Introduction of Dogs

Occasionally my dogs and I find a free hour or two to go on a short walk or hike away from home. In some cases this takes us to a local park with a great deal of pedestrian, bicycle, and dog activity. Although the park I'm discussing is not a "dog park", there are a great deal of owners there with their dogs off leash.

Almost every time we go this park my dogs will be approached by loose dogs. In these cases, even though the dogs appear friendly, it's clear the owners have no control over them. I typically get between my dogs and the approaching dog to herald them away. If I expect my dogs to walk nicely with me, I take responsibility to keep other dogs from bothering them.

I'm sure there are those who would suggest dogs need time to play, and this isn't a big deal. However, in a public park, not having control over a dog should not be justified by "I'm just letting my dog be a dog". While I am all for giving dogs earned privileges, owners allowing their dogs to make frontal approaches to strange dogs have already failed my first test for introduction decorum.

When I work with clients in public venues, I often discuss with them how to read approaching dogs AND owners. An owner who is in control of their dog will not let it just run up on an unknown dog. Owners in control will ask if their dog can come say high, and won't be yelling at you that "he's friendly" as they chase their dog down or are being pulled across the park. Also, responsible owners would never assume a strange dog is friendly and leave it up to their dog to figure that out on their own.

I love seeing dogs out with owners, but I feel a strong sense of discomfort when owners allow privileges that a dog clearly has not earned. This simply puts dogs at risk. Teaching dogs to listen to their owner first is what training is all about. Taking a dog to a park for fun off leash is great, if you have off leash control. If not, some training could help your dog become a better citizen to other guests in the park, and allow your dog to truly earn those off leash privileges.