I am sure that you are proud of your dog and very happy to have him/her in your life. However, not everyone likes dogs and not all dogs like other dogs. In our present day society we live alongside many other people and many other dogs. This can lead to problems.
A few simple rules could make things easier for everyone, both for those who love dogs and those who don’t. If these rules were generally known and observed society would be safer, more tolerant and friendly.
The yellow dog:
A yellow ribbon attached to a lead is a signal that the dog should not be approached. Thank you for respecting this.
The dog could be a therapy or guide dog in training.
A bitch that is in season.
A dog that is ill or has an infectious disease.
A dog that is afraid of other dogs or people.
Education
Feed your dog properly and follow some basic obedience training. That way you will not end up with a dog that either jumps up at everyone he meets or drools all over them. People having a picnic or out cycling or jogging will also be safe from your pet’s attentions. When out walking your dog in an area where dogs are allowed off lead they must still be under control. A well behaved dog should have a good recall, coming back as soon as he is called.
When you are out with your dog you may come across other dog walkers, horse riders, joggers, cyclists, hikers and children that are running around playing and making a lot of noise.
It is not okay to allow your dog to frighten or chase others who are out enjoying themselves.
Even if your dog is really friendly and is just excited and playful, people who are afraid of dogs will naturally not be reassured or happy if your dog runs after them..
If a dog chases after a horse and rider the situation can be potentially dangerous, for the rider, the horse or the dog.
Solution:
When you are approaching riders, cyclists, joggers or hikers call you dog to come to you, calmly put the lead on, making this obvious to other people and pass quietly and at an appropriate distance.
How to approach a dog that is on a lead:
If an owner keeps their dog on a lead there will be a reason for this. The dog could be ill or injured; it could be a bitch that is in season or a dog that is aggressive or for some other reason the owner may wish to avoid contact with other dogs. A yellow ribbon attached to the lead is a clear signal that the owner would rather his dog did not make contact with other dogs, for whatsoever reason.
Solution:
When you are approaching a dog that is on the lead, call your dog, calmly put on the lead so that it is obvious to the other person, pass at an appropriate distance, eventually making a curve rather than walking in a straight line.
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Caution:
Never allow dogs to sniff at each other when they are on lead. Because they are held on a lead their behaviour and body language is affected and this leads to unnecessary stress and even aggression.
Can I allow my dog to run loose or does he always have to be on a lead?
Dogs that are running loose are often a source of great annoyance in recreational areas, in nature reserves and for residents of housing estates.
Solution:
Make sure you are properly informed, check signs at the entrance to woodland areas, parks etc. If you are in an area where you can let your dog loose you should still be careful if birds are liable to be nesting of if there is wildlife around.
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It is best to keep your dog on lead if:
• Your dog does not obey you
• When you encounter other people, dogs that are on the lead or horses, cyclists, joggers etc.
• When you are in a residential area
• Whenever you are in doubt
Play
Some dogs like to play with other dogs. However it is a misconception that dogs always want to play with other dogs! Nor is it true that dogs can sort things out between themselves. It is very important to keep a close eye on any group of dogs that are playing together. Be alert and ready to step in if you see signs that things are getting out of hand and either stop the game or calm things down.
• Always ask an owner if their dog is allowed to play with your dog
• No toys when there are several dogs playing together
• Intervene when play is too rough or a dog is afraid of being chased.
• Do not allow a group of dogs to run towards other dogs.
Working dogs
Working dogs: service dogs, therapy dogs, guide dogs, police dogs and dogs that are training with their owner are working hard and should not be distracted, yet this often happens.
Solution:
Keep away and let these dogs and their handlers concentrate on their work. Put your own dog on the lead and pass at an appropriate distance.
Know your dog
Learn to read and understand your dog’s body language. You will then be able to see the signs of oncoming anxiety, aggression, stress etc and you can intervene and take appropriate action. It helps you with the education and the training of your dog and you can respond correctly to the behaviour of your dog in relation to other people and dogs. You can learn more about dog body language by consulting books and following lessons at a good dog school where, in addition to practical lessons, theory should also be given.
Dog excrement
This is one of the largest causes of annoyance in Belgium, you see it lying everywhere. Whenever you are on a public place, pick up after your dog. Try to think ahead about when and where you dog can be allowed to relieve him.
To conclude:
• Know your dog and be a responsible owner!
• Keep your dog on the lead when this is appropriate!
• Have respect for others!
• Always take doggy poop bags with you!
• Having drinking water with you for dog and owner is always useful
Your dog is a source of immense pleasure for you, but make sure he is also a source of pleasure and not a source of irritation for others.
Do you have any other tips or are other there dog related subjects that irritate you ?
Let us know by commenting below.