09/11/2022
https://www.facebook.com/loveyourpawsvicki/posts/pfbid0xJBmzks8nUQLUPrEh8ebTzZd3sy8DPd2zup5AjoAGBpcXXjB2fHT7orPNFnSBXs5l
đ€·đ»ââïžđĄ âDonât worry, sheâs not hurt, just frightenedâ đĄđ€·đ»ââïž
These are the words that were called over to a client of mine, whilst her dog (on lead) was crying & yelping in fear, as she was being âswampedâ by 2 much bigger dogs.
There is so much wrong with this, that itâs honestly hard to know where to begin. But here goesâŠ.
1. If a dog is on lead you shouldnât allow your off lead dogs to approach. You donât know why that dog is on lead - they may be recovering from surgery, frightened of other dogs, reactive towards dogs, elderly, deaf, blind, learning lead mannersâŠ.
2. If you canât recall your dogs away from another dog they shouldnât be off lead in that environment.
3. Allowing 2 bigger dogs to âswampâ another dog is not ok regardless of on lead or off lead, or the temperament of the dogs involved. It is rude & inappropriate.
4. Not attempting to call your dogs away from a dog who is crying out & yelling is inappropriate & rude.
5. Brushing it off by saying âsheâs not hurt just frightenedâ shows a complete lack of empathy, understanding of dogs and is extremely rude.
A frightening experience for any dog, of any age & any disposition can have long lasting negative consequences for that dog.
My client was left shaken, angry & deeply concerned for her dog; all completely understandable emotions following such an experience.
With the best will in the world, mistakes happen. Sometimes you donât see an on lead dog approaching, your dog doesnât recall when asked as they normally would, youâre distracted & not on the ball.
But IF that happens take responsibility.
Do what you can to get your dog away from the situation & on lead as quickly as possible.
Apologise & double check that the dog & owner are ok.
Donât make excuses. Donât brush it off. Chalk it up as an experience not to be repeated & put a training plan & management in place to ensure it doesnât happen again.
And if youâre unsure how to do that? Then contact a local trainer to help you.
Are my client & her dog ok? Hopefully⊠after a day to calm down Iâve suggested meeting up with a known, friendly, pro social bigger dog with manners to help rebuild her confidence. Sheâs a well rounded, resilient, sociable dog so đ€đ» sheâll bounce back.
With thanks to Best Behaviour Dog Training for the great graphic.