Dog walking rant (on it’s a hot day after all)

[paddy555]

If YOUR dog can't cope with that, take them somewhere else. Why should the 95% of dogs running and having fun be dictated by someone who's dog can't cope?

no problem, I am sure he would love to run free and play with your little dogs. If they are only 18 inches high I will just make sure he has had his dinner first.
I don't let him fun free and play not because he is nervous and cannot cope but simply as a responsible dog owner because I do not want him to bowl over little dogs. If I was walking and another dog ran up to him I would ask the owner to get it under control whether that was in a dog play area or anywhere else.

 

[EllenJay]

no problem, I am sure he would love to run free and play with your little dogs. If they are only 18 inches high I will just make sure he has had his dinner first.
.

They are a bit old and grisley now, so would stick between his teeth 🤣

I'm not saying that if circumstances dictate my dogs are not restrained, but what I am querying is why if you know your dog is reactive why would you take them to where you know other dogs are off lead and likely to try to interact?

Surely you need to know your own dogs personality and walk them where it is safe to do so?

 

[ester]

I'm sure plenty of our local dog owners who use the only bit of off-road riding that we have because it is essentially fully fenced to let off their not always totally in control dogs get peed off that we are spoiling their fun because they aren't totally horse safe.
It pees me off a bit that we can't then canter because we're polite enough to at least walk past unless we can give them lots of space (it's wide) or know them enough that it will be ok.
I kind of think that's part of sharing country spaces though, a bit of give and take and helping out anyone who might be struggling a bit with their current situation that might not be of their own making. Certainly in our area you'd be pretty limited to find areas where people weren't letting dogs off leads unless you stuck to the pavement/road which seems a shame for dog and owner.

 

[{97702}]

Totally agree. You are taking responsibility for your dog's safety, and not expecting everyone else to do so. If you see a "threatening" dog, YOU take the initiative to move them out of the way, which is what a responsible dog owner does,

I think you’ve totally missed the point of my original post. That IS exactly what did.

So that my nasty vicious horrible greyhounds (sic) cannot be accused of turning some poor innocent fluffy into “greyhound fodder” when their owner cannot control it...... 🙄

 

[EllenJay]

I think you’ve totally missed the point of my original post. That IS exactly what did.

So that my nasty vicious horrible greyhounds (sic) cannot be accused of turning some poor innocent fluffy into “greyhound fodder” when their owner cannot control it...... 🙄

I think you totally missed my point, that you need to make sure you walk your dog's responsibly. If you know your dogs are reactive why walk them where you know dogs are running free? If your dogs can't cope then why put them through that trauma? Why not take them where you know "unruly" dogs will not come up to them? Why spoil other people's enjoyment of letting their dogs interact? Why get upset that their well socialized dogs need to be restrained?
I have said that I also have a reactive dog, but I don't expect other people to stop their dogs playing, I just deal with what is presented to me. I am lucky that my reactive dog is small so I can lift her out of problems, which is obviously not a solution for you, but if she was bigger I wouldn't walk her anywhere with loose dogs.

I have also never said that your dogs are "nasty vicious horrible" BUT if they react unfavourablly to other dogs why put them in that situation.

 

[cbmcts]

Cbmcts to save me being a weird stalker and scrolling back through all your posts 😊 what sort of dog do you have? I thought 37kg (and increasing) of greyhound was enough 😄

It’s such a shame others have this problem too.... as some compensation today I took mine for a shorter walk (Marty greyhound was TIRED and doesn’t DO long walks, he was most aggrieved that we did a whole 5k yesterday!) and we only saw one couple in the distance! They called their dogs back to them, I had hold of mine/called Amy lurcher over to me.... harmony 😊

He is a rottweiler mastiff cross - looks like a lanky rott with jowls

 

[{97702}]

He is a rottweiler mastiff cross - looks like a lanky rott with jowls

View attachment 34897View attachment 34897

Lovely 😊 😊😊

 

[{97702}]

I think you totally missed my point, that you need to make sure you walk your dog's responsibly. If you know your dogs are reactive why walk them where you know dogs are running free? If your dogs can't cope then why put them through that trauma? Why not take them where you know "unruly" dogs will not come up to them? Why spoil other people's enjoyment of letting their dogs interact? Why get upset that their well socialized dogs need to be restrained?
I have said that I also have a reactive dog, but I don't expect other people to stop their dogs playing, I just deal with what is presented to me. I am lucky that my reactive dog is small so I can lift her out of problems, which is obviously not a solution for you, but if she was bigger I wouldn't walk her anywhere with loose dogs.

I have also never said that your dogs are "nasty vicious horrible" BUT if they react unfavourablly to other dogs why put them in that situation.

