Dogs on leads

[TarrSteps]

I know this has been done to death but I just have to have a whiny moment. . .

I have a dog recovering from an injury, currently walking on the lead. I try to stick to quiet walking places but that's easier said than done.

Multiple times now I've had dogs literally run up and jump on her, even as I'm yelling at their distant owner that she's injured and can they please call their dog. This morning the dog jumped on her, she screamed, and is now three legged (was sound in trot before). The dog jumped all over her, jumped on me for good measure, refused to recall and the guy LAUGHED about what a scamp his dog is. I was literally in tears. After he finally bothered to catch the animal he thought he'd chat me up!!

I can understand not being able to control your dog but to not even care when the other dog is shaking and three legged!!

I won't even start on the pony that attacked my leashed, heeling dogs last week. . .

Sorry, but I'm so upset. If a dog is on a lead it's for a reason.

 

[moppett]

ooh OP I feel so sorry for you this morning! I had a nightmare walk with mine this morning too! Both of mine are fearful and reactive around other dogs and were barking their heads off and straining at their leads at a little terrier running off lead a short distance from us. I turned a right angle to walk in the other direction and the man followed, his terrier came right up to me, and he laughed about what handfuls I had and why didn't I let them off the lead? He never even had a lead on him to put on his dog!

Your poor dog- I hope she comes sound this afternoon. Don't get me wrong some people are considerate and I'll forgive a really apologetic owner whose dog who usually recalls is just being an arse as I've been their myself! But SO many rubbish owners!

 

[galaxy]

I stick to pavements now if H has to be restricted and on lead for any reason. People are too inconsiderate.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

I hope your dog is ok now.

I do sympathise, when my dog was recovering post op, I had to stick to walking her on quiet residential streets where dogs tended to be walked on leads. It was a bit boring, but local favourite dog walks were too risky.

I was surprised, when like you, I tried walking her at times when I thought no one would be about, was just the time when the owners of asbo dogs were out because they were trying to avoid other dogs.

You can't win really.

 

[blackcob]

I sympathise, I've got all this to look forward to. Three weeks post-op and we're meant to be increasing the lead walking but the park and the woods are out of bounds due to loose dogs, she associates the farm with off-lead time so it's not exactly conducive to quiet lead walking and getting her safely in and out of the car twice a day to get there isn't easy (no jumping allowed yet).

Tramping around the village is getting very dull but it's safe.

 

[Crugeran Celt]

OP I hope your dog is ok and whilst I agree that dogs should be under control I must confess that my two are never on a lead, saying that their recall is fantastic and if they see someone walking towards us they will return to me without being called. Something I taught them from a very early age it makes life easier.

 

[SadKen]

Poor dog OP, I hope she feels better soon.

We were confronted with two off lead huskies last night on our walk. I saw them coming (our big GSD stiffens when he sees other dogs) and we quickly put ours on leads. We then waited... and waited. Owners did not appear for five minutes, and allowed their huskies to circle our two. My little GSD responded by jumping at one husky in play. Our big GSD was about twice his usual size with fur stuck up all over. He doesn't like other dogs; won't attack unless they get right in his space, in which case he WILL nip. I occasionally muzzle him if I know he'll be in close contact with other dogs such as at a village fete etc, but generally think it's unfair to deprive him of his only defence when other dogs are off lead and out of control, when he is always on lead if there's anyone, dog or human in the vicinity. It's hard to know what to do for the best. I'd probably stick to the village if either of mine was injured, it's not worth the risk when there are so many irresponsible people about.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

So sorry to hear of poor dog being leapt on (and you too!).
Hope it wasn't on 'my patch'?
Really hope she becomes sound soon x

 

[timmygreen]

very sorry to hear that, hope that she gets better soon!

 

[ladyt25]

Not good. I have to say I have never had this happen to me at all and I often have my dog on a lead. Most people I meet either put theirs on the lead too (I don't mind if they don't) or the dog is under control and I have no qualms about a dog coming to say 'hello'. I have never experienced a dog bounding over to mine and being an issue and I meet a heck of a lot of dogs!

