05/29/2023
This was a post from a few years ago, but it’s worth repeating!
Let's take a moment to discuss dog walking etiquette, shall we? Many of you won't like what I have to say but too bad - you need to hear it. I'm beyond disgusted by what I see occurring when people are walking their dogs. When did common sense and respect for people go out the window?
What I'll address today are behaviors I see on a daily basis with people using retractable leashes. If you happen to use a retractable leash, you should just throw it out, however if you insist on using one you are the problem. Let that digest for a moment. The dog is not the problem, YOU THE OWNER ARE THE PROBLEM. I've heard every excuse in the book as to why people feel they need to use retractable leashes, let me tell you - there is NO acceptable reason or excuse you can create for a dog to be on a retractable - NONE, ZIP, ZILCH, ZERO!
#1) Just because a retractable leash allows the dog about 16 feet of freedom, it doesn't mean you allow the dog 16 feet of freedom. Believe it or not you can actually limit the length you allow your dog to have. Retractable leashes are all equipped with a "brake" - USE IT! You are responsible for being in control of your dog AT ALL TIMES. News flash - you cannot be in control of your dog if it's 16 feet away from you, attached in most cases by less than a shoestring.
2) While walking your dog keep it on public property - it does not need to venture into the middle of peoples private yards. There is NO NEED to allow your dog to explore everyone's yard - NONE WHATSOEVER. If you feel your dog needs to explore take it in the woods, to a park, on a trail, not on neighbors lawns, driveways, etc. First of all you have NO IDEA if there is a chemical treatment on the lawn that you are exposing your dog to. Secondly, you may not be aware there are dogs loose in their own yard on electric fences, who may or may not be amenable to an exploring intruder. And last but not least - IT'S BEYOND RUDE!!!! Allowing your dog to wander is not having control of your dog. You need to be IN CONTROL OF YOUR DOG AT ALL TIMES!
3) Do not allow your dog, while it's on a retractable leash, and obviously out of control, to rush up to other people, other dogs, or out into the middle of the street. That's right, reel your dog in! Not everyone likes dogs and allowing your dog to rush up and greet people is not acceptable, just because you love your dog doesn't mean everyone does. Allowing your dog to rush up to other dogs can indeed cause a fight, where your dog will more than likely get bit, then you'll blame the other dog for biting, when in actuality it was your dog at fault for an inappropriate greeting. Then there's the whole allowing your dog to trot out into the street, while you're walking on the sidewalk, and a car is heading towards them. DON'T DO IT! You need to be IN CONTROL OF YOUR DOG AT ALL TIMES!
You are responsible for keeping your dog safe, and for making decisions for your dog, aka being IN CONTROL OF YOUR DOG AT ALL TIMES. I see more and more people allowing the dogs to make decisions and it's getting ridiculous, this is how things turn bad and your dog makes a decision it can't come back from. Step up and be a responsible owner!
