06/05/2025
Here's the thing...
If you take your dog out to an off lead area - they MUST be under effective control.
They MUST recall back to handler immediately.
They MUST play nicely, not be a bully.
They MUST be under effective verbal control.
It is ok to bring your dog into a park during quiet times to do training with them on a lead. I would not advise it during very busy times though as it can be manic.
Today there were two incidents - one a very young pup that was chasing every dog, jumping all over every dog and had no recall at all.
A stranger had to grab the pup so the owner could leash him up and take him out 😳🙄
The owner should have had him on a leash while walking around. Their excuse was probably that it was a young, energetic pup that needed to burn energy, but in reality, this pup was learning to be a bully.
Second incident was an older chap who bought his two working breeds into the park, went and stood in the middle of the park and watched them both herd, bowl over and bully a young little Doodle.
He did nothing 🤬 to help the lady, who was becoming stressed, to call off his dogs.
I'm lucky in that I have fostered ambivalence with both Kubo and Piper. Kubo doesn't give a hoot about many dogs, while Piper is now a champion at reading the room.
It is a very common mistake that is made by giving an adolescent dog far too much freedom. They practise rude behaviour and think it is normal.
Take the time and use long lines. I prefer a 5 metre lead so I can ensure the dog at the end of it does not make the wrong choice.
I do utilise off lead dog parks, but I am lucky because I can go in quiet times.
Take the time.
Train your dog.
