The other day I was walking Saffron in the forestry near my home. She loves the freedom of racing up and down the paths, sniffing all those interesting scents and messages left by other dogs and generally running off her excess energy.
I was halfway through the walk when a woman appeared around a corner with two small dogs on leads. Immediately, I called my puppy back and put her on a lead, placing myself between them as I think it's a courtesy to any other dog walker or rambler to give them space.
As the two small dogs approached, they launched into a paroxysm of barking and growling at us as they lunged on their leads. I could only stare as they showed a complete lack of self control and were obviously stressed into the bargain. The woman noticed me and made some comment about their behaviour as being nothing to worry about.
I must have still looked unconvinced as she continued that as they were on leads, she didn't believe there was an issue! Really? Surely there's a better way such as teaching them that it's no big deal to pass by other dogs in a quiet manner rather than getting totally stressed and OTT?
I was halfway through the walk when a woman appeared around a corner with two small dogs on leads. Immediately, I called my puppy back and put her on a lead, placing myself between them as I think it's a courtesy to any other dog walker or rambler to give them space.
As the two small dogs approached, they launched into a paroxysm of barking and growling at us as they lunged on their leads. I could only stare as they showed a complete lack of self control and were obviously stressed into the bargain. The woman noticed me and made some comment about their behaviour as being nothing to worry about.
I must have still looked unconvinced as she continued that as they were on leads, she didn't believe there was an issue! Really? Surely there's a better way such as teaching them that it's no big deal to pass by other dogs in a quiet manner rather than getting totally stressed and OTT?
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