Is Your Dog Having a Good Time?
Today I was at a dog friendly 5k. There were tons of dogs and humans of all ages at this event. One dog’s behavior stood out so much that I approached the owner. Without criticism of her training methods, I let her know about a local program that helped us with Luna’s reactivity. I’m not sure she’ll look into it, but I felt bad for the dog and I had to speak up.
The dog was reactive - barking and lunging as other dogs walked by. He was wearing a prong collar. Every time this dog reacted, the leash was jerked. This happened multiple times in only a few minutes. This poor dog was being punished for reacting because it was in an environment that it could not handle. Maybe he was overly excited, maybe he was scared, but it wasn’t his fault he was there. The fact that this dog was corrected multiple times in a just few minutes meant that this was too much for him.
Luna with and relaxed body language.
I understand why people want to bring their dogs to these events. It would make me SO happy to bring my dogs to a 5k or a doodle romp! I would love to watch Luna and Albus frolic in a crowd of friendly dogs. Being an environment with 10, 20, or 30+ unknown dogs is too much for them. It’s not about me. This wouldn’t make them happy and as a pet parent, I need to respect this. They are happy to play in the yard at home or take a walk nearby. Also, it’s safer for the friendly dogs when I keep my nervous pup at home. While Luna has never attacked another dog, I would never want to put her in a position where she needs to defend herself because something was “scary.” It isn’t fair to her or the other dogs.
Next time you’re headed to a 5k, dog park, party, or outdoor dinner with your pup, ask yourself one question - Will my dog have fun? If they’re super social and comfortable in a variety of settings, bring them along. If they’re nervous or in training, they may be happier at home. #thinklikeapup
How do you know if your dog is having fun? Look for a loose body, slightly relaxed mouth, and a “wiggle butt.” If you’re seeing a stiff body, lip licking, tucked tail, whale eye, reactivity - such as lunging and barking, your dog is probably not having fun.
