It is inevitable.
One sees it commonly when walking through parks and on trails where dogs frequent. It causes many dog owners, especially those who own timid or reactive dogs, frustration and anxiety.
It is the often heard yell….
“Can my dog say hello, he is friendly” as the dog is already in the other dog’s face.
I have said it before and I will say it again, if you allow your dog to do this and your dog gets bitten, it is YOUR fault. You may have your dog on leash, but you absconded control of your dog. Let me repeat, if you do this and your dog gets bitten, it is your fault.
I often use the following analogy in class to make the point:
Imagine you are sitting on a park bench one day minding your business. You are happy and content watching the people and wildlife in the park. All of a sudden a person runs screaming at you, jumps in your lap and starts kissing you. What is your response?
Most would be horrified. Some would lash out in fear or anger. Nobody would consider it “cute”. Nobody would think it “polite”. Nobody would be amused. Most would consider it assault.
I would argue there is no difference to what that stranger did to you and what the owner in the above scenario allowed their dog to do to the other dog.
It is really unfortunate as there are two potential victms here; the dog who had to tolerate the intrusion and the dog who did the intruding. This scenario is all too often played out. It can cause enormous damage to both dogs and can be the root of many a serious behavior problem. Even more unfortunate, it is both unnecessary and easily avoidable.
I have long advocated for the need of early, extensive and proper socialization. This concept is at the heart of my training program. It is a cornerstone in the Puppy Foundations course we offer. It was one of the reasons For the Love of Dogs was created in the first place. The group walks give owners a chance to socialize their dogs in a safe and controlled environment where rules of interaction are written down and expected to be adhered. One of the cornerstones of the group is that it is totally ok for dogs just to hang out. They do not need to get into each other’s faces. Frankly, it is discouraged until the dogs get comfortable with each other. There is even a procedure to follow for introducing dogs to each other. The beautiful thing about this procedure is that the introductions are done slowly, owners remain in control and dogs are given the chance to get desensitized to each other over time if needed. It allows owners to set their dogs up for success.
We have been doing these walks for roughly ten years now, twice a weekend every weekend. That is a lot of miles and a lot of dog interaction.
There has never been a serious incident in all that time. Even the incidents we have had can be attributed to owners letting their guard down too much or one dog getting too close to another. The friendships formed on these walks have been amazing, the progress made by some of the dogs, astounding.
I wrote an article a while back on the importance of keeping your dog on leash. It makes for some interesting reading. I remember when I posted it online, the ensuing discussion was spirited. advocates of off leash, even when presented with the dangers of having their dogs off leash and the potential ramifications of the same, still insisted it was necessary and totally safe for them to do so.
Usually I respond to people, "everything is always good and safe until it is not”.
Utlimately it is your choice. If the liability of doing the same is something you are willing to accept, that is your choice. Just remember the gamble you are taking is with your dog’s life. Also remember, if something happens you are impacting the work of another dog owner potentially undoing a lot of hard earned progress and possibily setting another dog back immensely.
Is it worth the risk?
Choose wisely. Be a responsible pet owner.
