Clodagh
Well-Known Member
No idea, it would drive me nuts!
Irresponsible Owners
- Thread starter lou246
- Start date
snowcloud
Member
I’m appreciating this thread due to an incident I had yesterday! My 8 month working cocker spaniel was on a lead and we were merrily going about our walk. Then, a GSD sees us, runs towards us barking (off the lead), pins my dog down - by the throat, my dog screaming his little heart out. I pull the GSD off - owner was trying to call it back but it wasn’t listening. She tells me ‘it’s playing’ I said it’s not, keep it on a lead (this has happened twice before with the same GSD but this time it was a lot worse).
My dog was unhurt, mainly because I pulled the GSD off, though was worried for my own safety. No apology from the owner. I took a picture of her and the dog and reported them to the council and the police. I’m surprised at how shook up I am, I didn’t think it would get to me in the way that it has.
I have purchased some pet corrector and will go out with a walking pole too - not sure what else I can do! Honestly, some people shouldn’t have dogs!
My dog was unhurt, mainly because I pulled the GSD off, though was worried for my own safety. No apology from the owner. I took a picture of her and the dog and reported them to the council and the police. I’m surprised at how shook up I am, I didn’t think it would get to me in the way that it has.
I have purchased some pet corrector and will go out with a walking pole too - not sure what else I can do! Honestly, some people shouldn’t have dogs!
GSD Woman
Well-Known Member
snowcloud, these stories make me think it must be bad in the UK. I do have to walk a few quiet places if I want to let the dogs chase tennis balls and I have to be ready to put them on lead if needed. There are a few other parks where we walk where everyone has their dogs on leash. Ticketing for unleashed dogs is not uncommon. And don't get me started on people who don't clean up after their dogs, not even a stick and flick.
Caol Ila
Well-Known Member
I think it's a bit of an availability heuristic thing - this is a predominantly UK-based forum, the majority of anecdotes will come from the UK. just because the vast majority of posters are.
But there are also a hell of a lot more laws controlling how people behave on public lands in the Land of the Free. Like in Boulder County, there are a bazillion trail systems in the Open Space, the public recreational lands owned by the county. But out of those bazlillion trail systems, I think there are like four which allow you to have your dog off-lead. If you are on any trail which is in not those four areas, which is most of them, you're unlikely to have problems with off-lead dogs.
Then there's the whole presence of apex predators like mountains lions thing. If your dog buggers off into the woods, you're probably not seeing it again.
scats
Well-Known Member
Out at local beach yesterday and had gone up onto the fields above the cliffs. Suddenly this huge pointer cross comes bounding over and makes a beeline for my old dog, who is 13 and was minding her own business. It came flying up behind her and crashed into her back end. She spun and in doing so lost her back end and went down.
I looked around for owner of this dog and he was cycling at the other side of the field, just whistling the dog to come (and being ignored). Dog continued to bound around upsetting my dogs and JD was starting to look panicked. I chased it off but it came flying back. By this point the owner was way ahead. It did eventually follow him but I was so annoyed. Why should my elderly dog, minding her own business, be knocked over by someone else’s dog?!
I never used to have to worry about JD because I genuinely knew she could hold her own with any dog (extremely dominant bitch), but she has arthritis now and is a lot more vulnerable than she was.
I looked around for owner of this dog and he was cycling at the other side of the field, just whistling the dog to come (and being ignored). Dog continued to bound around upsetting my dogs and JD was starting to look panicked. I chased it off but it came flying back. By this point the owner was way ahead. It did eventually follow him but I was so annoyed. Why should my elderly dog, minding her own business, be knocked over by someone else’s dog?!
I never used to have to worry about JD because I genuinely knew she could hold her own with any dog (extremely dominant bitch), but she has arthritis now and is a lot more vulnerable than she was.
Smitty
Well-Known Member
I am so sorry to hear this, what a horrible experience. Do have a look at the website Protect Our Pets who are campaigning to make dog on dog attacks a criminal offence.
