If you like to walk with your dog off leash in Open Space, you’ll want to be aware of the Open Space rules and the less formal guidelines related to dogs. First, of course, is the official limit of three dogs per person. All off-leash dogs have to be “under voice control” and they are only allowed on fire roads, not on single track trails where leashes are required.

It’s important to remember that Open Space is for everyone — hikers, bicyclists, joggers, horseback riders and people walking their dogs. If Fido is off leash, he should be reliable around all of the above. He shouldn’t chase any of them, even if you think he wouldn’t do any harm. Those being chased don’t know that and it can be frightening.

Many dogs like to jump up on walkers in order to greet them. Though well meaning, it can feel like being hugged and kissed by a total stranger. Most people do not like it. If Fifi tends to do these things, she should be kept on leash.

Some dogs will race up to strange dogs to greet them. This is bad canine manners and the victim is likely to snarl or bark to tell the enthusiastic one to go away. When that happens, dog guardians sometimes argue about which dog is aggressive; in reality, neither is. One dog is rude and the other is defending himself.

Occasionally, a dog will crouch down and silently stalk another dog. This could be a play move, but the oncoming dog has no way of knowing that. Discourage Fifi by calling her name. If she ignores you, then she should be leashed.

If your dog is off leash and you see a person walking a leashed dog, then it’s your responsibility to avoid them. Dogs are usually leashed for a reason and it’s unfair for your free dog to go up to a restrained dog. It can also lead to aggression if the other dog is afraid or is not keen on meeting strangers.

If both dogs are leashed, the owners should probably avoid each other as well. Though it’s possible for things to go well, they could just as easily go wrong.

If your dog is leashed, but friendly, and you see an unleashed dog trotting purposefully towards you, try letting your leash slide gently out of your hand while you keep walking, arcing away from the interaction. Letting the leash drop puts your dog at the same mental level as the oncoming dog, while arcing to the side silently tells Fido that he should follow you. Most dogs will greet the other dog by sniffing at their chin and rear, and then go on. Some will go through a longer ritual, but if neither has issues, they’ll still break off contact as their guardians leave.

Sometimes, there will be so many people and dogs on the fire road that space becomes an issue. In that case, it’s usually wise to move Fifi off the road and have her sit facing you while you face the oncoming traffic — just like a good leader should!


Trish King is the director of behavior and training at the Marin Humane Society.

Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal