I love dogs. I think they’re loyal, cute, and excellent pets. I have two very sweet 5-year-old dogs: Bonnie, a very loving and stubborn Australian Shepherd, and Hannah, an adorable and happy Golden Retriever.
Adorable, huh?
I love them deeply, but there’s one thing that I have issues with. Bonnie, with all her excited energy, doesn’t like other dogs, especially when she’s on a leash. She turns from a fun, cute little animal into a protective, snarling, biting hellhound. If she was a human, she’d be a two-year-old rolling around on the floor, screaming at the top of her lungs in the toy section at Target.
(What makes the whole situation even more awesome is that Hannah does everything that Bonnie does, so I end up with TWO barking and snarling animals.)
It’s embarrassing, but I make do. I avoid other dogs, only walk her where I can easily change course or cross the street, and always walk her with a tight collar and leash. Others, however, don’t seem to understand that not all dogs love each other.
The rules of walking near aggressive dogs:
- Assume the worst. If you see someone walking his or her dogs on a very tight leash, assume that there’s a reason. I wish I had dogs who loved other living creatures. I’d happily mosey along with a good 6 feet of leash between their furry little necks and me. Instead, I’m the one walking down the street with my dogs tethered as close to my body as humanly possible, especially if there are other dogs in my sight.
- Give some space. If you see someone with a dog who is growling and snarling and acting like the world is ending, back off. As the owner of leash aggressive dogs, I will avoid you at all costs. I’ll cross the street, I’ll turn around, or I’ll hide behind a bush until you’re gone (yes, I look like a total asshole when I’m walking my dogs). If you see me frantically dragging my animals away, please, don’t follow me. If you also have to cross the street, tell me! I’ll be happy to take my crazy animal a different direction, but don’t continue to walk towards us as if nothing is happening.
- It’s not your dog, it’s mine. You could have the sweetest, most adorable dog ever, but a dog with leash aggression really doesn’t give a shit. My dogs are equal opportunity dog haters. I’ve had several experiences where I’ve been frantically dragging my little monsters away, and someone else yells, “Don’t worry! My dog is friendly!” Yeah… I’m not afraid of your happy little dog, I’m afraid FOR your happy little dog.
- Heel, damn it. If you’re lucky enough to have a well-behaved dog who doesn’t require a leash (I am so jealous) be aware of those around you. If you’re approaching near someone whose dogs are on a leash, make sure your dog stays next to you. (This goes back to the whole “assume the worst” rule.) If your dog is well-behaved enough to be off-leash, they should be able to walk by your side at your command. Don’t just let your dog mosey on over to anyone they see without asking the owner first.
- Don’t take it personally. Understand that if someone asks you to please stay away, chances are it’s not because they have a problem with you or your dog. I’ve gotten some very dirty looks from people when I’ve asked them to (politely) to keep away from me and the devil dogs attached to my hip. I’m seriously doing my best to make the road a happy and peaceful place for all of us, so don’t look at me like I’ve just insulted your mother. (Unless I have just insulted your mother… then I totally deserve it.)
I’ve learned to adapt to this shitty situation (and trust me, I’ve worked hard to get Bonnie over this problem… now I just sort of accept it), but if others don’t respect my space, it leads to problems. If everyone followed these rules, walking with dogs would be better for everyone (yes, especially me).