I hope you and your dog are OK and get over this. I always take a walking stick now and have used it.
Many years ago my collie x lab was pinned down by 2 GSDs who were only playing
He was screaming and their owner would not call them back until I asked him politely (apparently get your effing dogs off him you w*****r was not going to work) so I was forced to grovel. Grrrr.
I just don't get how people seem to be uncaring when their dogs upset another. I would be mortified and apologetic.
skinnydipper
Well-Known Member
I heard before I saw the poor little mite. Barking and twirling on its lead, terrified, trying to chase away all potential threats from every direction.
I don't know why anyone would force their very frightened dog to walk in an area where every few minutes they will pass another dog. Poor little thing, stress hormones off the scale.
It makes me very sad but doesn't surprise me that dogs end up like this.
I see owners of apprehensive puppies, and dogs, allowing other dogs to crowd them, allowing other owners* to tower over them, forced to endure unwanted attention. Don't do it.
*If a dog is telling you, sometimes quite loudly, to keep out of his space please don't think you are the exception, that it couldn't possibly apply to you. If you are the owner of that dog, speak up for your dog and move away,
I don't know why anyone would force their very frightened dog to walk in an area where every few minutes they will pass another dog. Poor little thing, stress hormones off the scale.
It makes me very sad but doesn't surprise me that dogs end up like this.
I see owners of apprehensive puppies, and dogs, allowing other dogs to crowd them, allowing other owners* to tower over them, forced to endure unwanted attention. Don't do it.
*If a dog is telling you, sometimes quite loudly, to keep out of his space please don't think you are the exception, that it couldn't possibly apply to you. If you are the owner of that dog, speak up for your dog and move away,
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sarah.oxford
Well-Known Member
There have been rumours buzzing around here for a few days, but today I happened upon the daughter of an eyewitness, who called the police.
Last week in the local park a 4 month old puppy was attacked and killed by 2 off lead dogs. These dogs are described as merle, and large pit bull types.
I have noticed a rapid increase recently of XL Bullies around the area including some in a washed out shade of red merle, accompanied by young men who like to hang around outside shops looking like they are up to no good.
The police are asking for witnesses to come forward and as this happened in the middle of the day in the park opposite the shop (and school) there will be people who saw, I hope they are able to provide information anonymously and someone is held to account for this.
As if this whole incident wasn't bad enough, the dead puppy was put in the bin, in front of it's distressed owner.
I feel physically sick typing this.
Last week in the local park a 4 month old puppy was attacked and killed by 2 off lead dogs. These dogs are described as merle, and large pit bull types.
I have noticed a rapid increase recently of XL Bullies around the area including some in a washed out shade of red merle, accompanied by young men who like to hang around outside shops looking like they are up to no good.
The police are asking for witnesses to come forward and as this happened in the middle of the day in the park opposite the shop (and school) there will be people who saw, I hope they are able to provide information anonymously and someone is held to account for this.
As if this whole incident wasn't bad enough, the dead puppy was put in the bin, in front of it's distressed owner.
I feel physically sick typing this.
AmyMay
Situation normal
Jesus ?
Cinnamontoast
Fais pas chier!
That's making me tear up. Bloody awful. ?
Smitty
Well-Known Member
That is so horrible. I hope the police are able to find these absolute morons and hopefully sieze their dogs and destroy them. Their calous behaviour is sadly becoming too common amongst the tough guy/muscle dog element of our society.
It would be great if they are made to pay for any therapy this poor lady may need as a result of their actions. I just cannot imagine what she went through.
It would be great if they are made to pay for any therapy this poor lady may need as a result of their actions. I just cannot imagine what she went through.
Errin Paddywack
Well-Known Member
My worst nightmare, poor poor puppy and poor owner.
misst
Well-Known Member
Yesterday walking with my 2 terriers and my 5 year old granddaughter on the local common. Out of the blue a grey/blue staffie (maybe a cross as very short and very heavily built) came charging from behind. A lady was shouting I'm sorry before he got to us. He was not aggressive but was out of control and jumping up at my granddaughter. She would have fallen if I had not held onto her. The woman had a JRT and another small dog also off lead. The other two ignored everything going on. The staffie was fixed on my granddaughter who was actually frightened and started to cry. I caught him by his harness and he was SO strong. He continued to prance about on the end of my arm trying to get to the child.
