16/09/2021
Quiz Time @ The Retreat
I've attached a little quiz below. This is not my creation, it's been stolen from elsewhere. But after a few incidents I have witnessed today involving off leash / unrestrained dogs, it feels pertinent.
Take the quiz - and choose to be an amazing person.
QUIZ:
"You’re on a walk and you see a dog on a lead. Your dog is running free.
Q: What should you do next?
(Cue *Who wants to be a millionaire* music)
Do you:
A: Put your dog on a lead
B. Let your dog run over and say hello
C: Shout “Don’t worry, he’s friendly!”
D: What dog? You were playing candy crush
The answer, of course, is…. A.
Did you get it right?
Many dog owners don’t. They don’t understand what a negatively life-altering situation a rogue loose dog can be for on lead walkers.
Here’s why.
Dogs you don’t know could be on lead for any number of reasons:
They could be blind
They could be recovering from surgery
They could be deaf
They could be human or dog reactive
They might be scared of being approached by strangers
They might be training
They could be a service dog
They may be a rescue
They might be terrified of dogs they don’t know
They could be elderly or physically vulnerable
They might simply prefer to walk on lead
In the end, it doesn’t matter why they are on a lead. It’s none of your business. But what is your business is consent.
Leads are a little flag that say 'Don’t come close'.
When you see them, putting your dog on a lead is respectful. You show the other owner that you care about their choice.
It doesn’t matter if you believe your dog has 100% perfect recall. You respect the other person and their dog enough to be courteous and kind to uphold everyone’s safety - no matter how much you trust your dog.
As a person who is often walking a dog on lead for all or many of the reasons listed, I can’t tell you how my heart sings when I see someone extend this gesture to me and my pack.
Your dog has no right or business running up to anyone (dog or human) without clear prior consent to do so.
You have a responsibility to ensure your dog is in control in a public place. Failing to do so is an offence. It is a dog out of control in a public place and is subject to a fine or court appearance.
More frequently, people are becoming courageous enough to report these thoughtless owners to local authorities. It is not okay and people are using their voice more and more. It is because of owners like these, that dogs are increasingly being banned from areas.
Calling out “Don’t worry, he’s friendly!” is meaningless. It just announces to everyone present that you have no control over your dog."
The next time you see a dog on a lead, choose to be an amazing person. You’ll make the world a better place.
As the old saying goes: 'Manners cost nothing'.
Have a great walk today.
