A Much-Needed Rescue Remedy

by Pilar Kuhn

Last autumn, my husband and I attended both of our breeds’ regional club Fall Events, one being a puppy fun match, the other an overall “fun” day. Rescues are always welcome at these events and one club even has a Rescue Parade. While I’m thankful for the never-ending volunteer “job” our rescue folks do in finding these homes, many of them need “Dog Ownership 101” classes before showing up at an event with an abundance of other dogs of the same breed.

We club members need to do our part to help rescue owners understand how to better handle their dogs in these unique and rewarding situations. Often, these wonderful people who open up their homes to love and care for a “rescue” dog walk around fascinated by all the dogs and people. The abundance of dogs and people can distract them from their own dog’s behavior and interaction with other dogs.

No, we don’t want to put them off nor ask them to stay away. We need them. We love them. But if we are going to be responsible enough to find new homes for rescued pure-bred dogs or simply good homes for any of our puppies, than we need to be just as responsible to teach these owners how to behave with their dog in a large group. Here are some situations I have witnessed first hand that have caused problems and also some suggestions about how to prevent them:

“My Dog Wants to Meet Your Dog”

Not necessarily. Just because the “always friendly” pooch behaves well on neighborhood walks doesn’t mean this time will be like every other. And you have no idea how the other dog will behave. It is amazing the way a group of the same breed behaves differently with its own kind. Please don’t let your dog run up into another strange dog’s face. Ever.

Walking a dog on a long, loose leash.

You know you’ve seen it. A dog on a loose leash scampering hither and yon scampers near another dog on a loose leash. They engage in rear sniffing or posturing which creates a ripe environment for a dog fight. A short leash drastically reduces the chance of this type of dog fight from happening.

Contained Dog Wants Attention, Right?

I’m amazed at how many people don’t know the proper way to let a strange dog sniff them and make sure they are OK with the human in their space. If the owner isn’t around, please refrain. The breeds my husband and I own and breed feel the need to protect our environment if we’re not in our setup. I would hate to be held responsible for someone’s irresponsibility around our dogs when we aren’t there to mediate.

Leashed Dog vs. Contained Dog

Dogs on a leash tend to put their faces into another dog’s face contained in an ex-pen or a crate. I’ve seen too many dogs lock teeth and skin with metal between them and it’s not pretty. I’ve witnessed injuries on a hand that got in the way of breaking up a fight. If there are younger dogs present for socialization, the last thing those owners want are puppies conditioned to fence fight or have disdain for events with other dogs.

Everybody Loves Puppies

Everybody loves puppies. If puppies are in an ex-pen or a crate, they are most likely there for socialization purposes. Always ask permission first before putting your hand in the pen or through the crate. It’s the owners right to say it’s OK or not OK to pet them or pick them up.

My fellow club members and I want to enjoy our time at our “fun” events, too, but the anxiety we feel watching some folks amble around not paying full attention puts a damper on it. And I have admittedly, but not purposefully, made children cry reprimanding them when they didn’t listen to me twice about their rescue dog running up on other dogs. I’d do it again to keep them, their dog, and other dogs safe.

The best thing we could all do is to better investigate the homes for our puppies and young dogs. If we do our due diligence when the pup is younger, they have a smaller chance of ending up in rescue. This, above all else, is the best rescue remedy.

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Posted by admin on Feb 25 2014. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.