Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Dog Walking Etiquette - One Step at a Time

Today a dog is walking with their person who is blind and taking them safely from point A to point B.  During this walk, this amazing partner at the other end of the lead is problem solving to keep their person safe along the path.  Another dog is watching their person closely, because she may have a seizure.  For the first time in her life, this person has courage to go out and about and live life because she knows her dog will alert her before a seizure and keep her safe.

Dogs are amazing and by working with their nature, we can go out and about with our dogs and enjoy life together.  I often get calls from new clients who find the simple act of walking their dog a bit daunting and overwhelming.  It doesn't have to be this way and I'd like to give you a few pointers on dog walking etiquette. In other words, how you and your dog can go out and have an enjoyable time rather than a time filled with a reactive and perhaps worried dog.

#1 - understand that dogs have a personal space just like we do.  When this space is invaded it is very natural for your dog to respond with a bark and or possibly a snap.

#2 - Leash reactivity often has nothing to do aggression, dogs are simply saying get out of my face and my personal space.

#3 - Draw boundaries with the dog owner who insists on coming your way as they say "Oh my dog is friendly".  Avoid people who try to force their dog on your dog.  Comunication is key and be aware of other people's feelings as well.  What a perfect time for you to educate them on proper walking and greeting ettiquette.

#4 - If you do not know the dog, it is simply best to avoid a Meet and Greet on lead!  Don't allow other dogs to invade your dog's space and respect the other dog's space as well.

Dogs are often placed into situations in which they are forced to endure invasion of their personal space and are set up to fail at greetings.  Unfortunately, owners often miss or misread cues (body language) of their dog feeling uncomfortable.

Let's set our dogs up for success!  Before heading out, here are a few things I teach in my Puppy Social Skills and Basic Life Skills classes you can do at home so you are prepared for what may come.

~ an intregal part of my training program is teaching my students all about dog body language.  Our dogs tell  us how they feel way before we see a reaction, such as a bark, lunge, growl or snap.  But we have to be vigilant at reading our dog's body language.  There are many great sights on the internet and good books about doggy body language.  This is a great place to start before heading out on the walk. Know what your dog is saying and how she/he is feeling about a situation before it can get out of hand.

~ teach appropriate dog to dog interactions - we go over this in my classes as well.  Often it is not a good idea for dogs to play with one another on lead.  Allowing your dog to jump all over another dog can result in injury - both to you and your dog.  I have seen people get all tangled up in dogs leads, not a good idea.

~ Bring high value treats to keep your dog focused on you.

~Dogs need to learn there's a time to play and a time to pay attention to you.  Building value for your dog being by and with you can be a great deal of fun.  It's a fun game I teach in my classes and I call it being more "Exciting than the Squirrel".

~So here's the game. Practice “come” when called on a long leash. Put your dog on a long lead and let him wander around and sniff. Then randomly call his “name” and “come” then immediately turn and run the other way. If you need, give a clear directional tug on the leash so he knows you want him to follow. The goal is that you run far enough and fast enough so that he gets the message that the “fun is in your direction”.  Make sure you’re paying attention to him and he doesn’t run by you.  Pick up the the long lead so that there’s no slack as he gets closer to you. Then when he catches up to you, you can reward with a treat or a favorite toy and allow him to play with toy when he/she reaches you (whatever motivates your dog).  

~A couple other great games to bring your dog's attention back to you is the "touch" and the "watch me cue".

Playing these fun games at home in a non-distracting environment will go a long way in building understanding for your dog and then will help when you find yourself in a very distracting environment.  Homework pays dividends!

And last but certainly  not least, always have your dog on lead.  Most cities and towns have leash laws.  And please don't forget to bring baggies for clean up.  Cleaning up after your dog is one of the most important things to remember.  This goes a long way in keeping neighbors and fellow dog walkers happy when they see you!

Walking your dog can be the best form of exercise for both of you.  With a little bit of thoughtful practice and preparation at home, you and your dog can enjoy blazing new trails and exploring the world around you!  I hope my suggestions help in your success.  As always, I'm here to help!

Happy Trails!!

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