Unleashed Control Your Dogs Greetings

I was recently sitting on the ground making some adjustments to my camera, with a dog in training (on-leash) when this dog came running up on a flexi-lead about 10 feet in front of his handler from behind me.   Nose to Nose with my dog. 

I typically try to keep alert to all surroundings when I have a dog with me.  So I stay prepared to move quickly and to control the dog Im working with. But you cant see 360* around you.

There are several problems with this scenario:

1. Its extremely disrespectful and potentially dangerous.  
2. That handler had no idea if my dog was friendly, fearful, or otherwise in need of space from being charged upon.
3. Even if his dog was friendly - he had no idea how those 2 dogs would react together.   
4. Had either dog been somewhat aggressive or reactive, my face was right at dog level.  
5. There is a first time for every incident and startling another dog (or his handle) can create an incident that will take many moons to recover from.
6. What if it had been a child holding their dog who was charged upon?
7. Flexi-leads hurt like #%!! when they extend and retract against your skin.  They can actually create a skin burn.
8. If he had made me break my camera --  I cant say out loud what I would have done.

Bottom line folks -- control your dogs and teach them to say hi with manners and courtesy.   A You wouldnt like it if I came charging up on your personal space in the park and started smelling your @$$ or licking your face -- dogs dont like it either.  

Take an extra 2 minutes and ask a handler before you approach their dog (with or without another dog) and then control that dog to dog greeting with calmness and without excitability.   

And PLEASE LOSE flexi-leads.  Get yourself a good quality leather leash.

Dana Brigman
The K9 Coach
Dog Training - Matthews, NC
980-339-8064
www.thek9-coach.com
info@thek9-coach.com

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Dana
9/3/2014