when is it okay to let your dog off-leash?

Running free...romping...picture it in slow motion: tongue flapping in the wind, ears bouncing up and down, and that joyful look on your dog's face. Lovely, isn't it? Maybe. Maybe not. 

When is it okay to let your dog off-leash? wellmindedpets.com

when is it okay to let your dog off-leash?

In my professional opinion, it is okay to let your dog off-leash in public at two–and only two–times.

1. When you are in a place where it is legal and appropriate to do so and you have 100% complete proven verbal control of your dog. Meaning, if there was a steak dinner, a thrown frisbee, or a tempting playmate, your dog would not go toward it without your permission. He never fails to obey your command. Ever. 

2. When you are in a place where off-leash dogs are expected and encouraged. A dog park for example. Or a dog beach. 

Period. End of story.

let me tell you why

As you probably already know, I am a professional pet sitter and dog walker. I walk all kinds of dogs, and I see other people walking all kinds of dogs. When I am walking a client's dog, I have rules. 

• I do not allow my client's dog to socialize with other dogs. You just never know, and I don't ever want harm to come to a dog in my care.

• We never go off-leash, and we don't go to off-leash places. I'll take your dog hiking, jogging, or to the park, but we're going on a leash. I do not have 100% complete verbal control of your dog, so attached to me he stays. 

• I avoid off-leash dogs like the plague. Their owners almost never have verbal control of them, so I keep my distance.

This week I had two dog walking experiences, one positive and one negative. Ironically, I was walking the same dog, Thor*. This is a dog I regularly walk. I have great leash control of him, and if he gets excited about a passing bunny or kid on a bike, I make him sit until the enticement has passed. He listens to me, and we walk well together. I am extra careful with him because when I was first hired to walk him, his owner let me know that he was dog-aggressive, meaning he might harm another dog if contact is made. When I walk this particular dog, I am extremely careful to keep my head up, be aware of my surroundings, and keep control of him.

the wrong way 

The other morning, I took Thor to an open grassy area in the neighborhood in which he lives. Though he was on his leash, the large, open space gave us a chance to romp and play rather than just walk up and down the sidewalk. About twenty yards away, I heard a car pull up. A lady got out, and I didn't think much of it, but then she opened one of the back doors, and three Labs popped out, none of them leashed. All three ran toward us. I immediately made Thor sit, but the rush of canine coming toward us was too much for him to sustain the position. I yelled "NO! NO! NO!" but the dogs wouldn't stop. I yelled at the lady: "He's not friendly!" She tried to call her dogs back and they sort-of listened, but then just ignored her. I screamed at her "GET CONTROL OF YOUR DOGS RIGHT NOW!" All the while, trying to move us in the opposite direction.

We escaped unscathed, but talk about a frightening adrenaline rush. 

That lady did not have control of her dogs. Thor could have fought with one or all of them, and any one of the four dogs could have been injured or killed. I could have been injured in the middle of it. The whole situation was a mess. She was in an area where it is not permitted to have dogs off-leash, and we weren't expecting it. I still get angry just thinking about it. It was completely irresponsible of her to create that situation. 

Even if your dog is friendly, not every dog is. It is not okay to allow your dog to approach another dog without permission. And that leads me to the positive experience I had this week...

the right way

Just a couple of days later, Thor and I were walking down the sidewalk (avoiding the nice open grassy area) and I noticed a man with a dog on a leash walking in the opposite direction toward us. I crossed the street to put some distance between us as we passed, and I made Thor sit while they passed. The gentleman stopped directly across the street from us and asked "is your dog friendly?" 

I replied "I'm sorry, he's not friendly with other dogs. Thank you so much for asking."

He nodded his head in an understanding way, and we both went on with our peaceful walks. Faith in humanity partially restored.

when in doubt, pull the leash out

Allowing your dog to be off-leash is risky. It's risky for your dog, for you, and for others. If your dog wants to romp free, find a place where others expect dogs to be off-leash. No matter how well you know your own dog, you don't know that dog you may encounter. A little bit of freedom isn't worth the potential price.  

