SPRING: It's going to the dogs

An incident on the trail near the Kroc recently reminded me of a number of issues that spring brings about.

I was walking my dog on her short 6-foot leash on the trail near the Kroc. She can be aggressive to other dogs and I never let her loose around any people or dogs in a public, uncontained environment. I have trained her to my verbal and hand commands, but know that a dog in the heat of battle can be deaf.

A loose dog approached and mounted my dog while on the leash. I popped the dog under the chin to get it off my leashed dog. The owner, who made no attempt to call off, restrain or retrieve her canine, yelled at me for “kicking” her dog. I know dogs, attend training classes and know canine behavior well. The pop of my foot under the dog’s chin is to alert it and get it off and away from my leashed dog. If my dog was not on a leash, she would either have retreated or gone for the kill. I cannot predict her behavior. Nor do I trust that the other person has a “nice” dog.

I know I was in the right due to local leash laws. If folks want to let an untrained loose dog run free then they can head to the woods, dog parks or private open areas. It is time for bikes, people and other dogs to be sharing our parks and trails, but for the safety of all a LEASH is the LAW!

Also, after a long and tough winter where we walked twice a day, it is incumbent to scoop the dog doo. The melting snow has left behind well-preserved dog waste that is a hazard on and beside the trail. For all those who leave the dog’s mess behind, it is a health hazard to your dog, kids, yourself and the environment. If you “pack it in, then pack it out!” Snow has no magical ability to erase this sewage.

A gentle reminder for careless dog owners is necessary when it happens 365 days a year. I happily share my Coeur d’Alene Press blue plastic bags when I see folks just keep walking. I get the scowls, but prefer not to step in the mess the next day!

Happy spring and let’s all be considerate of others, canine and otherwise.

LYNN FLEMING

Coeur d’Alene