Pawsitive Behaviours

10/04/2024

So many moments I wish I remembered to video 🤪
It doesn't look like lot in this photo but Misty has just navigated a car, a ute with a trailer, a tractor AND a herd of cows... all at the same time!!
That's a lot for an 18wo pup 🤯
Because it's just her and I, we were able to go at her pace while she soaked it all in. She mostly just watched but was able to move away when the cows took her by surprise or it all got a bit noisy. I was really only there for support and the occasional treat for being brave
Everyone wants a confident, happy and well behaved dog. Appropriate and positive socialisation is key. As well as supporting your pup to form positive associations and make good choices.
I'm so happy I got to spend this time with Misty today 🥰

07/04/2024

PUPPY CLASSES
Our next round of Puppy Play and Train starts this coming Wednesday at 5pm and runs at that time for 5x Wednesdays.
If you have a new pup aged 8-16 weeks old with at least their first vaccination you can register here at https://pawsitivebehaviours.com/group-training-classes/
You will learn how and why we train, problem solving and troubleshooting for common puppy behaviours like toileting and biting, basic cues like sit, down, come and walking on a leash. Most importantly, you will learn about socialising your puppy in our world and how to help them be as confident and resilient as you can!
Head to the website or email [email protected] to register
📸Michelle Davies Photography NZ

01/04/2024

UPCOMING WORKSHOP: Training Around Distractions
Zoom session: Monday 8th April at 6pm
In person session: Saturday 13th April at 1pm
Register here: www.pawsitivebehaviours.com/workshops
I'm pretty proud of this photo! Taken near Porirua railway station, one by one they all hopped up and followed through with 'sit' and 'stay' when asked. Peep the wee one and the Aussie looking up to their left.. Because little did I know there was about 20 people watching us from the bridge above! There was a lot going on and someone even said "you are doing such a great job!" To which I think I awkwardly responded "ta da" 🫣 I snapped a few pics and then cued them off one by one and we carried on.
Dogs often do really well when training in a calm, quiet, familiar environment, (like at home), and then we head out in busier places and it can feel like we haven't taught them anything! Dogs aren't so good at generalising their behaviours into different environments without our help. This Workshop is designed to help you learn how to do that generalising - by helping you understand the importance of lowering your criteria and adding distractions a little at a time to set your dog up for success. You'll learn about keeping calm in situations you are feeling frustrated - something I am very much working on myself. As well as learn about rewards and reinforcers, improve your communication and an opportunity to train around distractions.
Don't hesitate to secure your spot today via the link above or email [email protected]. We're also very interested to know what other workshops you would like to see us host!

07/03/2024

THE FIRST WORKSHOP DATES ARE UP
We have scheduled our first three Workshops
🔔Recall
👀Training Around Distractions
👧🧒🐶🐶School Holidays - Kids with Dogs
For all the info head to https://pawsitivebehaviours.com/workshops/
You can register there too or email [email protected]

25/02/2024

Did someone say WORKSHOPS?!
This year Pawsitive Behaviours is trialing a new way of running group classes. While Puppy Classes will remain the same, adolescent and most adult dog classes will move to more workshop style training.
What does this mean for you?
✔️1x theory zoom session and 1x in-person workshop
✔️enroll in a group class devoted to something you really want to work on
✔️easier for people to commit to and less travel
✔️opportunities to put forward workshop topic ideas
What does this mean for PB?
✔️class participants get more out of workshops, we know you are here to learn about what YOU want to learn about, rather than us hoping we cover what you want to know
✔️opportunities to collaborate, not only with other members of our team but other industry professionals. Therefore, more individual attention for participants
✔️less stress if there needs to be a postponement due to weather!!!!!
Right now we are really keen to hear YOUR ideas on workshop topics! Recall, training around distractions and basic cues are current stand outs but, please, tell us in the comments or DM/PM us things you would like to learn more about for training your dog 🐶

