Love your pets with proper knowledge and actions
While I primarily mention dogs here; this article can also relate to any animal that is walked on a leash.
Happy learning!
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| Kamali our Red Nose Pit |
I know I may get some grief over this, but I am completely against retractable leashes. I have watched children get “clothes lined”, dogs nearly hit by cars, children almost bitten and dog fights because owners could not properly control their dogs.
I could see if you were in a huge field, no one else around, no other animals either, then maybe... but even then, probably not. The environment changes so quickly and if you aren’t a super hero, chances are you might not be fast enough to respond appropriately.
The most loving thing you can do for you and for your pets is to train them properly and keep them controlled.
An untrained and / or a scared or timid animal is a dangerous animal.
An owner that is unaware, lazy or one that is controlled by his/her pets is a risk to themselves, to others, their own pets and to the pets of others.
Dogs don’t usually injure others without either being trained to do so, abused or neglected.
Improper training, lack of training, improper control is a form of neglect.
Many people think that spoiling their pets is cute and loving, when it is actually very much the opposite.
Set you and your pets up for safety and for success!
- Use a leash that is 3 to 5 feet long.
- Do NOT use retractable leashes!
- Keep your dog at your side, perhaps within 1 foot or a bit less.
- Keep your dog on a loose leash for a relaxed walk. This keeps your dog feeling confident. A tight leash causes the dog to feel anxious and alert for problems.
- Keep your dog to your side and slightly back.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Don’t allow your dog to run up on people or other animals. Make your dog wait for your command.
- Be aware of your surroundings: If you see someone with a retractable leash or no leash at all, it may be best to go in another direction to avoid the other dog possibly attacking your dogs. Since other people may not care to or know how to control their pets, this could be a threat to the safety of you and your pets.
- Watch for traffic. While your dogs are close to you, drivers may not see you or your pets.
Remember; walking is healthy and important for you and your pets. Please be safe and remember to have a great time! Treat your animals with respect and loving kindness.
For the love of your pets:
- Find and attend quality pet training in your area
- Find a quality, qualified trainer that knows the specifics of your pets breed.
- Follow through consistently with training
- Do not use retractable leashes unless you can completely control your pet at all times (and if you can, please share your hints and tips for safe handling for those readers that insist on using retractable leashes)
- Be loving and gentle with your pets, feed them regularly, provide them with proper vet care, and exercise them regularly and properly to keep them in healthy body AND mind.
- Do not play rough with dogs, tug of war and other rough games can teach them aggression is ok.
- SOCIALIZE YOUR PETS WITH HUMANS AND MANY OTHER ANIMALS (OF ALL KINDS). This is so important to keep them from attacking people or animals out of fear.
- Learn about the specific needs and differences breed of animal you have.
- Train your dog to respond to a human’s natural response (see below).
Here are a few things I have taught my dogs that have been incredibly useful and have enhanced their safety and the safety of others.
- Basic obedience: basic commands: stay, sit, lay, come, let go, bring it…
- To wait for food.
- I train them to wait before going out the door. And they must have permission before going out. This way I don’t have to fear them running. So often dogs jet out as soon as the door is open and they can get hit by cars, get into dog fights, and attack other animals or people.
- Watch body language and signals for commands as well (sometimes we cannot use our words such as when we are in a conversation. Also, dogs can go deaf and this gives them an opportunity to maintain their abilities to follow commands and to stay safe even if they cannot hear what is being said)
- I often have them sit down or lay down when children or disabled people are coming to pet them. I make sure the dogs do not lick them in the face. Many people are allergic and the saliva is the most allergenic part of a dog (I think). Also, this is important for safety so that the dogs aren’t likely to knock anyone down.
- I train our dogs to respond to natural commands such as: “LET GO”, “OW”, “Aye”, Ouch”, to crying, screaming, and deep breaths (kind of like a loud nose sniffle).
- Most people if they ever get attacked by a dog will not say “drop it” or “leave it’. Have you ever played a game of fetch with a dog and when the get excited they accidentally catch part of your hand in the process of going for the toy? Sometimes they won’t realize they have you. But in a moment of pain most people panic and during panic, most people respond using what comes natural. They will scream “Let Go”, “Stop”, “OW”, or “Aye” or they will gasp in deeply for air. They may scream or cry as well. But they most likely won’t think of saying “drop it” or “leave it”.
Please peruse the articles on the links provided below as they provide outstanding points and pointers.
Here is a great article about retractable leashes. Please read this carefully for some important information. This article is longer but the details are easy to follow and the information is brilliant.
Retracting (Extending) Leads: the untold storyKaren Peak
Pet Editor, Your Life Magazine on line, West Wind Dog Training
Pet Editor, Your Life Magazine on line, West Wind Dog Training
Here is another good article on retractable leashes: This one is simple and right to the point! J
The proper way to walk your dog on a leash” - Pack Walks
This article provides highly valuable and detailed directions that are just incredible! Top of the line advice here! J
FYI: While some things I state may sound similar to those in these articles all parts of my blog are my original writing. After I wrote this blog I did research to find other blogs that would have more detailed and more researched information specific to the points I am wanting to stress here and so that I could provide you with links to other professional sites and blogs.
Mystic Lotus is a health and safety business and we are not pet specialist.
However, I am a pet owner of over 40 years and I have expressed my personal and my professional observation and opinions in this blog. I do research often, watch dog training videos and shows and attend dog training events. I kept this brief in hopes that you will find the training styles and systems that fit your beliefs, lifestyles and specific breeds, or pet type.
Education is a continual process.
Please be in the know, and be safe. J
Continuing safe living means you can keep the quality of your life and that of your pets at a much higher standard for much longer.
Mystic Lotus… Because We Care!
<3
A bit more advice:
If your dog is bored or high energy it could be a working dog. Give him or her a job! J
Train your dog to do things and or get them into an agility program.
Be mindful of working dogs. Do not approach them with out asking first.
