labelling types of dog behaviours

Should we let passers-by know something about how our dogs will react to them?
At the Pet Expo the other day I saw a dog walking around with a collar and lead that said 'blind dog' and I automatically moved aside to give him and his human plenty of room.

Later I came across this dog sitting on one of the stands.

Okaayy... so he's friendly. Does that mean that when he's out and about, everyone should pat him? I think that might be the reaction of the public to seeing such labelling of his personality. I wouldn't want to take Penny walking in a harness like that.

On the other hand, at training it could be useful, because when she's 'working', she focuses closely on me and really doesn't like it if other dogs come within her workspace (ie within a few metres of her and me). She might benefit from the harness labelled 'no dogs'. 

I can see a role for these types of harnesses, but I have my reservations.

swimming with a water-skiing rope leash

When Penny and were spending the day in the Upper Yarra Valley today, we went across to the river for a swim, and we found it a scene of activity. A bunch of kids from a Melbourne school were canoeing down the river and a man was fishing. A bit surprising, as we usually have this spot to ourselves.



However, neither group had a problem with Penny swimming at the same time, so in she went, chasing her absolutely favorite floating toy, the Whirl Wheel. Given that she won't return it right to the bank, but stays in the shallow water waiting for me to throw another one, I always have two.

I had a terrible fright once, when Penny raced off from this swimming spot and crossed a busy highway, so I've been making sure she is on a floating lead when she swims.




Of course, I have to make sure it doesn't snag on anything, but this spot is a clear pool and not too deep for me to jump in if there's a problem. However, there is a little issue if Penny ends up in the water with two whirlwheels. She swims in circles, trying to 'herd' them in to shore.

It's amusing watching her circling around with the rope making a trail behind her.