Dog killed at Burghley

[Hackie]

Just awful, that poor puppy,and as the owner I'd be beside myself. Unfortunatley accidents happen, and I know how you blame yourself when they do, as hindsight is 20/20.

I do hope the owner of the staffie is found, and the dog destroyed. Given the owners seeming nonchalance, and the dogs agression, that is one horrible combination. The mind boggles.

But as many have said, it raises the question of dogs at events. I don't see the issue generally if the dog is well behaved, being looked after and is enjoying itself, but I don't see the need to bring 6 dogs with you, including small puppies - I've owned six before, and getting them anywhere as a group was a nightmare. Given all that was going on there, other dogs included, surely you'd be too busy supervising to actually see anything, I just don't see the point, and there is the issue of vacination on a pup that young.

 

[Luci07]

Please stop focusing on the breed. In fact the original report said "large dog which LOOKED to be a Stafford x". And now it has gone to "it's a Stafford". A proper Stafford is a small dog, with the dog being a maximum of 16" at the shoulder. Bitch is 14".

And just for the record, my Stafford male pup nearly lost his eye as a 4 month old puppy to a black lab. He has a permantly blocked eye duct. Blame the owners and not just the dogs ..the most vicious dog we have ever met was a cocker spaniel!

As for taking your dogs to shows, I am with Honey08. I like taking my dogs with me, but like her, I apply common sense. I don't take the dogs on a very hot day, I give up any thought of shopping and accept I will be laden with water for the dogs, poo bags and treats. I am more restricted now as I have 4 and won't take all 4 out together to a big event as that's no fun for me. Competing, yes as they stay on the lorry quite happily till brought out. If your dog enjoys it and you think ahead, then that's fine. Mine all wear harnesses when in a busy public place as will not risk them slipping their collars though.

Mind you, last year we saw more and had more fun watching Badminton on the red button. With or without dogs, it's hard work getting around the course nowadays!

 

[Copperpot]

Copperpot - so although your terriers would attack a puppy you would take them to a crowded place like a horse trials? Sorry if I misread that.

I said snap not attack. And only if a puppy was jumping all over them and they couldn't get away from it. A situation which I wouldn't put them in anyway.

I don't go to the crowded areas if I have them with me. And I certainly expect others to have enough control of their dogs to not let them jump all over mine whether they are a puppy or not.

 

[Elsbells]

So sorry to hear this, poor puppy, poor owners.

This is why I've never taken any of my well behaved dogs to events where there will be crowds, that and the fact they can't possibly enjoy being dragged through the throng of people, pushchairs and feet?

 

[stevieg]

I get sick of saying this every year, but my dogs love going to the big events. And yes I can tell a stressed dog thank you! We take food and water and don't take them into the shopping village. It's just a good walk with lots to see for them. I also love seeing everyone else's dogs. 99.9% of them are well behaved.

Agree 100%. Bit tired of seeing posts/comments/threads stating that dogs shouldn't be allowed at big events. I always take mine and have never had an issue. I find bored fractious children far more of a problem,

 

[Darremi]

Aside from the main issue here, retractable dog leads should be banned at horse trials. They are extremely dangerous.

 

[Laafet]

Aside from the main issue here, retractable dog leads should be banned at horse trials. They are extremely dangerous.

Did you see the picture of the poor little girl's that had been burnt by one of those awful leads. They truly are the work of the devil and yes I do get my judgey pants on when I see a dog with one. The little girl had her skin burnt as a loose dog tore through the spectators and it got wrapped around her leg/arm, that wasn't clear on the photo. The paramedics at the fence they were near patched her up. Another reason why I don't really enjoy taking my dog to bit events like that, he is ok, but I get fed up of out of control dogs on zippy leads tripped people up and jumping all over well behaved dogs. I never take mine now, he doesn't enjoy it, cries while we are watching the horses and hates being bumped into. He is far happier at home on the sofa, being let out a few times for a wee by my neighbour.

 

[Alec Swan]

I wonder if to help with the problem, it wouldn't be a good idea, at EVERY entrance, including the competitors, and on every programme, to have bold and unmissable signs which go something like;

***"If you must bring your dog in to this event, please do understand that you will be accountable for your dog's and your own conduct, and those who in the opinion of the Organisers, who fail to control those dogs under their control, will be ejected, and without appeal. Any criminal abuse or neglect will be reported to the appropriate authorities"***.

