When “It’ll Be Fine” Isn’t Fine

This morning I was out walking two girls currently staying with me for training — a Springer Spaniel and a young Labrador who live together. The Labrador is in season (if you’re unsure what that involves, I’ve written about it here:

https://www.thedogcalmer.com/post/blog-when-your-bitch-comes-into-season).

The Spaniel was off lead a little way ahead. I saw her stop — that still, alert pause — something had caught her eye around the bend. I called her immediately and clipped her back on.

And then they appeared.

A very large Labrador and an equally large lurcher, moving quickly towards us. Posture high. Tails high. Direct approach. No softness in the outline.

Rosie and Pepper

My stomach dropped.

I stepped forward, put my two behind me, raised my arms and used my voice — clear, firm, strong. Thankfully it was enough to interrupt their trajectory. Their owners came into view and I believe they must have called them, because the dogs slowed and were clipped on.

We walked on once I could see both dogs secured.

I spoke to the woman, explaining I was concerned because one of mine was in season. She removed her earbuds and asked me to repeat myself. Her manner felt closed. I explained again. She murmured something and continued walking. I couldn’t tell if she didn’t understand what “in season” meant — or if she simply didn’t feel it mattered.

What stayed with me wasn’t anger.

It was the weight of it.

I have decades of experience. I read dogs quickly. I can step in confidently. And even so — those two dogs felt intimidating in that moment.

What would that have been like for someone less experienced?For an elderly owner?For a child walking the family dog?For someone already anxious?

This isn’t about blame.It’s about responsibility.

If your dog runs up to others unchecked, even in play, even “just being friendly”, you are making decisions for other people. You are deciding they should cope. You are deciding their dog should cope.

And sometimes, they can’t.

A bitch in season.A dog recovering from surgery.A nervous rescue.A reactive adolescent.A person building fragile confidence.

Control is not about dominance.It is about consideration.

It is about understanding that public spaces are shared — and safety comes before sociability.

As professionals, we step in because we can.But we shouldn’t have to.

When will we all accept that loving our dogs also means managing them — especially when it matters most?

If you would like guidance on real-world control, recall and calm leadership, follow along or explore the Online Puppy Masterclass. Foundations built early prevent moments like this later. 🌿

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