11/02/2024

You asked for it! So here it is! Pawsitive Behaviours Top 10 Dog Friendly Walks.
Click on the photos for more info about each of these walks including on/off lead, distance, busy times, suitability for reactive dogs and bonus features. We've also included two awesome adventure walks!
🐾Queen Elizabeth Park
🐾Wharemauku Stream
🐾Waikanae Estuary Boardwalk
🐾Kaitawa Reserve
🐾Nikau Ridge
🐾Otaki River, South Side
🐾Crystalls Bend
🐾Haruatai Park
🐾Waitarere Forests
🐾Skyline Walkway
Did we mention your favourite walk?! Tell us in the comments, share your pics with us and ask us questions! Happy walking 🚶‍♀️🐕

08/02/2024

We are hiring 🥳 If you are looking for some (initially) casual work then check out the listing and send through an application! This will lead to a permanent part time role

Pawsitive Behaviours is a very busy dog training and pack walking business on the Kapiti Coast. We were finalists in the 2022 Kapiti/Horowhenua Electra Business...

04/02/2024

Welcome home Misty 🥰
Our sassy wee girl arrived with us this week and we are so excited to have begun this new journey as puppy parents. She looks like a Bernese Mountain Dog but she's actually a Miniature American Shepherd! Known for their smarts, she will no doubt keep us on our toes 🤭 Cue puppy spam incoming!
Misty would love some friends in puppy classes! The next round starts Wednesday 28th Feb at 6pm. Email [email protected] for more info and to register 🐾

01/02/2024

ZIGGY 😍
I am super excited to be a part of this handsome boys journey! A few set backs as a pup has delayed the start for his training and socialisation but he is so keen to learn and his owner is absolutely committed. We're all Team Ziggy and can't wait to watch his progress!

29/01/2024

If you receive the KCDC Dog Owner Updates this message about Parvovirus being detected in our community will have been brought to your attention today. While Parvo is always 'around', over the years it has been more common in some areas than others. Parvo cases have risen across the country and Pawsitive Behaviours was alerted to a spike in cases across Kapiti last week. This sucks! It sucks so much, especially for new puppy parents. But it is important that new puppy owners are aware of this and can take the appropriate precautions while their pup is in the 'critical socialisation period' but not yet deemed fully vaccinated. It's also important dog owners are aware of when their dogs vaccinations are due and ensure their dog receives its parvo booster at the appropriate time.
Here are PB's tips as well as some great online resources regarding Parvo and Socialisation:
1. VACCINATE. A no brainer. The number one defense against Parvo is to ensure your dog is up to date with their vaccinations. Parvo is a horrible virus and surely we want to do everything we can to ensure our dogs do not have to endure it
2. Understand how/where your dog could contract the virus, what the symptoms are and when you would notice them. The SPCA website has some great info - https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/vaccinations-for-dogs
3. Socialisation is still really important for pups under 16 weeks. Consider how you can do this safely. If we cannot guarantee safety, we use puppy front packs, a blanket for puppy to sit on, puppy classes, visiting friends houses/having friends over and/or observing from the car. Sit Happens has some exceptional resources around safe socialisation - https://www.sithappens.co.nz/socialising-puppies
It makes me quite sad actually that we have seen these new cases in our community, it hits home at the moment as our new puppy arrives literally this week! We had big plans for socialisation but we are going to play it extra safe. A fancy puppy front pack arrives this week. PB also runs puppy classes so we have been revisiting the way we deliver these classes to ensure we can continue to offer these in a way that keeps everyone safe. Parvo is no joke!

07/01/2024

2024 is here 🥳 Many of us are returning to our normal routine tomorrow, including Pawsitive Behaviours ️😌
Our group classes dates are up with spaces currently available in Puppy Classes starting Thursday 18th January at 6pm. If you have welcomed a puppy who is between 8-16 weeks old to your family and are looking for puppy classes email [email protected] for more info
Other scheduled classes are currently running on a wait list basis and more classes will be scheduled in coming weeks. Always check back to the 'pinned post' on Facebook or the website www.pawsitivebehaviours.com for the most up to date info
In-home training is in hot demand and we are not currently taking any new clients until we have scheduled everyone already on the waiting list!
Our day and walking services are also pretty chocka! There is a prerequisite to join the wait list for these services; to attend a round of group classes or in-home training. So, if this is something you are interested in for your pup, it pays to keep an eye on the page or the website for our availability changes 🥰
Pawsitive Behaviours has continued to grow and grow over the years, and for that I (Sophie) am incredibly grateful to have come this far already! PB celebrates FIVE years this year and my goal is to fine tune my training skills and our existing services and increase valuable content for YOU. This will mean in-home training and group classes will be limited this year but it also means those services can come back better than ever in 2025!
While our face to face services are busy busy, don't hesitate to reach out for suggestions for FAQ's - we are always happy to offer suggestions around harnesses, local dog services and point you in the direction of decent online content for your training questions while waiting for an in-home or class spot! You can email us any time - [email protected]

