I walk my three dogs every day at our neighborhood park. Since I am retired, I prefer to go when there is less activity on the route. Inevitably, someone will approach me. Because I have three children and they can get enthusiastic, I move off the pavement and provide space between us. My dogs do not react when they have some room. Today it came to me: why am I the one moving? If you’re young and walking one dog, why don’t they move? I mean, I’ll keep doing what works, but part of me wants to push the issue and see if they respond. End of rant.
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As the owner of a dog that gets excited, I believe it is our job to do what is necessary to regulate our dogs. So, if that means I have to walk off the trail because my dog became excited, I will do so. It’s not the other person’s fault that my dog is excited.
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Bingo! The issue is that the dog is overly excited. Remove the problem, and none of the other dogs will follow suit. Dogs’ actions are quite similar to those of humans. When one person acts up, the rest will follow suit; remove the problem, and the rest will settle down.
I have a goofball; as long as she is under control, my other one and my sister’s two are great. I have e collars for both of my dogs, but especially for her because she gets so out of control that I have to go, “Hey! Cut it out!” Then everything is normal again. But if she gets all up, the younger one gets worked up too, like, “Yeah!” Let’s do it. “Let us do it!” Stop the problem child.
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I am always moving. You can’t expect other people to move. Also, if your dogs respond to other dogs, you should take the initiative to moderate the issue.
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I see your point of view; moving is definitely easier for a young individual with one dog. However, I believe that safety is more important in this circumstance than comfort.
You mentioned that your dogs can become excited, and you can prevent this by creating distance.
The basic conclusion is that if your dogs create an altercation because you willfully chose not to intervene, it is your responsibility.
This is coming from a young person who has three reactive dogs. When I notice someone approaching, I move for everyone’s safety.
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My dogs bark, well one does, the boys look at her like she’s embarrassing. I will keep doing as I have been.
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I am glad to hear that you’ll continue what you are doing. You never know what will set another dog off, and it’s just not worth the risk to you or your puppies.
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She not embarrassing, it’s fine. Keep doing what you are doing and enjoy yourself.
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I try to be considerate when walking with my dog. If I see a group of dogs or an excitable dog with an owner, I shorten my dog’s leash and move around quickly to make things easier for them. If I see an owner not paying attention to their activated dog, I move off the path to ensure everyone has a pleasant outing.
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I get where you’re coming from, but the other person cannot read your mind and, in their opinion, is not being rude. They have no idea you want them to leave the route; in fact, they may believe their dog will enjoy meeting three other dogs at once. You cannot control other people’s actions, no matter how unpleasant they are to you.
If you force the issue, you may wind up with a jumping, tugging dog, or even a dog fight.