 

[MurphysMinder]

A friend who has an unsociable GSD always keeps him on lead around other dogs, but got fed up with idiots letting their dogs run up to him. She now carries a pet corrector spray and finds a good blast makes most dogs think twice about hassling her lad.

 

[TarrSteps]

Thanks for your support, guys. Dog is still sore this morning but, having discussed it with her ortho, we've decided to give it a few days a see if it settles.

In my defence I was not walking in an area that usually has any dogs off lead, as it is alongside a major road and very popular with runners. We have been doing pavement walks but she's leery of strangers (was badly abused as a young dog and missed some developmental windows) which makes it not very enjoyable for her. The plan has been to get her doing short 'trot sets' which makes it even more complicated as I'd rather not do that on pavement (for the sake of my own soundness!).

I don't even have a problem with dogs coming for a polite greeting, although I do think you should be able to call your dog off if the owner of the leashed dog asks!

Anyway, it's done now. Such is life.

 

[TarrSteps]

FF, thank you. No, nowhere near you. Poor Mavis, she is not having the best luck with all this!

 

[burtie]

We have local rough area and river walk in the middle of a housing estate. It is a safe area for dogs to be let off lead to romp and play, many dog owners met and walk there just so there dogs can socialise safely. If you walk your dog through there you know you will meet dogs off lead. Whilst there is no excuse for aggressive behaviour, some of the dogs are young, energetic and sometimes they go rather death! Personally I don't feel that these owners should all have perfect recall at all times, one reason they can be let off here and learn social skills is because it is safe.

What I'm trying to say is that, yes all dog owners have a responsibility to train there dogs to be well mannered and non aggressive and hopefully obedient, but no dog is 100% perfect at all times (and they certainly don't come out the box this way!), especially when they meet there friends in their usual play area, so those walking on lead also have a bit of common sense to avoid these areas if they don't want other dogs to hassle them.

It is a tough one, and you say on this occasion you were walking near a road so I totally agree all dogs should be on a lead anyway.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

Poor girl. Hope she feels better soon.

 

[ecrozier]

This drives me MAD as my rott gets very touchy about other dogs charging up... Wish some people just had more respect/consideration! Hope Mavis ok soon.

 

[Tammytoo]

Poor girl - what a horrible experience for you both.

Our dog is very good at recall and has never attacked another dog, even in self defence, but if I see someone approaching with their dog on a lead I pop hers on. I always assume there is a good reason for the other dog being on the lead (injured, aggresive etc) so don't want to aggravate the situation by my dog bouncing up and wanting to play. Once they're past I let her off again - it's only a couple of minutes inconvenience and can save a lot of hassle.

 

[TarrSteps]

Bizarrely, I was almost more surprised by the fact that the guy did not apologise for covering me in mud! I'm not so dumb as to wear nice clothes to walk dogs but I do take them to work with me so was reasonably well attired and he was nicely dressed, complete with light pants! I doubt he would have been so cheery if the situation had been reversed!

But hey ho, the world is full of rude people. I guess I shouldn't let it bother me but the majority of people I meet walking are lovely and it's just a shock to meet someone who can't even be bothered to care.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

I could lend you my rather delinquent dog who thinks light coloured trousers are for wiping his paws on...

 

[Luci07]

Or my youngest who thinks the same. One friend would turn away to stop my dog jumping up so now when Honey sees her, she automatically goes behind my friend and pasts her on her backside!

 

[TarrSteps]

Just a quick update. . .unfortunately our little incident has resulted in enough damage to make the dog a surgical case now. Frustrating but such is life. Maybe it would have gone that way eventually after all.

