One of the most common complaints I see mentioned amongst dog walkers on social media are problems created by other dog walkers who appear not to be aware of dog walking etiquette. The huge rise in demand for dogs during the COVID lockdown resulted from many people who had never had a dog suddenly finding the time and ability to get a dog for the first time, and rushing out to get one. The consequence of this is a wave of new owners who never learned proper dog walking etiquette because puppy training classes were less available, and young dogs that didn’t socialise in the way young dogs previously had which has resulted in problems when meeting other people and dogs out and about.
I used to be a part of a regular dog clinic and was only ever bitten twice in about 10 years. After lockdown, I nearly got bitten many more times than before because young dogs bred or bought during lockdown were that much more nervous and reactive. Thankfully, my reflexes and reactions were sufficient not to have been bitten, but there was a definite step up in reactivity and danger pre and post lockdown.
Biggest mistake
Probably the biggest mistake dog owners make is thinking it’s all about their dog, and that if their dog has been socialised and trained “properly” (as they see it) then it’s OK for it to run amok off lead and sniff whichever other dog they want, and at both ends! It isn’t OK at all. The owner shouts out “It’s OK - he/she is friendly” as if that makes it all OK. This shows no consideration for how the other dog is feeling and might react. It might just be a generally nervous dog. It might have been attacked in the past and has a tendency to fear aggression that can quickly escalate into more than handbags at 10 paces. Having a small dog is no excuse either, as big dogs may have been hassled/attacked in the past by another small dog and if it reacts it’s going to do some major damage. It might not wait to be attacked itself before getting in first. I have heard of young/small dogs that hadn’t been properly socialised that ran up to a large dog, but didn’t read the signs, wasn’t necessarily aggressive but was inappropriately persistent and was subsequently attacked and killed. Whilst nobody ever wants that to happen, that was due to irresponsible owner of the dog that was killed for not having adequate control. All dogs have a point beyond which they will no longer tolerate another dog’s behaviour. Small dogs can often feel intimidated if stood over by a much larger dog too, and being on a lead without the ability to escape may feel vulnerable and react.
Unfortunately, dog confrontations can escalate to owner level too as both owners will often defend their dog’s behaviour. If an owner is ignorant enough to let their dog off lead in an inappropriate situation that goes wrong, they probably won’t admit it. It isn’t just other dogs that a dog can be a nuisance to too. If you are walking on a path that horse riders might be using, then you need to keep your eyes and ears open (not buried in your smart phone) as dogs that run up to and/or bark at horses might lead to the horse reacting and unseating their rider, or kicking out and injuring your dog.
Good dog-walking etiquette helps avoid unnecessary unpleasantries and ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for you, your dog, and others in the community. Here are some key points to bear in mind:
Use a proper lead
Do not leave your house/car without a lead for your dog, however well trained you think he/she is. Even well trained dogs can get distracted at times and/or act out of character for whatever reason. Keep your dog on a lead unless you are in a designated off-lead area.
Personally, I hate extendable leads. Dogs can still roam and run the length of the extendable lead. If the brake mechanism on it fails, or the owner isn’t paying attention, or fails to read the situation correctly it can still result in an unnecessarily close encounter until they’re reeled in.
Use a short lead in crowded areas to maintain control and prevent someone being tripped up by your dog. Your dog is your moral and legal responsibility. Household insurance policies often include public liability insurance and so might your dog health insurance policy – but check to make sure for your own individual policies.
You can use a longer lead in more open spaces and assess the situation before taking the lead off where permitted. Only take the lead off if your dog is well socialised, is used to meeting other dogs, and has a great recall and won’t run off too far away that you can’t intervene if necessary. If there are lots of dogs running around, consider what size and breeds they are, how many of them there are, how boisterous they are. Are their owners being vigilant and close enough to intervene if required? Anticipate what might go wrong. If in doubt, don’t let your dog off. If you decide it’s best to keep your dog on the lead, are the loose dogs likely to mob yours and cause a problem? If so, then walk away in another direction.
Top Rule
The rule of thumb when walking your dog off lead is that if you see another dog being walked on a lead, then recall yours and put them on the lead too. Talk to the other owner before letting them say hello to make sure their dog is friendly and will appreciate it. You might decide to let both off to play, but it has to be by mutual consent. If you have an entire male, be aware that if he meets an entire bitch who is coming into season that his normal behaviour might be overridden by natural instincts! You might not believe it, but some owners sometimes don’t realise their bitch is coming into season. Boots will always tell me when he meets one, and there have been quite a few times when he’s known before the bitch’s owner!