Of course there are those on here who have dogs which through training and attention are the very models of good conduct, but there are many who aren't, and the day's pleasure for many can be marred by idiot dogs with equally idiot owners.

One question, and regarding the unfortunate pup, and its owner, was the dog that killed it on a lead? Assuming that it was, how come there are those who have dogs on leads, whilst being unaware of a dog's likely behaviour?

When there is a fatality of a valuable horse, or of a rider, and caused by a loose dog, then dogs will be banned from equine events, and such a barring of entry will get a round of applause from me. None of the British Motor Racing circuits allow dogs, anywhere.

Alec.

 

[Pebble101]

When there is a fatality of a valuable horse, or of a rider, and caused by a loose dog, then dogs will be banned from equine events, and such a barring of entry will get a round of applause from me. None of the British Motor Racing circuits allow dogs, anywhere.

Alec.

My biggest problem as a rider has not been with dogs but people walking the course with buggies - galloping along a path through woodland to come across someone trying to push her buggy uphill was not the best thing ever.

I am not a dog owner but think it would be a shame if they were banned from equine events, once again the minority spoil it for the majority.

And you aren't quite right about motor racing tracks - certainly Lydden Hill allows them on leads, although not something that I think should be encouraged.

 

[lannerch]

I took my 7 month old Scottie to burghley and he loved every minute , the only bit he found stressful was the fact he wasn't allowed to say hello to every dog!

We arrived early as we were camping nearby so no traffic jams.

I too saw the group of dachsands all looked very happy and my heart goes out to the owner of the deceased little one, here and now is not the place to comment on whether or not a puppy so young should have been there.

 

[Alec Swan]

…….., here and now is not the place to comment on whether or not a puppy so young should have been there.

I can't agree with you. Here and now is exactly the place and time for comment. Others may learn from this lady's sorrow.

Alec.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I've only just seen this thread, my heart goes out to the puppy's owner.

We have 2 Rotties, whose first outing, aged 11 weeks (as soon as they could after vacs) was to Bramham, last year. We deliberately went on the Thursday because it is quieter then. They had their midday meal in the car park as we arrived, we had bottles of water and collapsible bowls for them and got them each a bandana which we soaked in water periodically. The girls had a lovely time, loads of people wanted to stroke them. We didn't approach any other dogs but they walked around with other dogs in the vicinity, all were beautifully behaved.
They went again this year, no-one had to ask what breed they are this time but there were still a number of people who wanted to talk to them. They have been to agricultural shows, both large and small, as well and always get excited if we are getting ready to go somewhere similar - they were very miffed to be left at home when we went to GYS, where dogs are not allowed.
Many dog fans, including a very well-known behaviourist, have complimented us on how well socialised they are. They would not have been so well-socialised, which is vital for Rottweilers, if they had not been taken out and about.
I can think of no circumstances where it is acceptable for an owner to allow his/her dog to attack another, particularly if the other is on a lead.

And as for extending leads, I once witnessed a young spaniel get run over by a Hilux at a major road junction because its dim-witted owner had it on an extending lead and was concentrating more on her text messages than on her dog. I could cheerfully have got out of my car and slapped the silly cow. I felt so sorry for the Hilux driver, who seemed to be having to take control of the situation.

 

[lannerch]

I can't agree with you. Here and now is exactly the place and time for comment. Others may learn from this lady's sorrow.

Alec.

Why does that not surprise me. I think in circumstances like this when the pain of the owners is so raw a little compassion is required it's like rubbing salt in the gaping wound!
Time is a great healer , and respectful time is required IMO before the discussion you desire should be approached.
I am sure the owners live with more than enough regret and guilt ( rightly or wrongly) without you adding to it!

 

[Dannylandrover]

The trouble is this can happen any where and with any breed !, my elderly father was walking our elderly jack russell terrier on a country lane in the village where he lives and she was attacked by a neighbours springer spaniel, off the lead and not under control ! Katie is 15 and would not hurt a fly before but now is nervous and snarly at other dogs !!