“It’s OK, My Dog Is Friendly!”
If you have a reactive, or nervous dog, in your family – “my dog is friendly” will be THE worst phrase you can hear another dog owner utter! Read on to find out why it’s not cool to let your off-lead dog run up to dogs on the lead – no matter how friendly he, or she, is.
To people walking towards this group of dogs on lead, ( or anyone in fact ) this may cause a lot of concern. Do you think this person has shouted “it’s ok, they’re friendly”? Would this concern you if you had an anxious, or elderly, dog on the lead?
With a dog population that has grown dramatically in the last few years, it is even more important for dog owners to be responsible. Some dogs may require more personal space, at a distance away from other dogs or people and this might be for a variety of reasons.
This might include, service dogs, dogs in training, deaf or blind dogs, or those recovering from illness or surgery. Lastly, there are many dogs who struggle to socialise and may suffer from anxiety and stress.
During the pandemic and lockdown periods, many more people acquired pet dogs. However, because there wasn’t the opportunity for socialisation, many dogs grew up with behaviour issues as a result. In addition, when people returned to work and school, dogs were left alone for long periods when previously the family were at home all day.
This meant, many dogs developed separation anxiety, in addition to other behaviour issues. These problems are still being seen today by dog trainers and rescue organisations, as people still struggle with their dog’s behaviour.
Minding one’s own business.
With so many more dogs out and about, it’s so important for all of us, as dog owners, to be responsible. Being ‘mobbed’ by off-lead dogs for instance can be annoying, (whether you are a dog owner, or not) – and no matter how friendly a dog might be. With so many more people owning pet dogs – being pestered by other dogs is a common complaint in many communities.
Also – as we have pointed out – there are many more dogs suffering from anxiety and fear related issues, so it’s only fair to be mindful of this when allowing your dog to run up to an on-lead dog.
Lastly, not everyone wants engage with others, if they are minding their own business taking their dog for a stroll.
Putting your dog on the lead when approaching other on-lead dogs is good manners. Ask first before interacting. There may be a good reason why a dog is on the lead.
No bad dogs.
Please don’t assume that, every dog you meet is ‘friendly’. Anxious and reactive dogs have grown in number in recent years. This is might be due to a lack of socialisation, lack of training, genetics – or a combination of all these factors.
However, an anxious dog doesn’t mean a nasty dog and neither does it suggest the owner is at fault. Some owners struggle with their dog’s behaviour and many find the situation upsetting, embarrassing and frustrating. Fearful dogs often react in a way that looks aggressive. But, this does not mean they are bad dogs.
However, there are many dedicated dog owners who spend a lot of time helping their dogs to feel more confident. An off-lead dog running up can be frightening for some dogs. For the owner, it might set their training efforts back by days, or even weeks.
Therefore, allowing your off-lead dog to run up to other dogs – crucially, when the other dog is on the lead – is both irresponsible and unfair. It can be unpleasant not only for the dog, but the owner, who may have put a lot of effort into training their dog. In addition, your own dog might get bitten, or become frightened, themselves. This may result in your dog becoming more wary, reactive, or aggressive around other dogs in the future.
A dog like this racing towards a dog on the lead can be unsettling and scary – no matter how friendly they are.
Some dogs are on the lead for a good reason. They may be in training, nervous, elderly, recovering from surgery, or injury. If the owner has them on the lead and under control, it is your responsibility to keep your dog away. Unless, of course, the owner is happy with interaction.
This little pug (wearing his yellow dog lead and harness) has been rushed by an off-lead dog. He doesn’t look very comfortable. Is it fair to cause this dog to be unhappy and scared?
‘Yellow Dog Campaign’.
The ‘Yellow Dog’ Campaign aims to create awareness for dogs who need space.
The idea is for these dogs to wear something yellow to indicate to other dog owners that they should not be approached. This might be a yellow lead, harness, coat, or bandana.
If you see a dog wearing yellow, it’s best to keep your own dog on a lead and maintain a respectable distance. This gives the other person time to move out of the way.
Another campaign, started in the United States, called Dogs in Need of Space (D.I.N.O.S) operates with a similar philosophy in mind. However, they are opposed to using signals such as ribbons. Instead, they focus on the need for more responsible attitudes from all dog walkers.
The friendly thing to do is make sure your dog is under control when passing other dog walkers. Especially if you can see other dogs are on the lead.
It really does make a big difference to people with nervous, or reactive dogs.
This is an international group that promotes awareness around the issue that some dogs need space. It encompasses principles of responsible dog ownership, as well as providing dogs with a better quality of life.
Final thoughts.
Fundamentally, the issue comes down to responsibility and common courtesy towards others. Not only for those people who own dogs that need space, but for the lucky ones who own easy going sociable dogs.
Your dog may be friendly and confident. However, other people may be struggling with one that does not find mixing so easy. This is not the owner’s or the dog’s fault. There may be many reasons why a dog is on the lead.
People with sociable and ‘easy’ dogs need to consider they can be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem.
Shouting, “Its o.k. – he just wants to play!” ( as your dog bounds uncontrollably towards others ) is unfair and irresponsible. If you see someone walking a dog on lead, consider this may be because the dog needs extra personal space. Be kind enough to provide this by putting your own dog on the lead.
We understand that some dogs aren’t comfortable in every situation. If you are thinking of home boarding your dog, but worry your dog might not be suitable – do give us a call.
We have a vast network of carers and we have many who have experience with rescue dogs, or dogs that need more space on walks.
