Respect the lead...

Respect the lead campaign.

Respect the Lead Campaign is an initiative to help spread the word that not all dogs want to be approached by another dog off the lead. Here are some points about how to respect the lead, and help keep both you and your dog safe whilst out on a walk.

Just this week I was happily walking my dog Bella. With a line of shops on one side of the pavement and a car park on the other side of the pavement; Bella was of course on her lead. Under my control.
We were approached by a man with his dog, also on a lead, but a flexi lead. Being allowed to roam where he liked. The owners choice. The man saw that I was trying to walk around his dog so shouted 'That's right, you can't play with that dog - she's a posh pedigree.' This makes me so cross, I could have responded with 'No, she's not a pedigree - she's a rescue from Cyprus' But I didn't - I don't like confrontation so continued walking.

There are a number of reasons why some dog owners do not want to socialise their dog.

They could be nervous
The owner could be in a rush
The dog might be in season
The dog could be ill
The dog could be recovering from an operation
Or, in my case, Bella is epileptic, so I never allow her to socialise on her lead. We don't know what causes her fits - or even if there is a cause. But I do know she can't escape if she is on her lead. That said, when we are in a field or a park; Bella will always be off lead. She loves to play with other dogs. Until we meet another dog on their lead...

What can we do about it?

The dog is probably on the lead for a reason, they may be nervous and not the type which likes to socialise with others.
Do not let your dog run up to them.
Listen to what the other owner is saying about their dog. If they say ‘he does not like other dogs’ do not persist in letting your dog run up to them, even if yours is the friendliest of dogs.
Respect the fact they are on a lead, call your dog in and put them on a lead too and pass leaving a sensible gap to avoid any aggravation between the dogs.
Even friendly dogs on leads can lash out, they are immediately at a disadvantage to a dog running at them off the lead. As well as this they may be feeling protective of their owner.

We sell a number of leads, collars and harnesses for those dogs that 'need a voice' Pop in store for some free advice about walking your dog.