18/01/2024
Thank you to everyone that took part in my survey about "on lead" dogs approaching "off lead" dogs.
The results have stirred up a real hornets nest.
I will go through each of the answers, this one is for the people that thought, they dont need to put a lead on their off lead dog because "reactive" dogs shouldn't be walked were friendly dogs are running free
I'm hoping the answer was just from lack of understanding of what a reactive dog is, and how they feel
A "REACTION" is an INVOLUNTARY response to a stimulus. It's an INVOLUNTARY emotional response.
ALL dogs have big emotions, FEAR, JOY, SADNESS, HAPPINESS, and react differently to each emotion.
The barking, lunging, jumping, spinning, growling, fooling around, etc are symptoms of the emotions felt.
As a young child, one of the meals we had consisted of mashed potato and baked beans. I
I was made to eat it, now to this day I cannot have both foods on a plate together without feeling sick.
I had an accident up on the moors, I can't walk past the spot without feeling nervous, worried and upset now
If I walk past a bakery and smell pasty I start salivating (I love a good pasty)
These are all emotional responses
If I even hear the word "cow" I start sweating and my heart starts racing. I certainly can't walk near them.
But this is a temporary emotional response, if I have enough space, and time I can cope with it.
But because I have big emotions to cows, should that mean I shouldn't enjoy the countryside?
Of course not, it just means I may need to do the odd detour to create a bit of space.
Space is so important! It doesn't matter WHY.
NO dog should invade another's, especially if they are restricted on a lead.
You do not know WHY another dog is on a lead, you don't know WHAT that other dog is feeling, and you don't know what that dog has gone through to give them reason to be so emotional
Cherry my 10 month old puppy is having big emotions due to being more aware of the world
I don't want her feeling even more threatened from being charged by an off lead dog
A little resue ex breeding bitch that was just used to make money, so hadn't experienced an awful lot
Doent want her space invaded, she has enough to cope with.
A little Maltese that got shaken around like a rag doll by an off lead dog is now terrified of off lead dogs.
All these dogs have the right to feel safe and enjoy a walk in the countryside
We all have the right to enjoy the countryside and outdoor spaces and most people are respectful and will clip a lead on to pass another on lead dog
Pease try to think how your actions affect others EMOTIONALLY
