14/01/2025
We had a student ask:
"How do you suggest handling other dogs in the store if they were pets or SD's?"
Here is one of our team members thoughts:
"SD or Pet? How do you handle the situation?"
Since starting non-pet friendly PA, you may have encountered a situation where there is another dog in the business at some point. If we observe the dog we may be able to figure out if the dog is a pet or a SDIT/SD. It may be in the general behavior of the dog, or the handler/owner, it may be in the obedience, or lack there of, and/or it may be in a vocalization such as a bark or whining. We may be right, and it is a pet that shouldn’t be in the store, or if there is “bad behavior”, maybe it is a legitimate team and the dog just isn’t ready for non-pet friendly places, or having a bad day. Regardless of the type of dog, pet or SDIT/SD, I usually handle it the same way, with a few exceptions.
In general:
1.) If I see another dog we avoid it. That means going a different direction initially, and keeping an eye out for it throughout the store.
2.) If we do come close, like turning a corner and needing to pass or go another way, I do so immediately. As soon as we are passed I immediately praise Lelue and treat, even if she has a moment of trying to greet or sniff in passing. The point is she kept moving.
3.) If I see the dog and notice it’s behavior is more of a pet, such as vocalization, pulling etc., I’m more vigilant and if I see them approaching and I can’t get out of the way, I pull Lelue to the side, me between her and the dog, and try and keep moving past. At this point it's the safety of my SD at play.
4.) If it is an obvious SD/SDIT team, and we see each other, I will acknowledge them with a smile and nod, as I’m changing directions, but again try and give them and ourselves space.
Exceptions:
1.) I rarely confront a person who has a dog that is poorly trained or a pet unless they are a danger to my dog or the public. I have found it rarely does any good to confront directly except stress me out, or cause and argument. If I do feel they need to leave, I’ll find an employee and ask them to contact the manager. I never place this burden on an employee.
2.) I will leave a business if there is more than one or two dogs that appear to be pets, if they aren’t being controlled by their owners, are vocalizing continuously, or can cause my SD to be over stressed. For me it’s about keeping my dog comfortable.
I will usually notify a manager on my way out.
Why don’t I use these situations for training?
1.) I didn’t plan for this situations. If I went somewhere that allows pet dogs, I’d know in my mind how I was going to handle the situation as it happened. Creating enough distance, having an exit plan, ready with emergency behaviors or distractions, having higher value treats.
2.) I don’t know the dogs or their handlers. I’d rather train with people I know in these situations especially when practicing walking through a store and suddenly meeting up with a team. That way I know the dogs history, and the handlers ability to control the situations.
Although I'm happy to share my experiences, one thing I never do is tell another SD handler the best way for THEM to handle these situations. Everyone's situation is different and I'm not going to judge them for doing the best they can in a situation.
I feel that having a plan going in is one of the best way to get through these unknown situations safely and with less stress for me and my dog. ☺️
