dog is off lead and appears sociable ask the person walking the dog if it is ok to let them play, you can then ok your dog to play with the other dog.

If you have a small dog, resist the temptation to pick it up if another dog runs up to you. You’ll almost certainly encourage the other dog to jump up and teach your dog that this situation is frightening. It’s best to leave your dog on the ground. If you do pick your dog up when another dog really is going to attack, there’s a good chance you’ll get bitten instead, or as well.

Just because you don’t mind your dog being given treats some owners don’t like it and with good reason, dogs can be on special diets, have allergies or just in training not to approach people begging or jumping. Polite walkers will ask before giving another dog a treat, never feel offended if someone declines.

Adults and Children
I’m amazed that some dog owners allow their dogs to run up to people and dogs indiscriminately, sometimes jumping up for a fuss or even being aggressive. Alternatively, you might find when you talk to people on walks, that they want to fuss your dog. Train up your dog to be patient and placid, especially with small children. Your dog should learn when greeting people that they keep four paws on the ground and if taking treats that they take them gently and do not snatch.

Joggers and cyclists
All dogs chase, it’s part of their innate predatory response, as such when they chase joggers, cyclists or small children why are we surprised?

Livestock
If you are unsure of the whereabouts of livestock you are best to keep your dog on a lead. Farmers still have the right to shoot a dog that is worrying his flock. Keep your dog on a lead through a field, even if the herd is a good distance away and only let your dog back off lead when you are sure that your dog can not get back to the livestock.

Chase behaviour is a motor pattern that is hardwired (inherit). Through the domestication process we have selected different breeds to exhibit exaggerated parts of the sequence and omit others; the whole predatory hunting sequence is rarely in balance in modern breeds. Dogs that chase do so because the behaviour is self-rewarding.

Strung up on leads
We must also consider how we use the lead in a walking environment. Extendible leads can cause painful burns to dogs’ and people when wrapped around legs and hands; they can also bring down a dog and even break a leg. Long lines may have a habit of tripping people but they are something many owners use to facilitate teaching their dog to come when called. Whatever you walk your dog with; it is important that you consider any risks involved and adapt your handling accordingly.

Walking on a loose lead and coming when called (A blog of their own!)
Owning a dog should be fun but when your dog misbehaves or is difficult to walk it takes on a whole new meaning. Dog’s that pull on the lead or do not come when called are less likely to be walked as their owners have been understandably shouted at due to their lack of control. Prevent this from happening by finding a suitable dog class. A good class will teach using rewards and positive reinforcement and focus on the three issues most owners’ experience, pulling on the lead, not coming when called and jumping up when greeting people.

Summary
Keeping your wits about you will help you to have a nicer walk and as more people are aware of others we will all have better walks. Put your dog back on a lead every time he or she could be a nuisance to other people or dogs before it happens, whether they’re dog owners or not.

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