Yes, There Is A Thing Called Off Leash Etiquette

So you’re walking down the street and suddenly some strange person comes running up to you and gives you a big hug. What would you do? I am sure there are any number of responses from, “hug them back” to “shoot him”. I think most people would at the very least be stunned, uncomfortable, and maybe a bit fearful. Why then do people think it is okay for their dog to run up to any strange dog or person? Some dogs are social butterflies and love it. However, most dogs like a typical greeting routine when meeting another dog. It is up to us, as the dog handler, to take responsibility for our own personal dog and not allow them to invade another dog or person’s space without an invitation.

We all know (well most of us) that dogs are supposed to be on leash in most areas. However, there are places where it is acceptable to have a dog off leash. Also, some people like to have their dog(s) off leash even when it might be against the rules. I don’t personally have anything against this if the proper etiquette is observed. Of course, this does not change the rules, but it does reduce the likelihood of issues, confrontations, dog fights, etc. Off leash etiquette applies in all situations except for maybe a fenced off leash dog park.

Let’s start with that statement “fenced” off leash dog park. In Austin there are some very large off leash parks like Town Lake and Zilker park that are not fenced. If you are objective, they are really just large, public parks where the city has decided it is okay to have your dog(s) off leash. However, unlike fenced dog parks, these parks are frequented by non dog owners, and dog owners who might have less social dogs. Therefore, the rules about off leash etiquette should apply there as well. Also, it is not acceptable for your dog to pee on someones yoga mat!

What is Off-Leash Etiquette

In the most basic sense, it is taking responsibility for your dog in a similar way you would a 2 or 3 year old child. You would supervise them, not let them run up to strangers, control where they go, etc.

1. Any dog that is not on leash should have perfect recall and strong off leash obedience (sit on command, come on command (not after 10 commands), “off / leave it” on command). This is a must in anything except for maybe a fenced park where people are more forgiving and might know what they are getting into
2. Your dog must be free of aggression! Of course some situation could cause a reaction – like an unmanaged dog running up and dominating your dog – but there must be no known aggression.
3. Never let your dog run up to another dog that is on leash!
   
4. In fact, never let your dog run up to a strange dog until you ask permission from the owner for the dogs to meet. There are a lot of shy dogs, and this can cause that dog to become even more uncomfortable. Conversely, if you control your dog, ask if they can meet, and meet in a controlled way, you can actually help the shy dog become more confident.
5. When walking your dog off leash, and they are forging ahead and running around, if you come across another person with or without a dog, you should call your dog into a heel next to you. Or, at the very least, call your dog away from that person. If you call the dog to you in a heel and pass the person under control, it can go far in limiting the likelihood the other person will complain about your dog being off leash.
6. If you come across someone that is clearly trying to put space between your dog and their dog or himself, you should call your dog and put distance between your dog and them!
7. If you see a dog that is muzzled – keep your dog’s distance from this dog. Another popular idea that is beginning to take hold is the Yellow Dog Program. If you see a dog that has a yellow ribbon around their leash or a yellow bandana, give that dog extra space.
8. And, of course, PICK UP THE POOP!

We at Sit Means Sit specialize in off leash obedience. We love having the confidence to take our dogs anywhere and give them the freedom they deserve! Part of what we teach our clients is off leash etiquette. If you want help teaching your dog to come on command every time no matter what the distraction. To sit when and where you tell them to sit. To wait for you at a distance or out of sight. And you want to do this while building an even stronger bond and happier dog, call us for a fee consultation!