The Implications of Irresponsible Ownership

Being a dog trainer in London means I’m witness to some every kind of dog ownership you can think of! Yesterday I saw an incident that I wanted to share….

I was walking in a large park playing and doing some games with a dog when we met four women with – between them – about 11 dogs of different breeds ranging from a German Shepherd to a Border Terrier down to a Dachsund and Toy Poodle.

As their group of dogs ran havoc round the park, the four women stood chatting, oblivious to the behaviour of their dogs. One of their terriers chased a cyclist; three others followed us until they decided they weren’t getting what they wanted. One terrier was on a long line yet out of control, bullying and teasing two other dogs…  It was a sad example of irresponsible dog ownership.

It’s a common misconception that anti-social dog ownership is the problem of youths and Bull breeds, but as this example shows, any age and any breed of dog can add to the problem of what is simply, bad dog ownership. These dogs had not been trained properly and did not know how to act in a large, public open space. Perhaps more tellingly, the owners had not been trained properly and didn’t know how to act in a large, public open space.

I feel lucky to be able to work with a wide range of people and their dogs. Those that I work with take responsibility for their dog and their dog’s actions, giving dog owners – and ‘controversial’ dog breeds such as bull breeds – something to be proud of. Bad dog ownership only punishes the dogs whose owners don’t care enough to train them properly.

Please remember that your dog is an ambassador for dogs everywhere. We are going through a time in society where dogs are blamed for many things and Councils and Government are trying to restrict us more as dog owners. We need to demonstrate just how fabulous our dogs can be and what a great addition to society they are, instead of allowing them to scare and worry members of the public especially those who don't like dogs.

Thanks to everyone who is taking responsibility for their dog and who is flying the flag for good dog owners and therefore, good dog ownership. Here’s hoping that those who haven’t yet subscribed to our way of thinking will soon join our cause.

Comments

[D-R]

True! Good advice.