I know they look innocent, but these two are a handful. And they are leash reactive to boot. That re-activity is actually what inspired today's post. No, I am not talking about re-activity today. But something that happened to them yesterday because of an irresponsible owner got me to thinking. This morning, I asked my husband what I should blog about and he said, without hesitation, "responsible dog owners." Good call. I like it. And I have a lot to say.
I do right by my dogs. I train them, play with them, walk them. And when it comes to walks, I have to be selective. Gracie is reactive. I can control her on her own. But so is Garmin, and when they are together it can get ugly fast if we see another dog. So I choose to walk in a large, empty parking lot. It is safer for them while we work on correcting the behavior. They have made HUGE strides in the last year or so. Soon, we will be able to take semi normal walks together in populated neighborhoods. Until then, the empty lot is perfect.
Yesterday, we were walking and they had done exceptionally well. We were heading back to the car when I saw a loose dog out of nowhere. Well, not nowhere. I know exactly where he came from. He came from the apartments next to the parking lot. They never leash him--they just let him out and he can run wherever he pleases. He rushed us. Luckily, I saw him first. I was yelling at him to keep back all the while trying to keep control of my two dogs (and myself--he was a larger dog and although I am not afraid of dogs, I had fear about the situation--it was all bad.) He never made it all the way to my dogs, but he was within 5 feet. I looked up and saw both owners standing there, watching. Hands on hips, shooting ME a nasty look. I was shocked. Here I was, doing the right thing and they are in the wrong, but, of course, I get the dirty look. That got me to thinking about what being a GOOD dog owner means. So, here are some things that come to mind that I think are important.
I have so many more things, but these are the biggies. There are other things like avoid rawhides (they can't be digested), don't buy treats made in China (seriously--don't. They are killing dogs), be mindful of what plants you have in your yard (some are dangerous) and never give your dog grapes/raisins (they can harm your dog's kidneys).
Love your dogs, but make sure you do right by them. Loving them isn't enough--you have to be responsible and willing to give them the safe, happy life they deserve.
I do right by my dogs. I train them, play with them, walk them. And when it comes to walks, I have to be selective. Gracie is reactive. I can control her on her own. But so is Garmin, and when they are together it can get ugly fast if we see another dog. So I choose to walk in a large, empty parking lot. It is safer for them while we work on correcting the behavior. They have made HUGE strides in the last year or so. Soon, we will be able to take semi normal walks together in populated neighborhoods. Until then, the empty lot is perfect.
Yesterday, we were walking and they had done exceptionally well. We were heading back to the car when I saw a loose dog out of nowhere. Well, not nowhere. I know exactly where he came from. He came from the apartments next to the parking lot. They never leash him--they just let him out and he can run wherever he pleases. He rushed us. Luckily, I saw him first. I was yelling at him to keep back all the while trying to keep control of my two dogs (and myself--he was a larger dog and although I am not afraid of dogs, I had fear about the situation--it was all bad.) He never made it all the way to my dogs, but he was within 5 feet. I looked up and saw both owners standing there, watching. Hands on hips, shooting ME a nasty look. I was shocked. Here I was, doing the right thing and they are in the wrong, but, of course, I get the dirty look. That got me to thinking about what being a GOOD dog owner means. So, here are some things that come to mind that I think are important.
- If there are leash laws in your city, county or state--follow them. Yes, I get it--leashing your dog to take them out to potty is a pain, but if you live in an apartment complex or neighborhood where your dog could get distracted by other dogs, cats or people, it is the right thing to do. Even if you think "well, my dog won't hurt anyone, so I can let him run loose." You can't. But when a loose dog runs up to someone, chances are that person isn't happy. I know I wasn't.
- Retractable leashes are not good equipment. There. I said it. If you are following rule #1 and letting your dog out to potty, they are fine (standing in your kitchen with a cup of coffee while your dog does his thing=awesome). But, if you are taking your dog for a walk, they are not. Seriously--why does your dog need 12 feet of leash? They make it hard for you to control your dog, they make it too easy for your dog to rush another dog. I have seen retractable leashes cause lots of issues at vets offices, pet stores and on walks. It also teaches your dog that they can pull and get all the free roam they want. Both of my dogs are walked on a 4 foot leash, and they never even get all of that 4 feet unless they stop to potty. Do yourself a favor: ditch the retractable and get a regular leash. The control you will have is amazing.
- Walk your dog. Yes, even if you have a fenced yard. It does them a world of good to see new things and have new experiences. Just don't use a retractable leash :)
- License your dog if it is required in your county. It doesn't cost much and it keeps your dog on record.
- While we are at it, microchip your pet. Maybe you think it is odd to chip your dog, but I have seen many dogs turned into shelters, picked up on the side of the road, etc. that have gotten loose without a collar on (my two don't wear theirs in the house--if they bolted out the door they would have no tags on). If that happens and your dog is not chipped, there is no way for him to find his way back to you. I have seen many a happy reunion because a dog was microchipped.
- Get your dog to a vet regularly. At least once a year, please have your dog checked at a vet. Checked for general health, parasites, heartworm, etc. Yes, it may be expensive, but letting an of those things go untreated could be deadly. Keep your dog up to date on vaccines as required by your state and county. If you choose not to vaccinate, check blood levels with titering if your vet offers it. Keep your pet healthy. And, please, use heartworm and some type of flea/tick prevention!
- Pick up after your dog in public. If your dog poops, clean it up. Yes, it is gross, but think of how much more disgusting it would be if no dog owner ever cleaned up poop. And don't use the philosophy "but I see so many other piles of poop...does this one really matter?" If everyone jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge...
- Spay/neuter your dog (I work in rescue, so this is a big one for me.). Unless you have a show dog, there is no reason that I can see to leave your dog intact. Spaying/neutering helps prevent unwanted litters, has health benefits, etc. If you choose not to spay/neuter, I respect your decision and I will not preach to you about it at all, but I do hope that you will be responsible enough to avoid "oops" litters.
- NEVER force a face to face meeting between two dogs. That is a recipe for disaster. Dogs don't greet each other like that. They sniff...er...places that we don't in the greeting process. It seems odd to us, but normal for them. And never, never, never let your dog meet another strange dog without asking the other owner first. You can never assumed that all dogs like other dogs (or that all people like other dogs, either.)
- Train your dog. No, they don't have to be machines, but basic manners is a plus. You don't want her jumping all over everyone and everything that she meets. Or ignoring you when you call them. Other people (and dogs) will appreciate it if your dog has manners. You will appreciate it, too. If you can do it on your own, great. If not, contact a trainer about classes in your area. Be mindful of training philosophy, though (but that is for another post!)
I have so many more things, but these are the biggies. There are other things like avoid rawhides (they can't be digested), don't buy treats made in China (seriously--don't. They are killing dogs), be mindful of what plants you have in your yard (some are dangerous) and never give your dog grapes/raisins (they can harm your dog's kidneys).
Love your dogs, but make sure you do right by them. Loving them isn't enough--you have to be responsible and willing to give them the safe, happy life they deserve.