Q:
I was at Cornwall park today and there were about 50% of the dogs off leash that would charge towards my dog. I told them there was a leash law and they pretty much ignored me. What should I do? Also, is there something I could carry that I could use in case of a dog fight that would not be so detrimental to domino? I really get tired of people not following the rules and Domino is quite traumatized by this going on. What can I do?
thank you

A:
Even though there are 8 designated off leash areas in Whatcom County, we all experience off leash dogs in a leash required areas. Anyone with a dog has experienced it.  We all want to walk our dogs and have a joyful experience with them,  and not have to worry an off leash dog is going to run up to us and aggravate our dogs, upset us, create re-activity where there was once a calm experience. 

Whether your dog is reactive at other dogs or not,  having a dog on leash and being approached by a dog off leash is stressful, for both two and four legged walkers. 

Lets talk about our options  for prevention as well as solutions and a few things not to do.

Prevention: Its not fair,  but since most people abuse the leash law in parks and areas that have running space for dogs,  parks are the areas most taken advantage of by others.  We should all be able to utilize our parks, no one disputes that,  but since we cannot control the acts of others,  avoiding the parks all together is the viable choice. Choosing to walk your dog on sidewalks and trails near streets are great options.  Since those areas are closer to streets, they make them less safe for off leash dogs and almost always other dogs are leashed. Finding sidewalks that have more  trees and green space can be enjoyable for you. Some areas I  like are  the trail/sidewalks from Maritime Heritage Park to Elizabeth Park, or the paved trails in and around Western Washington University.  Sunnyland and Columbia neighborhoods are quite beautiful and I get a park feel every time I am there.   Maybe look at this as on opportunity to explore new neighborhoods.

Action: If you are walking your leashed dog and you see an off leash dog approaching you,  the best thing for you to do is leave. Just leave.  Tell your dog, in a happy voice "let's go" do an about-face and walk in the opposite direction.  Give your dog a treat for  turning with you and make a new route.  Yes,  it stinks that you should have to leave,  but at this time the most important thing is to mindful of the safety of you and your dog. As a dog approaches,  the physical act of you turning your shoulder away from the approaching dog is a sign to the dog to not engage and most approaching dogs will loose interest and not continue to approach.  When a dog is ignored, its a sign of respect.  Not "I respect you are the boss of me"  but "I respect what you bring to the table, good or bad" by turning away from the approaching dog and walking in the opposite direction, the approaching dog thinks he is being ignored and will go back to his previous activity. 

Sometimes the dog comes out of nowhere!  You are aware of your surroundings and all looks clear, then BAM... there he is.  At this point,  the dog is too close and the risk is greater to your dog.  You will still be turning away and leaving,  but as you do, reach into your treat pouch and grab a LARGE handful of you dehydrated liver and throw it right in the off leash dogs FACE.  Let me be clear,  its not 2 or 3 treats, its 20... its not near the dog its IN the face- make contact with the dogs face- you want the dog to feel the treats (they are light and will not hurt the dog)  and immediately smell the treats.  The treats will fall to the ground and the dog will be distracted making your exit easier.  Also, the dog will have to lower their head to eat the treats now on the ground,  this will be viewed by your dog as a calming signal and less threatening, making your dog less anxious, giving you an easier escape. 

"But, didn't I just reward the off leash dog for approaching"  Yup!  but who cares.  Your intent is to distract the approaching dog and you did what you intended to do. You gave you and your dog an out, use it. 

"The other owner is going to be mad I fed their dog without asking"  Yup!  but I don't care about this either.  If they were following the law, this would not have happened, so its on them, not me. 

"I don't carry treats when I walk my dog"  You do now!  A treat pouch full of stinky, high value tid-bits is one of the most valuable things you can have to distract a dog.  Keep your pouch full of dehydrated liver all the time,  it does not have to be refrigerated- so its convenient to keep hanging next to your dogs leash.  


What not to do:  Don't confront the owner of the off leash dog.  Trust me, they already know they are being a jerk and are breaking the rules...you bringing it to their attention will not do anything but upset you and your dog and risk your dog being put further into a situation you don't want.
Do call animal control.  Our Whatcom Humane Society is dedicated to helping you.  733-2080 ext 1.  Even if you think the owner/dog might be gone by then, its still good for them to keep record of the violation.  

Personally I am not a fan of pepper type sprays for this situation.  The approaching dog has to get so close you are at far greater risk of spraying your own dog.   The treat solution works far better.  

Walking your dog releases energy and stress. All dogs, no matter their size, should be walked daily.  Its a great bonding experience for you both.  Its an opportunity to exercise your dog,  train your dog,  play with your dog and all around love your dog.  Try to not let the bad behavior by others prevent you from a life with your dog. 

Now, get out there and walk the dog!
Angi Lenz

For more information about walking your dog peacefully or dealing with reactive behavior,  call us.  Tails-A-Wagging 733-7387.  www.tails-a-wagging.com