Dear Val,
I am happy to see everyone out and about and walking their dogs during the shelter in place event, but, this has resulted in some doggie issues that I have encountered and I am sure others have as well. I have a dog that is very large and leash aggressive. I used to walk him early in the morning and late in the evening to avoid other dog walkers. Sheltering at home and being out of work has resulted in me slacking off on my schedule and therefore I am encountering the numerous other dog walkers during the day. He is great on the leash and doesn’t bark at other dogs until they are off leash and come into our space. People are yelling at me that their dog is friendly, but mine is not. Could you please put the word out that not all dogs walking about with their person are friendly with other dogs but should have the right to be exercised as well?
Thank you in advance,
Nervous Nelly Dog Walker
Dear Nervous Nelly,
It was just a few days ago that I was out for a drive and saw numerous people walking their dogs. I was wondering what new implications this virus would promote in hopes of positive attributes that come with walking your dog. Such as the benefits of socializing, the benefits of quality time, the benefits of having a well exercised dog.
You bring up a new case in point, which is a disadvantage for walking your dog when people do not obey the law. Some people have social dogs and they think that their cute friendly dog should be able to run amuck and make friends even approaching dogs on leash. Having a well-mannered social dog that listens and walks next to you off leash is a dog that has been well trained and the dog parent should be proud of their efforts put into this skill. But, where leashes are required, sidewalks, hiking trails, parks, streets, open spaces, any place with the exception of off leash dog parks, dogs should be kept on leash.
With the increase of dogs at dog parks, on hiking trails and sidewalks, can increase the frequency of dogfights that lead to injuries to humans requiring first aid. First responders are greatly needed especially at this time with the COVID outbreak and should not be removed from their duties for preventable injuries.
We are all in this together. Please keep your dogs on a leash.
If you have a question about training or behavior, please email me at HappyLabLady77@Yahoo.com
Make it a Pawsitive Day!
Val S Elliott CPDT Behavior Coach
Wags of Wisdom:
If you don’t want dog hair on your clothes, please stay off the furniture.
The Daily Dog:
Since the SIP event, my daily dog photo accessibility has dwindled. But, here is an opportunity for you to meet my dogs. Let’s start with Piper. She is a bundle of dirty white energy, fun, athletic, intelligent, and noisy. Piper is an American Eskimo and barking is what they do well. She is re-directable though. That means when I say her name she will stop barking and come to me. Piper has a sad history turned into a great life. While I was at Animal Regulations hunting for a Rescue dog to adopt, train, and re-home, I was taking a break in the courtyard enjoying the blue sky and very fluffy clouds that day. A young girl, maybe 10, tapped me to ask if could assist her in the cat kennel. I did, and as I looked to my far right to my surprise, was a handful size puppy staring at me with a little tink tink tink of a tail wag. I rushed to the counter to inquire and this little ball of fur had just been brought in minutes before. As it turned out, she was positive for parvo. Sadly, someone had abandoned her and tied her to a tree in a local park to fend for her life.
She had to remain in medical quarters for another two weeks. I diligently came to visit every day to bring treats and get to know her. After 2 weeks they allowed me to adopt her. She spent another two weeks in isolation before she could be socialized. We ended up adoring this feisty little girl so much, she became one of our own. I do recommend this breed, but they can be nippy and barky if not socialized early. They make great companions and good exercise partners. Lets not forget to add, they make great four legged doorbells as well.
If you would like to send a cute photo with a description or short story about your favorite furry friend, please send it to HappyLabLady77@yahoo.com
