My 11-year-old Decker rat terrier has spent her life off leash until the last two years, enjoying Island View Beach, Centennial Park, John Dean Park trail, Durrance Lake and almost any other place where her aging owner and she could have a good run.  She has excellent manners, was well trained and socialized, and has the bonus of living on a small farm with other tolerant animals.

All her lifetime, polite and social dog friends were older. Most are now deceased. There is a new lot of owners and dogs out there.  No matter how much time and training you invest in your own canine companion, if it is hazed by a swarm of small yappers, or run at by a dog with no manners, I soon realized their bad example and often threatening behaviour could actually, over time, turn her into a reactive dog.

Despite her social skills and obedience she is now always happily on leash. It does not limit her socializing. She actually seems to understand that the good dogs are the leashed dogs.

There are off-leash dog parks where socialized dogs can play rough and tumble. Lucky them. But a shared-use park is just that, a place to enjoy with other people, other dogs, and, in some locations, horses. I even see cats in harnesses walking on leash, much to the fascination of the dogs encountered.

Public parks, used and paid for by the public, are by definition shared use. In a park used by free-roaming dogs distanced from the voice control of their owners, even if the dogs are good natured, if challenged by a bully dog or even a small yappie one, most dogs will become defensive.

Leash your dog for the public good unless you are taking your well-socialized, responsive to verbal commands, dog to an off-leash park specifically for dogs. Should you have an even mildly reactive dog, do invest in a muzzle. Yes, off leash your dog could still knock someone over, but the muzzle will show you are a socially responsible dog owner and prevent any negative interaction.

Small basic adjustments to control interactions will make all parks safer and more enjoyable for all users. 

Karen Harris

Central Saanich