Navigating unleashed dogs in public: Tips for safeguarding your pet while on a stroll
Certified Dog Trainer Melissa Goodman of Mission Pawsitive Shares Expert Advice for Encountering Off-Leash Dogs
Certified dog trainer Melissa Goodman of Mission Pawsitive offers valuable tips on navigating encounters with off-leash dogs when walking your leashed dog.
Goodman emphasizes the importance of recall training and impulse control. Recall training, she says, is fundamental for teaching a dog to come back to you reliably, even in the presence of other dogs. Impulse control training helps a dog learn to approach other dogs calmly and maintain control during greetings.
When encountering an off-leash dog, Goodman advises against allowing your dog to rush or jump on the other dog or person. Instead, she suggests teaching your dog to greet on cue, which involves building impulse control so your dog can approach calmly, keep all four paws on the ground, and disengage quickly when asked.
Goodman also advises maintaining leash control and keeping your dog under control, especially if it doesn't have excellent recall. She suggests using treats as a distraction if needed and an air horn as a last resort for aggression.
In another article, Goodman shares her personal experience with a dog that had terrible off-leash behavior and how she managed to fix it.
Goodman is cautious about throwing food if it could cause conflict and prefers to use treats to distract off-leash dogs if the parents are present. If the parents aren't present yet, she might toss or hand treats to the off-leash dog.
Goodman also recommends using a long line for safety and consideration of others, especially on busy routes and trails. During an encounter, she tries to keep going in the opposite direction to break up off-leash dog interactions naturally.
Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats were mentioned as a favorite treat for training dogs, according to tester Isaiah. He reported that the treats are a suitable size for training and that his dog Hayes could eat the whole bag if allowed.
Goodman's dog, Aspen, was on a long line during the encounter, and she suggests ensuring there is no tension on the dog's leash to prevent the dog from feeling trapped.
By following Goodman's advice, you can maintain safety and calm while navigating encounters with off-leash dogs during walks. Her approach prioritizes positive reinforcement and controlled interactions, helping you manage your dog effectively in various situations.
- Recall training and impulse control are crucial for teaching a dog to return reliably and approach other dogs calmly, as advised by Certified dog trainer Melissa Goodman of Mission Pawsitive.
- When encountering an off-leash dog, it's important to avoid allowing your dog to rush or jump, instead teaching it to greet on cue, recommends Melissa Goodman.
- In addition to training, Goodman advises maintaining leash control, using treats as a distraction if needed, and an air horn as a last resort for aggression when managing interactions with off-leash dogs.
- Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats, favored by tester Isaiah, can be a suitable option for training dogs due to their ideal size for training sessions.
- Goodman emphasizes the use of a long line for safety in various situations and encourages keeping no tension on the dog's leash during encounters, to prevent the dog from feeling trapped.
