It is FlowDog's policy that dogs be kept on leash in the facility. We have been recently reminded why this policy is so important.
1.
Marking. Lots of dogs coming and going means lots of smells left behind. These smells sometimes trigger dogs, male and female, to mark. Just the other day a yellow lab, puzzled by the indoor plant in the waiting area, decided to claim it for her very own. We have had other incidents of marking as well. Having the dog on leash gives you as the owner more control over directing the dog away from any temptations.
2.
Inter-Canine and Canine-Human Relations. We want everyone, canine and human, who comes to FlowDog to have a positive experience. Some of the canines have fear of or aggression toward other dogs and/or people with certain characteristics. Keeping the dogs on leash at all times goes a long way toward preventing any unfortunate incidents.
3.
Water Safety. The leash is very helpful in the pool area in terms of keeping the dogs contained while we put on the lifevest and guide them up the ramp to the pool. A lot of our patients are very excited about swimming and can barely contain themselves while they wait. Just the other day a female Olde English Bulldogge's owner let go of her leash in the pool area. Despite the pool gates being closed and locked, the dog, fully dressed in her winter coat, ran up the steps and lept over the side and into the pool. Thankfully her leash did not get caught so as to strangle her and she did not sustain any injuries or get so weighed down by her wet clothes that she panicked or sank.
Many times owners tell us that they know their dogs would "never" exhibit any of the above behaviors, but we have been surprised time and time again. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in following this policy!
