Saturday mornings always offer something to look forward to. There are more people running and walking along the bridge, which also means more challenging situations to navigate. Every outing becomes an opportunity to assess risk, adapt to the environment, and reinforce good habits.
Today’s Challenge
On our return run, I noticed an owner handling a small doodle. It was immediately apparent the dog was poorly controlled and highly aroused. Given the circumstances, the safest decision was to position BettyB on the retaining wall until they passed.
It was also obvious the owner was unaware their dog’s behavior had the potential to create a problem. Ideally, a courteous and attentive owner would shorten the lead, redirect the dog’s attention, and create enough space for a safe, calm passing. That’s good dog-handling etiquette. More importantly, it teaches dogs to remain composed around others instead of encouraging unsolicited greeting behaviors.
As they passed, the dog drifted behind its owner, turned completely around, and lunged toward us in an attempt to engage. Throughout the encounter, I calmly reassured BettyB, “It’s alright. I’ve got your back.”
Once the situation had passed, I lifted BettyB off the wall rather than allowing her to jump down. There is a railing beside the wall, and I didn’t want to risk her catching a foot between the railing and the wall. That was a deliberate safety decision.
I’ve spent seven years teaching BettyB behaviors that help her adapt to the many environments we encounter. Teaching dogs—or any human or animal—is an ongoing process. Progress requires consistent practice and thoughtful management. It also means preventing the rehearsal of dangerous, maladaptive behaviors, whether they come from the dog or result from irresponsible handling.
Compliments are always appreciated. I’m learning to be genuinely thankful for them.
Yesterday, someone who has complimented us before said, “I enjoy seeing you out here.” (Paraphrased.)
It made me wonder what it is that he enjoys seeing. Perhaps it’s that BettyB and I move in sync. We check in with each other. We look like a team—a partnership working together with purpose and cooperation. That’s exactly what I’ve worked to build.
You would think that after 26 years of teaching dogs and their owners purposeful, practical, and preventative behaviors, I would have fully accepted that I cannot control another owner’s choices. Intellectually, I know that’s true. Even so, it’s difficult to ignore situations that could have been handled more responsibly.
In the end, it all comes back to responsibility. We are responsible not only for our own dogs’ behavior, but also for making thoughtful decisions that help create safer, more positive interactions for everyone sharing the same space.