If you’re walking your dog off lead and see that you’re approaching another dog and walker off lead you can’t go wrong by putting yours on a lead. Hopefully they will follow suit and if appropriate you can let them both off to play. They may not see you if they are engrossed in something else, so best not to assume all is OK. At a distance you may not realise the other person is deep in a phone conversation using earbuds. Apart from the EMF dangers to the brain from using earbuds, not concentrating on your dog when walking is when things can go wrong. Walking your dog should be dedicated dog time. If the other owner indicates to you that the dogs should not be allowed to meet, then allow plenty of space for passing each other, and keep your dog close by your side.
I’ve already done a substack on dog theft, so won’t repeat it here, but small dogs off lead in a busy park a distance away from you provides the perfect opportunity for dog-knapping. Likewise, walking alone on a quiet country road and keeping to a regular regime that enables a would-be thief to anticipate your whereabouts should be avoided, or at least walk with a friend. Check out my archive for fuller info.
You may not realise it, but even walking your dog can be impacted by what dogs are fed. Those fed the proper Raw Meaty Bones diet are generally calmer, don’t have flavourings and chemicals that can have behaviour-modifying effects that are in some ultra-processed feeds, and have a microbiome that is more calming.
The microbiome of a non-aggressive dog has higher levels of Bacteroides vulgatus compared to that of an aggressive dog. It’s possible to increase B. vulgatus by feeding or increasing animal-based proteins particularly from red meat or dairy (kefir has a similar effect). The protein source is important and plant-based proteins such as soya have a different effect on the biome. This was borne out by the finding that dogs fed plant-based protein have an increase in biome percentages of Ruminococcaceae (relating to an increase in aggression) rather than increasing levels of B. vulgatus.
Clean Up After Your Dog
Always carry poo bags and promptly clean up after your dog. This doesn’t just apply to walking on roads and in parks in towns, but also applies to country footpaths too. You might think it’s unnecessary because wildlife doesn’t care where they defaecate, but at least get a stick and flick it off the path into the vegetation alongside so it’s off the beaten track where walkers and toddlers might step on it. Preferably pick it up. That doesn’t mean hang it on the nearest tree like some Christmas tree bauble either! Many public footpaths even in the countryside have poo bins where it won’t tax you to carry it to! If not, take it home and get rid of it there.
Poo bags aren’t the only things I see discarded in the countryside too. If you must snack when out walking, then take your food wrappers to a bin or home too.
Respect other people and their dogs
Although I’ve already mentioned about talking to another owner before letting our dogs interact, you should also check before interacting yourself. Some dogs are more nervous of people than dogs, especially if they’ve come from an abusive rescue situation. Always ask before approaching yourself. Bear in mind that some people are just grumpy buggers and don’t want any interaction at all! That’s fine and it’s their prerogative to be that way. It likely isn’t personal against you, or it might be, but either way that’s fine. There’s no need to try to impose your desires or ideas on the situation.
Likewise, people should ask before approaching your dog themselves. It’s a great opportunity to teach children this important rule, or if they ask properly then praise them for doing so and reinforce what they’ve been taught. It’s more difficult with young very friendly dogs especially, but it’s important to teach your dog to say hello with all 4 feet on the ground rather than jumping on people, or other dogs for that matter.
It's not OK to just roam
There seems to be an attitude that it’s OK to just wander across farms without sticking to footpaths. I don’t care if the law allows it, it’s ignorant! You wouldn’t like any old person wandering onto your property and walking wherever they like either. Keep to designated walking paths and trails. Keep an eye out for warning signs from the farmer and abide by what they instruct you to do. Consider whether a sign might have been removed too. It happens, so use common sense around livestock although I sometimes think its badly labelled as its getting less and less common, or so it seems!
Take heed of what stock are grazing in a field, even if there’s a pathway across it. Dogs should always be on a lead especially near sheep, even if they aren’t in the same field. Sheep will always run, and dogs get caught up in the chase however playfully intentioned. If the farmer thinks your off-lead dog is worrying his sheep he might shoot it and invoice you for any losses which may include abortions from pregnant ewes
Young cattle can be playful and inquisitive which can be intimidating. Walkers and dogs have been trampled in the past, so although it’s rare, proceed with caution if you choose to go on. If they’re on the other side of the field quietly grazing and the path doesn’t take you close then you might decide it’s safe, but be aware that young bullocks can run quite fast and close the gap relatively quickly.
