Respect The Code!

Most law-abiding dog-owners in the beach are using the designated off-leash areas to ensure their canines get sufficient exercise and socialization in an attempt to appease the rest of the community and the powers-that-be.

Within the past two weeks, I've been told by multiple sources about two dog fights in the off-leash areas.

These have not been the brief, vocal conflicts where dogs confront one another for momentarily being in one another's space or for nabbing a toy.

Those skirmishes usually only last about ten seconds and it's over. The less dominant ( or less energetic) of the two sustaining no injuries-save for a bruised ego. Not giving it another thought, he returns to his socializing, a rung lower on the ladder.

These fights have been blood-drawing, have-to-break-them-up battles. One owner got his hand badly bitten in his attempt to separate the clashing canines.

The off-leash areas have a 'Code of Conduct' posted at the entrances.

It simply isn't being adhered to-Pit Bulls are running loose, unmuzzled in the partially-enclosed areas, in-tact males are in there, (against the code) dogs who show aggression toward another dog are not being leashed and removed from the space-instead the person who complains about a dogs aggressive behavior has to listen to a flurry of obscenitiesfrom its owner (wonder why the dog is aggressive??!). Dogs who aren't under voice or signal control are not being retrieved and leashed.

As summer approaches, the problems can only escalate.

When tourists from other areas of the city flock to the beach with their canine companions for some sand and sun, the off-leash areas will be the place to exercise them.

It will be culture shock for many dogs who may not be as socially adept as most of our fortunate friends.

If we can't respect other dog owners and the required code, perhaps we should consider having the areas patrolled by impartial parties-who have knowledge of both dog behavior and the code of conduct.

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'!!

Walkin' the Dog

Convenience-anything that saves or simplifies work, adds to one's ease or comfort, etc., as an appliance, utensil, or the like. (Meriam-Webster)

Or an off-leash park for dogs.

Very convenient for any dog owner.

Open the gate, unhook the leash and let 'em run. Spend the next half hour communing with nature via checking messages on your PDA in the great outdoors or if there are other dog owners in there, pocket the blackberry and be social, excusing yourself only when you have to respond to a message.

Keeping one eye on your four-footed charge, attentive long enough to spy the selected spot, wander over, get the poop bag out, clean up and deposit it into the bin.

If there's a group of dogs 'playing' together let them 'work it out' by themselves. They'll have their own hierarchy down pat within the first three minutes.
Hmm...not my idea of exercising the dog!

The walk is the perfect time to bond with your dog. To mold and teach the dog what is acceptable and what won't be allowed. Everything you ever wanted to know about your dog or teach your dog can be accomplished while you are out on a walk or in a dog park with other dogs. Everything!! (what a concept) After all, it is the highlight of any dog's day!

We have a responsibility when there is more than one dog present to monitor their behavior. Just as we watch our kids in the playground and wouldn't allow bullying that can escalate to the point of physical injury, so it should be with a pack of playing dogs. The big difference is, in a playground, kids have bars and swings, a sandbox and all sorts of apparatus. Dogs have the other dogs, their owner and some wide-open space. Dogs need a job when they are out playing- a focus, whether it's retreiving a ball, playing tug-of-war with a favourite rope-toy with another dog or it may be as simple as calling the dog over every once in a while to reaffirm your leadership. (and hone the dogs training)

It shouldn't be a free-for-all in there. Being alert to the body language of an approaching dog or getting in there when there are three dogs on one and the low dog on the rung is obviously not enjoying it anymore is a necessity! This type of play (bullying) can cross the line from 'socializing' to the 'pack' mentality quickly. I've seen this many times in our off-leash area. The owner watching but oblivious to their dog's situation.

Monitor your dog's behavior when in an off-leash situation!!

There's a 'Code of Conduct' posted at the entrance of our off-leash parks in the city of Toronto.

http://www.toronto.ca/parks/ola_signsamples.htm,