22/12/2023

Well, that's a wrap for PB this year! We are officially out of office for the holidays 👋
It's been a huge year and we can't express gratitude enough to all our clients, suppliers and friendly faces we see out and about. A big shout out to my amazing team, it's been a funny one but we are using the break to rest, plan and recharge in preparation for an epic 2024!
Wishing everyone a happy holidays and safe travels to those going places. Pats for your pups! We'd love to see snaps of them in the comments 😉

10/10/2023

Odie is still on the hunt for his forever home and the situation is becoming more urgent. We'd be grateful if you could share and help us find this handsome boy a home 🥰✨

07/10/2023

🥰MEET ODIE🐾

Odie is a 21 month old Huntaway X Heading Dog and is on the hunt for a new home.

About Odie:
He has a lovely nature and a genuine desire to please. He is a big boy, around 40kg, and has good basic training, especially when there are no distractions. He can sit, wait, turn to his name, is toilet trained, sleeps well in the laundry at night and is learning ‘quiet’ to help with his classic breed based barking. He knows what ‘come’ means but this can be more selective. However, we think he has been pushed around a bit and not exposed to a lot so he can be a bit scared of some things and can get himself quite worked up around cars and other dogs. Due to his size and behaviours his current (and reasonably new) home is not the right fit for Odie or his owner and I absolutely agree that rehoming him is the best option. He like people but current circumstances means no real socialisation test with other dogs has been able to happen so I can't comment on this just yet. With the right person and the right training Odie could be a sensational dog

Odie’s ideal home:
A young, fit person/couple who are committed to giving Odie the best. A home with no cats, other dogs or non dog savvy children under 16. He will need someone who is confident and experienced with large, high energy dogs that can further his training and ensure he is well exercised every day. A large property would be ideal for Odie but with the right person this is not absolutely necessary. Odie appears to have had fear based approaches used with him so someone who will be kind to him and use rewards based training and provide clear boundaries would be perfect. In return Odie will be a great companion and a lot of fun to be around and train with! Odie has begun training with me and currently has more training booked in. Should a new home be found within the Kapiti/Horowhenua/south Porirua these sessions can be transferred to the new owner to help with the initial settling in and training

🐾🐾If you think you can offer Odie the perfect forever home please get in touch with me (Sophie) either through messenger or email [email protected]. If you could provide a bit of information about why you think Odie would suit your lifestyle that would be good too. I can then put you in touch with the current owner.

