To some it seems to mean, allow your dog to run into my dog's face and bark, yap, jump, lunge, pester or try and steal their toy. To others it means to keep your dog out of my dog's face. It never ceases to amaze me how many dog walkers pay no regard to it, whatsoever. Which I find fustrating as my dog is deaf and when in busy public places, hates being off lead, the lead is her security in a busy London place.
I constantly get asked about it in puppy classes and it seems to be a real city issue as we encounter so many dogs on a daily basis. In my personal opinion, a dog on a lead should mean out of bounds to other dog owners. A dog could be on the lead for reasons such as scavenging, training, aggression, fear, deaf or blind or that the owner is building a relationship with a new rescue dog. Either way, it should not mean fair game to any other off lead dog or on lead for that matter.
I've had occassions where I was working with a fearful dog who was on a harness, collar, lead and muzzle whilst we worked in a remote location in the park. Dogs still came up and bolted into her face. I can't see how much clearer a dog owner wants it?!
If you are an owner who for whatever reason keeps their dog on lead at varying times, then you might find these collars, harnesses and leads really useful. They explain in no uncertain terms what you are thinking!! I love them and think they are so simple but genius and point out for all to see and hopefully respect.
If you are reading this and you are an owner who allows your dog to bolt, charge, run at or jump on other dogs when they are walking with their owners, maybe think twice and start doing some training. I'm not talking about the occassional accident I'm talking about the persistant off lead and out of control dogs. Because if your dog runs into the face of another dog which is aggressive who was on the lead and under control, your dog is going to be in big trouble and it will be your fault. In my opinion of course.
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