If you set off and find yourself in an intimidating situation from cattle, it is important for both you and your dog to stay calm and confident. Don’t run as this will encourage them to chase you. Let your dog off the lead but keep it close on command so that you can both run unhindered if you reach a point where you have no other option. Walk steadily and confidently. Wave your arms to make yourself appear bigger if necessary. Don’t be afraid to shout at them to get back if they get too close – they are usually more inquisitive than aggressive, but keep aware and look for signs of that too - such as pawing the ground. If you have to, leave the designated path and walk along the fence/hedge line where you can’t be fully surrounded. Hopefully you won’t find yourself in this situation, and if it’s a commonly used path by walkers, stock may be more used to people, but don’t take anything for granted and don’t take unnecessary risks.
Walking at night
If I had a £1 for every time I’ve seen people walking their dog at night in dark clothing with no reflective gear on them or their dog I’d be rich! Whilst you no doubt intend to stick to the pavement and probably don’t expect to see anyone else, you still have to cross the roads and need to be visible to other road users. You can get collars and leads that are reflective and/or have a flashing light to give maximum visual warning.
Make sure you have a phone with a torch app, or carry a torch so you can see where your dog has pooped so you can clear it up. Night time isn’t supposed to be a cover to relieve you of your obligations to other pavement users. A head torch leaves both hands free to bag it more easily.
Training
It’s important for many situations that your dog knows basic commands like sit, stay, and come. “Heel” or “close” commands to get your dog to stay close by you when walking are useful ones too. Encouraging your dog to pee/poo on command are useful when walk time is short and its raining hard! “Leave it” is good for when your dog is perhaps showing too much interest in something best left alone. No doubt there are other useful commands you can teach your dog too according to your situation.
Take water for your dog and avoid walking in extreme weather conditions. Dehydration and heatstroke are real dangers in hot weather when they can be encouraged to run around and play more than they should be meeting a friend. For some climates, even the coolest times of the day out of the direct sun are still going to be hot, in which case consider clipping very long haired dogs (but not too short to risk sunburn) or get a coat made from material that holds water and keeps them cool. The UK doesn’t really get cold enough, but I imagine some places get too cold to walk dogs safely too for risk of frostbite and overall body cold.
Legalities
If you are taking your dog on holiday to a different country or state, make sure you know what the local laws are there. A dog owner's legal public liabilities when walking a dog in public vary by jurisdiction but generally include the following responsibilities.
Lead Laws: Many places have laws requiring dogs to be on a lead in public spaces. Failure to comply can result in fines or other penalties.
Control: Even in areas without strict lead laws, owners must maintain control over their dog to prevent accidents or incidents. Whilst you might think the definition of control is a bit unclear, if anything happens that shouldn’t then you will be considered to not be in control and you will be held responsible and legally liable.
Dog Bites and Attacks: In many areas, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the owner was negligent or aware of the dog's aggressive tendencies. Unfortunately, the dog that has done the biting is often considered the aggressor even if provoked, and unless you have witnesses to corroborate your version of what occurred you risk being held liable and potentially found guilty of being negligent for not taking reasonable steps or sufficient precautions to prevent the injury.
Property Damage: Owners are typically responsible for any damage their dog causes to public or private property. This can include damage to gardens, fences, or other personal property.
Special Regulations for Certain Breeds
Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL): Some regions have specific laws targeting certain breeds deemed dangerous. Unfortunately, it is the actions of a few that impinge on the liberties of the majority. The definition often includes cross-breeds and “breed type” which will be determined by the authority’s definition rather than yours, so act accordingly. Owners of these breeds may face additional restrictions and liabilities such as wearing a muzzle, which must fit properly and be suitably robust. “Visiting” and ignorance of local laws are unlikely to be considered a justified defence.
Dog-walkers
If your dog has a dog walker who visits your house whilst you are at work to let your dog out and walk it, make sure you know the circumstances under which your dog is being walked. There have been incidents where a dog walker tried to take too many dogs on a walk together and was unable to maintain control of them all and it resulted in a vicious attack. It should go without saying, but make sure you use someone who is reputable, insured and licensed who doesn’t try to walk too many dogs together.
Summary
If you’re sensible and considerate of other dogs and people and anticipate where problems might occur before they do, then walking your dog will be a great and happy experience, spoilt only by those who aren’t. Unfortunately, we have to deal with them too, but with foresight, even these situations can often be avoided. If in doubt over a situation, don’t risk it. Walk away to walk another day…
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