Canine Courtesy
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CANINE COURTESY (By Carol Monroe)
Imagine yourself in a room with several other people. You are standing visiting, minding your own business, perhaps engrossed in conversation or listening. Suddenly, the door bursts open and in runs another person. This person runs around to everyone and slaps them on the back, bumping into everyone in the process. Some people are kissed sloppily, some are hit with both hands on the chest in greeting.
What would your reaction be? Some people might stand and stare at the rudeness. Some people might react with a startled exclamation. Some people might even react by hauling off and smacking the intruder in the nose. No one would probably be very happy to have the intruder join the group.
Why would we then expect our dogs to act any differently? When a dog is being held or walked calmly on a lead (at home or in a public place) and acting responsibly, or when a dog is under control in their own yard, they deserve the respect and courtesy of their own space not being violated. Any dog that is not on lead and runs up to that dog is in violation of the leashed dogs space. We would react if another person did it to us - we should not be surprised when our dogs react also.
If our dog is on lead and reacts with a growl or snap at the intruder, he is immediately corrected. Shouldn't the correction be directed at the intruder instead? Many people have dogs that are fearful or protective and recognizing this keep them well under control on lead. They may act very well within the perimeter of the lead as long as it is not violated. Does this not make them a good canine citizen, obeying the owner even under what may be difficult circumstances?
Many of us have dogs who are mends and are use to playing together. This is great and should be encouraged. But at the same time, we should recognize that not all dogs wish to play with other dogs. Not all dogs like being bowled over by another dogs tailor having another dogs nose in their posterior. Let's remember that our dog's manners are an extension of our own manners and many people will love our dogs more if they are on lead and under control.
We all love our dogs so much sometimes that we forget that not all people love dogs. Everyone has something they find repulsive. Some people cannot bear to see or touch a snake or spider. What is your personal fear or repulsion? The feeling you may have upon seeing or being touched by that item is the same feeling many people have on seeing or being touched by a dog. While it may seem silly to us, it is their personal fear/repulsion and it is just as genuine as your fear of anything else. If we want to be able to take our dogs places without criticism or more restrictions than we already have to deal with, we need to recognize this and respect it. REMEMBER, A LEASH IS A SYNONYM FOR LOVE.
