Defensive (dog) driving in Utah
Getting behind the wheel of a car isn’t risk free. We are taught to have defensive driving skills in order to keep ourselves and those around us safe. Defensive driving involves anticipating and preparing for potential hazards .
The same is true for walking your dog. Taking your dog out into public for a walk isn’t risk free. You should be practicing defensive (dog) driving skills in order to keep yourself and those around you safe. Defensive (dog) driving involves anticipating and preparing for potential hazards.
Some defensive driving techniques and how they relate to walking your dog include:
Following distance (cars): Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front, usually two to three seconds. This gives you enough time to react if the other driver brakes suddenly.
(Dogs) Give dogs space! Dogs should not be asked to or expected to cope with passing closely by strange dogs, strange people, cyclist, scooters, baby strollers, etc., And they should not be walked directly up to another dog without consent from the other handler. Cross the street or pull off to the side to allow someone to pass. If you want your dog to be neutral toward other dogs and people, this will set them up for success.
(Dogs) If you see an off leash dog, you’ll need much more space in order to avoid pulling that off leash dog into your dog’s orbit.
(Dogs) Do not throw your dog’s ball or toy in the direction of another person or dog. Even if you know your dog will not be distracted and choose to approach that person or their dog, that other person and that other dog does not know that and you are putting unnecessary stress on someone else.
Signal early and clearly (cars): Let other road users know what you intend to do.
(Dogs) Watch what others are doing around you. If you notice someone leash their dog and move away when they see you coming, you should do the same.
(Dogs) Plan and prepare your route the moment you see someone coming, don’t wait until the last second to move your dog away.
Use your mirrors (cars): Keep your hands on the wheel and use your mirrors to stay aware of what's going on around you.
(Dogs) Keep vigilant and plan what you’re going to do long before you encounter someone. If you see someone coming, look for a safe place to pull over or a safe place to cross the street so the dogs can pass by each other comfortably.
(Dogs) Be cautious in areas where you do not have good line of sight or visibility. Proceed through those areas with caution or find a different route. If your dog is off leash, you should leash them whenever you do not have good line of sight or visibility.
Adapt to the weather (cars): Take extra precautions if there's a chance of severe weather.
(Dogs) Ice, snow, rain, mud, wind in your eyes, etc., will put you at a handling disadvantage and make it more dangerous and difficult to avoid hazards. Ensure you have appropriate gear and footwear if you plan to take your dog out in bad weather conditions.
(Dogs) Allow for even more space from those around you and even more time to plan and prepare when the weather conditions are poor.
Follow the rules and using the roads for safe purposes only (cars):
(Dogs) Everyone has equal rights to enjoy public spaces. We all have to learn to share and be flexible. If you have a route you like, but someone else is in your way, go a different way.
(Dogs) If there are other people and dogs around you put your leash back on your dog.
(Dogs) Pick up your dog’s poop.
Eliminating distractions such as mobile phones, food, and drink (cars)
(Dogs) Stay connected with your dog and alert to your surroundings.