Hey Canine Readers,
What is a responsible pet owner? That is a loaded question to break it down, keep reading. There is a difference between a good dog owner and a responsible one. People are often both but there are situations that show their true colors.
Responsible vs Good Owner
Two dogs are walking down the street, both are reactive on leash (barking, pulling, lunging, etc). One dog owner keeps walking towards the other dog so that her dog can say hi to the other dog, as she allows her dog to continue to freak out. The other owner turns around completely and walks in the other direction to avoid putting her dog in that situation.
Who is the good owner and who is the responsible one?
The owner who allows her dog to react by pulling, barking and lunging to a strangers dog is rude. (Good Owner). While I understand they are coming from a good place should NEVER be allowed. It is no one’s right to say hi to every dog on the street unless prompted by the owner to do so. This act is rude and irresponsible. Even if you know the dog and owner, leashes and environment add new factors to this equation. Know how to properly read your dog’s body language and protect your dog at all costs.
The owner that chooses to turn around and avoid this situation is the responsible one. As someone who owns a reactive dog, it is more beneficial for the dog and owner to simply turn around and avoid the owner even with good intentions. This owner knows her dog well enough to avoid a possibly dangerous situation or set back the progress they have made in training. .
Prevention and Management through: Proper socialization and training are another factor of being a responsible owner.
Making sure your dog can be well mannered (not barking, lunging or pulling) in public and around other dogs is key. If your dog isn’t a big player with other dogs, that’s OK just make sure they can safely exist around other dogs. Daycare isn’t the right choice for them. If you have a high active dog who loves other dogs than daycare is perfect. Basic Training involves sit, down, stay, recall, leave it and drop it to name a few. Taking a group class is a great way to socialize properly and ask questions to a professional. Privates are also encouraged while they are young. If you have an older dog they are just as trainable it may just take more time and patience.
Being a responsible dog owner is something every owner should thrive for. Try to not judge people too hard, we all have faults. Instead try to educate or lead by example and help a fellow dog owner out.
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you would help spread it by email to a friend, on social media or even word of mouth!
Happy Training!