Code of Good Manners

SOME people love dogs and others do not. There is no need to try and convert people that dislike dogs. Respect for the views of others can only help convert them in the long term.

A dog should NEVER be out on the street on his own. The temptation to investigate the outside world and become one of a pack can be very great. The stray dog is detrimental to society.

Keep your dog on the lead. There is nothing clever about taking a dog for a walk without a lead. Another loose dog may cause a fight; a cat may cause him to dart onto the road. It only requires a passing motor car and the prospect of human and canine tragedy is very real.

Keep an eye on your dog. When your dog is free in an exercise area, keep an eye on him, especially if another dog comes into view. The other dog may be a fighter, and if you are a German Shepherd Dog owner especially, experience has taught that it’s always this breed that gets the blame.

Clean up after your dog. Do not let your dog soil the pavement or in a public place. Give him the opportunity at the right time and in the right place and there will be little chance of an accident.

Teach loose lead walking. A walk on the lead should not be a constant battle between a dog and owner when the dog is constantly trying to pull his master’s arm out of the socket. Although there is no need for obedience style heel-work when out for a walk, the dog should be taught to walk on a loose lead. The first training element of the recall exercise should be very helpful, when gaining the correct measure of control.

Teach recall. Your dog must respond to the recall when instructed, not as an obedience exercise but as an essential form of control.

Teach drop. Your dogs should be taught to go down immediately when and where instructed. In an emergency this may be more necessary that the recall.

Be in control. Your dog should always be prepared to accept a reasonable measure of control. When young children or elderly people are around it may be advisable to keep him on a lead. A boisterous dog can easily knock the very young or elderly down. Children can become frightened of dogs for life and the elderly are very prone to injury.