(kindly condensed to a manageable read by Ralph Smith)
Four More Important No-No’s
Letting your dog off-leash anywhere that isn’t a dog park.
“Being on a leash in public is an absolute must, no exceptions,” Rieckmann says. Your dog needs to be leashed even if he follows voice commands, even if he finds the leash a bit uncomfortable, even if you’re in the woods and there’s no one in sight, and yes, even if he’s the gentlest, sweetest pup around. Because even the most well-behaved dog can have an “off” moment—snap, get startled or take off running.
If you want off-leash time, going to a dog park is the best choice, as it’s made specifically for that purpose.
Saying “It’s OK, she’s friendly” to excuse bad behaviour.
“Just because your dog is friendly with you, doesn’t mean she will be the same with every person or dog she encounters, and you can’t predict her actions in every situation,” says Askeland.
Letting your dog get away with bad manners because “she’s a sweetheart” makes you look negligent and doesn’t teach your dog the skills she needs to be in public, she says. And remember that this holds true even if your pup belongs to a super calm dog breed.
Allowing your dog to jump up on other people.
Dogs are naturally gregarious & love to show their enthusiasm for new (or old) human friends by jumping up on them. You may think this is cute, but it could catch a person unaware, knock them down or cause other injuries, particularly with kids or senior adults, Askeland says.
“Just because a dog might do this out of excitement doesn’t mean it’s appropriate,” she adds. Instead of rewarding jumping with pets and cuddles, look for these signs that your dog loves you and reward those behaviours instead.”
Ignoring what your dog is trying to tell you.
Just like we want other people to listen to us, we need to listen to what our dogs are trying to say, Askeland says. When dogs bark, snarl, lunge or whimper, they are trying to tell you they are uncomfortable with the situation, and you need to take it seriously, she adds. “Dismissing this behaviour could put someone else or another dog at risk of injury”.