 

[RLS]

Oh dear, best of luck with that TS.
My old dog was once totally jumped on by a young lab (owner of lab not bothering his backside, of course). I grabbed the lab by the collar and the tail, and threw it at the owner! Not the smartest thing to do I know, but I was so angry for my poor old boy. Lab's owner didn't say a thing, just stood there with his mouth hanging open.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Just a quick update. . .unfortunately our little incident has resulted in enough damage to make the dog a surgical case now. Frustrating but such is life. Maybe it would have gone that way eventually after all.

Oh no, really sorry to hear that
Will this be something that can be long term resolved by having the surgery done?
Hope it works out
x

 

[Spudlet]

Oh dear

Don't know if you've seen, but there is a movement at the moment to make yellow ribbons into a sign a dog needs space. It's fairly new at the moment, but the more people use it, hopefully the better known it will become. Although there's not much defence against the dyed-in-the-wool numpty

http://www.yellowdoguk.co.uk/

 

[Annette4]

Have to say, it does my head in. Quila is dog agressive on the lead (and I still don't 100% trust her off the lead) and the amount of people who I shout to, the dog continues to pester her so she snaps then I get an ear full about having a dangerous dog!

I snapped not long ago and pointed out that I had a)warned them and b) my dog was under control and hers deserved it.....funnily enough she scurried off.

I know mine don't recalled well, so they aren't allowed off when other people are about. I've been caught out before now with Tia (she is friendly and doesn't jump on other dogs, she bounces infront of them and she just wants to say hello to the people) but she is a big 'scary' looking dog. I call her back, run over and get hold of her as quickly as I can because it's bloody polite. I'm always really red faced and appologetic as well.

 

[Llanali]

Such a shame TS, and totally unnecessary. Poor Mavis! Fingers very firmly crossed for recovery and successful surgery.

I sympathise entirely. One thing guaranteed to raise my blood pressure is the owner yelling "don't worry, she/he is friendly!" As it charges up to my full up sight hunting hounds.

Yours might be, but mine might not be!!

A neighbour had her leashed dog jumped on last week by an unleashed terrier. I hope I don't meet said terrier, because if it jumps on mine there will be vets bills I'm afraid. I have well controlled and well socialised show dogs, but they are sharp, finely bred and they are leashed for a reason, like you say.

 

[stargirl88]

Sorry to hear about your dog

There really is no telling some people. Every week I say to a puppy class 'if you can't get your dog back, keep it on lead' etc etc *insert long waffle here*

And yet, first thing this morning one of them lets their dog off and allows it to go hurtling towards a new dog. She got a bit of a *******ing for it but still, the owners ALWAYS know best!!!!!!

 

[That old chestnut]

I was walking my young, extremely friendly, very large dog on the lead (we were near a road) when a snarling Yorkie appeared from nowhere and launched itself at my dog attacking her. Luckily, as I said my dog is very friendly and just a little dopey so she didn't understand the aggression and just wanted to play. The dog's elderly owner caught up and laughed saying "Isn't it funny, he always thinks he can take on big dogs', to which I replied 'you might not think it so amusing if it was the other way around'. Still laughing she just said 'he always does it, what can I do?'. Urgh, keep your dog on the lead!

 

[Kaylum]

I have a stick I have used it a couple of times put it between my dog and the other one. Once a dog bounced over and the owners were quite away away, it wouldn't leave us alone and I shouted the owners who ignored me. So threatened to kick it and it went.

As for the yellow ribbon thing it's not me that needs educating, wearing a ribbon or not its about respect something people don't have anymore, although it could help warn the idiots. My Scottie has been picked up by a GSD and ragged around so no other dog will ever get a chance to do that again. I hate the "Isn't she friendly" my reply "no she has been attacked and I don't want another vets bill and I am sure you wouldn't"

 

[MurphysMinder]

Poor girl, hope she makes a speedy recovery. The yellow ribbon idea was being promoted at Crufts, unfortunately like a lot of these good ideas I suspect the responsible people will be aware of it but the numpties will go along in their own little world letting their dogs wind up/injure others.