The joy of dog ownership comes with a responsibility. Dog owners must be aware of the dangers of letting their dogs off-leash in public spaces. This is especially true in urban areas where dogs can be a nuisance to other people and animals.
And that’s just emergency room visits. “We know that a significant number of people might seek treatment at primary care, specialty or urgent care clinics for their injuries,” Maxson said. Dog ownership has become increasingly common, he noted, with about half of U.S. households having at least one dog. The pandemic contributed to the spike. How to protect yourself Staying safe when walking a leashed dog takes diligence, focus and, in inclement weather, extra precautions. Multitasking can be hazardous. Put your phone away. “You can’t really afford to relax when you walk a powerfully built dog with the torque of a small tractor. You have to pay attention,” said Noel Holston, a dog owner in Athens, Georgia.
The dog, named “Lucky,” reacted instinctively and lunged at the goose, causing a commotion. This incident sparked a debate about the nature of animal aggression and the role of instinct versus training. The incident with Lucky and the goose became a symbol of the debate, highlighting the complex interplay between animal behavior and human perception.
This incident, along with several others, led her to realize that she needed to find a better way to manage her dog’s energy and behavior. She began researching dog training and discovered that positive reinforcement training was the most effective method. Positive reinforcement training focuses on rewarding desired behaviors, rather than punishing unwanted ones. It emphasizes building a strong bond between the dog and owner through positive interactions.
“We used to be in a routine of sort of running the last block home,” he said. “There was a section of sidewalk that had scaffolding up. My dog is a rescue dog and was relatively new to us. He got spooked and got in front of me, and I went flying over the dog and smacked into the scaffolding. I ended up breaking two ribs.” There are other hazards in rural areas, said Steven Haywood, an ER doctor in Corinth, Mississippi. “ Getting struck by vehicles,” he said. “That’s definitely the most life-threatening injury when people are walking their dogs.”
A. Haywood’s Fight for Pedestrian Safety
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A local resident, Haywood, has observed a significant safety issue in his community. He has noticed a lack of sidewalks and wide shoulders on many roads, leading to increased risk of accidents. He points out that this issue is particularly dangerous for pedestrians, especially those who wear dark clothing without reflectors or lights.
This technique, known as “chest-pulling,” helps dogs learn to walk calmly and confidently by redirecting their focus from pulling to walking. Parks explains that dogs pull because they are trying to get to their destination faster. They are motivated by a strong desire to explore and engage with their surroundings. This desire is often fueled by their prey drive, which is a natural instinct to chase and capture animals. She further emphasizes that dogs are not inherently bad or aggressive.
**Walking a dog can be a rewarding experience, but it can also pose challenges for individuals with mobility or balance issues.
___ Leanne Italie writes about wellness, culture and style. You can find her at http://twitter.com/litalie. Leanne Italie, The Associated Press