No you didn’t say that, AmyMay insinuated that without saying so directly in her post.

I’ve explained clearly in my OP why I did that walk on that day, and the measures I took because of the route I chose.

My dog is not reactive because he is nervous, he is reactive at the moment because he has come off the track fairly recently after nearly 5 years of being trained to chase small fluffy things by human beings. How do you expect him to react? And how do you expect him to ever improve without controlled exposure to those triggers over a period of time to lessen his reaction?

The whole point of my OP was that the dogs in question were NOT well socialised..... if you’d read the post properly you would have seen that they were cocker poos running riot with no control, and a ‘teenage’ golden retriever who had been taught no parameters of acceptable behaviour by his owners. Those are not well socialised dogs who are playing and enjoying themselves

 

[EllenJay]

No you didn’t say that, AmyMay insinuated that without saying so directly in her post.

I’ve explained clearly in my OP why I did that walk on that day, and the measures I took because of the route I chose.

My dog is not reactive because he is nervous, he is reactive at the moment because he has come off the track fairly recently after nearly 5 years of being trained to chase small fluffy things by human beings. How do you expect him to react? And how do you expect him to ever improve without controlled exposure to those triggers over a period of time to lessen his reaction?

The whole point of my OP was that the dogs in question were NOT well socialised..... if you’d read the post properly you would have seen that they were cocker poos running riot with no control, and a ‘teenage’ golden retriever who had been taught no parameters of acceptable behaviour by his owners. Those are not well socialised dogs who are playing and enjoying themselves

I did read your OP properly, and I'm not sure of the relevance of the breed of dogs? You must be very unlucky where you walk your dogs to have so many badly behaved dogs attacking your greyhounds. In my experience of many years of dog ownership (over 40), I have never had that experience, let alone 5 dogs on one short walk. Either you are over-reacting or you need to change where you walk your dogs.
I am also expecting as a fully responsible dog owner, that your off the track greyhounds are fully muzzled and therefore will not be able to cause damage to all these "out of control" other dogs.

 

[cbmcts]

Depending on where you live, it's not always that easy to avoid the muppets though. If I walk in any of the local parks I'm going to meet 'those' people but I often don't have the time or in winter when I'm walking as it gets dark to drive to the big country park nor is it safe to do so when the car park is locked and I'd have to park illegally and risk getting run over on an unlit road getting to and from the park.

Also, even muzzled dogs can do a fair bit of damage to other dogs...

All I ask is that people at least try to be considerate. My dog is not there to entertain their dogs and he's been very unwell recently so really doesn't need other dogs bouncing him. When those other owners pay his nearly 5 figure vet bills and do his rehab, they can decide whether he can play or not. I do understand that we all get caught out sometimes and in that case, get your dog, don't stand half a mile away roaring that 'he's friendly or he just wants to play'. An apology would be nice but let's not ask for miracles eh?I don't walk through a pack of dogs demanding that everybody puts theirs on a lead - I will swerve a minimum of 100m away. At the same time, I have just as much right to use the public facilities as everyone else and I'm being considerate by not allowing my very large dog who isn't nervous or aggressive but does play hard, to bowl their much smaller dogs over. I also don't want to worry people when the dog that my brother refers to as a cross between a donkey and a dog goes flying over to them and leans his full weight on their legs looking for a pat - or does a perfect present with his nose stuck in their crotch (while drooling, not a good look on their trousers) if he thinks they have treats.

It's really not rocket science but it is manners to remember that in public, space is shared.

 

[Fabled Thoroughbred]

Yeah, I wish people would be more considerate in regards to their animals.

 

[blackcob]

If you know your dogs are reactive why walk them where you know dogs are running free? If your dogs can't cope then why put them through that trauma? Why not take them where you know "unruly" dogs will not come up to them?

If that was the case then you’d never walk your dog. I have walked in some odd places and odd times over the years (shift work, trying to get cooler temps for for dog sports etc.) and though you might meet fewer selfish idiots at those times and places, it’s never no idiots at all.

It’s not asking that no-one walks their dog off the lead ever, only that people have the right to walk theirs in whatever manner they see fit without being forced to interact with another dog, temperament unknown. I think someone said upthread about not being entertainment for other people’s dogs.

 

[paddy555]

They are a bit old and grisley now, so would stick between his teeth 🤣

I'm not saying that if circumstances dictate my dogs are not restrained, but what I am querying is why if you know your dog is reactive why would you take them to where you know other dogs are off lead and likely to try to interact?

