We always try to use a positive approach to change behaviors first. We are always an advocate for the dog. We also realize that in some cases owners can't have a physical fence, may need a stronger tool to help with control, or may have physical limitations. These situations can be challenging for everyone.
Recent events in the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff communities unfortunately highlight that we have so much more to do to educate dog owners. Based on personal observations, and our clients own challenges, we would like to share a few thoughts with our readers:
1) Not all dogs want to interact with unfamiliar dogs. Your dog may get along beautifully with other dogs but that doesn't mean all other dogs are like yours! Some dogs missed out on early socialization, which means that their social skills are not as good as your dog. Others may have had a bad experience with another dog, and would rather your dog just keep his distance. Every time your dog approaches one of these dogs it creates a "fight or flight" response. Dogs on leash often don't feel that flight is available so fight becomes their only option. These dogs aren't bad, just need their own space! These dogs don't care if your dog "just wants to say HI!" Ask first and teach your dog not to pull towards other dogs!
2) An underground containment system (electric fence) is not an excuse to leave your dog outside unattended for hours. Dogs are social in nature and when left by themselves often become destructive to pass the time. Digging and chewing are normal canine behaviors so if you leave your pooch outside unattended don't be mad when he becomes a landscaper.
3) Speaking of electric fences did you know that they often have unintended consequences? Barrier frustration, where the dog can see others but not get to them, leads to perimeter barking and, in many cases, aggression. One or two pairings of a stimuli (person or dog for example) with pain or fear can be a very powerful lesson learned. From the dog's perception the person or dog they see becomes the reason they get beeped (aversive to many dogs) or shocked (a pain response ensues.) If your dog constantly barks at other dogs when outside alone be responsible and keep him indoors during peak periods of activity in your neighborhood.
4) Retractable leashes should be banned! Seriously folks throw these away! Most owners have no control over their dog when it's 3 or 4 feet ahead of them on a regular leash, let alone at 10-15 feet! If your dog on a retractable leash walks into another dog's yard and gets bitten by the dog defending its own space, SHAME ON YOU! We also recently witnessed a dog on a retractable leash run into traffic and was killed before his owner could react!
5) And why are dogs being walked on a retractable leash AND a prong collar? One teaches the dog to pull by having constant tension on the neck, and the other is presumably because the dog pulls and the owner felt,at some point, there was a need to correct it! You either teach a dog not to pull or let them do what they want! How confusing is this for the dog?
6) Dogs should be restrained in cars, period! Dogs in front seats are dead if the airbag is deployed. A dog loose in the car creates a distraction hazard for the driver and will be thrown from the car in an accident. Dogs left to hang out the windows are at risk for eye injuries, falls, or worse yet, leaping out the window. Yes, this just happened in Lake Forest! The dog either jumped or was tossed out the car and struck by the car behind the one he was riding in, killing it instantly! Dogs tethered near the open window can be dragged outside or hung, sometimes inside the vehicle, often while the driver is unaware of what has happened.Don't even get us started on dogs in the back of pick up trucks! Crates are safest but any thoughtful restraint is better than none!
7) Your dog doesn't magically know what your expectations are, especially when you parade them around for hours in public. Yes, this means that unless your dog has had a lot of short trips to town that were positive, AND you've slowly increased the time he's been there, AND you've created a positive association with noises, people, and other animals, he shouldn't attend fairs, parades, and festivals. Do you know the most common signs of stress in your dog? Have you paid attention to your dog, watched for the signs of stress, and returned your dog to the safety of his home when they first begin to appear? This is the hardest thing for us to watch as trainers! Owners who, for some reason, thought it would be a great idea to include their dog, but are then completely oblivious to how the dog is feeling. Owners who let their dog wander up to another dog uninvited, and then get offended when the dog is met with a growl, snarl, or snap. The FAMILY DOG is a living, breathing member of the family. Would they put their children in the same situations?
Being Dog Smart means that you pay attention to what your dog needs, as well as the needs of other dogs you encounter. It means you are open to new ideas, you want to have a cooperative relationship with your dog, and you believe he has needs as well. Dog Smart owners are aware of their responsibility to keep their dog happy and healthy! Our job is to help more people become dog smart ! It's easy! It can be fun! And it's beneficial to our communities! Spread the word and remember, we are here to help make Lake Forest and Lake Bluff dog friendly and Dog Smart!
