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Health & Fitness

Confessions From an Off Duty Animal Control Officer

Let's Talk Dog & Owner Etiquette!

Let's Talk Dog & Owner Etiquette!

Now, one might assume that the dog & owner manners I'm about to discuss are simply common sense, ... but I've learned over the years, that's not necessarily so. I guess I'm "dog minded", I naturally look ahead at outings involving dogs, consider any scenarios that could come to pass and plan accordingly.

The fair weather seasons have arrived, and with that, our desire to include the family pooch in our outings.  But, as with children, you are responsible and accountable for how your dog acts, what your dog does and where your dog goes when you subject the rest of the population to him or her. Recently that about dogs at local parks and rec facilities. It reminded me that the world is split between dog lovers who defend their canines at all costs and those who don't particularly appreciate their presence in public environments. Since this appears to be a 50/50 split, common ground and understanding needs to be found to keep everyone happy and safe.

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While dogs are allowed at most parks, walking trails, hiking trails, open air markets and on public streets, they aren't allowed to be loose. Most every park in Harford County has a sign posted which states that dogs must be leashed and picked up after. Where they aren't posted, it is wise to do so anyway. Here are some guidelines that I would offer to anyone who wants to enjoy their dogs out and about and avoid trouble that could result it a visit from your local Animal Control Officer. Rabies vaccines are mandatorily required by law in the State of Maryland. No dog should go out in public if they have not been vaccinated or their vaccination has expired. Harford County, as with all counties in Maryland, requires all dogs over 6 months to obtain and wear a County Dog license and to maintain a county dog license for the life of the dog.

1. Before you leave your home, and I recommend at least once per month, do a collar and leash check to be certain both are in good repair. It's important that the collar is sturdy. Don't buy collars with the plastic seat belt like buckle, they break easily. Purchase collars with metal buckles to ensure that a sharp tug won't snap the buckle and set your dog free. Be certain that the collar is fitted snuggly enough that your dog cannot slip out of it while in public or use a choker collar or slip leash.

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2. Always use a short 4 foot leash when in public, if you have an extendable leash, throw it away. In my opinion they should be banned. I have seen some horrific accidents caused by them. When in public, your dog should never be that far from your side, there is no practical point in it.  I can't recall the number of people I have seen walking their dog on the sidewalk with these contraptions. They let their dog pull 10 or 12 feet out up into a neighbor's yard and do their business, then off they go down the sidewalk, leaving their deposit behind. Not only is that rude, it's trespassing. Some folks put a lot of time and expense into their lawns and urine will burn grass and leave brown marks, and it's illegal to leave defecation behind when walking your dog.

3. Under no circumstances allow your dog off leash anywhere but in a fenced yard or a dog park that you trust your dog in, not ever! You may think your dog will obey your commands and stay close enough to keep out of trouble or for you to intervene, but I promise you most will not when tested. When hiking on trails, it is especially important that your dog be leashed. Wooded areas entice dogs to revert to their primal instincts. A rabbit, raccoon, or oppossum may be just around the next bend in the trail. People on bikes and horseback may also share the trails and your dog may have never experienced livestock or might like to chase a biker down! Hiking is not the place to allow your dogs off leash. Think twice about allowing children to walk your dog without your supervision, that is, being with them at all times. It's an accident waiting to happen! Children don't have the experience to behave appropriately in a crisis situation. Even if you believe your child handles your dog safely, consider the senario of a loose dog running up and attacking your dog while your child is on the other end of the leash and you're not there. It happens very frequently. If you cherish your dog, protect him or her from the dangers that lurk in public places.

4. Do not assume that other dogs or people would like to meet your dog and allow them close enough to touch or even to intimately smell another dog or person. I have seen many dogs attacked by another dog while both are on leashes, very often an owner receives a bite as well, in trying to break this up. If everyone who takes their dogs out with them would heed this warning we would have several less attacks each year.

5. When you are passing another dog walker on a path or sidewalk or the aisle of your local pet store, one of you must step aside, both should pull their dogs up close to their leg and pass by without hesitating. Dogs are NOT like people in their social behavior, and when on a leash and off their own property can be very protective of their owners. If you can imagine a 5 foot circle around each dog and walker, that's the area you want to keep "visitor free". No other dogs or people should invade this space while in public, when exercising safety first. We would like to assume that people only take "nice friendly" dogs out with them. That couldn't be further from reality and I have seen it time and time again. You don't know someone else's dog, why take any chances with your own beloved pet?

6. If you should encounter trouble, and your dog bites someone, stay put and call 911. A lot of people freak out and leave the scene, fearful that their dog will be taken from them. That would be a very rare occurrance. You are accountable for the dog's behavior and will need to speak to the authorities and give vital information for the bite to be investigated properly and followed up on. If you are bitten, obtain the name, address and phone number of the dogs owner immediately if they are cooperative and call authorities. If they attempt to leave and you can get a license plate number, do so. Call 911 and report the bite and of course obtain medical treatment if the wound requires it. I would suggest further that if you take your dog with you frequently, that you place a copy of their rabies vaccine certificate in your car or purse to have it readily available in case of an emergency.

7. Keep in mind that other citizens don't necessarily enjoy dogs, so don't subject others to yours when out in public. Don't let your dog go close to other people, jump on them, charge at them, even in play. Don't let strangers put their faces close to your dogs face, hug your dog or pick them up. Don't hesitate to say no if someone asks to handle, rub or play with your dog. You never know what your dog may find intrusive coming from a stranger.

8. Once the heat is on and spring and summer arrive, consider leaving your pet at home where they can stay cool unless you are headed to a pet friendly event. NEVER leave your dog in a car unattended. Remember to keep water with you when out as well and offer your dog a drink often along  your trip.

I hope I've passed on some useful information or food for thought as we all ready for a fun filled summer with our dogs. I'd enjoy hearing your comments or added suggestions for others that I may not have covered here.

Be safe and have fun with your dogs!

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