Surely you need to know your own dogs personality and walk them where it is safe to do so?

absolutely not a problem, he is fed raw and is very experienced with gristle and bones.

the point is that my dog is not reactive and, unless this as a private area, I have as much right to walk there as anyone else. I also have the right to walk anywhere without others running up to either me or him. Why should I, (or anyone else) be restricted where we walk our dogs just because others won't keep their dogs off us? It is a point that really niggles me. I am doing the responsible thing by keeping my dog on a lead. Many people are scared of GSD's. Many cross over to avoid them. They (and possibly other large dogs) don't have a good reputation in some people's eyes. Mine is kept leaded as no doubt if anything happened then, as a breed, he would be blamed even if it was caused by someone's out of control dog running loose.
In order that we can enjoy our walk I expect others not to let their dogs "interact" with him.

 

[DabDab]

Having had a completely non reactive terrier attacked my a couple of labs out walking, and the reason he only lost a leg and wasn't completely ripped apart by the two of them ragging at him was because he was so near me when it happened, I don't let my dogs interact with unknown dogs now. They have plenty of interaction with other dogs that I know, so I don't need to risk it while out and about.

They run loose, but I put them on the lead to pass other dogs, and if the path is very narrow I either get right off it out the way of possible, or pick them up to pass. This is entirely my prerogative but the amount of people that get offended and pissy (even though I just say hi politely, I've never told anyone to put their dog on a lead or similar), is bonkers.

 

[{97702}]

I did read your OP properly, and I'm not sure of the relevance of the breed of dogs? You must be very unlucky where you walk your dogs to have so many badly behaved dogs attacking your greyhounds. In my experience of many years of dog ownership (over 40), I have never had that experience, let alone 5 dogs on one short walk. Either you are over-reacting or you need to change where you walk your dogs.
I am also expecting as a fully responsible dog owner, that your off the track greyhounds are fully muzzled and therefore will not be able to cause damage to all these "out of control" other dogs.

Lol clearly you haven’t read the post properly - one couple walking 5 dogs, nice lady with spaniel, one couple with Sheltie and teenage Golden retriever. So 3 separate meetings with other dogs in what wasn’t a short walk - hardly unusual 😊

 

[{97702}]

I was reflecting about this thread on my dog walk today, sad person that I am 😄 I didn’t meet another soul you’ll be relieved to hear 😉

My greyhounds and lurchers are not muzzled when I take them for a walk.... because they are under control. I’m a courteous dog walker who moves my dogs out of the way if I encounter another walker, whether they have a dog or not. If someone’s small out-of-control fluffy were to come near enough to my dogs be a problem it would be likely to get a kick up the backside from me to remove it from the area, but my dogs will not harm it because I’d have a tight hold on their collars!

I get fed up with the bad press this gentle breed get when irresponsible owners let them follow their chase instincts and other people’s dogs suffer as a result, it isn’t the dogs fault it is the owners. I’m damned if I’m going to let my much loved dogs get into a situation where they might be able to add to that bad press.

**adjusts halo self consciously** 😇😇

 

[windand rain]

Its a bit of a leap but if a dog is bred to chase and kill fluffy things surely they should always be muzzled A friends greyhound was PTS as it killed several cats that dare trespass on her garden etc. Had she been muzzled there would have been less of a problem. She was always on the lead has had no recall (rescue off the track). I appreciate they are lovely dogs have met many a lovely, lazy, sloppy, if aloof ones both in and out of rescue but I do wonder if they make the best pet dogs. Unless you are very dedicated to making sure they do not injure or kill little fluffies to walk them out in public without muzzles is a little irresponsible as they may well get away from you, in some circumstances, after all most of us have tripped over or fallen down or fainted or any other loss of control moment that can occur out of the blue. Will no doubt be shot down by all those that own these lovely dogs but it is my concern about them. Just as it is my serious concern about snub nosed dogs that struggle to breathe at the best of times and if we really are going to have hot, dry summers they too are a welfare issue. The breeding of extemes whether it be speed or flat faces have a lot to answer for.

 

[{97702}]

I’m going to refrain from commenting on that one 😊

ETA - actually no, unsurprisingly, I cannot let it pass

Personally I do not understand anyone who has a dog PTS for killing cats which enter that dog’s secure enclosed garden. Whether that is a greyhound or any other breed I hasten to add. My garden, my rules, cats are not welcome.

