Dog and Owners at risk every time you let them off lead

Dog  laws have changed and are not as transparent as we once thought.

We are putting ourselves and our dogs at risk every time we let them off lead.

The Government has got tough with irresponsible owners, thou some argue that they haven’t gone far enough in their changes to dog legislation.

One thing is for sure, we as dog owners have to be on our guard.

The Dog law states

It’s against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, eg:

• In a public place
• In a private place, eg a neighbour’s house or garden
• In the owner’s homeThe law applies to all dogs.

Out of control

Your dog is considered dangerously out of control if it:

• Injures someone
• Injures someone
• Makes someone worried that it might injure them

A court could also decide that your dog is dangerously out of control if:

• It injures someone’s animal
• The owner of the animal thinks they could be injured if they tried to stop your dog attacking their animal

A farmer is allowed to kill your dog if it’s worrying their livestock.

It is easy to dismiss, & say you won’t fall foul. But it only takes one person to make a statement that they were “Worried” under the changes to the dog legislation.

A stroll on a Sunday afternoon should be enjoyed by all as far as I’m concerned.

If your poach hightails it across the park, as soon as they are let off the lead. Targeting the oh so delicious sausages, being enjoyed by a family picnic.

The family annoyed of the intrusion, become concerned at the snappish dog going for the sausages.

Not realising this dog is in height of excitement for this top shelf treat. Under the dog legislation, this family now has grounds to report you for having a “Dangerous Dog Out Of Control”.

As a behaviourist, I am called to deal with a multitude of issues. And as such, I have worked with many high-end issues presented by dogs with little or no recall.

Jumping up at people is one of the most common and running, chasing or even attacking other dogs comes in at a close second.

Who else could be putting our dogs at risk?

You work hard, your Law abiding, your kind & loving. But yet you might be putting your dog at risk still.

Your dog has little or no recall, you take professional help. Problem solved. Not quite, a good recall has to be built up & worked on day in day out.

Problem solved? No, your dog is now awaiting trial.

The Trainer/Behaviourist you choose decided to use a public park. They decided not to use a long lead. They didn’t keep control of your dog.

Yes, they have Public Liability and that would cover them, but not you and your dog.

As apologetic as they are, it is the owner who is ultimately responsible.
The same example could be applied tDog Walkers, Neighbours, Friends Or loved ones.

At Canine Coaching we use a secure paddock for any off lead recall & a long lead for public areas. We always recommend any of clients to use the long lead.

Remember the Penalties are;

You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to 6 months (or both) if your dog is dangerously out of control. You may not be allowed to own a dog in the future and your dog may be destroyed.

If you let your dog injure someone you can be sent to prison for up to 5 years or fined (or both). If you deliberately use your dog to injure someone you could be charged with ‘malicious wounding’. 

If you allow your dog to kill someone you can be sent to prison for up to 14 years or get an unlimited fine (or both). 

If you allow your dog to injure a guide dog you can be sent to prison for up to 3 years or fined (or both).

Sourced from: GOV.UK 

We as owners must view are dog’s as an extension of ourselves, in regards to the Law.

If your dog has poor recall then use a long lead. Your dog still gets to roam as you see fit. But you keep control, whilst having a great tool to work on their recall.

If you employ the services of friends, loved ones or professional. Lay down the rules, without question.

The law is there to protect us, but it is also open to abuse.

That we as Law abiding dog owners could fall foul of.