A Real-Life Reminder: Safety and Common Sense in Dog Ownership
- engageddogtrainer
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Today was a scary reminder of why training, awareness, and common sense are so critical for dog owners.
We were outside in our front yard with a client’s dog, one of our own, and our granddaughter, when a car drove by with the windows down. There were several small dogs in the back seat, and as they passed, they all started barking and jumping. Then, in the chaos, one of the little dogs fell out of the car window and landed on the pavement.
Thankfully, the dog was unharmed — but the car kept going without noticing. We waited for over half an hour, hoping the driver would return. While we were relieved, it was impossible not to think about what could have happened: the dog could have been seriously injured or killed, it could have charged our dogs or our granddaughter in panic, or it could have caused a traffic accident.
This situation could have been prevented entirely. It’s a stark reminder that as dog owners, we have a responsibility to:
Train and socialize our dogs so they can handle new sights, sounds, and experiences safely.
Know our dogs’ limits — not every dog can safely be loose in a moving car, near windows, or around other dogs and people.
Use common sense in every scenario — think through the potential risks before letting your dog be in a situation where harm could occur.
Training isn’t just about teaching commands; it’s about keeping dogs safe and helping them feel confident in the world. And responsibility isn’t just for our own dogs — it’s about the safety of everyone around them.
We share this story not to shame, but to educate. Every dog owner has a role to play in preventing accidents and keeping the world safe for all dogs and people. A little caution, a little training, and a lot of awareness go a long way.
Dogs are amazing companions, but they also depend on us to make wise choices — sometimes life-saving choices — on their behalf. Let this be a gentle, urgent reminder: your dog’s safety, and the safety of others, is in your hands.
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