* names have been changed in the interest of privacy

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Children typically love to help out with the family pet. Even if you can't get them to clean their rooms, they will likely be happy to walk Fido. My son, Porter, has been accompanying me on pet sitting visits since he was one week old. As soon as he could hold his head up properly, I would put him in a forward-facing carrier on my chest while I walked dogs. At about six months of age, he began to want to hold the leash he could see stretched out in front of him. I let him hold the leash a couple of feet in front of the end where I had a firm grasp, and I think he was convinced that he was doing the job, himself. He'd giggle and coo during every walk. He is now eight years old, and I'll let him walk the family dog independently and very occasionally a client's dog, depending on the dog and the situation. Regardless, I'm an arms-length away in case an emergency arises. There are lots of tasks children can help with when it comes to the family pet, but walks are a favorite. One thing to remember is that our pets are completely dependent upon us to meet their basic needs. It's vital that parents make sure the most important tasks are being done, especially if they have been assigned to a child. Making sure the family dog gets food, water, and exercise is vital to his well-being. 

so when is a child ready to walk the family dog?

Whether a child is capable of walking the family dog is dependent on a number of factors, all of which must be considered for the safety of the child and the pet. 

• age of the child

• maturity of the child

• physical strength of the child

• size/strength of the dog

• energy level of the dog

• behavior of the dog

Each child/dog combo is unique, so you'll have to carefully consider your own situation. A two-year-old may be able to walk your senior Daschund who moves as slow as a snail with some supervision. On the other hand, even a tween may not be able to handle the energy and strength of a young Boxer. 

It's important to consider what kind of a walker your dog typically is. Under normal circumstances, how does your dog walk? Has he been leash trained? Does he walk along the sidewalk next to you in a relaxed fashion, or does he dart here and there, veering under every bush to check things out? Does he pull on the leash? If your child is able to handle what your dog dishes out, then it's a go. The age of the child should always be considered, however. Even if your five-year-old can appropriately handle the family chihuahua, a five-year-old should not be navigating the neighborhood alone. Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult or older sibling. 

What's even more important to consider is how your dog will behave in an unusual situation. What would happen if a squirrel suddenly darted across your path? Would your dog spring into action and pull you up a tree to get to it? Or what if you encounter another dog? Even if your dog gets along well with others, you never know who you'll meet. You might run into Kujo. Can your child handle those extreme situations that can happen in an instant? If not, you need to walk within inches of your child and pooch, prepared to take over, should the need arise. 

I allow my eight- and six-year-old to walk our 11-pound , 9-year-old mixed terrier. She has quite a bit of energy even though she is getting on in years, but she walks fairly well on a leash, and when she gets excited about something enough to pull, the kids have the strength to control her. I walk with them, however, because I feel that A) they are too young to be out and about on their own, and B) they may not be able to handle a sticky situation, such as a brush with a not-so-friendly or off-leash dog. If we encounter a situation like that, I simply take over the responsibility of holding the leash until the unpredictable situation has passed.

If your child isn't ready to walk the dog independently, you can do as I do or even allow your smaller child to hold the leash with you. It can be a bit awkward for two people to hold the leash, but if it's safer that way for your situation, it's a great way to get your child involved in the task.

does it matter how a child holds a leash?

You may not think so, but it's important for the safety of the dog and the walker, regardless of age. A proper leash hold will allow your child control and will prevent the potential for injury or a loose dog. Below, you'll see a couple of  common mistakes as well as the the best hold.

The wrist wrap-around is wrong.

One of the most common ways children hold a leash is the wrist wrap-around position. It seems ultra-secure because it almost guarantees that the child won't let go of the leash. And therein lies the problem. The child really can't let go of the leash, something that is necessary in some emergency situations. Though it's important for a child to have a secure hold on the leash, there must be an escape, and the wrist wrap-around hold does not allow that.

The four-finger grasp leaves a lot of room for error.

The four-finger grasp is another common leash hold for a child. It is natural and easy, but has just the opposite problem of the wrist wrap-around hold. This hold does not allow enough security, as the leash can easily be pulled from the child's grasp.

Thumbs up for the thumbs-up hold!

The best way for a child (or anyone) to hold a leash is the thumbs-up hold, pictured here. It may seem a bit awkward at first, and it may not feel as secure, but rest assured that it is. Ask your child to give you a classic "thumbs up" gesture. The leash is grasped by the child's four fingers, then looped around the thumb. The thumb stays up to prevent the leash from being yanked from your child's grasp, but your child can quickly let go in an emergency situation. It's the best of both worlds, secure, yet safe.

