What a relief to see the first swallow this morning out on my walk with the dogs, does this mean summer time is finally here?
Anyone who works outside in any capacity will sympathise with a long, cold, wet and very muddy winter it has been.
Although we look forward to less mud in the house and no more paws to wipe off for a few months there is something we should take on board. I always remember my old vet (now retired) telling me how the practise was that much busier in the summer months due to the simple fact that as more dog walkers ventured out in the nicer months, more dogs got into scuffles, resulting in more work for the vets having to do stitches etc.
What a scary thought I remember thinking all those years ago. Now I don’t want any of you to become “house hermits” or your dogs for that matter but there are a few “do’s” and “don’ts” you could find handy when out and about enjoying the summer months with your dog.
If you see a fast approaching dog looking of the “not so friendly breed”, one of the worst things you could do is pick your dog up in your arms, (obviously this only applies to small breeds”. You will not only be putting your dog in a higher position physically but mentally too in the eyes of the other dog and that’s just going to make him madder.
Acting aggressively towards any already slightly aggressive dog or owner is only going to fuel their aggression even more.
So what can we do?
Try and think “shock tactic”, not always easy but far more reliable.
Basically you are trying to shock or frighten the approaching dog if he looks as if he’s going to do harm. I have been known to throw my flexi-lead at the ground BETWEEN the approaching trouble maker (4 legged variety) and the dog with me in order to stop a situation before it erupts.
I’m not meaning that you hurl the lead to make contact with the dog, otherwise you’ll end up with a bill for broken bones, but aim to make a clatter/noise, a noise to shock the dog from what he’s intending to do!
I’d rather have a bill for a new extendable lead than a bill for…….
Enjoy the summer months.