Walk Safely

Tucker and I try to walk every day (weather permitting) and I really encourage the Sensible Dog Members to walk on a regular basis.  As enjoyable and beneficial as walking can be, a responsible dog walker needs  be aware of the surroundings and the possible dangers they may encounter.

    When walking your dog on a leash, a common hazard you may face is a another dog,   that is not on a leash. That dog could be alone or with a person. In either case, some thought ahead of time may help keep everyone safe.



1 -     When walking in a new area, do a practice walk without your dog, or at least a drive around the area.  Keep an eye out for potential problems and plan a way around them. If there are too many loose dogs, consider another route.  Even a dog that appears to be confined in a yard, may leave the property if it sees you and your dog approaching.

2 -    Consider  items that you could use as  distractions for  an aggressive dog.

    First, just try using your voice in a loud, assertive tone.  “NO.  GO HOME.  BAD DOG.”

    If the dog continues to approach , try throwing it some dog treats. (Your dog won’t mind if you carry them along and give him a treat once in a while for really good behavior.) The treats  may break the other dog’s  focus, and give you time to get some distance between the dogs..  When moving your dog, try to break any eye contact between the two dogs. You could  use a coat as a sort of shield for this purpose.

3 -    Consider items that you could use as deterrents for an aggressive dog.

    A citronella spray is non-toxic, will not cause the dog pain, (as a pepper spray might), but will be unpleasant. Maybe you are carrying a water bottle that you could spray at the dog. If you are doing a workout walk, you will have some kind of hand weight with you to use. Just  keep in mind that  you don’t  want to injure the dog, just change its behavior.

4 -     If the dog is with a person, ask  them (as calmly as possible)  to leash the dog, or use another means of getting control of it. (Even a community that does not have a leash law, will most likely have a law that  requires a person to be in control of their dog.)  If the person does not respond to your request, consider crossing the street or going in another direction.  In the worst case, however, do not be afraid  to use the distractions or deterrents even with the person there.  And do not be afraid to contact animal control if you feel the situation warrants such action.

   

A safe walk can be  good for mind, body, and soul - for you, your dog, and those you encounter along the way.   

  

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