I had hoped that I had made it very clear in my posts that I AM dedicated to stopping my dogs potentially damaging other dogs, that was the whole point of post 46 although it was done in a tongue in cheek style. Clearly I haven’t made it clear enough 🙄

I am struggling to recall ANY occasion where I have been careless enough to let my dogs “get away from me” on a walk, and I genuinely cannot remember one. That is why I have dog leads with loops on the end, so the loops are round my wrist and IF I were to be careless enough to fall over my dogs would not get away from me

There appear to be a number of forum users who wish to comment negatively about every aspect of this thread, which was intended to be a jokey rant. I do not feel the need to continue having to justify my actions as a greyhound owner to people who don’t know me or my dogs at all, so let’s consider the matter closed.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Apart from...lol...if we were to muzzle every dog which had the genetic propensity to chase and possess things in their mouths, there would be a lot of muzzled dogs.

Prey drive and food drive are the two primary drives and those which humans have manipulated to use dogs to hunt/detect, retrieve, herd and race for centuries.

 

[{97702}]

Apart from...lol...if we were to muzzle every dog which had the genetic propensity to chase and possess things in their mouths, there would be a lot of muzzled dogs.

Prey drive and food drive are the two primary drives and those which humans have manipulated to use dogs to hunt/detect, retrieve, herd and race for centuries.

Shush CC, you are talking common sense.... and I want to have the last post 😉😂😂

 

[splashgirl45]

Its a bit of a leap but if a dog is bred to chase and kill fluffy things surely they should always be muzzled A friends greyhound was PTS as it killed several cats that dare trespass on her garden etc. Had she been muzzled there would have been less of a problem. She was always on the lead has had no recall (rescue off the track). I appreciate they are lovely dogs have met many a lovely, lazy, sloppy, if aloof ones both in and out of rescue but I do wonder if they make the best pet dogs. Unless you are very dedicated to making sure they do not injure or kill little fluffies to walk them out in public without muzzles is a little irresponsible as they may well get away from you, in some circumstances, after all most of us have tripped over or fallen down or fainted or any other loss of control moment that can occur out of the blue. Will no doubt be shot down by all those that own these lovely dogs but it is my concern about them. Just as it is my serious concern about snub nosed dogs that struggle to breathe at the best of times and if we really are going to have hot, dry summers they too are a welfare issue. The breeding of extemes whether it be speed or flat faces have a lot to answer for.

i really dont see why you mention greyhounds specifically, if a cat is in my garden (where it shouldnt be) and one of mine killed it i wouldnt be happy but its in a dogs nature. ALL dogs not just greyhounds. my friends next door neighbour has a terrier and a local cat used to sit on the fence and tease him, one day the cat dropped down off the fence and the terrier killed it..should he be muzzled when he goes in his own garden? IMO the cat is in the wrong and should be kept under control by its owners....and all dogs have the capacity to kill others so should all dogs be muzzled???

 

[CorvusCorax]

Apart from...lol...if we were to muzzle every dog which had the genetic propensity to chase and possess things in their mouths, there would be a lot of muzzled dogs.

Prey drive and food drive are the two primary drives and those which humans have manipulated to use dogs to hunt/detect, retrieve, herd and race for centuries.

Oh and all tracking/police/service type dogs and their derivative sports, things like agility, obedience etc etc etc.

Don't start me on cats coming into the garden, I have to keep one on the lead, the other will recall off anything but he likes eating cat poo and sometimes its down the hatch before I can stop him. Bleugh.

 

[Clodagh]

Its a bit of a leap but if a dog is bred to chase and kill fluffy things surely they should always be muzzled A friends greyhound was PTS as it killed several cats that dare trespass on her garden etc. Had she been muzzled there would have been less of a problem. She was always on the lead has had no recall (rescue off the track). I appreciate they are lovely dogs have met many a lovely, lazy, sloppy, if aloof ones both in and out of rescue but I do wonder if they make the best pet dogs. Unless you are very dedicated to making sure they do not injure or kill little fluffies to walk them out in public without muzzles is a little irresponsible as they may well get away from you, in some circumstances, after all most of us have tripped over or fallen down or fainted or any other loss of control moment that can occur out of the blue. Will no doubt be shot down by all those that own these lovely dogs but it is my concern about them. Just as it is my serious concern about snub nosed dogs that struggle to breathe at the best of times and if we really are going to have hot, dry summers they too are a welfare issue. The breeding of extemes whether it be speed or flat faces have a lot to answer for.

How bizarre that the dog was pts for doing something entirely natural and in fact justified. It really gets me...oh dear am off on another cat rant... that cat owners can happily let their pet kill other peoples pets, shit wherever they like, go into peoples houses and beat up the resident cats with no repercussions. If you want to own a cat then BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT.

 

[Clodagh]

I am struggling to recall ANY occasion where I have been careless enough to let my dogs “get away from me” on a walk, and I genuinely cannot remember one. That is why I have dog leads with loops on the end, so the loops are round my wrist and IF I were to be careless enough to fall over my dogs would not get away from me
.

