30/12/2019
Socialization is not something other people owe you for being in the same space! Especially at the vet's office where people go to get medical issues handled, not to play.
Teach your dog to leave other dogs alone unless allowed - your dog will appreciate the clarity and you'll be happy your dog doesn't get over-excited every time they see another dog thinking it's playtime!
Not sure how to get started or looking for an appropriate space to socialize your dog? We can help you with that!
Our 2020 social dates are still in the air while we negotiate details but will be announced soon and we'd love to help you get the foundation work in to be ready to join!
I have talked about this topic before, but after an incident that happened recently I think we need to discuss it again.
I was at my vet’s office with Indy, my 8 year old Labrador who has a spinal problem. Her problem causes the messages from the brain to have difficulty getting to her hind legs...rear end weakness, wobbling back legs, etc. The lobby was full so Indy and I were waiting over by the cat area. She was laying politely at my feet. In came an owner with a big, really big dog. The owner was holding the loop end of the leash and the dog was at least 6 feet out in front pulling from side to side trying to get to the other people and dogs. I will say, there was no apparent aggression, but there was also no attempt on the part of the owner to keep the dog close or under control.
Then, the dog saw Indy laying at my feet. He made a beeline toward us, with the owner again, making no attempt to keep him back from her. Just as he reached out with a foot to make contact with Indy’s head I was able to step forward toward the dog, and said to the owner “Get your dog back, now!” The young ladies behind the counter came hurrying over to make sure the dog was pulled away, and I got a dirty look from the owner.
Now, that owner didn’t know about my dog’s fragile condition. The owner also didn’t know if my dog had some kind of contagious disease, or if she was an aggressive dog. The owner didn’t know if any of the other dogs had contagious diseases or were aggressive. Just like the rest of us in the waiting room didn’t know if the owner’s dog was sick or aggressive. The whole situation could have gotten really bad, really quickly, and the owner was oblivious to that fact.
My point of all this is, it is so very important to keep your dog beside you, close beside you. Do NOT let your dog go up to dogs you don’t know personally. Teach your dog to remain close to you instead letting the dog drag you. Yes, in the beginning you will have to hold the leash short and tight. However, with some training your dog will willingly remain close to you on a short, but loose leash. It is not your responsibility to let your dog “meet and greet” every dog that comes in sight. It is your responsibility to keep your dog safe, and to prevent him from making a decision that could cost him his life.
