As responsible dog owners, we always put our dogs on a lead when we come across bikers, other dog walkers, joggers etc., Our social walks are highly organised, having various staff members conversing via walkie-talkie if required and a whistle system for recall and letting the dogs off lead again.
We have many dogs that attend these walks, that previously had some behaviour problems and have learnt to integrate with the rest of the group in harmony. Initially, dogs with ‘issues’ are accompanied by a trainer for the duration of the walk. This is to ensure that they can remain calm and learn to interact appropriately.
Walking in a larger group than they are used to and using kind, effective methods of integration, builds confidence and therefore eventually eradicates problems experienced through fear. Therefore, we welcome dogs that have fear behavioural problems (after the initial assessment).