Re: Do you let your dog off leash outside, around other dogs
The only reason Lilly isn't allowed to play with dogs that aren't SD's is because I HAVE to have her healthy. Now I know most dog owners are very careful about their dogs health, but here there are a lot that are not. I cannot risk her being attacked by another untrained dog who's owner has no control over his dog.
It isn't a put down to other Boxers'. If you lived here and wanted to meet up, I would may be fine with that because you are showing yourself to be a responsible pet owner and you work to have a solid relationship with your dog.
She only plays with other SD's because we all know each other (some of us are deaf or going deaf together, so we can sign and read lips together) and we all know each others dogs'. We know our dogs are well behaved and under our control.
I've seen dogs be attacked at dog parks here (I used to do training classes at local dog parks...not anymore) and have seen more than one dog attacked by a dog whose owner thought the dog was being playful (when it was being aggressive), had no control over the animal, or who just didn't care and wanted to see what their dog would do at a dog park.
That scares the hell outta me!
Lilly has saved my life on several occasions. She is my ears. She lets me know when my kids cry, when someone says my name, when someone is at the door or ringing the doorbell, when the phone rings...She is my lifeline to the outside world. She protects me (I don't hear at all on the right side so she blocks and leans to let me know when someone approaches from that side). She even wakes me up to the alarm clock in the morning. Without her, I would live a life devoid of some pretty normal activities. So I go outta my way to protect her.
Most SD's are only allowed to socialize with other SD's for these very same reasons.
She gets to play and socialize with other dogs in a controlled setting and she is always getting to meet new people in her work.
Enough of my ranting.
Liz and Lilly