10/09/2023

𝐇O𝐖 𝐓O C𝐇O𝐎S𝐄 𝐀 𝐏U𝐏P𝐘
Puppy season is approaching.. Though it feels like there has been an abundance of puppies over the last few years, Christmas time is a popular time for people to add a new puppy into their family. It's a normal time for us to take a break from work which means we can have a meaningful few weeks devoted to our new addition, settling them into their new life
Lately, Sarah and I have been seeing an increase of puppies and dogs we are highly suspicious are the result of 'puppy milling'. What does this mean? From the Oxford Dictionary: "noun: puppy mill. an establishment that breeds puppies for sale, typically on an intensive basis and in conditions regarded as inhumane. Example: the government aims to stop puppy farms, where dogs may be kept in cramped conditions with little concern for their needs". Dog breeding in NZ is currently quite the sad state of affairs. Many dogs are being bred with total disregard for their ongoing welfare and no care for genetics, both physically and behaviourally. Humans are capitalising on the post covid environment and breeding beyond real demand because there is an assumption people want puppies because international travel is limited. But now that we are back in the office, traveling again and getting back to life as it was, dogs are becoming an inconvenience for some as they cause restriction on some peoples daily lives. Care for our dogs is in incredibly high demand with many websites stating "full" and "waiting list closed". More importantly, vet clinics are overwhelmed and short staffed and rescue centres are beyond overflowing.
In saying all of that, and on a much more positive note, there are many people and families who genuinely want a puppy and are prepared for everything that entails. There are also many FANTASTIC breeders who genuinely care about their dogs and puppies, the breed they have chosen, their animals welfare standards and where their puppies end up. So, how do we match these genuine families with these genuine breeders? Here's our tips:
1️⃣ Think about your circumstances and lifestyle. Are you in the right time and place to introduce a puppy to your home? Are you prepared to commit to 10-15 years of caring for, loving, training and financially support your puppy. Puppies are A LOT of work and have a particular set of needs from the get go, particularly in regards to socialisation. If you don't feel like now is the right time, what will it look like when it is? Make that a goal to work towards if you really feel dog ownership is for you
2️⃣ Research breeds and select one or two you think would suit your lifestyle. DO NOT decide on a breed purely because of how they look. What's that saying.. "it's the personality that counts" Yup, that's it! Looks come second 😉 All breeds of dogs were originally bred to do something in particular! Some dogs need more exercise than others, some need more mental stimulation. Some are more suited to large properties, some cope well in smaller environments. Some have tendencies to herd, to jump, to pull on the lead. Some are even more prone to anti-social behaviours towards people and other dogs. Some just need to be around their people a lot more that others! So have a look online for legitimate resources, (DogsNZ recommends this one https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z) that might start to give you an indication of what breeds might be better suited to your lifestyle
3️⃣ Talk to a professional - trainer, vet, behaviourist, vet behaviourist - someone who can help you match your lifestyle with a breed or two. We have seen a lot! We also really want to see people and their dogs enjoy their lives together. While we see many good matches, we often see miss-matches and misunderstanding of normal breed traits as 'bad behaviour'. We would love nothing more than seeing a human end up with exactly what they were hoping for so ASK US. We are here to help!
4️⃣ Identify responsible, ethical breeders of your breed of choice. The DogsNZ website is a great place to start. There is a clear list of registered breeders for a huge variety of different breeds. By starting here you can clearly see who the breeders of each breed are and where they are located as well as ways to get in contact to find out about upcoming litters
4a. So there are no registered breeders for the breed you are hoping for? How do we find a rescue or other breeder that is responsible and ethical? It is not uncommon for breeders and rescues to advertise puppies on TradeMe and other various websites. The most important thing to do when contacting breeders who aren't registered is to ask questions. The NZ Veterinary Association has a fantastic guide to asking the right questions to ensure you are supporting responsible and ethical breeders. You can find that list here: https://nzva.org.nz/resource/companion-animal/ethical-buying/ When contacting a rescue you want to be able to ask for as much information about the dogs as they have available so you have a clear idea of what you are signing up for. The rescue should have a solid adoption process including assessing your lifestyle to ensure it matches a dog they have for adoption, a property inspection, the option for 'foster to adopt' or a trial period and ongoing support
4b. How to identify a possible puppy milling situation? The most obvious signs include hostility when asking questions, little to no information provided as to where the puppies are kept and in what conditions, asking to meet at a public location when collecting your puppy and puppies sold in pet stores. If you are suspicious, report your concerns to the SPCA. Contrary to media hype, the SPCA genuinely do care and want to help. If you feel like you are engaging in a puppy milling situation you probably are. We strongly encourage people to fight the urge to 'save a life'. Adopting these puppies truly does enable these people to continue doing what they are doing. If there is no demand then it is costly for them to continue trying to supply. You could also be sacrificing a lot to love and care for a puppy that could very likely end up with ongoing behavioural and medical problems. If you do choose to adopt because you just couldn't leave the puppy behind then at the very least report the situation and spread the word that puppy milling is just not OK.
5️⃣ Make contact with the breeder. When you think you have found what you are looking for then make that exciting step and contact the breeder! Remember to ask all those important questions and set up a time to meet, either in person or on Zoom, so you can see the parents, puppies, their behaviours and conditions they are kept in. A good breeder will allow you to select a puppy.. a great breeder will learn about you and your lifestyle and select a puppy for you!
6️⃣ You've found a breeder and they have a puppy for you. YAY! Let's get prepared. There is a lot of information about what to do when your puppy arrives. We have our tips for introducing your puppy to their new environment. Enrol in a well run puppy class in advance so you can get in as close to puppies arrival as possible. Consider booking a pre puppy session with a trainer especially if this is your first puppy. We also highly recommend checking out this website for the best information about socialisation - https://www.sithappens.co.nz/socialising-puppies
We really hope this has post has provided some insight into selecting a puppy and how to find the really great breeders. We realise a lot of questions may come from this and we have designed the post to be that way! If you want to see more about this topic let us know in the comments and ask questions! You're welcome to message us here on Facebook as well as email us [email protected] with any questions or ideas
Sarah & Sophie 🐾

