Out for 'walkies' - on or off lead - in the car, or on public
transport, seeing
the world is an important part of your dog's life. If you are out and
about
with your dog, this article gives you some useful tips to keep you on
the
right side of the law and in good favour with those around you.
Your dog, common sense and
the law 1. Good socialisation is the key to having a dog you are proud
to take anywhere. The best age for socialisation is thought to be 7 to
18/20 weeks. If this coincides with his inoculation quarantine, discuss
a compromise with your vet. Your puppy can usually be carried (if he is
small enough!) or taken out in the car, even when in quarantine.
2. Early experience is rarely wasted. Even if you usually travel
in a car, take him on a bus and a train. Shopping gets him used to
crowds.
Practise sitting him quietly in shops which admit him. Don't abandon
him
outside the others - get the shopping on another trip.
3. In the UK, the Control of Dogs Order 1992 requires that your
name and address must be inscribed on or attached to your dog's collar
when he is in a public place, even if he is also tattooed or
micro-chipped. This is
a sensible precaution wherever you live.
4. The owner of any dog which causes damage or injury (e.g.
biting or causing an accident by running onto the road) may have to pay
compensation. Your household insurance might cover this (check before
you need it!), or you can probably take out canine third party
insurance.
5. In the UK, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1990 makes it an offence
for any kind of dog to be "dangerously out of control" in a public
place. This applies if someone thinks your dog "may cause injury" as
well as if he actually does so; you can be prosecuted even if no
injuries are caused.
6. Check in advance if dogs are allowed when going somewhere
new.
7. Make sure you know and obey the local bylaws. Even where
bylaws are not in force you should not allow your pet to foul in public
places. Carry
a "poop scoop" or plastic bag and clear up after your dog.
Out with your dog on foot 8. Buy a suitable collar and lead for your dog and USE THEM! "My
dog never runs away" means "he hasn't yet".
9. Extending leads are ideal for walking on open areas where
it's not safe to let your dog run totally free. They're not suitable in
crowds unless you want to tie up the locals!! Use them shortened and on
"lock" on the pavement too - if your dog is frightened or startled a
long lead allows him to run onto the road before you can stop him.
10. If your dog goes for a pull instead of a walk, try a
training class.
11. A head collar or anti-pull harness may help you to control
your dog more easily than a traditional collar round the neck. If this
sounds right
for you, get advice from a training club or Canine Advice Life Line
(Choose
"CALL" below for more details).
Your dog and running free 12. NEVER let your dog off the lead unless there's a fence
between you and near-by traffic. Open areas of grass look tempting but
can be dangerous if your dog spots a friend across the road, or if he
doesn't look where he's going when playing or following a scent.
13. Parks may be the only place in town to let your dog run
free, but try to avoid children's play areas and sports fields.
14. The country can be fun for your dog but keep him on a lead
in farming areas. It's obvious not to let him chase animals, but
running through growing crops can also do expensive damage.
Out with your dog on public transport 15. Your dog should be on a lead or in a suitable travelling
box. Keep him on the floor or on your lap and not on the seats, even in
the box.
16. Expect to pay half fare in most places.
Your dog and the car 17. Most dogs love riding in the car, but it's not a replacement
for walks!
18. Before you set off, check that your car breakdown/"get you
home" policy includes the dog.
19. DOGS LEFT IN CARS, EVEN FOR VERY SHORT
PERIODS, DO DIE. You know how hot your car feels when you get
in, even on quite a mild day - your dog is trapped in that heat when
you leave him. Ideally you shouldn't leave him alone in your car at
all. If you must do so in an emergency, make sure it is well
ventilated. Parking in the shade is not enough - shade moves when the
sun does, so use a window "grid ventilator" (available from most pet
shops). Even better, use two or more and create a through draft.
20. Don't let your dog travel with his head out of the window -
he may get grit in his eyes or even jump out! If you want fresh air
"grid ventilators" can be used in the windows when travelling along
too.
21. In an accident your dog will be thrown about inside the car.
He may hurt himself, or land on and injure you or your passengers. In
estate cars your dog should travel in the back, behind a dog gate or in
a wire crate. In saloons consider fitting a dog "seat belt" harness, or
sit him in the front
seat well, between your passenger's feet.
22. Your dog should always wear his collar and name tag in the
car - he may get out and run off, especially if there is an accident.
23. Don't let your dog leap out of the car as soon as you open
the door. Teach him to wait until his lead is on and you tell him it's
OK to come.
reprinted with kind permission from Debbie Waller
Hon Chairman/Webmaster
People And Dogs Society http://www.padsonline.org.uk
reg charity no 1005973. Longwood, Carleton Close
Pontefract, WF8 3NB, West Yorkshire, England
Telephone: 0845 269 0093
