confirmedponyaddict
Well-Known Member
I know there are often posts on here about bad behaviour from dogs but this is more about irresponsible owners. Twice in the last few weeks I've had to shoo dogs away from my pony out hacking because the owner couldn't call them back. The first was a little terrier type that came bounding up to my mare yapping and barking, not aggressive but she will kick out if something goes behind her back legs. The owner didn't even have a lead, he called him back but let him get away with not coming back. I lent down and told the dog to 'go away' at which point I get a mouthful of abuse about my bad attitude and how the dog is 'just a puppy'. I tried to explain I was more worried about him getting kicked than my pony getting bitten but it seemed to fall on deaf ears.
The second time I was riding a livery horse and had a labrador run up to us being very aggressive and jumping up at the horse's throat. Again the owner made a feeble attempt to get the dog back but in the end I swished my whip at it, not aiming to hit but discourage. On this occasion the owner was very apologetic but it's just not ok to allow your dog to behave like that. I was escorting a hack with children which a) made it more worrying and b) meant I couldn't really give him a piece of my mind!
Have I just been unlucky or are owners becoming worse at controlling their dogs? I really don't blame the animals at all but they are obviously not being trained properly. As well as venting my frustration I was wondering if anyone else has had any experiences like this?
The second time I was riding a livery horse and had a labrador run up to us being very aggressive and jumping up at the horse's throat. Again the owner made a feeble attempt to get the dog back but in the end I swished my whip at it, not aiming to hit but discourage. On this occasion the owner was very apologetic but it's just not ok to allow your dog to behave like that. I was escorting a hack with children which a) made it more worrying and b) meant I couldn't really give him a piece of my mind!
Have I just been unlucky or are owners becoming worse at controlling their dogs? I really don't blame the animals at all but they are obviously not being trained properly. As well as venting my frustration I was wondering if anyone else has had any experiences like this?