26/08/2023

TRAINER ONLY TRAINING
Sarah has availability for trainer only training between now and labour weekend. Trainer only means Sarah will do an initial history gathering and goal setting session with you then a series of sessions with just your dog and round off with a final session with you as well. Ideal for people who are working a lot and/or are really struggling with training and don't know where to start
The spaces available are ideal for either:
🐾Puppy Socialisation: for pups 12-16 weeks old, ideal for giving your puppy a head start on safe, positive interactions with a variety of people, places and things. More here - https://pawsitivebehaviours.com/puppy-corner/
🐾On lead manners and/or recall: if you and your dog are facing challenges when the lead is involved and/or your dog hasn't quite figured out that coming back when you call is a fun thing to do then Sarah can help with that! More here - https://pawsitivebehaviours.com/in-home-training/
Sarah joined the trainer team at PB this year and has had such awesome feedback! Here is what Poppy's owner has to say - "𝑃𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑦 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑜𝑔𝑠. 𝑆𝑎𝑟𝑎ℎ 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑧𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑙𝑦 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑐𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑜𝑔𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑘𝑠. 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑒𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑙𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑑. 𝑂𝑢𝑟 𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑘𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑗𝑜𝑦𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒. 𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘𝑠 𝑆𝑎𝑟𝑎ℎ"
Email [email protected] to enquire and for more info.
Our general wait list for in-home training is now open too!
📸Some of the beautiful dogs Sarah has worked with this year so far!

24/08/2023

ADULT DOG CLASSES! Starting next week..
This has been our most popular class all year and we're surprised we have a few spaces left!
Classes are on 4 consecutive Saturdays in Te Horo Beach starting Sept 2nd at 9am, plus an initial zoom class on Tues 29th Aug at 6pm.
These classes are for dogs over 12 months and focus on leash manners, recall and general engagement with handler. The total cost is $150
For more info and to register email [email protected]

22/07/2023

WE ARE HIRING!
- can you drive manual?
- are you experienced with dogs?
- are you look for part time work?
- can you keep calm under pressure and learn quickly?
If you said four yes's then check out our listing for more info on how to apply -

Pawsitive Behaviours is a very busy dog training and walking business on the Kapiti Coast. We were finalists in the 2022 Kapiti/Horowhenua Electra Business Awar...

20/07/2023

Our first week of Adventure Walks with some very active dogs 🤩🤩🐾🐾

22/06/2023

🥳WINTER PUPPIES🥳
Due to demand, I have made an exception on my 'no classes until Spring' just for you!
I will be running a short course for puppies in July. This will include
🖥 2 hour Zoom session at 6pm on Wednesday 19th July. Covering puppy biting, toilet training, starting separation, indroducing the lead, starting socialisation and basics of training
🚶‍♀️🚶🐶 1 hour 30 min in person session on Saturday 22nd July at 9:30am. Covering socialisation with other puppies, understanding dog body language, confidence building/exposure to new and novel, starting a recall and starting loose lead walking. As well as an opportunity to ask me any questions
This class is ideally for pups 8-16 weeks old with at least one round of vaccinations on board. But I will make exceptions for pups up to 18 weeks old if you're struggling to get into puppy classes elsewhere.
The cost is $100.
Email hello@pawsitivebehaviours for more info and to register!

