cbmcts
Well-Known Member
I think it's a combination of reasons that causes this.
It's actually quite difficult to socialise a dog these days - especially if you have an older one with issues - as there is a lack of open space that doesn't have to be shared with people who have what seems like ever increasing dog phobias. It's much harder to find somewhere where dogs can be safely off lead and it sometimes feels like there are only two types of owner in my area - the ones who's dogs are untrained, tearing around bouncing on or threatening other dogs and the others who are now terrified that Fido is going to be ate by another dog. As a result Fido is now also unsocialised and is picking up the tension from terrified owner so starts acting out...It's a bit of vicious circle really.
Training is also an issue, it's one thing going to classes which, while very helpful and always recommended you still need to have the opportunity to practise in the 'real world' but while there are so many people who are uncomfortable with/anti dog you are taking a risk that you and your dog could easily be complained about (or worst case scenario, prosecuted) before the training is established. A lot of people will not cut you any slack at all when you are trying to deal with training problems, in my case a terrier who is aggressive while on lead. Look, if I didn't care about your dogs would I have mine muzzled? At the same time, it would be really helpful if the same people who would blast me if they or their dog got bitten would be a bit understanding about the hairy mutt who is turning himself inside out, rather than tutting and pointing. I also have an older Rott who has got manners, doesn't bother anyone but is treated like the Devil Incarnate by non dog walkers and dog walkers alike. Very, very few people allow him to play with their dogs(funnily enough, staffie owners, hoodies or otherwise are the exception
) or their kids to say hello but do think that the muzzled JRT is a suitable candidate for either occupation. 
just 'cos he's smaller and cuter or can't bite another dog'
That's before we even talk about the owners who are completely incapable of training themselves, their kids or their dogs because it's too much like hard work - they don't see the point because the result isn't instant...so just live in a state of denial that their dog would ever put a paw out of place.
It's ok, I'm off my soapbox now
It's actually quite difficult to socialise a dog these days - especially if you have an older one with issues - as there is a lack of open space that doesn't have to be shared with people who have what seems like ever increasing dog phobias. It's much harder to find somewhere where dogs can be safely off lead and it sometimes feels like there are only two types of owner in my area - the ones who's dogs are untrained, tearing around bouncing on or threatening other dogs and the others who are now terrified that Fido is going to be ate by another dog. As a result Fido is now also unsocialised and is picking up the tension from terrified owner so starts acting out...It's a bit of vicious circle really.
Training is also an issue, it's one thing going to classes which, while very helpful and always recommended you still need to have the opportunity to practise in the 'real world' but while there are so many people who are uncomfortable with/anti dog you are taking a risk that you and your dog could easily be complained about (or worst case scenario, prosecuted) before the training is established. A lot of people will not cut you any slack at all when you are trying to deal with training problems, in my case a terrier who is aggressive while on lead. Look, if I didn't care about your dogs would I have mine muzzled? At the same time, it would be really helpful if the same people who would blast me if they or their dog got bitten would be a bit understanding about the hairy mutt who is turning himself inside out, rather than tutting and pointing. I also have an older Rott who has got manners, doesn't bother anyone but is treated like the Devil Incarnate by non dog walkers and dog walkers alike. Very, very few people allow him to play with their dogs(funnily enough, staffie owners, hoodies or otherwise are the exception
) or their kids to say hello but do think that the muzzled JRT is a suitable candidate for either occupation. just 'cos he's smaller and cuter or can't bite another dog' That's before we even talk about the owners who are completely incapable of training themselves, their kids or their dogs because it's too much like hard work - they don't see the point because the result isn't instant...so just live in a state of denial that their dog would ever put a paw out of place.
It's ok, I'm off my soapbox now
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and one I agree with wholeheartedly.
