From Linda: “Since it’s summer we find ourselves at beaches and parks more than other times of the year. As such, you see more people who have their dogs off leash and the distressing consequences of most dogs who don’t return on command. Dogs who are blissfully happy, running around, ignoring owners’ commands to return and when they do eventually return it’s to punishment — sometimes extreme punishment. What should bystanders do in response to these disturbing circumstances? And the second bad scenario is seeing old, arthritic dogs on the end of leashes, being tugged and yanked around by their owners to keep up! Geezus!! What is the best thing to say or do in these circumstances?”
Fair questions, Linda, but you’re asking the animal guy questions about human behavior. Why do humans have unreasonable expectations (like expecting happy-go-lucky dogs to be dutifully responsive to unfamiliar commands or sedentary dogs to behave spryly because we’ve finally allowed them outside) and how should humans behave when witnessing bad behavior exhibited by other humans?
I’ll let you in on a secret. When people with my job title get together, we agree that our challenges are rarely animal-related. Almost always they’re human-caused. And then, recognizing the lack of influence we have over human behavior, we usually order another round of drinks.
There is risk in advising fellow humans (especially strangers) how to act. Perhaps the mere fact you’ve asked those questions here will encourage something positive but let’s face it: Humans are a tough animal to train. If the situation feels safe perhaps someone who comes across such situations might first make a huge fuss over how adorable you find their dog and then, second (with due caution), suggest the wisdom of a more informed approach (e.g., obedience classes). True violence directed at an animal is, of course, a crime and should be reported to PHS/SPCA or the police but I do not think that’s what you’re asking.
Ken White is the president of the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA