Respecting non-dog lovers

I thought I would do a little blog today about people who are maybe not so keen or are afraid of dogs.

The woods around Oslo are for everybody’s use whether you are skiing, biking, hiking with or without dogs. Everyone has an equal right to experience the fantastic nature, if they so wish.

On our dog walks we sometimes meet people who are not so keen or afraid of dogs. There can be a plethora of reasons why this is so and I encourage people not to judge or assume they might know why.

The most important thing is to show respect and consideration whilst having control over our dogs and packs. Believe it or not, not everyone is super keen for a happy, friendly dog to come over and say hello.

This is the reason why we attach leads and long leads to your dogs even when they run free. It enables us to get them under control and back with us, without the time consuming need to attach multiple leads to excited puppies.

Every Thursday afternoon I walk at a place which I call Castles in the Sky (inspired by the dance tune by Ian van Dahl, if you are old enough to remember it).

Where I start and end my walk I often meet the most delightful couple and their daughter whom I have chatted to for several years now.

The husband and daughter like dogs, but the wife openly tells me that she is uncomfortable and fearful around them.

They know that I walk here every Thursday afternoon and a few years ago I asked where their normal route would take them as they pass nearby me.

I informed the wife that now that I knew their route, that from then onwards the dogs and I would explore on different paths so as she would not need to feel uncomfortable.

The last thing I would want is for this delightful family to change their weekly adventure to accommodate us.

And so through open, friendly and honest communication we have been able to find a beautiful compromise where the dogs and I still get to play in the most wonderful settings, whilst ensuring that no one else’s hike becomes a negative experience.

So whether you are Christian Ringnes or a homeless person, you absolutely have the same right to enjoy the beautiful nature around us if you so wish. Marka er til alle!

Doggies: Mino, Bandido and Leopold