Dog walking etiquette

When to use a lead

One of the most common issues I have reported to me is when a dog off the lead runs up to a dog that is on the lead and an altercation ensues.

I have recently had several complaints from rural villages that dogs being exercised off the lead are allowed to run amok as if rules don’t apply. In the countryside where there are far more environmental stimuli it is important to train and condition your dog to act appropriately.

Dogs can get bitten, people get knocked over, people get bitten, people get furious and ultimately dog owners can find themselves in trouble.

All of this is avoidable.

If you allow your dog to excitedly charge up to other dogs, they will learn that is the way they should meet all dogs. It isn’t.

If you see another dog, then place your dog on a lead. You have a powerful training opportunity, so use it to build up muscle memory and learned behavior in your dog. Place your dog on the lead, approach the other person if you want to and ask them if their dog wants to meet your dog. Let them meet each other or maybe walk them a bit together before they are let off the play (if appropriate). If they become too boisterous, pop them back on the lead.

Dogs have the widest morphological range of any species which is why you have everything from huge mountain dogs to tiny toy dogs.

A large dog can be fifteen times the size of a small dog. In human terms that would be something the size of a fully grown bull galloping towards you and wanting to play rough and tumble. It is understandable why some dogs can be fearful.

A slip lead is the dog walker’s best friend and universal training aid. On any walk I expect to slip my lead on and off my dogs several times. Every time I see a cyclist, jogger, horse, farm animal, pedestrian or another dog. My dogs know I am in control and will calmly walk past, sit still or allow me to introduce them to other dogs without being afraid or over enthusiastic.

Remember, every interaction between you and your dog is a training opportunity which you can use to reinforce and reward correct behavior.

Rod Mason

Senior Animal Welfare officer.
Test Valley Borough Council