Cochrane community peace officers are encouraging off-leash dog park users to be responsible for their animals following a scuffle that left one dog with a puncture in its side.
Poppy Seed, a beagle owned by Pascale Levesque, had a run-in with a bulky black dog on the afternoon of Feb. 4 during her routine walk along the river.
“It all happened so fast,” said Levesque. “I didn’t even see the blood until I got home.”
She said the owner of the black dog continued on her way after the dog scuffle, with the dog walking along off-leash.
Meanwhile, Poppy Seed was off to the vet to have her wounds looked after.
“For me, it’s not about the vet bill,” said Levesque. “I don’t want people to be scared of all black dogs. But I want owners to be civilized, aware and responsible.”
Levesque reported the incident to Cochrane animal services. She has since been in contact with the owner of the other dog.
Kerry Dunne, a community peace officer, recommends all incidents that occur in off-leash areas be reported — no matter how big or how small. In addition, she encouraged dog owners to exchange information following a scuffle, as the extent of the damage may not be visible until you’re away from the dog park.
She suggested owners record the name, breed and colour of the other dog, along with the name of the owner and the dog’s licence number. “There are rules to using a dog park,” she said. “All dogs must be under control.”
This sentiment was echoed by Tracy Keith, executive director of the Cochrane and Area Humane Society and a certified professional dog trainer.
“Off-leash areas are challenging — there is often an increase in arousal level because the dogs are excited to come to the park,” she said.
“But dogs are like people. They don’t like every other dog. And you can’t guarantee their behaviour.”
The humane society offers a variety of dog training classes — from all levels of obedience, to agility, to one-on-one behaviour consultations. For pups that may be a bit reactive at the dog park, Keith recommended the “leash lungers” class.
Should a dogfight occur, Keith advised owners not to get involved.
“Most fights are noisy, with zero to little damage,” she said. “When people start pulling on leashes and collars, or yelling at their dogs, the dogs get more aroused or will bite down to hold on.”
She recommended owners toss water or a coat on the dogs. Once the dogs are interrupted, owners should be able to regain control.
To learn more about training classes offered by the humane society, visit cochranehumane.ca.