07/06/2023

🐕‍🦺𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐰𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬🐕‍🦺
𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀
𝑷𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏: TBC
𝑨𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒕 𝑫𝒐𝒈 𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒔: Sun 12th May 4pm (initial Zoom Mon 6th 6pm)
𝗜𝗻-𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: wait list OPEN
𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀: Full. Pre-requisite applies to be offered a spot on our wait list
*For further information head to www.pawsitivebehaviours.com or email [email protected]
📸 Michelle Davies Photography NZ

26/05/2023

A real pet peeve of mine, (and probably a lot of others!), is the disconnect between dogs owners when it comes to manners in public places. Here on the beautiful Kapiti Coast we have so many wonderful walkways! Our KCDC Dog Control Bylaw then becomes a very handy, and very clear, outline of where you can have your dog off lead, on lead and not at all. As well as a loose definition of what 'under control' means. There seems to be a lack of education around this and people out walking dogs, whether walking their dog or another persons dog, are butting heads about what is appropriate and what is not
In the hopes of continuing my mission to 'Promote, Educate and Encourage Responsible Dog Ownership on the Kapiti Coast' I have attached some of our local bylaw document that clearly shows where your dogs MUST be on lead, can be off lead and where they cannot go, along with some further comments for each picture
People choose to walk in off-lead areas for a number of reasons. Their dog has earnt and enjoys the freedom, dog and human have a great bond so the dog is trusted off lead to stay with them, sometimes those areas are dead quiet so the dog gets a really good run, they're walking with a friend and their dog so it's nice for them to be able to play
People also choose to walk in on-lead areas for a number of reasons. Their dog is not trusted off lead yet, the dog has a habit of running up to everyone so while they are 'in training' on lead areas are better, the owner is nervous of dogs so they choose to not put themself in a situation that makes them anxious, the dog is not social with other dogs, the walkways are proper paths which is more comfortable to walk on, even without a dog someone might choose to walk in on-lead areas because they are scared of dogs and don't want any to run up to them
For me personally - both of my dogs are on the extreme end of anti-social. It's just the way they are and I love them anyway. I want them to enjoy going out and about but I do not want to put them or others at risk so 9 times out of 10 we will walk somewhere on-lead only. That way I can trust (in theory) that others will abide by the law and also have their dogs on lead so I have no need to worry, right? I also carry muzzles with me so should I feel in any way unsure I can put those on my dogs for peace of mind. Have I been caught out? Yes! I have had dogs bolt up to me and my dogs in off-lead areas a handful of very memorable times and it's been a scramble to get out of there, especially considering none of said dogs have recalled when their handler has called them.. Have I learnt from my mistakes? YES. I generally don't go to off-lead areas but always take muzzles in popular off-lead areas, should I be there. I have also taught my dogs so go behind me and turn with me while I fend off the approaching dog
For us professionally - we often CHOOSE to walk in on-lead areas also so we can (in theory) trust that others will have their dogs on lead too. If we go off lead areas it's generally off grid or with dogs we trust! We will ALWAYS move out of the way of absolutely anything as soon as we possibly can and it is much easier to do this when the dogs are on a lead. Some of our dogs are new and are very much still 'in training'. Some of them we have worked very hard to integrate them into our groups so on-lead is more enjoyable for us all and another reason we need space and will move for you. We do our best not to get in anyone elses way and appreciate it when people let us know they are coming up behind us, allow us about 3 seconds to move and don't stop to try and talk to us or take a photo. It doesn't always quite go to plan.. for lots of reasons.. but we do get lots of lovely comments about how well behaved the dogs are (to which we say sometimes!!) as well as lots of thank you's for moving
If you are someone who chooses to walk their dog off lead in a legally on lead area - and I get it, sometimes these places are dead quiet - then at the very least please put your dog on a lead as soon as you see someone coming and do not let your dog go out of your sight. No one cares if your dog is 'friendly', like I have said above mine are absolutely NOT friendly and they are definitely not going to suddenly decide to be because yours is. All the time I am meeting people who do not walk their dog because they are so scared something is going to go wrong when an off lead dog runs up to them and that is heartbreaking and effects the dog's quality of life as well as its humans. If you care about dogs and your own dogs sociability then think carefully about how you allow them to behave in public and your attitude towards the law. Not a single one of us is better than anyone else, we are equal, so the law equally applies to all