As I was walking the other day, I witnessed a confrontation between someone walking their little dog and a gentleman with a huge dog that was straining on its leash to get a closer look at the little guy. As they got closer to each other, I could see the big dog start to snarl, and was showing some other aggressive behavior such as erect ears and a very tense stance. Before they got too close, I wondered if the big dog owner had control of his 160 pound canine, but when the big dog nearly pulled him over twice, it was apparent he did not, and the little dog owner had to make a wide circle around the big dog. This got me thinking about the “rules of the road” while walking your dog, and with school now in session, I thought it would be a good time to review some of the things that all dog owners should abide by.

1. Train your dog! Teach Fido or Sadie how to properly walk on a leach and to heel. Don’t know how? Go to classes, or get a device called a Gentle Leader for dogs that just won’t walk right. I’ve known far too many people who’ve been pulled or dragged off of their feet when Rover sees a squirrel or another dog and decides to take off. Some of those people have been seriously injured!

2. If you have an aggressive dog, be aware of who and what may be approaching at all times. Walk to the middle of the road (if it’s safe) or the other side of the street if necessary to avoid a fight that you could be liable for.

3. Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. Many dog diseases are passed in saliva and feces, so vaccinations protect your dog. Also, if you go to dog parks, Sparky is required to be current on his shots.

4. Have a voice-controlled dog (see 1. above). Your dog should obey you with only your voice, but don’t take him off of his leash unless you are in a fenced-in area.

5. Bring doggie bags for when Goldie poops and dispose of it properly. It’s also a nice thing to pick up other poop that other owner’s may have missed. If we all work together on this, we can make sure we have a cleaner place to walk and enjoy. Not only is this a matter of cleanliness, but some parasites in dog feces can be passed to people, and it is also part of the community rules that you have to pick up after your dog.

6. Is your dog good with kids? If not, then PLEASE don’t let little ones come up to your pooch, and parents, teach your kids to ALWAYS ask if it’s okay to pet a “strange dog”. It’s best to approach a dog from the side, not with a hand in its face.

I hope that helps a bit with some of the rules all dog-owners should follow. I also hope that you all had a good summer, and that your kids (2 legged or 4 legged) get all A’s in school!

Till next time, Dr. Steve

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