Although in the main I agree with you, you have lost your dogs before after deer (no blame there, anyone who has never lost their long dogs after a deer or hare is a liar!) do you know that as they were returning to you, if they saw a running fluffy dog they would not attack it? My lurcher would have been fine, as she was raised by them who travel she could actually cope with anything and knew yay from nay. Would an off the track greyhound have the same distinction?

 

[planete]

No dog should be muzzled in his own fenced garden but most greyhound/lurcher owners will have a quick look around before letting the dog out to ensure the garden is free of invading cats. If a cat is killed by a dog in the dog's garden I believe the cat's owner has no recourse. Am I wrong?

Muzzling a greyhound will not stop it killing a small fluffy if the dog is off lead as I have seen a squirrel struck dead by a muzzled dog striking it at full gallop. It will however stop it biting an animal who wanders into its orbit when restricted by a lead.

 

[{97702}]

Although in the main I agree with you, you have lost your dogs before after deer (no blame there, anyone who has never lost their long dogs after a deer or hare is a liar!) do you know that as they were returning to you, if they saw a running fluffy dog they would not attack it? My lurcher would have been fine, as she was raised by them who travel she could actually cope with anything and knew yay from nay. Would an off the track greyhound have the same distinction?

I’ve very rarely lost a greyhound after deer for any distance (they’ve always been within sight or very nearly so), it’s always been Millie lurcher! I lost Marty for a few minutes a month or so ago when he followed Amy lurcher after a deer then he panicked & got lost, he was far too stressed to be bothering about anything let alone small fluffy dogs but he is safe with them anyway as he has been with me a year now.

Prior to that the last time I lost greyhounds after a deer was when the original greyhound gang (3 greyhounds & 1 lurcher) took off after 6-8 deer on a walk years ago.... and yes they would have been absolutely fine with small fluffies as they’d all been rehabbed off the track.

The only one who isn’t rehabbed yet is Ace, who was still on the track earlier this year at Belle Vue.

 

[{97702}]

No dog should be muzzled in his own fenced garden but most greyhound/lurcher owners will have a quick look around before letting the dog out to ensure the garden is free of invading cats. If a cat is killed by a dog in the dog's garden I believe the cat's owner has no recourse. Am I wrong?

Muzzling a greyhound will not stop it killing a small fluffy if the dog is off lead as I have seen a squirrel struck dead by a muzzled dog striking it at full gallop. It will however stop it biting an animal who wanders into its orbit when restricted by a lead.

I beg to differ - I’ve seen plenty of greyhounds (not mine) which have been muzzled and on lead attack other animals, they have managed to inflict considerable damage if the owner/handler has not been on the ball and stepped in very quickly.

 

[skinnydipper]

Apart from...lol...if we were to muzzle every dog which had the genetic propensity to chase and possess things in their mouths, there would be a lot of muzzled dogs.

Prey drive and food drive are the two primary drives and those which humans have manipulated to use dogs to hunt/detect, retrieve, herd and race for centuries.

An example of this would be the Patterdale local to me, who is walked in the area behind my house (his owner brings him there daily to chase squirrels) has killed one cat out there and tore the leg off another at another location. This is not hearsay, the owner told me. His is never muzzled.

 

[skinnydipper]

In response to this thread in general:

If a responsible owner has their dogs on lead and takes them off the path, that surely is an indication that they would prefer not to interact and their space should be respected.

A dog could be on lead for a variety of reasons, not necessarily because they are reactive. They could be old, senile, deaf, blind, sick, a flight risk because they are fearful.

Some people, cbmcts for instance, may have a well behaved off leash dog. That is not an invitation to other dogs to get in his space.

There is a lot to consider.

It is foolish to assume that because a dog is off leash that it is not a danger to your dog. Dogs are frequently attacked and even killed by off leash dogs.

It doesn't matter how many dogs you encounter on a walk, it just takes one to change or end your dog's life.

It is apparent that for some people many years of dog ownership are not an indication that the person has a good knowledge of dog behaviour.

 

[Fabled Thoroughbred]

(In general, not directed at anyone in the thread) The dog should never be punished for inflicting damage on another animal- especially on their own turf. It is their nature. Some dogs wouldn’t do anything to another animal unless provoked. I had a “friend” who would rant to everyone about how “dangerous” and “unpredictable” dogs are. No dangerous dogs, just dangerous people who cause\contribute the problem, and that could be anyone. I’ve seen instances where cats totally appear to provoke dogs, but aren’t really trying to. The dog usually misunderstands, and the problem arises. I think people should supervise their dogs if this is a concern, going back to consideration for others.