The Unwritten Rule

I have neglected my blog this past month or so. I think its because Ben hasn't had any problems, he is doing really well, which is fab, but I need to remember to write about the positive things too! This blog post, however is about an incident one early morning at the woods.

I met my friend with little Robert (Ben's West Highland Terrier pal). We met at 6.45am so it would be quiet. It was dark and rather chilly but that's dog owning really! The woods we went to are good as they lead to an old pit and you can walk round in a big circle and barely ever see anyone. It's also ideal as you can see well ahead which is necessary when you have a potentially dog reactive dog.

We didn't see anyone the whole walk and the dogs were having a great time, it got light quickly which was better, roll on Spring! We walked back down into the woods to get back to the cars and there is a corner as you walk down the slope, so we put both dogs on leads just in case another dog was round the corner. There is a long path after the corner and we saw a person with two dogs ahead of us, a Border Collie and an Alaskan Malamute. Now Alaskan Malamutes are a breed that Ben never reacts too well with. Before I knew what was happening, the Malamute comes charging towards me and Ben. My friend dashes ahead to let the owner know that Ben can be dog aggressive. She pays no attention and actually says to my friend "an aggressive dog?" The Malamute is jumping around me and Ben, its friendly but that makes no difference to Ben who is immediately on the defence air snapping at the other dog. Then the Malamute runs over to little Robert also on his lead, he is petrified also air snapping, he is only 6 months old. I ask the owner to get her dog as mine isn't very good, she says "your dog should not be doing that, he shouldn't be reacting like that, its horrible". I saw red and had a right go out her explaining that its courtesy to put your dog on a lead when other dogs are on lead. She marches off in a huff and says Ben shouldn't be there. I am so mad. My friend is mad. Another walk ruined because of an ignorant rude person.

I understand there are incidences when dogs will run over to us, but it helps if the owner actually makes an attempt to come and get their dog and apologises. This owner was very offensive, perhaps because she was embarrassed she couldn't control her dog. I therefore urge people to put their dog on a lead if you see an approaching dog on lead or if you are able to recall your dog to walk by your side if they are trained to do that. Without a doubt train a good recall from day one, proof the recall in different situations. If recall isn't there, then do not let your dog off lead, have them on a long line using high value treats and practice, practice, practice. You would not forgive yourself if you dog ran up to a dog on lead and got attacked and injured.