The woman came up so I handed him to her expecting her to put him on a lead. She said "Barry you wait until I tell your mum what you've done" " He's not mine I'm a dog walker". I know most of the local dog walkers both good and bad and I have never seen her before. She then let go of him so he started doing it all over again leaping and jumping at granddaughter. By now my two are fed up and started growling so I am trying to control a heavy staffie x, my 2 terriers and a small child. Dog then snatched a soft toy out of the childs hand and ran off with it.
I lost the plot and was shouting at the woman "you better get that back right now it's her favourite toy." As she was so ineffectual I offered her some treats to try and "swap" for the toy. "Don't worry I have some" she said.
I said "well bloody well use them then". But she didn't, she just kept shouting "Barry Barry stop".
She did catch him eventually and we retrieved Bunny the toy. No apology - just - you guessed it - he was only playing.... I was so angry. Granddaughter is now very wary of strange dogs coming towards her. She'll be fine as she has a dog at home and is not usually afraid but this one was so out of control and so heavy. If I knew where the owner lived I would be going round as I would not want my dog walked by such a useless person.
The woman came up so I handed him to her expecting her to put him on a lead. She said "Barry you wait until I tell your mum what you've done" " He's not mine I'm a dog walker". I know most of the local dog walkers both good and bad and I have never seen her before. She then let go of him so he started doing it all over again leaping and jumping at granddaughter. By now my two are fed up and started growling so I am trying to control a heavy staffie x, my 2 terriers and a small child. Dog then snatched a soft toy out of the childs hand and ran off with it.
I lost the plot and was shouting at the woman "you better get that back right now it's her favourite toy." As she was so ineffectual I offered her some treats to try and "swap" for the toy. "Don't worry I have some" she said.
I said "well bloody well use them then". But she didn't, she just kept shouting "Barry Barry stop".
She did catch him eventually and we retrieved Bunny the toy. No apology - just - you guessed it - he was only playing.... I was so angry. Granddaughter is now very wary of strange dogs coming towards her. She'll be fine as she has a dog at home and is not usually afraid but this one was so out of control and so heavy. If I knew where the owner lived I would be going round as I would not want my dog walked by such a useless person.
Clodagh
Well-Known Member
I’d have gone totally ballistic. Totally. I’d have hit her I think!
cauda equina
Well-Known Member
Can you name and shame on FB? There can't be many dogs of that description called Barry
MurphysMinder
Well-Known Member
I was going to suggest this. Hopefully the owner will be horrified that the dog walker is letting him off when she has no control over him. You would be quite entitled to report to the dog warden and the dog/owner would be in a whole load of trouble.
skinnydipper
Well-Known Member
I was furious this morning. My lovely dog was crying, trying to get away from the persistent red lab who was all over her and whose hackles were up from neck to tail. I tried to grab it, then shouted to chase it away.
Meanwhile the owner was saying I'm sorry, I'm sorry, over and over, like that's going to help.
I have never known things as bad as they are now. Out of control dogs. Ignorant, useless owners.
If you have no control of your dog, any dog, never mind one who could so easily tip over into aggression - keep it on a fecking lead. Is that really so hard?
Meanwhile the owner was saying I'm sorry, I'm sorry, over and over, like that's going to help.
I have never known things as bad as they are now. Out of control dogs. Ignorant, useless owners.
If you have no control of your dog, any dog, never mind one who could so easily tip over into aggression - keep it on a fecking lead. Is that really so hard?
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CorvusCorax
'It's only a laugh, no harm done'
I know all the OOC dogs' names locally as there's this really neat correlation between out of control dogs and having owners who think shouting their name will make them come back/stop trying to mill mine.
