What to do when faced with an unfriendly dog?

The event of two unfriendly dogs crossing paths in public can be terrifying. As if two arch enemies meet again, the meeting can be paired with barking, growling and lunging while owners desperately try to pull their dog out of the pit.

It does not have to be that way. There are many dogs that are more than happy to make new friends. But there are also plenty of reasons that a dog might not want to be approached.

To ensure a safe and uninterrupted public walk for these dogs and others, the Dubai-based Dog Rehabilitation and Recreational Centre Positive Paws has launched a campaign labelled Please Allow Walking Space (PAWS).

“We were initially thinking of reactive dogs, who bark and lunge at people and dogs when on lead, but then we realised that there are other reasons why a dog may not wish to be approached, such as when a dog is recovering from surgery or gets nervous around people,” explains dog trainer Aimee Orme.

“For example that adorably cute fluffy Maltese terrier may look cuddly, but may be absolutely terrified of small children, who like to rush up and hug her.”

Female dogs during pairing season should be avoided, dogs that are unwell are rather left alone, dogs in training may respond over-exited to passers-by and grumpy or reactive dogs do not like other dogs or people at all.

However, the solution does not lie in more space for these dogs, nor is the problem confined to the UAE. All over the world, dogs jump at each other or into passers-by, argues Aimee.

“We want people to stop and think before allowing their dog to approach another dog. An example: your dog sees another dog which is on lead. Your dog rushes up to it to say ‘hello’ whilst you shout ‘my dog’s friendly’!

“The on lead dog has no way to escape from your dog and the best way he can increase the space between him and your dog (the perceived threat) is to bark, growl, lunge, snap, and sometimes bite your dog. Your dog may or may not retaliate.

“Who is wrong here? The other owner is being responsible by keeping the slightly nervous dog on lead, so you are wrong.”

According to Aimee, not every dog owner is aware of dog body language and behaviour and therefore not capable to teach their dog the required social skills.

At the same time, if a dog owner was successful in teaching the dog the proper response, it would  be helpful if other owners and passers-by were also aware, she argued.

“Whilst owners want to do everything possible to have a happy sociable dog, for various reasons that doesn’t always happen. Not all dogs are social butterflies who want to be bothered by other dogs and people when out on walks.”

A blue ribbon distributed by Positive Paws has been selected to send off the message that the dog carrying the emblem needs space. “If you feel that this project won’t work because no one knows about it, get a ribbon and tell people about it,” said Aimee.

“You are going to improve the welfare of your dog if people can allow him the space he needs when out walking. You will help to improve the safety of people as well as dogs.”

“We would also like to use the PAWS project to educate the non-dog owning public and children about how to behave appropriately around dogs, not allowing children to approach and touch strange dogs but to either ask, or if the dog is wearing a ribbon to allow it walking space to pass.”

In addition, Positive Paws hosts its own reactivity rehabilitation programme for dogs that bark and lunge on leash.

Ribbons are available at Positive Paws, Vienna Vet, the Veterinary Clinic Dubai and Modern Vet for now.

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