Love Dogs? Spread the love!

Leashes protect both dogs and wildlife. Photo credit: GoPetFriendly.com

If you’re fond of dogs, you probably don’t need to be convinced that they can feel emotion. You may have experienced looking into a dog's eyes and felt a wave of happiness wash over you. That’s because both you and the dog release the hormone oxytocin when you make eye contact. This proves that dogs can feel your love and reciprocate it, too.

Would you be surprised to learn that there’s evidence that the brains of all mammals can generate emotional experiences? And not just mammals but birds, fish, and other organisms too. Dogs are the most privileged of all non-human animals in Whistler. Not only do they receive the love and attention of their responsible owners and families, but they also never have to worry about going hungry, being eaten by predators, or losing their homes.

This is not true for the wildlife that live here.

In my experience, people who feel fortunate to be surrounded by nature are caring and compassionate. They cherish our wildlife neighbours as much as a dog owner cherishes their pup. I believe most dog owners fall into this category, as knowing your dog can feel love, pain, joy, and fear makes you more likely to realize that other animals feel these things too.

The more attention you give your dog, the more you can enjoy this interspecies relationship. The same is true for the natural world—the more you pay attention to wildlife, the more it will enrich your life. The opportunities for discovery are endless!

However, not everyone who lets their dogs off-leash in natural areas is aware of the significance of their impacts. Wildlife identify dogs as predators and move away from them, temporarily or permanently, reducing the habitat in which to feed, breed, and rest. Off-leash dogs can also damage habitat by trampling, scratching, and digging.

Another concern is that off-leash dogs disturb ground-nesting birds. When dogs chase birds, even if they do not catch and kill them, they still cause harm by forcing the animals to temporarily or permanently abandon their nest and chicks. This is most noticeable at the Fitzsimmons Creek Delta, where dog owners may miss the signs to leash up. Here we find ground-nesting birds such as Killdeer, American Pipits and Spotted Sandpipers.

Leashes also keep dogs safe, protecting them from other dogs and wildlife. They help prevent curious dogs from contracting diseases that can spread through bites and feces from wildlife, and safeguard dogs from getting lost or hurt in the wilderness.

Many people may let their dogs off-leash because they believe it provides them with more exercise and mental stimulation. If you’re concerned about this, consider taking your dog on longer on-leash walks or changing up your routes to expose them to different smells and atmospheres.

Safe and responsible options also include using an extendable/retractable leash or a leash that attaches to a waist belt, allowing the owner to walk hands-free. Even on-leash, there is no denying that dogs are grateful and happy just to spend time with their owners.

Additionally, there are off-leash dog parks at Lost Lake Park, Alpha Lake Park, Rainbow Park, Bayly Park, Spruce Grove Park, and Meadow Park.

As Whistler Animals Galore (WAG) reminds us, please follow the Whistler leash bylaws. Together, we can work to minimize our impact so all animals can be as healthy and happy as possible.

Written by: Kristina Swerhun

#wildlife #birding