Pearlsasinger
Up in the clouds
ArklePig
Well-Known Member
This thread actually frightens me, especially as mine is no where near being ready to be off lead in public but I'm so scared of what other dogs may do. I'd be so embarrassed and probably upset if I had caused any dog/owner the distress some on this thread have had.
skinnydipper
Well-Known Member
CorvusCorax
'It's only a laugh, no harm done'
I think I did once shout 'STOP APOLOGISING AND COME AND GET YOUR DOG'. and one memorable one was 'I'LL JUST KEEP SUSPENDING MY DOG HERE WHILE YOU ENJOY YOUR WALK'
(I was having to hold his head/front legs off the ground to stop him having a go at the westie and husky snapping at his rear - the two elderly owners just carried on walking down the beach)
(I was having to hold his head/front legs off the ground to stop him having a go at the westie and husky snapping at his rear - the two elderly owners just carried on walking down the beach)
GSD Woman
Well-Known Member
This makes me so angry. A dog like that could have knocked down your granddaughter. And since small children are at dog face level, well, I would have been arrested.
babymare
Well-Known Member
Oh dear god how frightening for you both. Please speak to your local dog warden or police just to log it. I hope you granddaughter is ok
SaddlePsych'D
Well-Known Member
@misst that is awful, I would be raging! I would also be considering making a post in a local FB group. It is absolutely not on for anyone to be letting their dog behave like that let alone someone calling themselves any kind of dog 'professional'.
SaddlePsych'D
Well-Known Member
Genuine question... am I being too precious about my dog?
She's nervous but getting better. Generally dog indifferent but we always give space to dogs we don't know. We don't have concerns about her being reactive or aggressive towards other dogs but so many owner seem to not know about their own dogs' behaviour I'm cautious. Today we went into an enclosed green space. I wasn't sure as a few other people in their with a dog each, two sighthounds and a mix I'm not sure of (probably Heinz 57!) I said our dog is okay with other dogs but is nervous. Next thing I know all three are heading our way so I said "maybe not all at once!" not in a shirty way just 'please can we not'. I think they think I'm being OTT but I tried to be more relaxed once and then a big bull mix kind of pounced of Ivy (playful but really boisterous) and then we went through the phase of her not wanting to walk. I don't think that solely caused it but now we're back on track I'm so keen we don't undo all the progress helping Ivy relax and enjoy her walks a bit more.
Am I being too cautious or was it sensible to be wary of three unknown dogs coming over to us?
She's nervous but getting better. Generally dog indifferent but we always give space to dogs we don't know. We don't have concerns about her being reactive or aggressive towards other dogs but so many owner seem to not know about their own dogs' behaviour I'm cautious. Today we went into an enclosed green space. I wasn't sure as a few other people in their with a dog each, two sighthounds and a mix I'm not sure of (probably Heinz 57!) I said our dog is okay with other dogs but is nervous. Next thing I know all three are heading our way so I said "maybe not all at once!" not in a shirty way just 'please can we not'. I think they think I'm being OTT but I tried to be more relaxed once and then a big bull mix kind of pounced of Ivy (playful but really boisterous) and then we went through the phase of her not wanting to walk. I don't think that solely caused it but now we're back on track I'm so keen we don't undo all the progress helping Ivy relax and enjoy her walks a bit more.
Am I being too cautious or was it sensible to be wary of three unknown dogs coming over to us?
splashgirl45
Lurcher lover
I feel very lucky as haven’t had experiences like many on here. I walk in and near a local park and know most of the dogs and its only at weekends when I encounter one’s I don’t know so I tend to walk the fields rather than deal with any problems ..
Annette4
Well-Known Member
Not too cautious at all, even Ginny who is bold as brass and too dog friendly would struggle with that......its my worst nightmare with Dobby and why we avoid green spaces now.
AmyMay
Situation normal
Not too cautious at all @SaddlePsych'D. However in your shoes I’d actively avoid enclosed areas like you describe above. If Ivy isn’t interested in other dogs, and is nervous then environments like that will be of no benefit at all to her or you.