With the proper leash hold, your child and dog can learn to walk well together. Though each child/dog combo has a unique set of circumstances and requires individual evaluation, there are some deal-breakers:

• Any child under the age of five should not independently hold a leash.

• A child of any age should not be allowed to walk a dog he can't control. This is true of adults, as well. If the dog can not be controlled on a leash, leash training is a must.

• Children under the age of ten should always be supervised when dog-walking.

• Children should never walk a dog who is aggressive toward other people or animals.

• Children should never walk multiple dogs at the same time.

• Retractable leashes pose many dangers and should not be used by children (nor is it my advice for anyone to use them)

When proper technique is used and your child can control the animal, dog-walking is a great way for your child to get involved in the family chores and bond with your pooch. It is a fun activity, and the exercise and fresh air will be great for both human and canine. So get out there and work together to ensure everyone is safe, secure, and happy! 

How does your child help with the family pets?

This article, written by me, originally appeared as a contributor post on Brie Brie Blooms. It has been posted here with minor changes with permission.

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how to find a great pet sitter

So you're in the market for a pet sitter. Scary, right? You're thinking of having a total stranger come into your home and care for some of the most beloved beings in your life, so, naturally, that task can be daunting, if not downright frightening. What can you do to make sure you find a great pet sitter?

As a professional pet sitter with over ten years of full-time experience, I've developed a few tips to help you with the process:

• Ask for a personal or professional referral. There are quite a few web sites on which you can search for care providers, but I prefer the good ol' fashioned referral. Ask your friends who have pets, and ask your vet and groomer. These are trusted "pet people" in your life, and they are more likely to steer you in the right direction than a random guess from a search engine. Ask your referrer why they would recommend the pet sitter they are suggesting. And if you hear the same thing from multiple sources, all the better! If you get different suggestions, call them all and see who you feel most comfortable with. 

• Make contact. Call or email the pet sitter. Do you get a good feeling from the person? Are they able to answer your initial questions? Check out their web site. Do they provide clear information about services offered? Do they have adequate experience in caring for pets like yours? If the answer is "yes," then they are a good candidate. 

• Meet and greet. Reputable pet sitters will offer an initial consultation, which is usually free. They will come to your home to meet you and your pets, get the lay of the land, and answer and ask questions. If the pet sitter is not willing to meet with you prior to booking, that's a deal-breaker.

• Actions speak louder than words. When your prospective pet sitter meets your pets, how does he or she act. Is the sitter comfortable around your pets? The sitter should be respectful and loving. He or she might ask about the "house rules" right away. For example, do you care if your dog jumps on the sitter? As a professional pet sitter, I follow my client's lead. If they are cool with the dog jumping on me, I'm good with that. If not, I respect the rules from the start. The person you're considering should be professional with you, yet loving to your pets.

• Take note. Does the pet sitter take notes during the consultation? It's a must. There are so many details to consider and remember, so you want to make sure the sitter you're hiring is thorough and writes down the specifics.

• Consider security. Everyone has a different idea of security, but make sure your sitter's sense gels with yours. Are they bonded and insured? How do they identify your house key? Do they drive an unmarked vehicle (they will likely be parked in your driveway while you're away)? Will they rotate lights and window coverings to give your home a lived-in look? These are some security measures to consider.

• Are they flexible? Most professional pet sitters have standard services, but don't be afraid to ask for something special like an extended visit or a visit during a non-standard time. Though it probably isn't reasonable to ask your sitter to visit at 3:00 a.m., and there may be an extra charge for special requests, your sitter should work to help service your needs. 

• What's included? Some pet sitters include "extras" such as dog walks, litter box scooping, medication administration, mail retrieval, etc., in their standard rate, as I do, but some do not. Many will be happy to provide you with a daily update or even an update after each visit, but some may charge extra for that. Ask what is included so you know upfront if you'll have added charges for services you need.

• The price is right. The saying "you get what you pay for" often holds true for pet sitters. I'm not saying to select the pet sitter with the highest price, but I am saying to be skeptical of sitters whose rates seem too good to be true. They probably are. A professional pet sitter's time is valuable, so consider that when making your selection. 

• References. Ask your prospective pet sitter for references. He or she should be able to direct you to multiple people who will give a glowing review. Think about the aspects of hiring a pet sitter that are most important to you, and ask the sitter's references about those things. 

