IT never ceases to amaze me the excuses some dog owners will come up with when either they can't or won't control their dog.
I then wonder: if they actually heard what was coming out of their mouths, before they actually said it, would they still say it, knowing how absurd it sounds?
Case in point: I was walking my dogs along the dyke trail in Fort Langley. If you have ever been there, it is a really nice walk, with wide open spaces all around allowing you to see who is coming and going far in advance.
I was walking my dogs on-leash and noticed a woman approaching in the distance. She was a mere dot on the horizon and her dog but a wee speck. As we got closer to one another I realized she was not going to place her dog on-leash out of courtesy and well, the bylaws. So I yelled out - at the top of my lungs mind you because she was still quite far away - "My black dog is not friendly with unfamiliar small dogs, can you call your dog please?"
Well, that seemed to trigger her dog to run towards me and then the excuses started.
"I didn't see you. You didn't give me enough time. She won't come back now because she is too far away and your warning was not soon enough. You should have warned me sooner. She's friendly and good with other dogs. "
All the while she sauntered along the trail, not once calling her dog or making any effort to try to get her dog but finding enough energy and breath to shout excuses at me.
How is it that it is my responsibility to manage not only my dogs, but other people's dogs as well? Not only is it irresponsible of dog owners to make excuses instead of taking action but it is inconsiderate and unfair. I know my dogs would not hurt another dog, but Zumi sure does put on a good show that would make another dog owner think otherwise.
I'm sure that I am not the only person who comes across excuse-making dog owners. So I know that there are others who are as frustrated as I am. For the most part these interactions between the excuse-making dog owner and the action-taking dog owner are conflict free.
But there may be a day when the excuse-maker may not be so lucky and a conflict could arise.
The reasons for conflict are varied. Like Zumi, one dog may not be good with other unfamiliar dogs. Or it could be a DINOS - a Dog In Need Of Space. A dog may be doing some training and having another dog rush at them could interfere with the training efforts. Sometimes dogs just don't get along, like people. But the reality of it all is that there really doesn't need to be a reason for people to take full responsibility for their dogs at all times. Regardless of whether the trail is an on or off-leash trail, it should be common, courteous behaviour to call and leash your dog on the approach of another person, with or without a dog.
If you are an excuse-maker instead of an action taker, acknowledge and accept the fact that you have no control over your dog and keep it leashed until you are able to work with a qualified trainer who will show you how to control your dog.
So many problems could be avoided if people would just think about the consequences of their actions, or in this case, inaction.
Please, make an effort people, not an excuse.
Joan has been working with dogs for over 15 years in obedience, tracking and behavioural rehabilitation. Contact her at k9kinship.com.
