It's Your Responsibility

As we make our way over to the off-leash area, I do a quick check to see which dogs are in the enclosure.

There are three dogs at this end of the fenced-in area. One is conscious of our approach-a small mixed breed (I like to call them-Canadian Classics). He has approached the fence and is running back and forth barking at us. It's a contagious energy, as the other two-medium-sized dogs, who've now been alerted to a situation, are dutifully following behind the self-proclaimed leader of the pack, wondering what all the fuss is about.

I'm surprised Mighty-Mutt's owner isn't concerned with all the vocalizing and fence-aggression the dog's displaying but then I realize-the owner probably isn't aware there's anything wrong with this kind of 'welcome.'

The three dogs have gathered at the gate. Before I open the door, I tell them all to sit. The medium-sized dogs comply-the smaller one is in quite a frenzied state, frantic to be the first one to get acquainted with my girl. I wait.

This shouldn't be my responsibility! The owner of the dog is watching from a distance, still in conversation with the other dog owners...he half-heartedly calls the dog once, then returns to the conversation.

Some fancy footwork is necessary as I squeeze through the gate to ensure the little dog doesn't escape. I then invite my girl in.

Journey respectfully stands still, head held high, tail in a playful greeting, until the dogs have made their introductions.

A play-stance from the beagle and three of them are off--chasing, dodging one another and whipping around the bushes. Not Mighty Mutt though...

He is now chasing at my girl's heels, nipping and just generally being obnoxious-the pack is out of control in his opinion. He's striving for dominance. The others are paying him no attention.

Two times during play, Journey has stopped, turned to the little dog and told him to 'back off' by way of a growl. ( 'Can't you see I'm playing, I'm not interested in your energy, leave my hocks alone!!'). He's not deterred.

Before it escalates any further, I step in and leash my dog and we leave the immediate area. I look back and see the two medium-sized dogs playing while Mighty Mutt continues to bark us away.

I could have stayed and let the scene play itself out but instead, as pack leader, I chose not to allow a confrontation. Why the other owners were not hands-on in this mini-drama, I don't know. I do know there are far too many owners who aren't in-tune with their dogs, especially in a social setting where multiple personalities (both canine and human) are at play.

If you see your dog displaying anti-social behavior it's your responsibility to rein him in. Don't leave it for another owner to deal with. Don't call it 'cute' and please don't make excuses for the behavior!

Teach your dog! Know your dog!!

Big Dogs Little Dogs

We're strolling along Queen Street on our way down to the beach for our afternoon play. More than one person stops us along our route to ask if they can 'pat the dog.' Journey dutifully stands still long enough to accept the praise and admiration and after a quick pat, we're off again.

There's a middle-aged lady with a miniature Schnauzer coming toward us from the opposite direction along the sidewalk. At twenty-five feet away, it starts...the dog is yapping, growling and pulling at the end of it's leash. His owner responds by shortening the leash while letting her poor baby know, 'it's o.k'. (No--It is NOT o.k!!!)

Journey is averting her eyes toward the park across the street, trying to control the situation by letting the Schnauzer know there is no threat from over here.

The lady and her 'poor baby' (now in a frenzied state) have managed to squeeze by us, relieved to have made it past us in one piece.

Once we've crossed the street and entered the park, a man walking a smart-looking Shetland Sheepdog is passing by. Over the barking, the man elucidates. When his dog was a puppy, he was attacked by a big dog-ever since, his dog is 'afraid of the big ones.' I ask him how many stitches the dog received from the attack. He assures me there were none required.

I don't buy it...it just doesn't justify this dog's behavior--lunging at the end of the leash, growling and snapping in my dog's face. Why was this issue not addressed right after the 'alleged attack?'

Not all small breeds exhibit this behavior but unfortunately, the majority do.

I'm so tired of hearing the reasons, I don't care what the owner's story is anymore. Willingly accept the blame for your dog's anti-social/bad behavior and set it right! Whether it stems from apprehension, lack of discipline or a Napoleon Complex, it's as much your responsibility to control your dog as it is my responsibilty to control mine.

Alot of times what people interpret as being an 'attack' is nothing more than a dominant dog doling out discipline-putting the overly zealous, misbehaving puppy or dog in its place. Calming its energies-letting it know what's 'acceptable behavior.'

I've seen my dog pin an annoying dog to the ground, after a warning ('get out of my space, I am not amused') holding it down, using her front legs until the dog lies still--gives in. Always done with an air of calm intent. After which she will release the dog, gather her dignity and stroll away. This is much the same as a parent containing an out-of-control child, who's in a temper tantrum, a paws-on time-out! If the dog approaches her again, it tends to display the required manners and respect.

This is the same way the mother dog teaches her puppies and if they tend to loose the lesson when they go to their new home, another dog will re-educate them.

I know if my dog were to respond in the same manner to these dogs or approach any dog-no matter what its size, barking and lunging at the end of her leash, there's a good chance I'd have a visit from an Animal Control officer and possibly a court order for a 'dangerous dog' designation.


This is a perfect case of 'size discrimination'!!