Finding a professional pet sitter who is a great fit for your family doesn't have to be scary. By following these tips, you should be able to find someone who will love your pets as much as you do, and a partner in your pet's care you can trust for life!

Did you know it's National Pet Sitters Week? Do you have a pet sitter you love? Tell me why!

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rand hill paracord #dog leash review and #giveaway

As a professional pet sitter, I've walked my share of dogs. Each dog has his own way of walking, and my main goal is to make sure each one is safe, getting an appropriate level of exercise and having fun. All of this hinges upon my control of the dog, and the proper leash is essential. 

I've tried 'em all. Regardless of style or length (I'd recommend different versions depending on the dog), quality is essential. We don't want anything coming loose or the dog breaking free when he decides to bolt after a squirrel. Comfort for both the walker and the dog is also critical. You want to be sure your hand doesn't become chafed or painful during a walk with a dog who pulls, for example. This is especially important to me due to my hand injury. And please don't get me started on retractable leashes. Let's just not go there.

I was recently asked to try the Rand Hill Paracord Dog Leash. Rand Hill Paracord is a new company–just nine months old–"offering quality paracord creations made only with genuine 7-strand 550 paracord." What is paracord? I feel like I know what it is, but, then, when asked to describe it, I was stumped. Like when your kids ask you the definition of the word "the." So I turn elsewhere for an accurate summary. According to Wikipedia:

Parachute cord (also paracord or 550 cord) is a lightweight nylon kernmantle rope originally used in the suspension lines of US parachutes during World War II....It is now used as a general purpose utility cord by both military personnel and civilians...The braided sheath has a high number of interwoven strands for its size, giving it a relatively smooth texture. The all-nylon construction makes paracord fairly elastic."

There you have it.

When I first opened the package and checked out my 5-foot Rand Hill Paracord Dog Leash, I was a bit concerned that it wouldn't suit my dog, N.A.S.H.A. She's a wee little thing, and this is a serious leash. It looked so sturdy that it might drag her down. And, then, on second thought, perhaps that wouldn't be such a bad thing. She's quite a puller. I handled the leash and came to the conclusion that it really wasn't as weighty as I initially thought. Though it looked tough on the outside, it was quite light, actually. 

So I hooked N.A.S.H.A. up, and we headed out. The leash was quite comfortable to me, and she skipped for the duration of our hike in her usual happy way, so I think she liked it, too. She pulled some, but that's not the leash's fault. My bad. We were both quite comfortable with the leash. 

I thought my review should include a more in-depth trial, so I called upon Knox to help me out. He's a two year-old in-tact black lab. You may have seen his appearance on the blog this past Wednesday. Knox is strong and healthy (if not a bit goofy), and his parents reported to me that he likes to pull on his walks. Just what I needed to put the Rand Hill Paracord Dog Leash to the test!

Knox and I set out, and sure enough, he drug me to the first bush he saw, and then off to the rock up the way, and then he attempted to drag me out of the neighborhood right into the desert. The great thing about the paracord leash was it's strength and flexibility. Though Knox is strong and a sub-perfect walker, the leash had enough elasticity to give and soften the blow to my arm while simultaneously holding firm. 

I thought about other applications. I walk quite a few dogs who like to walk themselves, so to speak. You know the kind. They immediately grab the leash in their mouths and chew and pull, sometimes for the duration of the outing. This leash would be perfect for that type of pooch. 

Rand Hill Paracord outlined a few other features for me:

• paracord is rated for 550 lbs

• mold and mildew resistant

• used in parachuted in military (good job, Wikipedia)

• leash can be unwound and used in many survival situations

• all Rand Hill Paracord is made in the USA

• has seven inner strands that can be taken out and used for fishing line

Now I'm not sure I'd find myself in a situation where I'd use that last feature, but I imagine quite a few of you rugged outdoorspeople would find comfort in back-up fishing line, not to mention the fact that it can be unwound for use in survival situations. Keep calm and use paracord. 

Function aside, let's talk about what's really important: fashion. 

Twenty-seven colors. I'm not good at math, but I think that gives us about a gazillion combo options. Photo courtesy of Rand Hill Paracord.

This leash looks slick. Each one features two colors, and you can customize your combo. My leash came in teal and charcoal grey, but there are twenty-seven colors to choose from. Each leash is custom made according to your specifications. In addition to your choice of color, you can order your leash in 4', 5', 6', or 7' lengths. 

