EACH day, the dog and I start our day with a quick walk around the block.
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We sometimes go into the channel drain area as there are lots of really good smells for the dog to enjoy. We walk on the oval in the area for the same reason.
It’s a brilliant and peaceful time.
It is a great thing to spend time with your paw family before commencing the rigours of the day.
However, unlike me, walking with the dog on a lead, there are many who walk their dog free-range, carrying the lead while their canine friend is just doing dog stuff, including trying to say “hi” to my dog.
This is a problem on a few levels:
1. My dog is a discerning animal and chooses to not like every dog he meets, despite socialisation training, dog obedience and personal training. (He loves people!)
2. A dog, despite all good training, can still ignore the owner’s command to return to them.
3. We are walking in a public arena – not a dog-friendly, leash-free park.
4. Whose responsibility is it, if my dog chooses to "protect" his space by reacting aggressively to the visiting dog?
I may be incorrect in thinking not me, because my dog is on the lead (?).
One must remember that the early morning is not full light.
5. People do not know the history of other people’s dogs which may impact on their social interaction.
My dog is a rescue dog, so not even I know his complete history.
I only know what we have offered him.
Please, if it is not a dog leash-free area, walk your dog on a lead.
That way you have full control of your dog, so we can all enjoy our walk.
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