Readers of my blog will know that this is Bonnie my step-dog. She joined my family two years ago, when I got married, and she is step-sister to my cat Bobby (yes the story has been written and submitted!)
As you can see from the photo, Bonnie is a lab/collie cross and is the gentlest most loving dog...with people!
Unfortunately, she has an aversion to a lot of other dogs (especially those bigger than her or ones that run up to her) and so a walk will involve me scouting the horizon looking for other dog walkers and quickly putting her on a lead before the inevitable meeting.
I am afraid that I am now going to have a rant on my blog (an unusual occurrence). I can only do so much: walk at a time of day when we are less likely to meet other dogs, put her on a lead as a visual clue to other dog owners before we reach them, take her off the path away from said other owners and call out, 'Sorry my dog is nervous of other dogs.'
My question is this: Which part of these actions does the owner of the dogs who have been allowed to run at her despite these cues (visual and verbal) not understand?
I know a lot of you who read my blog are dog walkers/owners. Your comments would be appreciated.
Bonnie looks lovely - reminds me a lot of my dog, Cassie (I got him when I was 12). I always put Indy on his lead if I see someone putting their dog on. He's unlikely to run at another dog if its on a lead, but I always err on the side of caution x
ReplyDeleteI wish all dog owners were like you, Teresa - It would make my (and Bonnie's) life so much easier. P.S Really enjoyed your stories in this month's fiction Feast.
DeleteI'm more of a cat person than a dog person in that I've never owned a dog (I'm not allowed one as my hubby thinks no one in our house will get up to walk it). Poor Bonnie, misunderstood but very pretty!
ReplyDeleteI have always been a cat person as well, Cara - I've always had them. When Bonnie joined my family I was worried as I knew nothing about dogs but since I've been at home more I've become chief dog walker!
DeleteWe have the same issue when walking Harvey. He is a friendly dog, but there are certain types of dog that he's had bad experiences with. If he sees one of those, he does go on the offensive. For that reason we keep him on the lead unless we're out in the country with no-one about. In our local park we quite often have other dogs run up to him when he's on the lead, and owners who can't or won't call them back. Which makes for a very stressful walk for all concerned! Like you, we tend to walk at quiet times of day, and actually I prefer walking in bad weather as there aren't so many other dogs out.
ReplyDeleteIt's really nice to know that I'm not the only one! Sometimes walking her can be quite stressful - I have forgotten what it's like to walk without having to be vigilant. Having said that, she is so lovely in other ways that I wouldn't swap her.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately too many people seem to be blissfully unaware of the effect their animals are having on others.
ReplyDeleteOur Lilli is a very nervous soul (frightened of the kitten over the back fence).
Our solution to making her more comfortable with dogs was to expose her to more dogs at a popular off lead spot. It worked a treat and she usually sees dogs as good fun now.
That said Lilli is younger than your Bonnie and it is usually easier to overcome fears that have not been well and truly ingrained.
We did try socialising Bonnie with other dogs on a lead but it didn't make any difference. It's now just a case of managing the situation rather than trying to change it. At least she's lovely with people - I'd rather that!
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