Rand Hill Paracord offers other great products, too, so be sure to check out their full collection. What's more? Shipping is always free to any U.S. or Canadian address.

You know you want one.

Rand Hill Paracord is offering one Well Minded reader a custom dog leash. You pick the length and colors, and they make your leash especially for you and your dog with love. Please enter so you can join me in the cool kids' club with this awesome leash.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Connect with Rand Hill Paracord on Facebook and Twitter, or check out their Etsy Shop.

I was provided with a Rand Hill Paracord dog leash in exchange for my honest opinion.

how to approach and pet a dog: ten steps kids need to know

Even if you don't own a pet (though, likely, you're not reading this blog, if you don't), it is important to teach your children about how to respect animals. One of the most important lessons is how to approach a dog they are unfamiliar with. This teaching can and should begin as soon as your child is mobile, and can be talked about even before then. Ultimately, it is a dog owner's responsibility to control a dog in public, but children must be taught how to behave for their own safety and out of respect for the animal. Here are ten important steps to teach your kids about approaching dogs they don't know:

1. Walk, don't run. Running up to a dog can cause it to become fearful or aggressive. A timid dog will cower and feel uncomfortable, guaranteeing the child won't get a chance to pet her. Even worse, a dog with fear aggression may bite.

2. Don't try to approach a dog that is over-excited, even if it is friendly excitement. The dog may knock you over, and is likely already over-stimulated. No need to add to the chaos by exciting the dog further. Because you're a kid...you're exciting!

3. Allow personal space. Do not get close enough to a dog to touch it before you declare your intentions. 

4. Ask. While maintaining a safe distance, ask the dog owner if you may pet the dog. Instead of asking "is your dog friendly?" ask "may I please pet your dog?" This lets the owner know exactly what you're after, and allows him to say "no" without branding his dog as unfriendly. 

5. Approach slowly, and make sure the dog is facing you. You want the dog to understand that you will do him no harm. Remember, he doesn't know you, either. Never approach a dog from behind, as you may startle them into a fearful reaction. Most dogs will be aware of your presence, but some may be distracted by other things or may be hard of hearing. Be sure the dog sees you. 

6. Put your hand out away from your body, palm up. Dogs see palms as an offer of friendship (and sometimes treats). Palm down can be interpreted as aggressive to some dogs, especially if the hand is above the dog's head.

7. Come in under the dog's chin, and allow her to sniff you. Patting a dog on the head is often our first instinct, but it is a sign of dominance that the dog may not appreciate until he gets to know you better. It's always best to approach from below where the dog can see you. 

8. Give a little chin scratch. Once the dog has sniffed you and seems comfortable, give him a little scratch under the chin. This says "I'm friendly, and I respect you."

9. Pet away. If the dog is comfortable with you petting his chin, move to the ears and back and top of the head and rump and belly...you get the idea. Enjoy a friendly dog, but use self control. Never wrestle or grab a dog around the neck for a hug. If the dog seems a bit uncomfortable, don't proceed to this step. Some owners don't know how to say "no," so learn to pick up on a dog's signals.

10. Never put your face in a dog's face. Though some dogs, especially puppies, are hard to resist, you never want to risk being bitten in the face. Doggie kisses can be loads of fun, but, even if they are offered, consider where the dog's mouth may have been. Did he just enjoy a poo snack? Kissing your own dog is one thing, but kissing a dog you don't know is a different story (I have a hard time following this rule, myself). 

In addition, we always have to respect a dog owner if she doesn't offer permission to pet. It's rare, but it does happen, and it doesn't always mean the dog is unfriendly or the owner is mean. As a professional pet sitter, it is my policy to not allow anyone to pet my clients' dogs. Even if I know the animal well and am certain it would do well in the situation, I stick to my policy. Children and dogs are both unpredictable, and I'm not willing to take the risk with a dog that isn't mine. While I'm walking the dog, it is my responsibility. I simply say "I'm sorry, this dog isn't mine, and I'm not sure how he'll react, so I can't let you pet him today." 

When I'm walking my own dog, it's a different story. I say "sure you can pet her! She'll probably jump on you and kiss you, but if you're okay with that, go for it." 

Dogs and kids are a classic combo of fun and happiness. Every situation is different, but by following these steps, you can set your child up for successful friendships and experiences.