All Creatures Animal Services (ACAS)

All Creatures Animal Services (ACAS) Animal welfare education
Dog walking / Pet sitting
Animal transport
Wildlife assistance

23/07/2025

A big issue for many walking their dogs on leads (for any one of a number of reasons) can be uncontrolled loose dogs running up to their dogs. Three of the most common reasons are shown in the image - an older dog who may be hurt in an over-enthusiastic and excitable greeting, a dog recovering from illness/injury/surgery, and a dog who is scared - perhaps the victim of a previous dog attack.

There is a misconception that 'good' dogs will love all other dogs and, if in a public area, should be prepared to play and interact with any other dog in the area. The truth is that, just as we are, most dogs are at least a little selective in who they want to interact with. They will show this in their body language which - subtle as it may be to humans - a socially competent dog will be able to read and respect.

The problem is that these 'good' and 'friendly' dogs as their humans perceive them are generally not actually all that socially competent, and don't respect those subtle signals asking for space and to be left alone. They can keep pushing and pushing until the on lead dog (who is not able to avoid them because they are on lead and can't get away) feels they have no choice but to defend themselves. And then it's often the poor on-lead dog who is labelled as 'bad' when they were just trying to get out of the scary situation.

An off lead dog should not be allowed to approach unknown on-lead dogs. If you see your dog approaching an on-lead dog, call your dog back and keep them close by, either by calling them to heel or putting them on the lead. For the sake of everyone's enjoyment of the space you are in, keep your dog under control for the few minutes it takes to give the on-lead dog space, and then carry on.

If your dog cannot be called back from approaching an on-lead dog, they are not ready to be off-lead in a public place. Use a longline while working on strengthening their recall around distractions - for their own safety, as well as that of the other dogs around.

Sweet little late night pick up! 🐈 Meet ‘Piper’ my little house guest for the evening before they head off to Kirsten's ...
20/07/2025

Sweet little late night pick up! 🐈

Meet ‘Piper’ my little house guest for the evening before they head off to Kirsten's Zoo Charity for all the good things after being rescued in the middle of the T10 from a pipe by the wonderful David and his lovely neighbour!!

Well done guys! You really gave this little one a second shot 🌀💜👍🏼

To foster, adopt or donate to the great work done by Kirsten’s zoo helping cats like Piper (and many, many others) - please visit their website https://kirstenszoo.com/ 👍🏼

Address

Sai Kung
Kowloon

Telephone

+85267739907

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